Updated on May 13, 2023 by Julie McCool
Fun things to do in Harrisonburg Virginia include activities and destinations for every age in this historic college town with a relaxed vibe. Enjoy downtown arts and shopping; outdoor fun and adventure; and tasty dining, wineries, and craft beer.
Surrounding Rockingham County offers excellent biking, hiking, and scenic drives. Whether your goal is an adult getaway or a family trip, you’ll find plenty to do in Harrisonburg's historic downtown and beyond.
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Harrisonburg is just a two-hour drive from Washington DC, so it's possible to visit on a day trip. Better yet, plan a weekend getaway to Harrisonburg VA, or a road trip through the Northern Shenandoah Valley. The small city is a fun destination for families with students at JMU: James Madison University.
Travelers driving on Route 81 can break up the journey with a stop in Harrisonburg. Northern Virginia locals love the convenience and relaxed vibe of an escape to Harrisonburg VA.
Here are favorite, fun things to do in Harrisonburg Virginia, and Rockingham County.
Things to do in Downtown Harrisonburg Virginia
One of Virginia's first designated Arts & Cultural Districts, Harrisonburg is home to a thriving art community in a walkable downtown. Start your visit and get oriented at the Hardesty Higgins House Visitor Center. The center includes a small museum about the historic Valley Turnpike (route 11), a gift shop, and a cafe.
Pick up a map and explore the historic downtown on foot to see why Harrisonburg was the Great American Main Street Award Winner in 2015.
Take a Photo with LOVE
Take a LOVEly picture at the Harrisonburg LOVEwork, behind the Virginia Quilt Museum. The Harrisonburg LOVEwork is built of locally sourced materials honoring four cultural community themes.
Virginia Quilt Museum
The Virginia Quilt Museum, located in the historic Warren-Sipe House, opened in 1995 to showcase quilting artists. Rotating exhibits highlight a wide range of quilting styles and designs. There are always some locally-made quilts on display, and there's a fun permanent exhibit of sewing machines through the years. During our visit, the Fly Me to the Moon exhibit celebrated the 50th anniversary of man's landing on the moon.
Hugo Kohl Museum of American Jewelry Design and Manufacturing
Take a fascinating tour of the history of American jewelry design and you'll learn how the Industrial Age changed worker's lives. As machines became more sophisticated they reduced the risks and tedium of early manufacturing jobs. The artists at Hugo Kohl continue to use 18th and 19th-century machines and materials to create beautiful and unique pieces for their shop.
Call ahead to request a tour while you're in town. You can also watch the jewelry makers at work through the glass wall of the raised gallery. Their ultimate goal—jewelry that is beautiful, durable, and doesn't cost too much.
Harrisonburg VA Artisan Galleries
Harrisonburg is home to the Arts Council of the Valley. Art studios, galleries, and cooperative spaces make the region a hub for creativity. Pick up an artisan map at the Smith House, an 1867 building with galleries devoted to local artists. Then, visit and shop at downtown galleries like Elk Run Mining Company and Oasis Fine Art & Crafts. You may even see the artists at work.
Harrisonburg VA Shopping
Agora Market is a multi-shop cooperative with a hip attitude. You'll find retro clothes and housewares, local pottery and jewelry, cycling clothes, and a hardware store. The eclectic market also includes a coffee shop and outdoor tables so you can take a break from your shopping. Wander the downtown streets to explore other unique, local shops.
Gear Up and Plan for Biking Adventures
When National Geographic names you one of America’s Best Mountain Bike Towns, you know you’ve got something special to offer. Harrisonburg Virginia is home to an extensive network of trails in downtown and the surrounding mountains.
Stop in one of the local bike shops in town—Shenandoah Bicycle Company, Rocktown Bicycles, Bluestone Bike & Run—for advice and gear for your own cycling outing.
Check out the best Northern Virginia Bike Trails for Paved and Mountain Biking.
Take a Hike in Rockingham County
Harrisonburg is centrally located in the Shenandoah Valley, with the Alleghany Mountains to the west, and the Blue Ridge to the east. Hiking is one of the best free things to do in Harrisonburg VA, and there are plenty of great trails a short drive away.
The Visitor Center experts offer advice on the best local hikes and have a nice collection of trail maps. Or check out Harrisonburg's Online Trail Guide for info on 15 hiking, mountain biking, gravel, and roadway trails.
For example, drive west to the George Washington National Forest for a short but steep half-mile hike on the Hone Quarry Cliff Trail to a spectacular viewpoint.
Rockingham County is also home to a portion of Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Head east on Route 33 and to the Swift Run Gap park entrance. From there you can travel north or south on Skyline Drive, stopping at overlooks and trails.
We enjoyed a short, foggy hike on the Frazier Discovery Trail to the top of Loft Mountain. Even with the foggy conditions, the summit was beautiful. You’ll also find stunning views from Brown Mountain Overlook to the north.
Visit a Forest
For a short walk through nature in town, visit JMU's Edith J Carrier Arboretum. The network of paths, with benches for relaxing, is a nice place for a break. Visit in the spring or summer to see the gardens in bloom. There is also a nice labyrinth and an Education Center where special classes and events are held.
Places to Stay in Harrisonburg Virginia
Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center
The May 2018 opening of the Hotel Madison brought Harrisonburg the boutique experience and convention space the city needed. Located on the edge of campus, Hotel Madison is the official hotel of JMU. It has quickly become a popular spot for campus-related functions, and it is an ideal base for visitors to the Harrisonburg area.
The hotel offers 230 guest rooms in a modern space. Rooms are comfortable, bright, and spacious, many with mountain and downtown views. Take a closer look at this short video of our room at Hotel Madison.
The Quill cafe and bar occupy one end of the spacious atrium lobby, and the full-service Montpelier restaurant currently serves from there. Hotel Madison also has an indoor pool and fitness center. The Market Street location is right at the edge of JMU's campus, and it's a short walk to the downtown area.
Read traveler reviews of the Hotel Madison, and check rates and availability.
Fairfield Inn and Suites
The comfortable Fairfield Inn and Suites is another good option for a stay in Harrisonburg. It’s located close to James Madison University and the Arboretum, just a short drive from downtown. Check Fairfield Inn and Suites Harrisonburg reviews and check reviews and rates at all Harrisonburg hotels now.
Massanutten Resort
The Massanutten Resort is just 14 miles east of Harrisonburg and is another excellent base for exploring the area. Families will especially love the indoor/outdoor waterpark, Adventure park, and many kid-friendly activities at the resort. From Massanutten, you can easily visit Shenandoah National Park and the Shenandoah Valley.
Check traveler reviews, rates, and availability of the Massanutten Resort.
Harrisonburg Va Restaurants
Bella Luna serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and pastas using fresh, local ingredients in the historic Livery Building downtown. They also offer a nice selection of fresh salads and sandwiches, and the vibe is warm and relaxed. Try the Spring Vegetable Pappardelle and any of the pizzas and you will not be disappointed.
If you’re in the mood for a treat, head across the street for some of Bella’s tasty gelato, made with milk from a local dairy.
Rocktown Kitchen is a casual Harrisonburg restaurant with an elevated menu. We enjoyed their delicious arugula and watermelon salad topped with fried oysters, perfect for a warm summer day. Rocktown also offers a great craft beer menu; we chose a Bitchin Brown from Stablecraft Brewing. They are located in the historic Harrisonburg Ice House development so you can stroll over to Pale Fire Brewing after your meal (more info below).
Another option for dinner in town, Clementine Cafe brings food, music, and art together. The outdoor downstairs patio was quiet during our dinner, but trivia nights and live entertainment bring a crowd on weekends.
A great bet for breakfast, or lunch for that matter, is Cinnamon Bear Bakery and Deli. It's close to the Arboretum, so stop in before or after a stroll through the garden. Try the delicious Wrap with bacon, egg, and avocado or a Spicy Basil Chicken wrap with Sriracha. In the downtown area, relax with a great cup of coffee and a pastry at Shenandoah Joes.
Explore a Beer Trail
Downtown Harrisonburg is home to four of the craft breweries on the Shenandoah Spirits Trail and the BeerWerks Trail.
Pale Fire Brewing Company opened in 2015 in the renovated Ice House, a cool industrial building downtown. They have a nice open tasting room and patio. We tasted 5 of the 11 brews on tap, and particularly liked the Red Molly and the Lucille Irish Stout.
The Three Notch'd Brewing Collab House focuses on locally sourced beers developed in collaboration with local brewers. Brothers Craft Brewery and Restless Moons Brewing also welcome visitors to taprooms in Harrisonburg's downtown.
Craft beer lovers should bookmark this list of 12 great Virginia Beer Trails for future brewery fun.
Special Events in Harrisonburg VA
There are fun special events in Harrisonburg VA throughout the year. In the warmer months, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market is a gathering place for local products, music, and friendly folks.
JMU's Forbes Center for the Performing Arts stages a variety of productions in five venues.
An annual Wine and Oyster Weekend is held just outside town at gorgeous On Sunny Slope Farm. The festival pairs delicious Virginia wines with the sweet and buttery oysters of the Chesapeake Bay. Local craft vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment add to the fun.
Looking for fun and free things to do this weekend in Harrisonburg Va? You'll find listings of local events at the Harrisonburg Tourism calendar.
Follow these links to learn more about Harrisonburg Virginia: web | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram.
Make Harrisonburg part of a Shenandoah Valley road trip or getaway with the help of these related articles:
- Southern Shenandoah Valley Road Trips: Staunton to Lexington
- 8 Great Things to Do in Shenandoah Valley
- 8 Great Things to Do in Roanoke Virginia
- 15 Fantastic Things to Do on a Winchester Virginia Getaway
Follow Fun in Fairfax VA on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more fun places to visit and things to do in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas.
Our visit was hosted by Harrisonburg Tourism and Virginia is for Lovers. As always, all opinions, text, and photos are our own.