Top Things to Do in Luray, VA
Things to Do in Luray
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What travellers are saying
- ImmerWandernPalos Heights, IL7,264 contributionsWe visited the caverns during the fall. We made a point of dropping in during a weekday and were glad we did so. From TA reviews before and since show the potential of Luray Caverns to become overly crowded and consequently poorly-managed and resulting in a less-enjoyable experience for all visitors. The lack of guided tours and docents is an issue. This was our first time to visit Luray but we have been to similar limestone caves in Europe and Asia where guided tours were the norm. I cannot comment on damage to the rock formations that other TA reviewers have noted and reportedly have occurred in the years since their prior visits. The damage is visible but the reasons for it is unclear.
Luray Caverns is one of the most-visited caves in the USA after Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. The big difference is that the latter 2 are National Parks and with that comes the scientific inquiry of and appropriate care management of the natural wonders the caves contain. Luray Caverns are private property and the primary goal is different. The balance between profit and preservation is a difficult one to maintain.
That being said the caverns are an amazing sight. They also provide an amazing sound. Luray is most famous for the Great Stalacpipe Organ - technically a lithophone - in which specific stalactites were selected to be struck to create musical notes similar to that of a xylophone. This is all controlled by a large keyboard. This is one place where one could consistently find a docent to explain things. Be sure to be there to hear a demonstration of this amazing musical instrument.
The tall caverns soar high above in places. Stalactites hang and stalagmites reach. Where they finally meet a column or pillar is formed. There are sheets formed by these speleothems that look like folded cloth and have been described as scarves, shawls and draperies.
The colors vary depending on the chemical makeup of minerals and can range from pure white through yellow, amber, orange, brown. Hints of blue and green indicate copper but there was a lot of green tinge to the rock formations thanks to algae that can now grow due to the artificial light.
The most eye-catching area was Dream Lake, a shallow pond with a completely still surface that perfectly reflected the stalactites on the roof giving the viewer the illusion of stalagmites on a cavern floor.
It is damp inside and both pathways and railings could be slippery. The temperature is a constant cool 54° apparently and the need for a jacket depends on your cold tolerance and the outside temps that you will be coming in from.
Definitely try to visit during the week. It was quiet enough when we were there to simply enjoy the sights, no crowds of visitors trying to take selfies or shouting to hear their echoes.Written 17 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DutchLaceHolland, MI710 contributionsThis is a popular trail with beautiful views at the end of the trail. There are higher peaks and vista's, but this one is easier to climb. We were able to see deer along the trail.Written 16 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Karen35 contributionsThe museum was included in our tickets to Luray Caverns. Extensive array of carriages and cars. Exceptional collection of unique vehicles. We really enjoyed itWritten 1 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JanetLaneBristol, UK28 contributionsNice easy paced ride through old orchards suitable for everyone! No faster paced options than the one hour walk but nice well looked after horses!Written 28 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LauBauMtAiryMt Airy, MD178 contributionsGreat little hike on a flat, paved path with a lovely view at the end. There are some large flat rocks you can sun on or take pics! Kids liked scrambling over the rock formations on the path.Written 6 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sue YHagerstown, MD2 contributionsHere today to see special guests Catherine Bach and Cletus. The place was packed! A line stretched outside the building and all through the inside just to see the guests. The highlight for me was listening to the gospel bluegrass country band, joined later by Cooter, Catherine and a young lady whose name I can't remember. So good!Written 1 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dani TWashington DC, DC3 contributionsAfter visiting Luray Caverns in the morning, my husband and I headed into the town to grab a bite to eat and also for a nice afternoon walk. We parked in the Ruffner Plaza parking lot right off of W Main Street. You will see a Hawksbill Greenway welcome sign (one of many on the greenway) and also a large color coded map. You can immediately start walking right after you park. According to my Apple Watch, the entire loop was a little more than 3 miles. At one point, you cross a street to continue on the loop which is marked with colors on the pavement that correspond to the map.
There are plenty of memorial benches, flowers, wildlife (so many ducks!), porta potties, and murals along the way. We also saw fishermen, families wading in the water, and several cows. Overall a very pleasant, scenic, and easy/flat walk. Recommended for Pokémon Go players!Written 14 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - GAMDtravel1224Augusta, GA20 contributionsStarted our weekend in Luray with a stop here at River Hill. So glad we did! We felt like family, greeted and welcomed warmly. If you aren’t into fruit wines, don’t come for the wine, but it was delicious! We bought a bottle of the strawberry to go; it made a great dessert later in the weekend. The whiskey, bourbon, and more (!) were wonderful, and this coming from someone who normally doesn’t like hard liquor. Thanks, Fred, for convincing me the good stuff doesn’t have to burn! :)Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Norma FNewburg, MD487 contributionsSuch a beautiful ride down Skyline Drive. The road is twisting and turning so you have to be alert and careful, but it is safe. Many lookout points to get out of the car and take pictures or simply fake in the beautiful scenery. Hiking trails throughout for all levels of hiking. A must see!Written 10 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Linda BBel Air, MD17 contributionsJust enjoyed our second visit to the Warehouse Art Gallery which is an awesome combination of sight and sound! If you have ANY interest at all in any of the Arts, do yourself a favor and visit this wonderful Gallery! There is no charge to get in and browse around but there is a jar for donation at the door. PLEASE throw some money in when you exit so this Gallery can keep going. It's a VERY cool place!Written 1 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Relax81898057 contributionsGreat beer. Great atmosphere. The bartenders were very friendly and full of recommendations. Root beer was great, IPA was great, 7 days of Wheat was great. We went every day on vacation. Highly recommend.Written 9 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jaimeelsabioMaryland4,297 contributionsSince it was included in the price of the caverns we visited the museum. It was small but had a lot of artifacts. Outside are six or so historic buildings that have been moved to the site, preserving them for future generations to see.Written 30 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kevin WAltoona, AL234 contributionsFirst...it's not the big city zoo's....and to me that is fine. Most of these animal's are rescued animals that were pets. The owner knows alot about the care of animals that were pets and what would happen if you put these once pets in with wild animals...or in with other pets...it would not be a good thing.
My wife and I took the Discovery Tour and we were so glad we did. The reptiles on display is stellar because there are some I have never even heard of or seen before at big zoo's. We love being able to ask questions about the animals and getting answers where as at some bigger zoo's no one is found to ask.
It was so cool to pet a porcupine named Cuddles....feed Capuchin monkeys and a Lemur....be sure to see the Condor (a big and beautiful bird). Won't forget this place.Written 3 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Diane B3 contributionsWonderful couples' massages for my husband and me. Both therapists (Rich and Clare) were certain to address our issues and to provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience. We receive services from this spa every time we are in Luray--about 3 times a year. Highly recommend.Written 7 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- forestmamaPenfield, PA33 contributionsI went around the singing tower and look. Not much to see but a tower and didn't hear it sing,,,,but still interesting.Written 10 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luray
- The top attractions to visit in Luray are:
- Luray Caverns
- Stony Man Mountain Hike
- The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum
- Cooter's in Luray
- Massanutten Storybook Trail
- The best outdoor activities in Luray according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Stony Man Mountain Hike
- Luray Caverns
- Hawksbill Greenway
- Skyland Stables
- Massanutten Storybook Trail
- The best day trips from Luray according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Shenandoah National Park
- BEST Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Skyline Drive All-Day Tour
- The most popular things to do in Luray with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Stony Man Mountain Hike
- Luray Caverns
- The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum
- Cooter's in Luray
- Hawksbill Greenway
Luray Attractions Information
Attractions | 63 |
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Attraction Reviews | 8,917 |
Attraction Photos | 6,688 |
Local Time | America/New_York |