Harrisonburg

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Harrisonburg's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore the Downtown
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local café in downtown Harrisonburg. After that, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and unique shops.

afternoon
:

Visit the Virginia Quilt Museum to appreciate the craft and history. Grab a quick lunch at a nearby eatery and enjoy some local flavors.

evening
:

Head to one of the local breweries for a tasting experience. End your day with dinner at a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.

day 2
Nature Day at Shenandoah National Park
morning
:

Drive to Shenandoah National Park and start your adventure with a hike. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views for a perfect morning.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch and find a scenic spot to relax. After lunch, continue exploring the trails or visit one of the park’s overlooks.

evening
:

Return to Harrisonburg and unwind with a casual dinner. Consider visiting a local coffee shop to enjoy a warm beverage.

day 3
Arts and Culture
morning
:

Visit the Art Gallery at James Madison University to explore contemporary exhibitions. Engage with new artists and take in local creativity.

afternoon
:

After the gallery, explore the local shops for unique art pieces. Grab lunch at a café that features local ingredients.

evening
:

Attend a live performance at the Court Square Theater. Sit back and enjoy the vibrant arts scene in Harrisonburg.

day 4
Fall Foliage Tour
morning
:

Start by taking a scenic drive through the mountains to admire the fall colors. Stop at a local farmer's market for fresh produce.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely hike on one of the nearby trails surrounded by autumn leaves. Pack snacks to enjoy as you soak up the beauty.

evening
:

Return to town for a cozy dinner in a rustic restaurant. Relax and reflect on the day's stunning sights.

day 5
Historic Harrisonburg
morning
:

Begin your day with a walking tour of historic downtown, visiting key landmarks. Stop for breakfast at a charming diner.

afternoon
:

Explore the local history at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant that offers local delicacies.

evening
:

Visit a local distillery for a tour and tasting. Finish the night with dinner in a laid-back atmosphere.

day 6
Culinary Adventure
morning
:

Join a local cooking class to learn how to prepare some traditional dishes. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you dive into cooking.

afternoon
:

Taste-test your creations during lunch class. Explore food markets for local ingredients in the area afterward.

evening
:

Dine at a renowned restaurant that emphasizes local flavors. Conclude your culinary tour with dessert at a pastry shop.

day 7
Outdoor Activities
morning
:

Rent a bike and hit the numerous trails around Harrisonburg. Enjoy the beauty of nature as you cycle through picturesque landscapes.

afternoon
:

Have a packed lunch in nature and take a breather before continuing your ride. Opt for a short hike afterward to explore more of the outdoors.

evening
:

Relax with pizza at a family-friendly pizzeria. Consider playing some board games to keep the evening fun.

day 8
Wellness Retreat
morning
:

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga class at a local studio. Afterward, enjoy a healthy breakfast smoothie at a nearby juice bar.

afternoon
:

Visit a wellness spa for a day of relaxation including massages and facials. Embrace your well-being with a nutritious lunch.

evening
:

Attend a meditation workshop or wellness talk at a community center. Wind down with a light dinner at a health-conscious restaurant.

day 9
Adventure Day
morning
:

Book a rock climbing lesson at a nearby climbing gym to kick off the day. Have a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure.

afternoon
:

Challenge yourself with an outdoor climbing session at local crags. Pack lunch for an energizing break between climbs.

evening
:

Celebrate your achievements with a hearty meal at a local grill. Share stories and experiences from the day's adventures with friends.

day 10
Live Music Night
morning
:

Spend your morning at a local café, sipping on coffee and checking out flyers for music events. Enjoy breakfast with a live acoustic performance.

afternoon
:

Wander through local shops and bookstores looking for music records. Grab lunch at a diner popular among musicians.

evening
:

Attend a live music event at a popular venue in Harrisonburg. Grab late-night snacks at a food truck to end the night.

Discover Harrisonburg

Read more in our Harrisonburg 2024 Travel Guide.

Harrisonburg Travel Guide