If you’re planning a trip to the Shenandoah Valley, let me tell you about some awesome things you can do in Harrisonburg, VA. It’s located right between Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, so it’s the ultimate pit stop for fun between your outdoor activities.
Here are some of the coolest things you can do in Harrisonburg!

EMBRACE NATURE
Hit the Trails
Take off on an adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Shenandoah National Park, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, or the Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park. The city of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s Hike Run Ride trail guide—featuring 15 exceptional area hiking and biking trails—is a must-have resource. It includes directions, signs, services, difficulty levels, descriptive trail details, and more. I highly recommend it! Pick up a copy at the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center or see the online guide here.
Ride the Scenic Skyline Drive
If you’d rather take in the scenic views by car, Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. It takes about three hours to travel the scenic drive’s length, and there are dozens of pull-offs with panoramic views along the way. I’ve driven it dozens of times; I love it and always have the best time!
Tip: From Harrisonburg, you can enter Skyline Drive near Elkton, VA, at the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (mile 65.5) by Rt. 33.
Go On an Underground Adventure
Explore some of Virginia’s most exciting caverns! Guided tours take visitors on subterranean journeys through underground caves with fascinating histories and mesmerizing formations. Endless Caverns and Melrose Caverns are just a short drive from downtown, and Shenandoah Caverns is about 30 minutes away.
Wander Through a Botanical Garden
Check out the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum & Botanical Gardens on the James Madison University campus. Three miles of trails wind through nearly 20 different gardens and habitats, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up some nature on a lazy afternoon.
Visit a Lavender Farm
At White Oak Lavender Farm, you’re in for a treat with fields bursting with fresh lavender. Wander through their lavender fields and gardens, take a seasonal lavender farm tour, and don’t miss out on their awesome lavender-infused goodies!
While there, enjoy wine tastings at the Purple Wolf Vineyard tasting room. They specialize in crafting lavender wines that are simply irresistible! Their beautiful patio offers scenic views, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the flavors of the Shenandoah Valley.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN HARRISBURG
Look for LOVE
In Harrisonburg, you’ll discover a treasure trove of LOVEWorks sculptures and murals. Besides the iconic LOVEWorks sculpture at the beginning of this post, I stumbled upon a charming LOVE mosaic and an adorable LOVE mural on the side of a screenprinting shop. Hunting for LOVE signs in Virginia is an absolute blast!
Discover More Street Art Wonders
As you wander downtown Harrisonburg, you’ll stumble across sculptures and colorful murals tucked away in unexpected corners. It’s like a treasure hunt for cool art!
Check out Harrisonburg’s Artsy Side
Go gallery hopping! Start at OASIS Fine Art & Craft, an incredible artist’s co-op with the works of 35 local artisans. They’ve got everything from beautiful stained glass to eye-catching paintings, mixed media, photography, and fabric art. And wander over to Smith House Galleries, another fantastic spot where local and up-and-coming artists show off their work. Finally, The 150 Franklin Street Gallery is a multicultural fine arts gallery that hosts ongoing local community events.
Shop Small
Ready to indulge in some local retail therapy? It’s a shopper’s paradise in downtown Harrisonburg. Don’t miss the chance to explore Liberty Street Mercantile, home to pop-up stores featuring emerging talents and beloved local makers. If you’re a big reader (like me!), there’s a cozy bookstore here you’ll probably love as much as I did.
Another fun indoor market is the Shops at Agora, where a collection of small businesses (and a coffee shop!) are all under one roof. It’s a great place to find unique gifts.
Pamper yourself at withSimplicity, renowned for its natural skincare and clean beauty products (as seen in People and Cosmopolitan). Then, broaden your horizons with a visit to Ten Thousand Villages and Green Hummingbird, where you’ll find an array of internationally sourced fair-trade goods.
More Local Shops: Antique lovers may want to venture beyond downtown and explore the Shenandoah Heritage Market and Rolling Hills Antique Mall.
Visit Roots Run Deep Historic Landmarks
Discover the depth of Harrisonburg’s African American heritage on the Roots Run Deep walking/driving tour. The self-guided tour highlights 24 important sites, such as schools, churches, neighborhoods, and cemeteries, from Jail Hill to Harry Lee’s Shoe Shine Parlor. Download tour guides online or pick up a physical copy at the visitor center.
Shop the Farmers Market
The Harrisonburg Farmers Market is where the party is every Saturday morning! The small town market is packed with local farmers, artists, and businesses sharing their fresh produce, handmade crafts, and mouthwatering treats.
Cuddle with Cats
Cats and tea are my absolute jam, and Harrisonburg, VA, boasts not one but two awesome cat cafes—Aristocat Cafe and Cat’s Cradle—where you can sip tea (or coffee) and hang out with furry feline friends! The cozy spaces are filled with purring pals, offering the perfect chill-out spot for cat lovers (me!) and coffee/tea enthusiasts.
The most exciting thing is that every single cat is available for adoption!
I spent a lazy hour at Aristocat Cafe sipping fresh-brewed iced tea while snuggling kittens. I adored every single second of it; it was one of my favorite things to do in Harrisonburg.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES AND MUSEUMS
Valley Turnpike Museum
Make sure you stop by the Hardesty Higgins House Visitor Center! Grab some maps and brochures to explore nearby attractions, and wander through the small museum to learn the history of the Valley Turnpike toll road (Route 11.) And don’t miss out on the charming little gift shop – they’ve got some cool souvenirs.
Oh, and you’ve gotta try the Heritage Bakery Cafe, too – we’ll talk about that in a bit!
Virginia Quilt Museum
Read my article: Inside the Virginia Quilt Museum
Even if quilts aren’t your thing, you’ll be amazed by the museum’s collection, spanning from classic heirloom pieces to contemporary works of art. Explore the evolution of Virginia’s quilting scene and the rich heritage preserved in every stitch.
Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center
Read my article: Exploring the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, VA
If you’re into history, culture, and stunning views, the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, VA, is a must-see! I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting it was, plus the panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley were absolutely breathtaking. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this gem when you’re in Harrisonburg!
Hugo Kohl Museum
Read my article: Take a Tour: Hugo Kohl Museum of American Jewelry Design and Manufacturing
At the Hugo Kohl Museum, vintage meets modern in the world of jewelry design! From finding old jewelry tools to crafting exquisite pieces, Hugo Kohl’s story is a journey of creativity and innovation. Take a guided tour to see the magic in action and explore unique jewelry at the boutique. I think it’s a gem worth exploring!
Harrisonburg Fire Museum
Get ready to feel the heat! The Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum (officially named the Larry W. Shifflett Fire Museum) is where you’ll discover historic firefighting gear, uniforms, and artifacts that bring firefighting history to life. It’s definitely one of Harrisonburg, Virginia’s hidden gems.
Take in a Live Performance
Experience exceptional dance, theater, and live music shows at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy captivating live performances featuring top-tier guest artists and JMU’s talented faculty, students, and alumni. You may also want to check and see what’s playing at the downtown Court Square Theater.
Spark Your Curiosity
Let your imagination and playful side loose at the Discovery Museum with interactive displays and hands-on activities for all ages. Or dig into the fascinating world of minerals at the Mineral Museum on the campus of James Madison University. The internationally recognized museum is home to minerals from 39 countries and 24 U.S. states. If you love stargazing, there are FREE planetarium shows and star talks at JMU every Saturday during the JMU School year (closed during JMU Breaks).
CULINARY ADVENTURES
Explore the Craft Beer Scene
Set off on a delicious journey along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, home to 19 craft breweries, five of which are in Harrisonburg: Brothers Craft Brewing, the Friendly Fermenter, Pale Fire Brewing, Restless Moons Brewing, and Three Notch’d Valley Collab House. If spirits or wine are more your thing, you’ll find plenty of those on the Shenandoah Spirits Trail.
Try Some of the Best Restaurants in Harrisonburg VA
Magpie Diner
Upon my arrival in town, I made a beeline for Magpie Diner, one of the newest Harrisonburg restaurants and a big part of the vibrant north-end renaissance.
Its breezy, open-air setup and inviting ambiance draw you in. Yet, it’s the food that truly steals the show. My winter bowl wasn’t just visually appealing—it was a taste sensation!
Rocktown Kitchen
Tucked inside the iconic Ice House building, Rocktown Kitchen elevates American cuisine in a cool industrial-chic setting. I ordered a delicious pesto chicken salad, but I must admit that I was drooling at my friend’s meatloaf—big time!
Heritage Bakery and Cafe
This charming French-inspired nook inside the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center has the most delectable pastries and artisanal baked goods. While waiting in line, another patron told us we had to try their unbeatable scones, but unfortunately, they were sold out! This spot has everything with breakfast and lunch service, cozy indoor seating, and an adorable bistro-style patio!
The Little Grill
Arrive early to snag a table at this local gem—the lines start forming before they open! With its funky vibe and creative menu, this café serves up phenomenal eats. Hands down, it was the best breakfast we had in Harrisonburg!
Mashita
Located in the historic Ice House building, Mashita is your go-to spot for mouthwatering Korean cuisine. Their menu highlights include the flavorful Chicken Katsu, mouthwatering Korean Corn Cheese, and the irresistible Japchae. We both indulged in their signature dishes and left thoroughly satisfied with the delicious and generously portioned meals.
Where to Stay in Harrisonburg, VA
- Joshua Wilton House – (B&B) This is where I stayed in downtown Harrisonburg. It was within walking distance of the Hugo Kohl Museum, the Virginia Quilt Museum, and many restaurants and specialty shops.
- Hotel Madison – If you prefer a traditional hotel experience, this hotel is downtown and convenient to James Madison University.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Harrisonburg VA
Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, foodie, or art aficionado, there are lots of fun things to do in Harrisonburg, VA and Rockingham County. Spend your day checking out waterfalls, hitting the trails for hikes, or biking through beautiful scenery. And when you’re ready to chill, head back to “The Friendly City” for awesome craft brews, delicious meals, and a comfy place to crash for the night.
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