Staunton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, Staunton is a charming city that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant arts scene, Staunton is a delightful destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience.

One of the highlights of Staunton is its historic downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As you stroll along the quaint streets, you'll be captivated by the beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings that house a variety of shops, boutiques, and art galleries. The bustling farmers market, held every Saturday, is a must-visit for those who want to sample fresh local produce and artisanal products.

For history enthusiasts, Staunton offers a wealth of fascinating sites. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum provides insight into the life and legacy of the 28th President of the United States. Take a guided tour of the beautifully restored birthplace and explore the interactive exhibits that showcase Wilson's presidency during World War I.

No visit to Staunton is complete without a visit to the Frontier Culture Museum. This unique outdoor museum tells the story of the early immigrants who settled in the Shenandoah Valley. Wander through the recreated 18th and 19th-century farms, interact with costumed interpreters, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of early American settlers.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in the Staunton area. Just a short drive away, Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous hiking trails. For a more leisurely outdoor experience, visit the beautiful Gypsy Hill Park, which features walking paths, sports fields, and a serene lake where you can rent paddle boats.

In the evenings, immerse yourself in Staunton's vibrant arts scene. The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse, the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater, offers an unforgettable experience for theater lovers. Catch a performance of one of Shakespeare's timeless plays or attend one of the many concerts and art exhibitions that take place throughout the year.

Alternative names: Population: 24.4 thous.Area: 20.02 mi²Elevation: 1407 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°8'57"N, 79°4'18"W

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VirginiaUnited States

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Staunton Top Attractions

Staunton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Staunton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Wharf Area Historic District. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Entertainment • History museum
Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
The Frontier Culture Museum, located in Staunton, Virginia is a living history museum that tells the story of the people who migrated from the Old World to America and the life they created in the Shenandoah Valley. The Museum is made up of original or reproduced examples of traditional buildings from the Old World and America.
Ruins
Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents
The Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents, formerly known as The DeJarnette Center for Human Development, is a children's mental hospital located in the city of Staunton, Virginia, in the United States.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is a complex located in Staunton, Virginia. It contains the President's birthplace, known as the "Manse", a Museum that explores the life and times of Woodrow Wilson, a 6,800 square feet Research Library, a gift shop, and several other buildings that are not open to the public.

Park • Greek Revival architecture
Wharf Area Historic District
Wharf Area Historic District is a national historic district located at Staunton, Virginia. The district encompasses 22 contributing buildings and 4 contributing structures.
Cemetery
Staunton National Cemetery
Staunton National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the Shenandoah Valley, in Staunton, Virginia. Administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, it encompasses just over a single acre, and as of the end of 2005 had 994 interments.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Trinity Episcopal Church
The Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton VA. is a Gothic Revival style building in Staunton, Virginia. It is an active Episcopal church in the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It is located in the Newtown Historic District.
38°8'59"N • 79°4'22"W
Camera Heritage Museum
Museum • Specialty museum
Synagogue
Temple House of Israel
Temple House of Israel is a Jewish congregation in Staunton, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1876 by Major Alexander Hart, it originally held services in members' homes, then moved to a building on Kalorama street in 1885, the year it joined the Union for Reform Judaism.
38°8'53"N • 79°4'17"W
Bruce A. Elder Antique and Classic Automobiles
Museum • Specialty museum
38°8'53"N • 79°4'25"W
Staunton Farmers' Market
Shopping • Farmer's market • Market
Concerts and shows • Auditorium • Theater
Francis Auditorium
The Mary Baldwin University, Main Building is a historic building on the Mary Baldwin University campus in Staunton, Virginia. It was built in 1844, and is a Greek Revival style educational building.
Park • Gothic Revival architecture
Stuart Addition Historic District
Stuart Addition Historic District is a national historic district located at Staunton, Virginia. The district encompasses 93 contributing buildings in a primarily residential section of Staunton.
38°8'56"N • 79°4'20"W
Augusta County Courthouse
The Augusta County Courthouse is a two-story, red brick, public building in Staunton, Virginia. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It was designed by T.J. Collins, and construction ended in the Autumn of 1901. It is located in the Beverley Historic District.
Concerts and shows • Theater
American Shakespeare Center
The American Shakespeare Center is a regional theatre company located in Staunton, Virginia, that focuses on the plays of William Shakespeare; his contemporaries Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher, Christopher Marlowe; and works related to Shakespeare, like James Goldman's The...
38°9'34"N • 79°4'57"W
Gypsy Hill Park
Theme park • Park
Historical place
Kable House
The Kable House is an Italianate building from 1873 on the Mary Baldwin University campus. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 19, 1979. It is a two-story, five-bay brick house on a raised basement. Construction started in 1873, and was completed in 1874, for John W. Alby.
Neighbourhood • Greek Revival architecture
Gospel Hill
Gospel Hill Historic District is a national historic district located at Staunton, Virginia. The district encompasses 180 contributing buildings in a primarily residential section of Staunton.
Gothic Revival architecture • Georgian architecture
Steephill
Steephill is a historic home located at Staunton, Virginia. It was built in 1877–1878 in the Gothic Revival style, and remodeled in 1926–1927 in the Georgian Revival style.
38°8'45"N • 79°4'20"W
Sears House
Sears House is a historic home located at Staunton, Virginia. It was built about 1860, and is a 1+1⁄2-story, frame dwelling representative of a small "bracketed cottage" popularized by Andrew Jackson Downing.

Day trips

Staunton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Staunton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Monticello (Charlottesville), Luray Caverns (Luray), Crabtree Falls (Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area).

35 milesE
Thomas Jefferson's famed plantation home
Monticello, Charlottesville
Nestled in the rolling hills of Albemarle County, Virginia, Monticello stands as a testament to American history and architectural innovation. This historical landmark, once the beloved home of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, is located just...
48 milesNE
Cathedral-sized vibrant rock formations
Luray Caverns, Luray
Nestled in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Luray Caverns stands as a majestic natural wonder that has been drawing visitors from around the globe. Discovered in 1878, these ancient underground caves offer a breathtaking spectacle of towering stone columns...
21 milesS
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Park
Crabtree Falls, Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area
Crabtree Falls is one of the tallest sets of waterfalls in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is located in the George Washington National Forest in Nelson County, Virginia, off of Virginia State Route 56.
15 milesNE
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Grand Caverns, Grottoes
Grand Caverns, formerly known as Weyer's Cave, is located in the central Shenandoah Valley in the town of Grottoes, Virginia, United States. A limestone cavern, it claims the distinction of being America's oldest show cave, in operation since 1806.
32 milesE
Monuments and statues
Statue of Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville
Thomas Jefferson is a statue of U.S. Founding Father and president Thomas Jefferson in front of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, the university he founded and designed. The statue was crafted by Moses Ezekiel in 1910 and was a copy of the Jefferson statue in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Best Time To Visit Staunton

Learn when is the best time to travel to Staunton weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April, May, June, July, August, September and October are the busiest months in this location.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and December. Most of it rains in May, July, August, September and October.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Staunton?

The top attractions to visit in Staunton are:

What is the best time to visit Staunton?

April, May, June, July, August, September and October are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.