Making your way to the Hill City? When you live in a historic, scenic and culturally diverse city like ours, you wind up having plenty of fun activities to choose from no matter what your travel style is. So, whether you’re going on a solo adventure or bringing along a friend, here’s how you can compile your perfect day trip itinerary.
1. Pick An Attraction (or two)
For the History Lover
You will find unique sites unlike anywhere in the nation. Such as:
- Poplar Forest: The private octagonal retreat home of Thomas Jefferson that he designed himself as a place to spend time with his family away from the hustle and bustle of Monticello. Tour the home and see the archaeological digs to find out more about this founding father.
- Point of Honor: Beautifully positioned overlooking the James River and Downtown Lynchburg. It was first owned by Dr. George Cabell, physician to Patrick Henry and friend of Thomas Jefferson. The house accurately represents how all the inhabitants of the home lived their daily lives and Dr. Cabell’s medical tools are on display.
- Old City Cemetery: The final resting place of the city’s original settlers, enslaved and free African Americans, Confederate soldiers, vagabond travelers and some local legends.
- Anne Spencer’s Home & Garden: The internationally-acclaimed Harlem Renaissance poet called Lynchburg her home. Today, you can tour her restored garden and eclectic home.
For The Arts and Culture Enthusiast
You can discover stunning performances and surreal collections at the following spots:
- Academy Center of the Arts: The oldest operating theater house in Virginia, recently restored to its turn of the century charm.
- City Streets & Country Roads Artisan Trail: Part of the Virginia Artisan Trail Network, you’ll find local makers and artists here, including several art galleries, places to stay and chef-inspired restaurants.
- Maier Museum of Art: The Maier Museum of Art is located on the grounds of Randolph College, but is open to the public. It houses an incredible collection of American art, from paintings and works on paper to photographs dating from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
For The Family
Take the kids to these fun activities that will entertain them for hours:
- Amazement Square: An interactive museum filled with four floors of hands-on exhibits. (Plus, a zipline between all of the floors!)
- Splash Park: For some free water fun, you can find two ways to enjoy a splash. The Sprayground at Riverside Park on Rivermont Avenue and the Zero depth fountain at Riverfront Park on Jefferson Street.
- Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre: A one-of-a-kind year-round ski, snowboard and tubing center.
For the Nature Admirer
You can take in breathtaking views at any of these local outdoor attractions:
- Blackwater Creek Trail: A two-mile stretch that is easily walkable in an afternoon.
- Percival’s Island Trail: Located alongside the James River, it’s perfect for a scenic bike ride (and you can rent one right next to the trail at Bikes Unlimited!)
- Kayaking: Cool off by float down the James River.
2. Find an Eatery
Every good day trip includes a delicious meal from somewhere new. Luckily, Lynchburg’s menu of restaurants has something for everyone. From quick bites, like pizza and burgers, to full immersive experiences, like the Skyline Grill that overlooks Downtown Lynchburg.
3. Know How to Get Around
Once you have your perfect day planned, the last thing to decide is how to get from point A to point B. Here’s how you can get around the Hill City.
- By Car: Bring your own and park it at one of our Downtown parking lots or free street parking (all day on the weekends).
- By Bike: Park your car for the day and rent a bike to explore the city.
- By Foot: Perfect if you’re planning on staying Downtown for the day!
Want More Trip Ideas?
Handpicked adventures await you! We’ve compiled a list of itineraries of our best suggestions so that you can get the most out of your trip.