Every Great City has a Great University!

City Life

Lynchburg is one of the best college towns in the country.

What's There To Do In Lynchburg?

With five colleges and universities, a plethora of dining options, and a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities, Lynchburg offers a perfect blend of educational excellence and recreational opportunities, making it a premier destination for students and visitors alike. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, considering graduate studies, or simply exploring, Lynchburg invites you to experience its unique charm and vibrant community spirit.

Explore, play, and experience

Things To Do

From adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures to cozy indoor escapes, Lynchburg has something for everyone. Whether you’re scaling climbing walls, hitting the trails, shopping for unique finds, or catching live performances, you’ll never run out of ways to have fun.

For the avid shopper

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Lynchburg has a variety of retail stores. From charming downtown boutiques, to the mall, and all the big box stores in between, you’ll find popular brands, unique finds, and amazing deals. There's something to satisfy every shopper's style and budget.

Explore artisanal markets for local crafts and fresh produce at the Lynchburg Community Market which has been open since 1783. Whether you're searching for the latest fashion trends, one-of-a-kind gifts, or just a leisurely browse, Lynchburg's shops provide the perfect blend of local flavor and major retailers.

For indoor kids

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Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a culture enthusiast, Lynchburg has loads of indoor activities to keep you entertained. Challenge yourself with indoor rock climbing, available with auto belays if you want.

Take in the art at the Daura Museum right on campus or other museums in town. Yes, we have a great children’s museum. No, college students aren’t allowed to climb on the four-story indoor climbing tower…except for when they host the fundraiser nights.

We also have themed escape rooms. Catch the latest blockbuster at a local movie theater, bounce away at the trampoline park, or step back in time at a vintage video game arcade.

There’s something fun for everyone.

For outdoor kids

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Whether you're a thrill-seeker or simply enjoy the outdoors, Lynchburg's has something for everyone. Tee off on the golf courses, experience the adrenaline of year-round skiing open to all (Yes, it’s owned by another University. No, you don’t have to be a student there to go.), or cheer on our minor league baseball team, the Lynchburg Hillcats.

Check out mini golf, race go-karts, or hit extensive running trails. Play a round of disc golf on campus, or enjoy the local parks.

If your style is more hitting a front foot backside tailslide on a ledge at Centennial Skate Park, we have that option too.

The James River also offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, tubing, kayaking, and fishing.

For live event lovers

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If you’re looking for a night on the town, Lynchburg has it covered. The Hill City has hosted the likes of Leslie Odom Jr. from the musical “Hamilton,” comedians Fortune Feimster and Colin Mochrie, and musicians like Ben Folds, Bela Fleck, and Ghostface Killah. You also can attend one-of-a-kind experiences like watching “The Princess Bride” with Cary Elwes AKA “Westley,” along with horror movie marathons and costume dance parties at Halloween.

The area pulses with energy, offering everything from the Great Cardboard Boat Race and the world-class Lynchburg 10–miler to nearby music festivals like Lock’n and Floydfest

Adventure awaits

Within a Short Drive

Discover the abundant adventures and cultural heritage just a short drive from home.

A dynamic image of three young men running into a lake, creating splashes around them, capturing the movement and excitement of summer water activities.
Waterfront recreation

Within an hour’s drive is Smith Mountain Lake, 500 miles on the shoreline and the second-largest recreational lake in Virginia. Whether you’re looking to glide across the water on a jet ski, enjoy a serene day of fishing, or swim or soak up the sun at its two public beaches, you can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity.

Enjoy some waterfront mini golf, catch some live music and delicious dining, or take a cruise on the replica of a 19th-century 63-foot side-wheeler paddleboat.

Smith Mountain Lake promises delightful experiences for everyone. An amazing chance to explore, create lasting memories, and document some Instagrammable moments at gorgeous sunsets.

Ski, tube, and relax

Within a 90-minute drive are two fantastic ski resorts, Wintergreen and Massanutten. They offer adventure and relaxation, ensuring unforgettable experiences for every visitor, whether you’re seeking a thrilling ski trip or a serene spa day.

Not a skier? No problem! Grab a tube and fly down Virginia’s largest tubing park.

When the snow melts, the landscape turns into endless trails just begging for hiking or mountain biking. At Massanutten, you can also hit up the year-round, 42,000 sq.ft., indoor water park with a wave pool, lazy river, or surfing on the wave rider.

A snowboarder dressed in a bright yellow jacket and black pants carving through fresh snow among trees, demonstrating a moment of action and enjoyment in a winter landscape.

Hiking and beyond

The Great Outdoors

Hike the Appalachian Trail and trails along the Blue Ridge ParkwayMake sure to visit Sharp Top Mountain at the Peaks of Otter and ascend to the 3,875-foot high Buzzard’s Roost peak.

Close to these magnificent mountains is Natural Bridge, a stunning limestone arch that stretches 90 feet across and stands 215 feet tall. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of deep caverns and quirky roadside attractions, including a foam replica of Stonehenge and displays of dinosaurs battling cowboys and soldiers.

You’ll also find amazing hiking to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and unique locations like the Devil’s Marbleyard.

Here, there, everywhere

Getting Around

Rideshare and Taxis

Lynchburg offers convenient rideshare options like Uber and Lyft, alongside traditional taxi services.

Air Travel Options

With three airports within around an hour's drive, there are plenty of flights to connect you around the county.
A wooden platter holds several soft shell tacos filled with meat, fresh greens, and avocado, alongside a zesty margarita with a salt-rimmed glass. The table also features casual dining settings and a bustling restaurant atmosphere in the background.

Local Spots

Mrs. Joy's Absolutely Fabulous Treats
Best Burger in Virginia

Best burger in Virginia: Lynchburg has the best burger in Virginia (Cavalier Store!), according to “First We Feast.

Pizza Everywhere
Unique to Lynchburg

How about a restaurant/vintage video arcade? Maybe a dinner atop a hotel? How about fine dining in a former shoe factory? Yep, we’ve got that. All of that and more.

Late Night Emergency Food

Late-night emergency food: Imagine you’re up late studying, and you’re starved. Get some tapas, chicken and waffles, or the greasiest late-night cheesy western you’ve ever seen.

If you want unique and amazing food, you’ve come to the right place. It can be hard to know where to start, so let’s just dive in. Here are some of the must-eats you’ll find in Lynchburg:

  • Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats: Alumni-owned headquarters for cookies, donuts, cupcakes, and more. The owner has been featured on several TV cooking and baking shows.
  • Best burger in Virginia: Lynchburg has the best burger in Virginia (Cavalier Store!), according to “First We Feast.”
  • Pizza everywhere: Start with Waterstone Pizza, the 21st best pizzeria in the country according to Trip Advisor.
    • Want more options and different styles? We have 25+ pizza joints to choose from.
  • Unique to Lynchburg: How about a restaurant/vintage video arcade? Maybe a dinner atop a hotel? How about fine dining in a former shoe factory? Yep, we’ve got that. All of that and more.
  • Late-night emergency food: Imagine you’re up late studying, and you’re starved. Get some tapas, chicken and waffles, or the greasiest late-night cheesy western you’ve ever seen.
A close-up of a hand serving a generous portion of vibrant red chicken tikka masala from a traditional copper dish, accompanied by fluffy naan bread and a side of green mint chutney rice topped with crispy onions.

International Cuisine

For a city the size of Lynchburg, we have great international options. You can expand your interests, or find your favorite dish. Let’s look at some of your options.

Lynchburg’s international dining scene bursts with flavor and diversity. From enticing Middle Eastern bistros that capture the essence of Damascus and Cairo, to zesty, sun-kissed Mediterranean menus, every meal can be an invitation to explore. In Lynchburg, you’ll find the bold flavors of Peru, with specialties like Lomo Saltado, and the rich diversity of Asian cuisines — everything from comforting, slurp-worthy ramen to the curries of India and Thailand.

From takeout to fine dining, Lynchburg offers an express trip to flavor town.

A cheerful scene in a coffee shop where a young woman and a man are being handed a mobile phone by a barista at the counter. The woman smiles broadly, and the man wears glasses and a casual shirt. The shop has a bright and airy ambiance with light streaming in from large windows.

Coffee and Tea

Lynchburg loves coffee. The options are as rich and varied as the beans they brew. From the locally roasted beans of Mission House Coffee, owned by University of Lynchburg alumnus Tommy Clark, to the diverse array of Boba Tea options, there’s a perfect cup for every palate. 

Whether you’re looking for an espresso, a delicate herbal brew, or a refreshing iced Boba, Lynchburg’s cafés offer an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and conversation. Find your new favorite spot.

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Chains

There is a wide array of chain restaurants with offerings from sizzling steakhouses to casual burger joints, complemented by fast food options conveniently located just one mile from campus. 

Every craving for comfort food is easily satisfied, whether you’re yearning for crispy wings, juicy burgers, or a hearty steak dinner. Each restaurant, from fast food spots to formal chains, provides a signature touch to these beloved dishes. These dining options give you a spot for a quick, familiar, and heartening meal.