15 Best Things to Do in Waynesboro Virginia

Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Waynesboro Virginia is an ideal place to visit. It’s perfectly positioned for outdoor adventures; it’s the perfect basecamp to explore Shenandoah National Park, hike the Appalachian Trail, and enjoy a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I traveled to Virginia in the fall season and stayed in Waynesboro for a couple of days before driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, and I would definitely recommend this town. I stayed downtown, and I loved that I could walk to restaurants and shops and enjoy the relaxed vibe of this small town.

Not to worry if you’re looking to include activities that involve culture and history. Waynesboro has it all, from historic sites and museums to a thriving arts scene. To help you plan your next trip, this list has 15 of the best things to do in Waynesboro, Virginia.

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1. Shenandoah National Park

No matter what time of year, Shenandoah National Park is one of the best things to do in Waynesboro. It’s gorgeous in the blooming spring, majestic during fall foliage season, and a refreshing escape during the hot summer months.

It’s even a great place to explore in the winter.

You’ll love hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and seeing all the wildlife in the park.

Just remember to reserve your day-use ticket in advance to hike Old Rag Mountain.

Driving the gorgeous Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park is a great scenic drive from Waynesboro

2. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the absolutely best things to do on the East Coast is to take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

So, when it comes to things to do in Waynesboro don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. Connecting the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, you’ll love driving this scenic byway.

No matter how many miles you want to travel, there are plenty of places to pull off and take in the incredible view.

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive and enjoy some of the best views in Virginia

3. Appalachian Trail

As one of the most well-known trails in the country, the Appalachian Trail is a bucket-list item for many.

Lucky for us, Waynesboro, Virginia is perfectly positioned along the trail.

As a designated Appalachian Trail Community, many hikers make a point to stop in Waynesboro on their way.

It’s the perfect basecamp if you’re on the months-long journey or just looking to conquer a section of the path.

No wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Waynesboro.

4. Humpback Rocks Visitor Center

The Humpback Rocks Visitor Center is technically located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it’s such a special place it deserves its own place on this list of the best things to do in Waynesboro, VA.

At the visitor center and museum, you’ll learn all about life in Appalachia in the 1800s. Explore the historic farm and step into buildings from that time.

Humpback Rocks is also the perfect place to have a picnic and, of course, go for a hike.

5. Hike Blue Ridge Tunnel

For a truly unique hiking experience in Virginia consider hiking the Blue Ridge Tunnel, it’s one of the coolest things to do in Waynesboro.

This out-and-back 4.6-mile hike will take you through an old railroad tunnel under the Rockfish Gap.

Along the hike you’ll learn about the history of the tunnel dating back to the 1850s.

Although abandoned in the 1940s, the nearly mile-long tunnel was reopened to hikers in 2020.

Bring a headlamp so you can see your way while walking this 4,624 ft tunnel under the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket because the temperature is about 50 degrees F (10 C) year round. It’s a great place to cool off in Virginia on a hot day.

Blue Ridge Tunnel hikers walking out of the tunnel on a sunny fall day.

Hike the Blue Ridge Tunnel under the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains

6. Swannanoa Palace

Step into another world at Swannanoa Palace, one of the most enchanted things to do in Waynesboro, Virginia.

This sprawling estate set in the Blue Ridge Mountains was built in 1912 as a summer cottage for James and Sallie May Dooley.

On a tour, you will explore the magnificent mansion modelled after an Italian villa of the Medici family decorated with Carrara marble and Tiffany features.

As a private estate, you must schedule a tour in advance.

7. Grand Caverns

Go deep underground in the Grand Caverns, one of the coolest things to do in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Today, you can choose to explore the caverns on several different tours. You can take a simple walking tour, or one that focuses on the history of the caves.

If science is more your thing, consider a geology tour.

There are even tours offered in Spanish. Just make sure to reserve your spot in advance.

8. Waynesboro Street Arts Trail

One of the best free things to do in Waynesboro is exploring the Street Art Trail.

It’s tons of fun to follow the clues and discover the 20 different public works of art in and around town.

Much like geocaching, you’ll discover these great artworks using a free app (Traipse).

Kinda like a treasure hunt, you’ll be guided along, answering riddles, and checking off each work of art as you progress through the game – so much fun!

Art mural of woman with pink and yellow flowers in her curly black hair.

Explore the Waynesboro Street Arts Trail and find beautiful murals around town

9. The Plumb House Museum

The Plumb House Museum holds so much history it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Waynesboro for history lovers.

As the oldest frame structure in the area, Plumb House was built during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809).

It was later the site of the Civil War Battle of Waynesboro.

Open to visitors Thursday through Saturday, the museum displays various artifacts from the time period including Civil War artifacts.

10. Ridgeview Park

Ridgeview Park is one of the best things to do in Waynesboro, if you’re looking for outdoor fun.

At this lovely town park, you’ll find 85 acres of greenery and just about anything you’d like to do.

Go for a hike on the paths along the South River, throw a line at the fishing pier or cool off in the War Memorial Pool.

There’s also a playground for kids and places to play tennis, baseball, and pickleball.

11. Wayne Theatre

The Wayne Theatre has been a major part of the Waynesboro community since 1926.

Rejuvenated in 2016, it’s the best place to experience the art of performance. You’ll find plays, concerts, and even movies taking the stage.

Wayne on Main are special evenings in the summer when great music spills out of the theater and into the streets.

These “Pay What You Will” events happen the last Wednesday of each month just outside the theater.

In downtown Waynesboro the Wayne Theatre entertains with 300+ events each year

12. Russell Museum

One of the most fascinating things to do in Waynesboro, Virginia is visiting the Russell Museum.

At first glance, it’s seemingly a display of the artworks of a prolific American artist, Walter Russell.

You’ll see his paintings and sculptures of great American figures like Thomas Edison.

But Russell and his work are so much more complex and intriguing.

Here, you’ll learn about Russell’s philosophical theories on existential thought and self-transcendence. And how his theories are still being explored at the University of Science and Philosophy.

13. Shenandoah Valley Art Center

One of the best things to do in Waynesboro any time of year is exploring the Shenandoah Valley Art Center.

Since its start in the 1980s, it’s been the heart of the artistic community hosting resident artists, classes, and events.

You’ll find exhibits from local contemporary artists year round.

Don’t miss the annual Fall Foliage Art Show when art fills the streets of Waynesboro.

14. Wineries near Waynesboro

You’ll be in the heart of Wine Country when you’re in Waynesboro.

So, it makes total sense that visiting any number of the wineries is one of the best things to do in Waynesboro.

There are so many in the area that you can scout out the best winery that suits your taste.

Not sure where to go? Then consider joining a wine tour to sample a few.

No matter where you go, you’ll love sipping the local vintage.

15. Waynesboro Heritage Museum

If you’re looking to learn more about this incredible town, definitely make a visit to the Waynesboro Heritage Museum, one of the really interesting things to do in Waynesboro.

You’ll discover all about its history dating back to the 1700s under English rule.

Learn about the significance of its name and the Revolutionary War hero, General (Mad Anthony) Anthony Wayne, it’s named after.

Located in the center of town, the museum is open Tuesdays–Saturdays.

A historic marker in downtown Waynesboro with key moments in Virginia history

Where to Stay in Waynesboro

Hotels in Waynesboro include several options depending on your needs:

Budget Hotel: Quality Inn is a great location downtown (this is where I stayed)

Hotel with Hot Tub: Residence Inn by Marriott also has an indoor pool!

Hotel with Outdoor Pool: Comfort Inn or Days Inn both have outdoor swimming pools

Summary

It’s plain to see that there are so many fun things to do in Waynesboro, Virginia. No matter what time of year you choose to visit you’ll be in for so many great things to do. You can take a deep dive into everything from local history to caverns underground. I hope you enjoy visiting Waynesboro as much as I did!

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