100 Water Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
(434) 970-3371
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-- Welcome to Charlottesville! --
We are so excited for you to explore this beautiful area that we are so lucky to call home. Although much of the Downtown and Main Street area is walkable, the heart of the city is also connected by the Free Trolley, which has stops along the Downtown Mall and all throughout the University of Virginia. The CAT (Charlottesville Area Transit) serves the rest of the Charlottesville-area, and a full schedule can be found here. For trips into Albemarle County, we recommend renting a car, using rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, or elevate your trip with a chauffeured vehicle or guided wine tour. For accessible travel, including things to do, accommodations, and medical equipment providers, click here.
1. Explore UVA's Grounds
Thousands of people visit the University of Virginia each year to explore Grounds, and you could be among them! It's worth the trip -- UVA is the only university in the United States designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thanks to Thomas Jefferson's 'academical village' which is still the heart of the University. While you're there, be sure to check out:
- Register for a free history tour with Virginia Guides Service, a student-run, volunteer organization.
- The Rotunda's interior is free to the public and open daily for visits from 9AM to 5PM.
- The Lawn, a rectangular, terraced green space directly adjacent to the Rotunda, is also free to the public.
- Tour one of UVA's six libraries -- self-guided tours are always available, and guided tours are available upon request.
- Take a self-guided walking tour of Grounds. Current options (2025) include 'Enslaved African Americans at the University of Virginia' and 'Women's Education at UVA.'
2. Visit an Art Museum
Charlottesville's vibrant art scene has plenty to explore without spending a dime! Here are a few can't miss stops:
- The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to Indigenous Australian art. The museum is ADA accessible, family-friendly (a self-guided gallery activity appropriate for ages 3 – 12 is available at the front desk), and offers free, 30 minutes tours.
- On UVA Grounds is The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia, which always has several collections on display. Take advantage of later hours on Fridays and be sure to explore the University’s art buildings and architecture school that are nearby.
- For local contemporary art, head into Second Street Gallery, a nonprofit gallery near the Downtown Mall that features rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists. Their popular exhibit, Teeny Tiny Trifecta, is a must-see in September.
3. Visit the Farmers Market
Soak up tons of local flavor at one of the Charlottesville-area's beloved farmers markets! The most active season runs from April/May through September, when farmers and craftspeople set up across the city and county at a variety of markets. From fresh produce and baked goods to handmade items and local art, there’s always something new to discover. Take a look at our full list of farmers markets to start planning your visit!
4. Enjoy the Outdoors
We may be biased, but we think Charlottesville and Albemarle County are beautiful 365 days out of the year. There's something for everyone in every season!
- In the winter, enjoy bug-free, unobstructed views of the surrounding nature and mountains from our local parks. Locally recommended spots include Mint Springs Park (Crozet) and Ivy Creek Natural Area.
- In the spring, our trails come alive with buds and blooms. The Rivanna Trail and the Saunders-Monticello Trail are great options for those wanting to get outside without too much of a drive. They're also great spots for birdwatching!
- In the summer, the area's status as a 'Top Adventure Town' truly shines! Kayaking, tubing, biking, and fishing are all fun options -- bring your own gear or rent from a nearby business!
- In the fall, watch the foliage take on incredible shades of red, orange, and red all across Charlottesville and Albemarle County! The timing is different each year, so we recommend following us on Instagram for updates. For an idea of where to go to see the best foliage, here are some great local spots to get started!!
5. Walk the Downtown Mall
No trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County is complete without strolling along one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country! The historic Downtown Mall is the heart of Charlottesville, spanning several blocks and lined with local shops, restaurants, theaters, and galleries. Talented musicians busk year-round and, in the summer, you can even catch a free concert at the Ting Pavilion during their Fridays After Five series.
6. Go Stargazing at the Leander McCormick Observatory
Experience the night sky at one of Virginia's most historic observatories -- for free! Thanks to UVA's Department of Astronomy, the public is invited on the first and third Friday of each month to spend an exciting evening at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Not only will attendees get to view celestial objects through the historic 26-inch McCormick Refractor and other smaller telescopes, but they'll also get to tour the Observatory, hear a presentation by an astronomer, and see the exhibits. All faculty, postdocs and graduate students participate through a rotating schedule, so each visit is guaranteed to be unique!
To limit overcrowding, this free event requires registration via Eventbrite and tickets do sell out FAST. Tickets are released one month in advance on the first business day of the month, usually around 12PM EST.
7. Hunt for Local Murals & Public Art
Explore local art and creative installations across Charlottesville and Albemarle County! Perfect for those looking for a casual walk with photo opportunities or even those looking to learn more about local culture. The Charlottesville Mural Project is an excellent resource for locating and learning more about public art in the city and in nearby Crozet! The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center also hosts a free monthly 'Murals & Memorials' tour, which explores how buildings, murals, and memorials shape our understanding of spatial justice, belonging, and collective memory.
8. Explore Crozet and Scottsville
Take a scenic drive west of Charlottesville to discover two charming small towns with mountain views, history, and outdoor fun — perfect for a half- or full-day adventure. Scottsville, which sits just along the historic James River, is a small town with a walkable Downtown area, local heritage sites, and fun, seasonal community events. We recommend visiting Canal Basin Square, the Scottsville Museum, and the Levee Walk (1.2-mile out-and-back on top of the levee). Crozet, just a ~20 minute drive from Charlottesville, is home to beautiful public parks such as Beaver Creek, Mint Springs, and the Crozet Connector Trails.
9. Attend a UVA Home Game
Cheer on the Hoos and experience the energy of UVA Athletics — without breaking the bank! Select UVA teams offer free admission to home games throughout the year, making it easier than ever to catch live college sports while you’re in town. From soccer and lacrosse to volleyball and more, going to a UVA game is a fun, high-energy way to soak up local spirit and enjoy an exciting atmosphere for free!
10. Watch Artists at Work at McGuffey Art Center
Step inside McGuffey Art Center, one of Charlottesville's liveliest (and oldest) creative hubs, to see art being created right before your eyes! This historic artist co-op is located just a block away from the Downtown Mall and home to 50 resident artist members, 100 associate artist members, and 6 incubator artists. Stop by Tuesday - Sunday during their open hours and wander through three floors of galleries, exhibitions, and artist spaces (if the door is open!) We also recommend keeping an eye on their Facebook page, as they are frequently posting events such as artist Q+As, free workshops, and family-friendly open houses.
If you stop by in late-November/December, be sure to stop by for McGuffey Art Center's Winter Market, a beloved annual tradition that sees one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts and original artwork for sale across all three floors of galleries and artist spaces -- perfect for holiday shopping!