Guidebook for Shenandoah Valley
City/town information
Information about Front Royal and some recommended towns to visit while you're here!
This is where you'll be staying, and you'll be very glad you did!
Front Royal is a haven for outdoor recreation, and while it is known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia thanks to its location along the Shenandoah River, there are also tons of opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, golfing, kayaking, tubing, biking, paddling, and much more.
Front Royal has the fastest access to Shenandoah National Park, a place one can spend weeks in and not see everything.
It is home to the Skyline Caverns which is a destination in and of itself! I would recommend going to the Luray Caverns as they are larger and more popular, but Skyline Caverns are part of the same system and can offer a more accessible experience if you are strapped for time.
The town is also on the border of Virginia wine country, and there are a dozen wineries and breweries in and around Front Royal, along with its position along the Blue Ridge Wine and Whiskey Loop.
You certainly won't run out of things to do here!
29 locals recommend
Front Royal
This is where you'll be staying, and you'll be very glad you did!
Front Royal is a haven for outdoor recreation, and while it is known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia thanks to its location along the Shenandoah River, there are also tons of opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, golfing, kayaking, tubing, biking, paddling, and much more.
Front Royal has the fastest access to Shenandoah National Park, a place one can spend weeks in and not see everything.
It is home to the Skyline Caverns which is a destination in and of itself! I would recommend going to the Luray Caverns as they are larger and more popular, but Skyline Caverns are part of the same system and can offer a more accessible experience if you are strapped for time.
The town is also on the border of Virginia wine country, and there are a dozen wineries and breweries in and around Front Royal, along with its position along the Blue Ridge Wine and Whiskey Loop.
You certainly won't run out of things to do here!
Located 30 minutes downriver, Luray is situated at another entrance to Shenandoah National Park. It's a great stopping off point while driving down Skyline Drive, and is home to the famous Luray Caverns - an enchanting set of rooms and geological formations makes it the largest and most popular cavern in the eastern US.
38 locals recommend
Luray
Located 30 minutes downriver, Luray is situated at another entrance to Shenandoah National Park. It's a great stopping off point while driving down Skyline Drive, and is home to the famous Luray Caverns - an enchanting set of rooms and geological formations makes it the largest and most popular cavern in the eastern US.
Located across state lines in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is about 45 minutes northeast.
Here, the Shenandoah River and Potomac River meet, and a visit here will tell you while folks refer to West Virginia as "almost heaven".
Perfect for a daytrip from your stay in Front Royal, Harpers Ferry has a ton of Civil War history, outdoor activities, museums, battlefields, and hiking (I recommend the 5 mile Maryland Heights Trail!)
202 locals recommend
Harpers Ferry
Located across state lines in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is about 45 minutes northeast.
Here, the Shenandoah River and Potomac River meet, and a visit here will tell you while folks refer to West Virginia as "almost heaven".
Perfect for a daytrip from your stay in Front Royal, Harpers Ferry has a ton of Civil War history, outdoor activities, museums, battlefields, and hiking (I recommend the 5 mile Maryland Heights Trail!)
Home of the Manassas National Battlefield Park commemorating the First and Second Battles of Manassas (also known as Bull Run) in the Civil War.
30 locals recommend
Manassas
Home of the Manassas National Battlefield Park commemorating the First and Second Battles of Manassas (also known as Bull Run) in the Civil War.
Sightseeing
Shenandoah River State Park is 1,604 acres with 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The rolling, mountainous land features steep slopes and is mostly wooded.
Take a kayak, canoe, or tube down the Shenandoah River and enjoy the beautiful views. Rentals available at various outdoor shops throughout town.
In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic vistas overlooking Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
55 locals recommend
Shenandoah River State Park
350 Daughter of Stars DrShenandoah River State Park is 1,604 acres with 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The rolling, mountainous land features steep slopes and is mostly wooded.
Take a kayak, canoe, or tube down the Shenandoah River and enjoy the beautiful views. Rentals available at various outdoor shops throughout town.
In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic vistas overlooking Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
Get a small slice of the Appalachian Trail experience right here in Front Royal without having to spend 6-8 months doing the whole thing! The Appalachian Trail (AT) cuts right through town and you may run across some through hikers doing the entire 2200 miles!
AT-Front Royal Junction
Appalachian National Scenic TrailGet a small slice of the Appalachian Trail experience right here in Front Royal without having to spend 6-8 months doing the whole thing! The Appalachian Trail (AT) cuts right through town and you may run across some through hikers doing the entire 2200 miles!
From Atlas Obscura:
"ORIGINALLY STARTED AS A SMALL gift shop, Dinosaurland’s owner took inspiration from a local mini-golf course’s prehistoric statuary and began building his own in the late 1960s. After a number of the homemade beasts were created, the gift shop was officially retitled “Dinosaurland” and a new sign mimicking the “Disneyland” sign was added. The shop’s owner continued to add new statues as the decades went by, like aggressive Tyrannosaurses and doe-eyed Stegosauruses. The skewed proportions and fantastic posing remained while Dinosaurland branched out slightly, adding such eye-catchers such as a King Kong statue (20 feet tall) and a Jaws statue (60 feet tall)!
The park now contains over 50 creatures which have weathered and chipped over the years, but the unmistakable style of an artisan building out of his imagination still permeates the concrete menagerie. The gift shop is extensive now, offering every kind of touristy chintz imaginable."
17 locals recommend
Dinosaur Land
3848 Stonewall Jackson HwyFrom Atlas Obscura:
"ORIGINALLY STARTED AS A SMALL gift shop, Dinosaurland’s owner took inspiration from a local mini-golf course’s prehistoric statuary and began building his own in the late 1960s. After a number of the homemade beasts were created, the gift shop was officially retitled “Dinosaurland” and a new sign mimicking the “Disneyland” sign was added. The shop’s owner continued to add new statues as the decades went by, like aggressive Tyrannosaurses and doe-eyed Stegosauruses. The skewed proportions and fantastic posing remained while Dinosaurland branched out slightly, adding such eye-catchers such as a King Kong statue (20 feet tall) and a Jaws statue (60 feet tall)!
The park now contains over 50 creatures which have weathered and chipped over the years, but the unmistakable style of an artisan building out of his imagination still permeates the concrete menagerie. The gift shop is extensive now, offering every kind of touristy chintz imaginable."
Huge area with tons of hiking and sightseeing options of various landscapes and difficulties.
63 locals recommend
George Washington National Forest
Huge area with tons of hiking and sightseeing options of various landscapes and difficulties.
Sports
Public course that is well-maintained and challenging.
15 locals recommend
Shenandoah Valley Golf Club
134 Golf Club CirPublic course that is well-maintained and challenging.
Rockland Park Disc Golf Course
East 6th StreetChallenging and technical disc golf course
Food scene
Good local brewery with a large selection of beers and pub food. Also has a solid amount of vegetarian/vegan options, though the menu rotates often.
40 locals recommend
Front Royal Brewing Company
122 E Main StGood local brewery with a large selection of beers and pub food. Also has a solid amount of vegetarian/vegan options, though the menu rotates often.
Learn about Virginia’s 400-year history with beer at the Virginia Beer Museum.
19 locals recommend
Virginia Beer Museum
16 Chester StLearn about Virginia’s 400-year history with beer at the Virginia Beer Museum.
Good sandwiches and kombucha, including vegetarian options. Check out the coffee shop behind the main restaurant, housed in an old barn!
7 locals recommend
Manor Line Market
401 East Main StreetGood sandwiches and kombucha, including vegetarian options. Check out the coffee shop behind the main restaurant, housed in an old barn!
Melting Pot Pizza
138 W 14th StCasual pizzeria with good prices for feeding large groups
Famous for both barbecue and Apple Butter Cinnamon Donuts. Don't miss this place while in the area!
52 locals recommend
Apple House
4675 John Marshall HwyFamous for both barbecue and Apple Butter Cinnamon Donuts. Don't miss this place while in the area!
There are a ton of wineries to choose from around Front Royal, but we recommend stopping by Chester Gap to sip wines while enjoying amazing views of the surrounding mountains from its tasting room and lawn seating.
24 locals recommend
Chester Gap Cellars
4615 Remount RdThere are a ton of wineries to choose from around Front Royal, but we recommend stopping by Chester Gap to sip wines while enjoying amazing views of the surrounding mountains from its tasting room and lawn seating.
If you enjoy mead, this is your place! And if you haven't yet tried mead, now's your opportunity to do so. Located right on Main Street, just a short walk from where you'll be staying.
9 locals recommend
Honey & Hops Brew Works
212 East Main StreetIf you enjoy mead, this is your place! And if you haven't yet tried mead, now's your opportunity to do so. Located right on Main Street, just a short walk from where you'll be staying.
If you're looking for a more refined dining experience that is still very affordable, Element is a great place to check out. Expect around $25 per person for food. Reservations recommended on weekends.
37 locals recommend
Element
317 E Main StIf you're looking for a more refined dining experience that is still very affordable, Element is a great place to check out. Expect around $25 per person for food. Reservations recommended on weekends.
River rentals
Both are good options for renting gear for the Shenandoah River, including canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes to float the river with a cooler.
34 locals recommend
Downriver Canoe Co
884 Indian Hollow RdBoth are good options for renting gear for the Shenandoah River, including canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes to float the river with a cooler.
Both are good options for renting gear for the Shenandoah River, including canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes to float the river with a cooler.
47 locals recommend
Front Royal Outdoors
8567 Stonewall Jackson HwyBoth are good options for renting gear for the Shenandoah River, including canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes to float the river with a cooler.
Bookstores
Royal Oak Bookshop
207 S Royal AveA fun neighborhood bookstore with resident cats!