The Complete Guide to Visiting Harrisonburg, Virginia

Known as an outdoor adventure destination and the home of James Madison University, Harrisonburg combines small town vibes with the cultural variety of a much larger city. 

Discover hidden gem restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops in Downtown Harrisonburg, or use “The Friendly City” as your home base to explore the Shenandoah Valley. No matter your plans, we’ve got recommendations for where to stay, eat, and drink, plus top attractions and nearby fun when you visit Harrisonburg, Virginia. 

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Madison 

Elegant and accommodating, Hotel Madison offers a selection of rooms and suites, plus amenities like a fitness center, indoor poor, and guest laundry. 

Joshua Wilton House

You’ll be within walking distance to all the fun of Downtown Harrisonburg (think theaters, breweries, museums, and JMU’s campus) at the Joshua Wilton House. There are five bedrooms, each with modern amenities and the hotel’s signature Victorian character. 

By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages

This is the place to stay if you want a little bit of serenity, but still easy access to Downtown Harrisonburg. Choose between staying in the main house, in a cozy cottage, or in a contemporary studio. 

Massanutten Resort

If you’re keen on doing a bunch of activities — hitting the slopes, zip-lining, splashing around at a water park, getting in a few rounds of golf — you’ll find all your needs met at Massnutten Resort. It’ll put you around a half hour away from Harrisonburg, making it convenient to head downtown for dinner or a show. 

NEIGHBORHOODS TO KNOW

Downtown Harrisonburg

Compact, vibrant, and filled with history, Downtown Harrisonburg is a 40-block district filled with places to eat, shop, and explore. You can explore downtown by foot or bike, so you won’t have to be in and out of the car. 

James Madison University 

The JMU campus covers a substantial portion of Harrisonburg and the main campus overlaps with Downtown Harrisonburg. 

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK 

Magpie Diner

Start your day with a housemade buttermilk biscuit, a breakfast bowl, or a classic Egg Sammy from this diner that’s anything but basic. 

Merge Coffee

Give your day a boost with a cup of coffee from this local roaster. The North cafe is also a cozy spot to spend an off-day or just take in the community. 

Heritage Bakery & Cafe

Breakfast, small bites, and lunch are all on the menu at this too-cute bakery. Join for Sunday Tea or just pick up a pastry in the morning. 

The Little Grill

A Harrisonburg institution since 1940 with breakfast favorites.

Pale Fire Brewing 

Sample a variety of craft beer and split a Detroit-style pizza at this community-focused brewery. 

Rocktown Kitchen 

You’ll find farm-to-table comfort food, an intimate atmosphere, and an extensive wine list at this fine dining restaurant. What you won’t find? A stuffy atmosphere.  

Texas Inn

Home of the Cheesy Western, this no-frills diner grew from its original location in Lynchburg to a spot in Downtown Harrisonburg. 

Thunderbird Cafe 

Southwest-style dishes with funky, bold flavors and Southern hospitality. 

The Ridge Room 

This rooftop tavern is perfect for sharing some plates, sipping some cocktails, and admiring beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Find it atop the Hyatt Place Harrisonburg. 

Clementine

Upscale restaurant serving dinner, plus brunch on the weekends. If the weather's nice, be sure to sit on the patio.

Illyria

Escape to the Mediterranean with flavorful dishes like baked branzino, shrimp saganaki, and pork shish kebab. Don’t forget the baklava for a sweet treat to end your meal. 

CrossKeys Vineyards

This 125-acre winery is located around 15 minutes from Harrisonburg. Relax on the patio of the Tuscan-style villa or enjoy bistro eats with panoramic views of the mountains. 

Sage Bird 

The hand-crafted cider at this tap room will surprise you with its variety of flavors. Plus, Sage Bird also offers local beer, non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, flatbreads, panini, and snacks.

Jack Brown’s & Billy Jack’s Shack

Fill up at these sister restaurants, both with burgers and a wide selection of craft beer. Meet in the middle (literally) at The Middle Bar, where there’s even more craft beer, canned cocktails, and a Florida-RV vibe you have to experience. 

TOP ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO

Shops at Agora 

For local shopping in Downtown Harrisonburg, head to the Shops at Agora. From home goods to book stores, vintage shops, and a coffee shop, you’ll be able to find treasures for everyone (including yourself). 

The Local Market

Stylized as The LO|CAL Market, this shop hosts pop-ups where different vendors sell clothing for a week at a time. For visitors, that means a variety of styles and offerings that are always changing. 

Liberty Street Mercantile

Find different vendors, from local boutiques to flower shops to book stores, at this renovated 1939 warehouse.

Explore More Discovery Museum 

For over 20 years, this children's museum has been letting young minds learn through play with exciting exhibits, multi-sensory experiences, and creative programs.

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Free and open every day from dawn until dusk, this tree, wildflower, and wildlife preserve is an ideal place for a serene walk or an afternoon in nature. Kids will love the StoryWalk, where they can spot laminated pages from children's books along an outdoor path. 

Self-Guided Mural Tour 

There are several beautiful murals to explore in Downtown Harrisonburg, where the art scene is flourishing. Find public art around town and don’t forget to snap some pics for later.  

Rockingham County Courthouse 

For a bit of history on your itinerary, stop by Rockingham County Courthouse. The historic building was completed in 1897 and will delight architecture lovers with its Romanesque styles. 

White Oak Lavender Farm

Walk amongst fields of lavender gardens, then shop a variety of relaxation products at the gift shop, including lotions, linen sprays, and soaps. Don’t miss a bite and a glass of wine at the Purple Wolf Vineyard tasting room on-site.

Skyline Drive

Pick up the Skyline Drive just east of Harrisonburg and take in miles of Blue Ridge Mountain views. Rent bikes from a local outfitter like Shenandoah Bicycle Co. to explore on two wheels. 

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Altogether, these two National Forests make up over 1.6 million acres of natural beauty — and it’s prime for outdoor adventure. Nearby areas of interest include Ant Hill, Mud Pond Gap, and Wolf Gap Recreation Area — see this map for more. 

Shenandoah National Park

Just east of Harrisonburg is Shenandoah National Park, with the closest entrance being Swift Run Gap. Nearby hikes include Hightop, Roundtop, Bald Face Mountain, Saddleback Mountain, and Rocky Mount.

Factory Antique Mall

You’ll find this massive antique mall around 30 minutes south of Harrisonburg in Verona. For antiquing lovers, the detour is a must — they claim it’s the largest antique mall in America at 150,000 square feet (and growing). 

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

Shenandoah County | A half hour northeast will take you to Shenandoah County, made up of a charming series of small towns in between scenic mountain vistas. 

Luray | Of course you can venture underground to explore Luray Caverns, an expansive and awe-inspiring geologic landmark. But you can also take a stroll down a quaint main street or rent a cabin for a day in the mountains. The town is around 45 minutes from Harrisonburg.

Staunton | South of Harrisonburg, Staunton is a mountain town with no shortage of shops, restaurants, and outdoor opportunities. Catch a play, visit a presidential library, and stop by art galleries as you explore. 

Charlottesville | Around an hour southeast of Harrisonburg is Charlottesville, home to another public university (UVA) as well as historic attractions, award-winning wineries, and a lively downtown. 
 

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place. Use this guide to Harrisonburg to help you start planning your Virginia vacation today!