Must-See Attractions in Lynchburg, Virginia
Before you begin exploring, check out How to Get Around Lynchburg for parking, walking routes, and tips on navigating downtown and beyond.
Whether you’re seeking the profoundly historic or the completely contemporary — the serious, playful, active, or delicious — Lynchburg has something unforgettable waiting for you. From world-class museums and historic districts to riverside trails and modern attractions, these must-see spots capture the best of LYH.
Day 1
Start your morning with fresh air and river views on the Blackwater Creek Trail System, a mix of paved and earthen paths perfect for walking, running, or biking. Make your way to the LOVE sculpture at the entrance to Percival’s Island and snap a selfie with the James River as your backdrop.
📍 1600 Concord Turnpike
Head downtown to Amazement Square, the nationally recognized, four-story children’s museum that delights visitors of all ages. Paint on the walls, float a toy boat down the James River exhibit, or climb through Amazement Tower—the tallest indoor climbing structure in the U.S.
📍 27 9th Street
Walk or drive up the hill to the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center at the Old Court House, home to both engaging exhibits and the city’s Visitor Center. Discover the stories, artifacts, and culture that define Lynchburg and the broader region, and explore resources, guidance, and inspiration you need to explore everything the community has to offer.
📍 901 Court Street
Take a well-earned break for lunch at one of Downtown’s local gems. Try The Depot Grille for a riverside setting, craft beers and stacked sandwiches, or head to The Water Dog for fresh salads, house-made fries, oysters and local brews.
After lunch, stroll up Monument Terrace for skyline views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River—it’s the perfect post-meal leg stretch.
📍 Downtown Lynchburg, Main & Church Streets
Spend the early afternoon at the Hill City Aquazoo, located inside River Ridge Mall. Meet, feed, and learn about animals from five continents—including the fan-favorite sloths. It’s a fun, educational stop for families or animal lovers.
📍 3405 Candlers Mountain Road
Next, slow the pace at the serene Old City Cemetery. Established in 1806, this 27-acre “history park” features heirloom gardens, five small museums, and Virginia’s largest public collection of antique roses.
📍 401 Taylor Street
Explore the Anne Spencer House, home of the Harlem Renaissance poet and Civil Rights activist. Wander through her writing cottage and gardens before exploring the Pierce Street Renaissance Historic District, where trailblazers like Dr. R. Walter Johnson trained tennis legends Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson.
📍 1313 Pierce Street
Venture just west of the city to Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s private retreat and architectural masterpiece. Guided tours reveal how Jefferson designed and built this octagonal home to blend art, nature, and solitude.
📍 1776 Poplar Frst Pkwy, Lynchburg, VA 24502
Wrap up your day back in town:
- Art lovers can stop by the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College to browse its 19th- and 20th-century American works.
- Or, head to the Lynchburg Community Market for an early evening snack or to browse local artisan goods before dinner downtown.
- Cap your evening with a riverfront meal on the Bluffwalk or a sweet treat from MayLynn’s Creamery.
📍 Maier Museum – 1 Quinlan Street • Community Market – 1219 Main Street
Experience the best of the Hill City—its history, scenery, and vibrant local charm.
Before you begin exploring, check out How to Get Around Lynchburg for parking, walking routes, and tips on navigating downtown and beyond.
Whether you’re seeking the profoundly historic or the completely contemporary — the serious, playful, active, or delicious — Lynchburg has something unforgettable waiting for you. From world-class museums and historic districts to riverside trails and modern attractions, these must-see spots capture the best of LYH.
Start your morning with fresh air and river views on the Blackwater Creek Trail System, a mix of paved and earthen paths perfect for walking, running, or biking. Make your way to the LOVE sculpture at the entrance to Percival’s Island and snap a selfie with the James River as your backdrop.
📍 1600 Concord Turnpike
Head downtown to Amazement Square, the nationally recognized, four-story children’s museum that delights visitors of all ages. Paint on the walls, float a toy boat down the James River exhibit, or climb through Amazement Tower—the tallest indoor climbing structure in the U.S.
📍 27 9th Street
Walk or drive up the hill to the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center at the Old Court House, home to both engaging exhibits and the city’s Visitor Center. Discover the stories, artifacts, and culture that define Lynchburg and the broader region, and explore resources, guidance, and inspiration you need to explore everything the community has to offer.
📍 901 Court Street
Take a well-earned break for lunch at one of Downtown’s local gems. Try The Depot Grille for a riverside setting, craft beers and stacked sandwiches, or head to The Water Dog for fresh salads, house-made fries, oysters and local brews.
After lunch, stroll up Monument Terrace for skyline views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River—it’s the perfect post-meal leg stretch.
📍 Downtown Lynchburg, Main & Church Streets
Spend the early afternoon at the Hill City Aquazoo, located inside River Ridge Mall. Meet, feed, and learn about animals from five continents—including the fan-favorite sloths. It’s a fun, educational stop for families or animal lovers.
📍 3405 Candlers Mountain Road
Next, slow the pace at the serene Old City Cemetery. Established in 1806, this 27-acre “history park” features heirloom gardens, five small museums, and Virginia’s largest public collection of antique roses.
📍 401 Taylor Street
Explore the Anne Spencer House, home of the Harlem Renaissance poet and Civil Rights activist. Wander through her writing cottage and gardens before exploring the Pierce Street Renaissance Historic District, where trailblazers like Dr. R. Walter Johnson trained tennis legends Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson.
📍 1313 Pierce Street
Venture just west of the city to Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s private retreat and architectural masterpiece. Guided tours reveal how Jefferson designed and built this octagonal home to blend art, nature, and solitude.
📍 1776 Poplar Frst Pkwy, Lynchburg, VA 24502
Wrap up your day back in town:
- Art lovers can stop by the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College to browse its 19th- and 20th-century American works.
- Or, head to the Lynchburg Community Market for an early evening snack or to browse local artisan goods before dinner downtown.
- Cap your evening with a riverfront meal on the Bluffwalk or a sweet treat from MayLynn’s Creamery.
📍 Maier Museum – 1 Quinlan Street • Community Market – 1219 Main Street
