One of the most picturesque places in Virginia that remains underrated is the city of Waynesboro, Virginia, in Augusta County. These are several things to do in Waynesboro VA, showcasing how diverse its offerings are!
If you’re traveling to Waynesboro last minute, you want to ensure you have lodging ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks in town!
🛌 Best Hotels in Waynesboro (and Staunton):
- The Bowman House Bed and Breakfast (top-rated place to stay!)
- Cider House Bed and Breakfast
- Berkeley House Bed & Breakfast (Staunton)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Virginia? Click here to check rental car rates for VA!
I used to travel to Waynesboro as a kid for sports tournaments and always found the city to be particularly clean and inviting.
It was always a refreshing place to visit because it is where the rolling hills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Waynesboro is a great base for day hikes in Shenandoah National Park or even to visit some of the most popular caverns in Virginia. This guide details what to do in Waynesboro so you can make the most of your time there!
We didn’t include anything too seasonal in the guide (aside from visiting Wintergreen Resort in the nearby area).
If you have any tips for things to do in Waynesboro, please leave a comment! We would love your insight, especially if you have any food or cafe recommendations!
Contents
Best Things to Do in Waynesboro, VA
1. Visit the Shenandoah Valley Art Center
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is a non-profit art center in the heart of Waynesboro. Founded in the 1980s, the gallery aimed to become the community’s community hub and to support local artists.
The gallery hosts a range of exhibitions throughout the year, from 10 main exhibitions to smaller ones hosted by members and the community. In the fall, the Art Center hosts the most significant art festival in the area.
Celebrating the leaves turning, the festival features resident artists, musicians, and food trucks serving up some of the tastiest food in the valley. The gallery is open throughout the week, however, as it is run entirely by volunteers, the gallery may be closed periodically – especially on Saturdays.
The gallery can be found at 126 S. Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Click here to view their Facebook page.
2. Enjoy a Glass of Wine at Barren Ridge Vineyard
Virginia is home to many great vineyards, and there are plenty to be found around Waynesboro. I recommend checking out Barren Ridge Vineyard, just 7 miles from the town center.
Blue Ridge Vineyard started life as an apple orchard during a time when Virginia was the largest producer of apples in the US. However, the Virginia apple industry crashed in the 1960s, and the family-run farm became derelict and partially lost to nature.
The property, however, remained in the family, and upon returning to the US, John Higgs and his wife Shelby decided to repurpose the property as a vineyard, utilizing wine-making methods they had learned in Europe.
Today, you can visit the vineyard enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, and taste some incredible wines. Along with a wine tasting, there are tours of the vineyard where you can learn about the growing process and wine production in Virginia.
Along with delicious Shenandoah Valley wines, they offer a great range of locally sourced cheeses and meats that pair perfectly with the wines and are excellent for taking home for a charcuterie board.
Barren Ridge is a very pup-friendly place, and there is even a dog named Rascal living and working on-site, helping ensure you have a memorable experience!
You can find Barren Ridge Vineyard at 984 Barrenridge Rd., Fishersville, VA 22939. Click here to view their website.
3. Book a Stay at the Bowman House Bed and Breakfast
One of my favorite things about Virginia is that we have so many cool bed and breakfasts in the state and many make for a perfect weekend away. That is the case with the Bowman House Bed and Breakfast in Waynesboro.
The Bowman House’s history dates back to 1910 and is located on Wayne Avenue.
The classical revival-style home offers visitors five different rooms: the Garden Room, the Nettie, the Dr. Bowman Suite, the Fishburne Suite, and the Hiker’s Haven.
Each has its own personality and history behind its name, and wonderful innkeepers Jan and Dave Smith will be delighted to fill you in upon arrival!
Like most B&Bs, you can enjoy breakfast in the morning before you step out for an adventure in the Shenandoah Valley.
>> Click here to check rates and availability
4. Watch a Show at the Wayne Theatre
The Wayne Theatre has been one of the premier establishments in Waynesboro since it opened in 1926. At the end of the 1940s, and as the town became more prosperous, the Wayne Theatre was expanded to fit the town’s needs.
Sadly a fire in the 1980s gutted the building, and despite being refitted, the movie house only managed to stay open until 1999. This was seemingly the end of the Wayne Theatre as the city planned to demolish the building.
Thankfully, a community group petitioned to save the building and return it to its glory days. In 2016, Wayne Theatre officially reopened and has put on a steady stream of theatrical performances and movie screenings.
Along with regular shows, the theatre offers an Arts Education Program for all members of the community and surrounding areas. I highly recommend taking the opportunity to take in a local show and see the magnificent interior firsthand.
You can find the Wayne Theatre at 521 W Main Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Check out their webpage for additional information.
5. Visit Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive
Waynesboro is the gateway to Shenandoah National Park, with the entrance and start of the 105-mile-long skyline drive just 5 miles away from the city.
Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful parks on the East Coast. Stretching along the valley, it perfectly captures the region’s beauty. The best way to explore the park is via Skyline Drive, which teeters along the mountain ridge, offering breathtaking panoramas over the Blue Ridge Mountains and the valley below.
Take time to stop at various points along the drive to take in the beauty or enjoy some of the 500 miles worth of hiking trails that work their way through the park. There are even some cool waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park!
During fall, the park is perfect for seeing the leaves change as they turn at different times throughout the season, creating a wonderful multi-colored landscape.
In winter, the park often enjoys heavy snowfall, and it turns into a winter wonderland. However, during the long Shenandoah winter, the road can often close due to snow, causing dangerous driving conditions.
6. Enjoy Local Craft Beer at Stable Craft Brewing
I love hunting down the finest craft beer available in Virginia, and Stable Craft Brewing does not disappoint.
Located on an operational Hermitage Hill Farm, the owners saw potential in a giant barn on-site to expand their offerings. They decided to open a craft brewery within the barn, brewing and serving a diverse range of locally brewed beers.
The brewery offers a vast range of rotating beers in its onsite taproom. I highly recommend trying out their barrel-aged beers. Partnering with the Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, the brewery has an exceptional range of aged beers, from the more traditional stouts to sour beers.
Tours are available on non-event days, where visitors can learn about the brewery and the farm, visiting the horses and hop fields before learning all about the beer being produced. Tours need to be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
You can find Stable Craft Brewing at 375 Madrid Rd, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Click here to view their website.
7. Go Fly Fishing in Waynesboro
If you’re an adventurous soul and want to take to the outdoors, fly fishing is a good place to start!
With Middle River Outfitters, you can head out from anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley (including Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington, Charlottesville, and beyond!) for a trip into the lush wilderness and the chance to go fly fishing with an expert!
This region of VA is home to several species of fish, most notably brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
You can customize a trip to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River (that spans over 96 miles) where fly fishing is super popular or somewhere a bit more off the path in the region.
Middle River also organizes trips for catching smallmouth bass in the Shenandoah Valley.
Click here to find out more about fly fishing in Waynesboro!
8. Go Skiing at Wintergreen Resort
The mountains surrounding Waynesboro are perfect for thrill-seekers, with epic hiking trails and ski runs working their way through the mountains.
Wintergreen Resort is one of Virginia’s premier ski resorts, with 26 slopes and trails and several lifts to return you to the top. During the winter, the slopes always have decent snow coverage that either falls naturally or is topped up with artificial snow.
Some slopes are perfect for all abilities, and there is a fantastic snowpark for those looking to get a bit more air during their rides. The snowpark is award-winning, and the landscapes change frequently.
For those who do not want to ski or snowboard, there is a tubing slope and a fun park for young children.
In the summer months, the slopes and trails are perfect for hiking. Explore the paths to find some of Virginia’s most beautiful waterfalls and panoramic vistas. I highly recommend hiking to Humpback Rocks for some of the best views in the Shenandoah Valley.
You can find Wintergreen Resort at 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford, VA 22958. Click here to check out their website.
9. Stop by the P. Buckley Moss Gallery
The P. Buckley Moss Gallery is dedicated to the artworks of Patricia Buckley, a local Waynesboro artist.
Born in New York, she struggled academically until a teacher noticed her incredible artistic talent. After attending art school and starting a family, she decided to move south to the Shenandoah Valley, where she found inspiration for her artwork.
Focusing on the Amish and Mennonite people, she found beauty in life’s simpler things and the region’s natural beauty. Her art is light and uplifting, as she purposely avoids painting the darker, more depressing sides of life.
The Art Gallery is open Tuesday through to Sunday and often holds events where you can meet the artist and purchase prints or originals. There is also a second space about 10 minutes away from the gallery called the Barn Show, where events are also held.
You can find the P Buckley Moss Gallery at 329 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Click here to check out their Facebook page.
10. Go Back in Time at the Waynesboro Heritage Museum
Learn about the interesting history of Waynesboro and the surrounding area by visiting the Waynesboro Heritage Museum.
Here you can discover exhibits about the town from the 1700s on as well as its namesake Brigadier General Anthony Wayne.
On display are thousands of artifacts from the town’s history including textiles, books, maps, photographs, furniture, and railroad artifacts.
Afterward, you can stop at the gift shop to pick up a souvenir like a historical book or a cute print of a scene around town.
Address: 1012 West Main Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Where to Stay in Waynesboro
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Waynesboro, we definitely think you should consider a local hotel or inn… or an Airbnb. Here are our top picks of hotels in Waynesboro.
We also included places nearby like Staunton because there are some awesome things to do in Staunton that it is definitely a great addition to your trip!
Hotels in Waynesboro
Below, you will find some of the best hotels in Waynesboro (for all budgets!)
- Bowman House Bed & Breakfast
- Cider House Bed and Breakfast
- Berkeley House Bed & Breakfast (Staunton)
If you’re visiting as a day trip or in conjunction with Shenandoah National Park, be sure to check out our guide to the best Airbnbs in Shenandoah.
We hope you found this guide of things to do in Waynesboro VA helpful for planning your trip to this beautiful part of Virginia!
Let us know your favorite Waynesboro attractions in the comments!
You might also like:
- Best hikes near Charlottesville
- Best things to do in Staunton
- Easy hikes in Shenandoah National Park
- Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park
- Virginia caverns
- National parks in Virginia
- Day trips from Richmond
Pin this Waynesboro Things to Do Guide
Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she has lived all around the world (including Germany, Finland, Norway, etc) but her heart always finds its way back to Virginia. This blog is to help encourage travelers to explore the great state of VA… and its wonderful neighbors! Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, Fodor’s Travel, the New York Times, and more. She has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries… and wholeheartedly believes that Brunswick Stew is probably the greatest food to ever exist.
Wintergreen also has a wonderful tennis staff and program all year round and an indoor swimming pool and great gym. Not sure if pool is currently open but gym and tennis are!!
That is so cool to know! I remember growing up that I just vividly remember the skiing (and how we had to create ‘fake’ snow because we never got much of the real stuff haha!) I can’t wait to get back there someday and do some of the other activities 🙂 Thanks for the tip!
We also have two breweries in town- Basic City and Seven Arrows plus a kumbucha place- Blue Ridge Bucha. Visitors should also walk the greenway.
Thanks so much Emily! I always love checking out breweries when I travel and good to see that Waynesboro delivers on that! (And kombucha!) Thanks for the tips!! :). Can’t wait to get back one of these days!
Just a note: I do not know where the picture is from at the beginning of this article, but it is not the Ridgeview Park amphitheatre.
Don’t forget Waynesboros AWESOMELY HUGE dog park at Coyner Springs. Off leash, on leash…. rules are listed at the top parking lot….. places for party and picnic, frizzy golf, kite flying, volleyball net, a creek, hiking in the woods, running… cross country…..
Dog parks are seriously the best 😀 Thanks for the recommendation!!!
It looks like the one at Loft Mountain.
Yep, you called it….you ain’t from there. I am….and that ain’t the amphitheater ps. Miss the mountains, but glad I’m out. Only happy to know I’ll rest back with my mountains and my daughter.
I don’t recall ever stating I was from Waynesboro 😉 I am from Richmond.
There is a place on the corner of Main Street and Wayne Avenue that is worth the visit! The Heritage Museum has a lot of local history, artifacts, photos, and more!
Jo’s Place at 751 North Delphine has great food all of it is home cooked even down to the cobblers pies and cakes made for their desserts.And have homemade jellies for breakfast
Check out Troyer’s on Rt 340 South for fresh produce, PYO strawberries, corn, pumpkins, corn maze and much more! And then in September, right next door, check out Wenger Grape Farms for fresh picked, or PYO Concord and Niagara Grapes, jams and juice! Wenger’s is likely the oldest vineyard in Virginia, dating back to 1938.