Living In Charlottesville

biking near Charlottesville photo by Ricky DeLoys

Charlottesville and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of enriching activities and experiences for residents and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in history by exploring Thomas Jefferson's Monticello or stroll along the historic Downtown Mall, known for its charming shops and diverse culinary scene. For nature enthusiasts, the Blue Ridge Mountains provide breathtaking hiking trails and scenic overlooks. The region is a hub for the arts, hosting events like the Virginia Film Festival and featuring a vibrant local music scene. With over 40 wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail and a thriving craft beverage community, there's no shortage of options for those seeking a taste of local flavors. Charlottesville seamlessly blends culture, history, and natural beauty, offering a diverse array of activities for every interest.

Art Galleries and Museums

University of Virginia

The Fralin Museum of Art
434-924-3592
155 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum
434-244-0234
400 Peter Jefferson Place, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Ruffin Gallery
434-924-6123
179 Culbreth Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Downtown Charlottesville Galleries

The Bridge Public Arts Initiative
434-984-5669
209 Monticello Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Chroma Projects Art Laboratory
434-202-0269
103 W. Water Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

C'ville Crafts and Arts
434-972-9500
118 E. Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

McGuffey Art Center
434-295-7973
201 2nd Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902

New City Arts Welcome Gallery
434-202-5277
114 3rd Street NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Second Street Gallery
434-977-7284
115 Second Street SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Other Art Spaces and Venues

Ix Art Park
434-207-2964
522 2nd Street SE, Suite D, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Les Yeux du Monde
434-882-2622
841 Wolf Trap Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Mudhouse
434-984-6833
213 W. Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Sports and Recreation

UVA Sporting Events

UVA students must simply present a valid student ID to gain access to most home sporting events. For more information on student ticketing policy, including a detailed explanation of the men's basketball ticketing policy, visit Virginia Sports.

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports

UVA students have access to all of the University's world-class fitness and recreation facilities, including four on-Grounds fitness centers, the Snyder Tennis Center, the McArthur Squash Center at the Boar's Head Sports Club and Birdwood Golf Course. The North Grounds Recreation Center, just down the street from the Law School, features a 10-lane lap pool, hot tub and sauna, group exercise classes, a dedicated multimedia cycling room and three handball/racquetball courts. That's in addition to cardiovascular equipment, strength-training machines and free weights. The University's Outdoor Recreation Center serves students, faculty and community members wishing to take advantage of area hiking, camping, rock-climbing and water sports.

Students can get into any University sports facility (detailed below) free with a valid student ID. Passes for family members of students (or faculty and staff and their family members) may be obtained at the office for a fee.

For the hours of all facilities, call the Recreational Hotline, 434-924-PLAY (7529). Hours vary by semester, season and special events.

Aquatic and Fitness Center
434-924-3793
450 Whitehead Road

The University's athletic facilities centerpiece, this center features an Olympic-size pool, two stories of fitness equipment (Treadmaster body master equipment, free weights, cardiovascular equipment), leisure pool, whirlpool and sauna. There is also a three-court gymnasium, an indoor walking/jogging track, and multipurpose rooms to accommodate aerobics, yoga, dance and martial arts and additional free-weight space.

Birdwood Golf Course at Boar's Head Resort
434-293-GOLF (4653)
200 Ednam Drive

Among Golf Digest's Best Places to Play, Birdwood Golf Course in Charlottesville is a nationally acclaimed, 18-hole course with Blue Ridge Mountain views and challenging golf. A par-72 championship course, Birdwood also features meals and lighter fare at the Birdwood Grill, as well as a fully stocked Pro Shop.

McArthur Squash Center at the Boar's Head Sports Club
434-972-6009
200 Ednam Drive

The 33,000-square foot venue is open to UVA students and members and guests of the Boar's Head.

Memorial Gym
434-924-6204
200 Emmet Street S.

Features three full-court basketball/volleyball courts, indoor jogging track (12 laps/mile), dance room, multi-use/combative room, free weights, Paramount machine, Lifecycles, rowing ergometers, Air-Dyne bicycles, Stair Masters, Elliptical machines, treadmills, Versa Climbers, equipment check-out, locker rooms, showers, saunas, and fitness assessments.

Snyder Tennis and Pickleball Courts
15 outdoor lighted courts next to Memorial Gym.

Dell Recreation Area across Emmet Street from Memorial Gym has four outdoor tennis courts, three lighted basketball courts, and field space for volleyball and games.

For both areas, tennis and pickleball court reservations can be made one day in advance at the Memorial Gym Equipment Cage (434-924-6204). On Friday reservations can be made for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Slaughter Recreation Building
434-982-5101
505 Edgemont Road

Features three full-court basketball/volleyball courts or nine badminton courts, eight handball/racquetball courts, three squash courts, fitness room with free weights, Paramount machine, Lifecycles, rowing ergometers, Stair Master, Versa Climbers, six table tennis tables, combative and dance rooms, showers and equipment check-out. Handball/racquetball and squash courts can be reserved for one hour one day in advance.

Outdoor Equipment Rental Center
434-924-6204
119 N. Emmet Street

Rents almost anything you need for camping—backpacks, sleeping bags, coolers, stoves, canoes and accessories—to students and members of UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports.

Private Gyms and Fitness (sample)

Yoga

Performing Arts

Charlottesville Ballet

Charlottesville Ballet is a professional ballet company, dance academy and nonprofit organization, wither performances and events in Charlottesville and throughout Central Virginia.

Charlottesville Opera

For 44 years, Charlottesville Opera has produced opera and other musical performances first at Ash Lawn-Highland, and now at the beautifully renovated Paramount Theater in downtown Charlottesville. Charlottesville Opera also provides a wide range of educational programs for youth and adults; professional training for emerging artists and interns; and seeks to enrich the cultural vitality and quality of life in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region.

Charlottesville Symphony

This professional group of musicians from the University and the surrounding area gives five symphonic performances during the school year in Cabell Hall Auditorium Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Season and single tickets.

Four County Players

This community theater offers five productions a year, including Shakespeare at the Ruins (August) and acting workshops. Performances are held in the Barboursville Community Center.

Jefferson Theater

Located on Charlottesville's historic Downtown Mall, the Jefferson Theater was established in 1912 as a live performance theater that played host to silent movies, vaudeville acts and a historic list of live performers, ranging from Harry Houdini to The Three Stooges. The Jefferson reopened in 2009 after a comprehensive restoration that highlights the theater's vintage architecture while modernizing its facilities.

John Paul Jones Arena

The John Paul Jones Arena, home of the UVA basketball teams, has featured such acts as Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Maroon 5, the Blue Man Group, Eric Clapton, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. The arena also has become the area's premiere venue for comedy acts and family fare such as Cirque du Soleil. The arena offers an email alert notifying patrons of upcoming events.

Light House Studio

Light House Studios in Charlottesville is a nonprofit youth filmmaking organization dedicated to empowering young creators through hands-on film education and production programs.

LiveArts Theater

Live Arts Theater in Charlottesville is a vibrant cultural hub, fostering creativity and community engagement through dynamic live performances and innovative theatrical productions.

Oratorio Society

The Oratorio Society of Charlottesville is a musical gem, enriching the cultural landscape with choral excellence through captivating performances and a commitment to artistic expression. Members from the University and the community perform three times a year. Auditions held in the fall.

The Paramount

The Paramount Theater in Charlottesville stands as a historic cultural icon, hosting a diverse range of events, from live performances and film screenings to community gatherings, offering an immersive and timeless entertainment experience. The circa 1931 theater was restored and reopened in 2004.

Southern Cafe and Music Hall

Southern Cafe and Music Hall in Charlottesville is a lively venue where delicious Southern cuisine meets an eclectic mix of live music, creating a vibrant and soulful dining and entertainment experience. The venue features an array of emerging artists, and tickets are usually $10 per show.

Ting Pavilion

This concert venue on the Downtown Mall presents local and national performing artists, and features covered or open-lawn seating as well as state-of-the-art sound systems. The Pavilion also hosts community events such as wine festivals, movie screenings and craft fairs, and is the site of Fridays After Five, a free concert series during the summer/early fall.

UVA Drama Department

The UVA Drama Department presents six productions a year including summer performances by the Heritage Repertory Theater.

UVA Music Department

There are a host of student musical groups at the University, including Black Voices, the University Glee Club, the University Jazz Ensemble, University Singers, Virginia Gentlemen, and the Women's Chorus. The McIntire Music Department has its own box office for tickets to University events. Regular tickets become available two weeks prior to the concert date. Student prices on student performances are generally low. Performances sponsored by the University are often free for full-time students.

Parks

City of Charlottesville Parks
434-970-3590

City of Charlottesville parks offer serene urban escapes, providing residents and visitors with well-maintained green spaces for leisure, recreation, and community engagement.

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation
434-970-3592

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community, offering diverse programs, facilities, and green spaces that promote fitness, leisure, and a sense of community. Call to reserve picnic shelters in city parks.

Albemarle County Parks & Recreation
434-296-5844

Albemarle County Parks & Recreation fosters community well-being by providing diverse recreational opportunities and well-maintained parks that enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Call to reserve picnic shelters in county parks.

Beaver Creek Lake
434-296-5844
4365 Beaver Creek Park, Charlottesville, VA 22901

With 104 water acres, this lake is the largest and best fishing lake in Albemarle County. Water supply for the Crozet area, so no swimming. Boat launch, but no gas motors.

Chris Greene Lake Park
434-296-5844
4748 Chris Greene Lake Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Swimming, fishing, boating, canoe rentals, picnic areas, large and small pavilions, playgrounds, boat launch and a fishing pier. All handicapped-accessible. Spring crappie fishing is excellent. Limited walking trails. $3 for adults, $2 for children 4-12 (in the summer only).

Darden Towe Park
434-296-5844
1445 Darden Towe Park, Charlottesville, VA 22911

This 110-acre park along the Rivanna River includes four tennis courts, running trails, children's play area, picnic shelters, three softball fields and four multi-use fields for soccer, lacrosse and football. One picnic pavilion may be reserved for as many as 80 people. There is also a fenced dog park area.

Ivy Creek Natural Area
434-973-7772
1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Ivy Creek Natural Area near Charlottesville is a peaceful nature sanctuary, featuring diverse ecosystems, walking trails, and educational programs, providing a serene escape for nature enthusiasts. It is a favorite for hiking and birdwatching, offering six miles of forest trails. No biking and no dogs, even on a leash.

McIntire Park
434-970-3589
375 US-250 BYP, Charlottesville, VA 22901

McIntire Park in Charlottesville is a sprawling urban retreat, offering scenic trails, recreational facilities, and serene lakeside views for a diverse range of outdoor activities. It has a wading pool for young children, swings, ball fields, golf course, picnic areas, and nature trail. Dogs must be on a leash.

Mint Springs Valley Park
434-296-5844
6659 Mint Springs Park, Crozet, VA 22932

Mint Springs Valley Park offers swimming, picnic shelters, playgrounds, fishing, and 3.6 miles of hiking trails. It is handicapped accessible, and pavilions with fireplaces, grills and tables may be reserved in advance.

Pen Park
434-970-3589
1300 Pen Park Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Pen Park is the largest city park, with a nature trail along the Rivanna River, handicapped-accessible exercise trail, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, volleyball, baseball fields, picnic pavilions, and playground. Dogs must be on a leash.

Ragged Mountain Natural Area
1730 Reservoir Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Ragged Mountain Natural Area in Charlottesville offers a pristine escape, boasting rugged trails and breathtaking vistas that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat. The beautiful, somewhat rugged natural area is optimal for quiet hiking. No dogs, bikes, or jogging allowed.

Rivanna Trails
434-923-9022
1835 Broadway St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Rivanna Trails, encircling Charlottesville, presents a scenic 20-mile loop along the Rivanna River, offering diverse landscapes for hiking or walking. This trail system provides an immersive experience, showcasing woodlands, meadows, and waterways, making it a favorite for nature lovers in the region.

Riverview Park
1909 Chesapeake Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

A 27-acre riverfront preserve, Riverview Park offers a playground, picnic areas, and adjacent biking and walking trails.

Walnut Creek Park
434-296-5844
4250 Walnut Creek Road, North Garden, VA 22959

Walnut Creek Park is a great place for mountain biking, lake swimming, walking and bike trails, as well as fishing. It offers a picnic shelter and playground.

Family Activities

Virginia Discovery Museum
434-977-1025
524 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Chris Greene Lake Park
4748 Chris Greene Lake Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911
434-296-5844

Ix Art Park
434-207-2964
522 2nd Street SE, Suite D, Charlottesville, VA 22902

McGuffey Park and Playground
201 2nd Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Carter Mountain Orchard
434-977-1833
1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Washington Park Pool
434-977-2607
1001 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Dairy Market
434-326-4552
946 Grady Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Rivanna Trails
434-923-9022
1835 Broadway St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Michie Tavern
434-977-1234
683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Bounce-n-Play
434-973-1111
127 Seminole Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Outdoor Activities

Camping

George Washington National Forest
703-433-2491

Sherando Lake

This huge national forest has 27 campgrounds in Virginia and West Virginia. The closest part of the forest to Charlottesville is the Pedlar District, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway south of the Shenandoah National Park, site of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area at beautiful Sherando Lake. The campgrounds here have 65 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis April 1 to October 31.

Madison Vines RV Resort and Cottages
540-948-4186

70 RV sites and 20 fully-furnished cottages. Heated bath house, horseshoes, volleyball, pool. Tent sites available. Closed between Christmas and Jan. 1.

Shenandoah National Park
540-999-3500

The park has four major campgrounds near a section of the Appalachian Trail. All except Mathews Arm have showers, laundry, and a camp store. No campground has hookups for water, electricity, or sewage, but Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, and Loft Mountain have dump stations. All except Big Meadows are first-come, first-served, fees vary. Mileposts on Skyline Drive are given.

Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is furthest north. Next to trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. 179 sites. Open spring through October. No showers.
Big Meadows (mile 51.3), although secluded, is within walking distance of three waterfalls and across the Drive from the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife. Reservations required mid-May through November; call 1-800-365-CAMP. 217 sites, open through November.
Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the back country. Within seven miles of the Big Meadows. 32 sites, open spring through October.
Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. 219 sites, open spring through October.

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Cabins
703-242-0693

Camping is permitted in specific back country facilities. Call the park to get a permit and regulations for back-country camping. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains a system of back-country huts and cabins. Huts, three-sided structures located along the Appalachian Trail primarily for long-term hikers, require permits. Permits are not required for cabins, which are reserved in advance.

Shenandoah National Park Lodges
800-999-4714

Nestled in the heart of Shenandoah National Park, you will find multiple lodging options that cater to different tastes and needs, from comfortable and elegant to rustic and quaint. All lodging facilities in Shenandoah National Park are operated by Delaware North, the Park concessionaire.

Skyland (mile 41.7): Accommodations ranging from premium rooms to small detached cabins, preferred and traditional rooms, suites, and pet friendly rooms - located in 28 separate buildings along the ridge and in the wooded areas on over 27 acres of Shenandoah National Park.
Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51): Accommodations ranging from main lodge rooms to detached small cabins, preferred and traditional rooms, suites, and pet friendly rooms - all located within walking distance of the main lodge building.
Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5): Comfortable accommodations to families, couples, or anyone seeking an authentic Shenandoah National Park experience. These rustic, furnished cabins offer private baths and outdoor grill areas.

Tubing, Canoeing, Kayaking

James River Runners
434-286-2338

James River Reeling & Rafting
434-286-4386

Hiking

For nice hikes and walks in or closer to town, see Parks/Lakes (Ivy Creek, Meadow Creek Trails, Mint Springs, Ragged Mountain). For information on equipment and clubs, go to Clubs & Organizations: Hiking. Some information below may repeat from the Camping section. Outdoors at UVA plans over 300 trips a year, and accepts community members and alums. The club also rents out gear for camping, biking, backpacking and more.

Blue Ridge Tunnel
434-263-7015
West Trailhead: 483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy, Waynesboro VA 22980
East Trailhead: 215 Afton Depot Lane, Afton VA 22920

Crabtree Falls
703-281-4446
11581 Crabtree Falls Hwy. Montebello, VA 2446