12 top things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia
From exploring historic districts to going on outdoor adventures, here are 12 of the top things to do in Lynchburg.
Situated in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is a city where culture, history, and natural beauty collide. Those seeking to make the most out of a visit to the “Hill City” should consider doing one or all of these top 12 things that make the city so unique. They include engaging in arts and culture, participating in activities, antique shopping, and rooftop dining.
Arts and culture
Experience the city’s creative and cultural side by visiting a museum, historic landmark, or arts venue.
Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Location: 901 Court St., Lynchburg, VA 24504
The best way to learn about the city is to visit the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center at the Old Court House, where stories about the people and events that have left a lasting legacy on the city come to life through exhibits that feature military items, fine art, costumes, historic photos, and furniture.
Be sure to check out the Lynchburg Life Gallery. It highlights all things Lynchburg, including its unique educational, sports, and entertainment offerings, as well as its manufacturing legacy. Admission to the museum is free.
Academy Center of the Arts
Location: 600 Main St., Lynchburg, VA 24504
Lynchburg’s thriving arts scene can best be experienced through a visit to the Academy Center of the Arts, where a seemingly endless supply of performances and exhibits is available for enjoyment. The center includes a black box theatre, a gallery building, and a music theatre. The center traces its roots back to 1905 when the Historic Academy of Music Theatre opened.
Upcoming performances include The Nutcracker from Dec. 20 to 21 and LSO Presents America at 250: A Musical Celebration on May 16, 2026.
Hill City AquaZoo
Location: 3405 Candlers Mountain Rd., Suite B80, Lynchburg, VA 24502
A visit to the Hill City AquaZoo is sure to leave you with a sense of awe and wonder. Home to hundreds of animals, including those that roam dry land and the sea. A few of the animals include a Savannah monitor named Chonk, an Asian dragon moray eel named Frank, and a Bennett’s wallaby named Eve.
Given its interactive exhibits and focus on education, it’s a great place to take a curious young one. General admission is $15.99 for those 3-11, and $19.99 for ages 12 and up.
Monument Terrace
Location: 313 9th St., Lynchburg, VA 24504
Learn more about Lynchburg’s military history by visiting Monument Terrace, a memorial that honors those from the city who fought and died in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and current conflicts. Sculptures and markers line the 139 steps and terraces that lead to the Lynchburg Museum.
Historic District Walking Tour
Location: Lynchburg Historic District
Those looking to learn more about the city’s unique architecture in all seven of its historic districts should consider going on the Historic District Walking Tour. The history of the neighborhoods can be traced to the 19th century, when affluent tobacco businessmen dominated the sprawling Queen Ann and Federal-style homes.
The districts include Garland Hill, Court House Hill, Daniel’s Hill, Diamond Hill, Federal Hill, Pierce Street, and Rivermont. The guide can either be accessed here, or a physical copy can be found at the Lynchburg Museum.
Activities
From snowboarding and hiking to attending a baseball game, Lynchburg offers plenty of activities to keep you engaged and excited.
Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
Location: 4000 Candlers Mountain Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502
Enjoy year-round skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. It uses Snowflex, a surface that replicates snow. Equipment can be rented from the center. Instructors are also available to teach you how to navigate the slopes.
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t for you, the center also offers an Olympic-grade trampoline. Skiing and snowboarding start at $8 per hour.
Lynchburg Hillcats
Location: 3180 Fort Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24501
Catch a Lynchburg Hillcats game at the 6,0000-person Bank of the James Stadium. The Minor League franchise is a farm team of the Cleveland Guardians. While at the field, be sure to pose for a picture with the team mascot South Paw.
The circa-1939 stadium is the fifth-oldest Minor League ballpark still in use. It served as a spring training facility for such baseball greats as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Jackie Robinson in the 1940s and 1950s.
Blackwater Creek Trail
Location: Jefferson Street and 8th Street
Take a stroll or ride along Black Creek Trail, one of the city’s most popular trails. It follows Blackwater Creek, which meanders its way along the city. An abandoned railway bed serves as the foundation of the 3-mile trail. Highlights of the trail include an abandoned railroad tunnel, a waterfall, and a bridge over the James River onto Percival’s Island.
Bikes for riding on the trail can be rented from Bikes Unlimited at 1312 Jefferson St., Lynchburg, VA 24504.
Antique shopping
Step back in time by browsing some of Lynchburg’s top antique shops.
Buzzards Roost
Location: 718 Commerce St., Lynchburg, VA 24504
Located in the city’s historic downtown, Buzzards Roost specializes in early American antiques with an emphasis on the culture of the Hill City and the commonwealth. Antique enthusiasts can find everything from large pieces of furniture to small artifacts. It sources its pieces from full and partial estates, collections, and single-item sales, which means its inventory is constantly changing.
Enchanted Antiques
Location: 1204 Main St., Lynchburg, VA 24504
Discover 18th and 19th-century English, continental, and American antiques at Enchanted Antiques. The store is a can’t-miss for antique collectors, given its wholesale pricing. It also sells decorative accessories, fine gifts, and personal accessories.
Rooftop dining
There’s no better way to experience Lynchburg than by going for a rooftop dinner.
7 Rooftop Bar
Location: 1208 Commerce St., Unit 701, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Perched high above the Bluffwalk and James River, 7 Rooftop Bar is unlike any other watering hole in the Hill City. You don’t just get a meal and drink there, but also an unrivaled view of the city. You can either lounge by the fire pit or hang out at the bar while on the patio.
The food menu includes shareables, big plates, and sweets, like the campfire s’mores cake. The bar also offers weekly whiskey features and specialty tasting flights that are released monthly.
Skyline Grill
Location: 712 Church St., Lynchburg, VA 24504
Located in downtown Lynchburg, Skyline Grill offers views of the city and chef-inspired dishes. The intimate atmosphere, with its cozy patio and fireplaces, makes for a great date-night destination.
The extensive menu features a variety of pork, chicken, beef, and seafood, as well as a respectable vegetarian selection. Try the tempura fried cauliflower bowl, then wash it down with a local beer, craft cocktail, or glass of international wine.
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