Best Summer Activities In Virginia
Looking for the best summer activities in Virginia? You’ll find it all with our list of the absolute best activities and places to visit near Shenandoah National Park. From high in the Blue Ridge Mountains down into the Shenandoah Valley, here is our list of the best summer activities in Virginia!
Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive provide panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Shenandoah River. The Skyline Drive runs the length of the park from Front Royal south to Waynesboro, where it joins the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountain road provides access to scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, varieties of Virginia’s most beautiful wildflowers, and the Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, the park features wetlands, waterfalls and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Shenandoah is home to many bird species, plus deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear.
Want to add a little excitement to your family vacation or weekend getaway? Take to the river on a tubing adventure with Front Royal Outdoors. On the Shenandoah River, you’ll find splashy family fun! Kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, and canoeing trips are also available. With hourly, daily, and multi-day trips, you’re sure to find a trip suitable for your schedule.
Skyline Caverns is only 1.5 miles from Front Royal Outdoors and a tour is easily combined with the adventure of a river trip. The one hour guided tour through the cavern will explain the geological history of the area and feature the seldom found anthodite formations. Anothodites are crystal formations that spread in all directions on the ceiling of the cave, the biggest formation measures 18”, known as the Chandelier is the oldest known to man. Plan your next visit with a stop at Skyline Caverns, you’ll be glad you did!
Sour through the treetop canopy with Bear Mountain Ziplines! Bear Mountain is packed with activities from ziplines to climbing walls. Their facility is adding more features all the time. All activities are geared for all levels of experience. Some of the highlights are the Mama Bear Zipline Course, Baby Bear Ropes Course, and the Bear Scramble Climbing Wall.
Offered year-round, the scenic trail rides at Royal Horseshoe Farm are a great way to see the beauty of the area and experience the excitement of horseback trail riding. Some of the highlights on the ride are crossing Manassas Run, visiting the old barns used by US Cavalry, passing old cannon placements and a stop to see the house where George Washington stayed when he was surveying for Lord Fairfax. Royal Horseshoe Farm is well worth adding to your next visit to the Shenandoah Valley
Chester Gap Cellars sits at over 1,000 feet in elevation making you feel like you’re on the top of the world. Take in scenic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley you relax and sip a glass of their amazing wine. Kick back and relax while tasting estate-grown Viognier, Roussanne, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng. You can’t beat the stunning views from the open-air tasting patio. Chester Gap Cellars is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for tours and tastings
Make your vacation unforgettable with a canoe trip on the Shenandoah River! Canoeing is the perfect way to explore the scenic stretch of river nestled between the George Washington National Forest and the Shenandoah National Park. Enjoy excellent fishing spots, thrilling riffles, and gentle rapids, ideal for families and groups looking for a blend of excitement and tranquility. Discover why canoes have been the favored watercraft for navigating the Shenandoah River and why this is one of the best summer activities in Virginia! Front Royal Outdoors can help you get on the water! Check out our canoe rentals and availability here.
Plan Your Visit!
Here in the Shenandoah Valley, there is so much to do that you can’t get it all done in just one day. Plan to stay awhile and take in all the great summer activities there are to do. From Shenandoah River tubing with Front Royal Outdoors to staying in one of our Shenandoah cabin rentals or Shenandoah campgrounds, let us help you plan your next visit. For more information, check out our website! We hope to see you on the river soon!
