86 Reasons to Visit Lynchburg, VA

There’s always something to do in Lynchburg, VA! We have museums, lush parks, paved trails, art hubs, incredible restaurants, fun centers and much more. Our rich history meshes beautifully with our vibrant community and natural surroundings, creating a modern, art-centric and welcoming experience that is unique in Virginia. In honor of 1786, the year Lynchburg was officially chartered as a town, here are 86 reasons to visit our beautiful city!

1. Bike the Blackwater Creek Trail, this 3 miles long trail makes for a scenic morning ride.
2. Eat oysters at The Water Dog. Seriously. Do it.
3. Go to a theater production at the Academy Center of the Arts, showcasing some incredible talent!
   
4. Take a picture in front of our LOVE sculpture at the Percival’s Island trailhead.
5. Kayak, canoe or paddleboard on the James River. It’s so peaceful.
6. See artwork all around town, like the Lynchburg History mosaic mural across from Amazement Square, the “Make Waves” mural on the Craft Crucible building and the collection at the Maier Museum of Art.
7. Indulge in some of the finest Italian cuisines at Isabella’s.
8. Enjoy a glass of craft beer from one of LYH’s many breweries, like Starr Hill, Three Roads Brewing Company and Apocalypse Ale Works.
9. Cheer for the Lynchburg Hillcats baseball team.
10. Shop at the Lynchburg Community Market, where you can find all kinds of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, fresh meals and handmade crafts.
11. Take a tour of Lynchburg architecture. So many styles and eras are represented in our city.
12. Meet wallabies, otters, manta rays and exotic birds at SeaQuest.
13. Challenge a friend to a foam pole joust at Jump Trampoline Park. It’s a challenge!
14. Get a delicious cup of fresh-roasted, organic coffee at Grains of Sense or Golf Park Coffee.
15. Dance with your significant other on the scenic porch of White Hart Cafe. They do date nights!
16. Party along with a concert at The Glass House. We get all kinds of bands and musicians who love to show their audience a good time.
17. Complete an escape room challenge with friends at One Way Out Escape Rooms or Locked Up Lynchburg. Will you succeed?
18. Watch a movie at Venue Cinema, our inexpensive date night at our second-run movie theater.
19. Enjoy the sunset and a nightcap at Skyline Grill, the only rooftop restaurant in Lynchburg. When the sun starts to sink behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, you won’t be able to look away. 
    
20. Savor donuts from Hill City donuts. They’re some of the best donuts in the world, and they’re homemade from scratch!
21. Go fishing with TaleTeller’s Fly Shop. They have all your fly fishing needs for the next big catch.
22. Take in a scenic view of the James River from Percival’s Island Bridge. It’s quite relaxing!
23. Challenge a friend to frisbee golf or tennis at Peaks View Park.
24. Explore the original village of the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park through a walking tour.
25. Eat a bison burger at Depot Grille. So delicious! You’ll thank yourself later.
26. Wander the maze of bookshelves at Bookshop on the Avenue, a used bookshop in an old house painted red, white and blue.
27. Take a walk through the colorful gardens of Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum or the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum. Old City Cemetery has some of the prettiest antique roses you’ll ever see.
28. Scratch Penny Loafer’s fuzzy ears at the Craddock Terry Hotel. This wire-hair fox terrier hotel mascot will be tail-waggin’ happy to see you!
29. Eat a 14-inch slice of pizza at Benny’s (or take the whole 28 inch pie eating challenge!).
30. Go antique shopping at Enchanted Antiques or Buzzard’s Roost.
31. Splash in the Sprayground at Riverside Park. It’s an awesome way to cool off on a hot day!
    
    
32. Pay a visit to the Snowflex slopes, where you can go tubing, snowboarding or skiing on the year-round slope or just hang out at the lodge.
33. Take a selfie at Hollins Mill dam. The waterfall and rocky beach are quite scenic.
34. Go skateboarding at Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skatepark.
35. Play laser tag or go roller skating at FunQuest, a mainstay entertainment hub that’s been around for many years.
36. Visit the National D-Day Memorial and receive an educational and emotional experience as you pay respects to those who participated in the invasion of Normandy.
37. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece at Poplar Forest.
38. Take a deep dive into Lynchburg history at the Lynchburg Museum.
39. View the permanent collection at the Maier Museum. They have seasonal featured exhibits, too, so you will be able to see something new every year!
40. Shop gemstones, crystals, and get a tarot card reading at Grounded Earth.
41. Stretch out with a yoga class at James River Yoga.
42. Get fitted for a new pair of running shoes and meet other Lynchburg running enthusiasts at Riverside Runners.
43. Play mini-golf, take a swing at the batting cages, or drive a go-cart at Putt-Putt Fun Center.
44. Experience life in the early 19th-century with a tour of Point of Honor. See how Dr. George Cabell, his family and the enslaved people who worked for him lived from day to day at Point of Honor.
45. Eat brunch at Grey’s on Fifth Street. They specialize in eclectic recipes.
46. Peruse L. Oppleman Pawn Shop. They have just about anything you didn’t know you needed.
47. Make a day of shopping for stylish clothing, accessories and more at the local downtown boutiques, like Live Trendy or Die, Gilded, The Hip Tulip and Lexie & Lee.
48. View the local art at Riverviews Artspace. We have some seriously brilliant artistic talent!
49. Compete in Trivia Night at Rivermont Pizza.
50. Explore the side trails and rocky beaches on Percival’s Island. Maybe even dip your toes in the water!
51. Attend a Lynchburg Parks & Recreation program, like the Owl Prowl at Peaks View Park or the kayak quickstart course.
    
    
52. Hike the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Get ready for some amazing views.
53. Eat some amazing BBQ at County Smoak, Small Batch, Silver Pig or Blue Ridge BBQ.
54. Climb the 139 steps of Monument Terrace. It’s tough, but worth it as each landing displays monuments and markers commemorating those who lost their lives in past wars.
55. Try some specialty crepes at Batter Bar. They can put all kinds of fillings in a crepe for you!
56. Treat yourself to rolled, vegan ice cream at Rolled Cold Creamery.
57. Attend a football, baseball or hockey game at Liberty University, Randolph College or University of Lynchburg.
58. Watch a chef do tricks like making an onion volcano at Koto Japanese Steakhouse (they do free birthday dinners!).
59. Challenge a friend to a board game at Meeples! Cafe.
60. Shop a worldly wine collection at Everyday Sommelier. 
61. Go apple picking at Gross Orchard or Johnson’s Orchard.
62. Solve puzzles and make art with your kids at Amazement Square.
    
    
63. Test your pooch on the doggie obstacle course at the Lynchburg Dog Park.
64. Enjoy a juicy steak or burger at Bulls Steakhouse, Shaker’s Restaurant, Bootlegger’s, Brauburgers or Neighbor’s Place.
65. Search for your next great read at Given’s Books.
66. Watch trains go by, sunbathe or play with your furry friend at Riverfront Park.
67. Say hello to the Water Bearer on the Lower Bluffwalk Downtown.
68. Enjoy a real English tea at Ploughcroft Tea Room.
69. Celebrate Taco Tuesday at El Jefe or Delicia’s.
70. Enjoy a fantastic ice cream treat at Mister Goodies or Maylynn’s Creamery
71. Sip a refreshing lavender lemonade at Bean Tree Cafe.
72. Take part in one of the 55+ Olympic style sports events during the Virginia Commonwealth Games each July.
73. Learn more about the African American experience in Lynchburg at the Legacy Museum.
74. Conquer the rock climbing walls at Rise Up Climbing. You can learn belaying and bouldering here, too!
    
    
75. Take part in the Batteaux send-off at the Lynchburg launch of the James River Batteau Festival.
76. Eat a fantastic gyro and some of the best grape leaves and falafel in Lynchburg at Family Oasis Mediterranean Grill. 
77. Take a walk along the Downtown Lower Bluffwalk. It’s beautiful in the mornings and evenings, especially if there’s a mist over the James River.
78. Indulge in some succulent seafood at Crab Du Jour.
79. Practice your pirouettes at LaHaye Ice Center.
80. Visit the field of colorful wildflowers at Sandusky Park.
81. Eat some of the best Jamaican food in Central Virginia on Friday at Oasis Caribbean Restaurant.
82. Go thrift shopping and find your next great outfit or piece of decor at On Second Thought Consignment.
83. Pick up a custom-made salad at Crisp. They also make delicious healthy juices.
84. Rack up some strikes and spares at AMF or Fort Hill Bowling Center.
85. Visit the Virginian Hotel (and maybe stay a night!). You’ll be so impressed with its structural decor such as its marble staircase, as well as the art deco touches that transport you back in time.
86. Visit Fort Early and pick up the Battle of Lynchburg CD at the Lynchburg Visitor Center and learn about Lynchburg’s role during the American Civil War.

You’ll never lack exciting experiences to try in Lynchburg! All there is to do, visit, eat or drink is at your fingertips, ready for you to enjoy while in our beautiful city. We look forward to seeing you soon!