A Family-Friendly Guide to Staunton

A small town located approximately 40 miles west of Charlottesville, Staunton has one of the most beautiful historic districts not only in Virginia, but in all of the United States. That’s because many of Staunton’s Victorian-era buildings escaped the ravages of the Civil War mostly intact.

Along with a thriving arts scene, Staunton offers a variety of amazing things to do, including easy access to outdoor activities in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

When visiting this part of the Shenandoah Valley, check out this three-day guide to make the most of your time in Staunton.

Day 1 – Explore the Outdoors North of Town

Carved by the receding sea more than five hundred million years ago, Natural Chimneys Park and Campground gets its name from the seven towering rock formations that resemble huge chimneys.

Hang out on the lawn in the shadow of these great structures and enjoy a picnic lunch from one of our favorites, Sugar & Bean Cafe in nearby Bridgewater. Next, travel to many of the horseback riding stables in the area for a fun-filled riding experience.

There are numerous wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries in the Staunton area, including CrossKeys Vineyards. Enjoy an al fresco dinner at the vineyard, which has a wonderful selection of fruity flights and delectable wines as well as mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine. The shrimp and grits dish I ordered was incredible as was the lava cake, and of course, the wines.

Day 2 – Walk in Staunton’s Historic Districts

Staunton has six contiguous historic districts that are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Wharf Historic District, Beverley Historic District, Gospel Hill District, Newtown District, Stuart Addition District, and Villages of Staunton District.

Start the day with breakfast at Cranberry's Grocery and Eatery, housed in one of Staunton’s oldest buildings. Afterwards, stroll around the Beverley Historic District, which has one of the most beautiful “Main Streets” in America. In fact, in 2002, Staunton became the first city in Virginia to receive the Great American Main Street Award, which recognized it as one of the ten most unique small cities in America.

With numerous boutiques selling locally-produced goods, Beverley Street is the best place to shop in town. Visit the Made store for vintage finds and quirky gifts made in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.  

Don’t leave the Beverley Historic District without spotting some of Staunton’s most iconic buildings, including the clocktower, the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, and Trinity Episcopal Church.

Head to the Wharf Historic District and have lunch at Byers Street Bistro, a restaurant serving delicious Southern-style American fare.

Walk along cobblestoned streets lined with warehouses and rail depots, from the heyday of the Virginia Central Railroad, that have been transformed into fine restaurants, luxury hotels, and boutique shops.

Not to be missed is the Sears Hill Bridge, originally erected in 1905 to connect downtown with the adjacent Sears Hill neighborhood. My daughters were thrilled to walk on the bridge, especially when freight trains passed underneath it! An adjacent overlook offers impressive panoramic views of the city.

If time permits, drive through Staunton’s other historic districts and admire the beautiful tree-lined streets and architecture, book a vinifera wine tasting at Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room located in the heart of downtown Staunton, or observe a live glassblowing demonstration at nearby Sunspots Studios, which sells one-of-a-kind art pieces and artisan jewelry made of hand-blown glass and copper.

For dinner, visit Zynodoa or BLU Point Seafood Co, two sister properties that offer regional seafood specialties from the American South and New England. Outdoor seating is available on weekends during warmer months, when the city closes Beverley Street to cars.

Day 3 – Trails, Parks & History

Begin the day with a drive to Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail for a pleasant walk through hardwood forests and wetlands. The handicap-accessible trail has two large ponds and a variety of wildlife, including beavers, turtles, herons, and nesting wood ducks, which you can hear whistling from the trees.

Coffee lovers will want to stop by Crucible Coffee to taste surprising blends, such as the Honey Lavender Latte. Grab lunch at Remedy Burger, another downtown favorite. 

After lunch, explore the 400-year history of African Americans in the Staunton area. One important site is Montgomery Hall Park, created in 1947 as one of only two parks designated specifically for African Americans in Virginia.

Other noteworthy sites include the Booker T. Washington Museum and Library and the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.). The Booker T. Washington Museum and Library is located in the building that formerly housed the only high school for African Americans in Staunton. Originally formed in 1865, the Allen Chapel A.M.E. was the first Black church west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

End the day with a delicious dinner from the The Depot Grille or Mill Street Grill, two upscale American-style restaurants housed in a historic, beamed rail depot and an old flour mill, respectively.

Can't-Miss Special Events in Staunton

Each August, the Staunton Music Festival brings world-class chamber, vocal, and symphonic music to historic downtown venues, offering a mix of free daytime concerts and evening ticketed performances—complete with special dinners, lectures, and late-night Nightcap concerts in inventive spaces, plus a series of intimate recitals, SpringFest, and other special events beyond the main Summer Festival.

Meanwhile, each fall Queen City Mischief & Magic transforms Staunton’s streets into an enchanted village filled with Harry Potter-esque excitement—complete with house‑themed blocks, wand dueling, Quidditch matches, magical creature encounters, a Firebolt 5K race, character meet‑and‑greets, themed meals, whimsical performances, and hands‑on crafting and tours—creating an immersive, family‑friendly wizarding weekend!

Where to Stay in Staunton

The 49-room Blackburn Inn is located within walking distance of Staunton’s historic districts and an affordable option. The hotel was converted from institutional uses and is named after architect Thomas Blackburn, a Thomas Jefferson protégé.

Like other parts of Staunton, the hotel has beautiful architectural features, including the original pine wood floors, classical moldings, and red bricks from the 1820s. Kids will love wandering the hotel’s bright and airy corridors, viewing the local artwork on display, and climbing the spiral staircase to a glass-windowed cupola to access a wrap-around balcony with 360 views of the city.

Other nearby accommodations include Hotel 24 South, also conveniently located right near downtown. 

No matter what you explore in Staunton, you'll come back with memories your family will share forever.