Top 6 nature & wildlife things to do in Charlottesville

1. Four-day Smoky Mountain tour from New York City

Four days of travel by coach — Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, with bilingual guides and meals included.

2. Self-guided audio tour bundle for Eastern USA road trips

A downloadable audio tour for Eastern USA covering 14 iconic destinations — explore at your own pace without needing cell service.

3. Self-guided audio tour of Shenandoah National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive on Skyline Drive with a self-guided audio tour of Shenandoah National Park, featuring breathtaking overlooks and insights into the region's history.

“I visited midweek, beginning at Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, where I stayed overnight for an early start. There was no line to enter the park, and due to the government shutdown, the usual $30 fee was waived. I had learned that I could have obtained a $20 senior annual pass for entry. Make sure to download the park map ahead of time since there's no WiFi and limited cell service. A highlight of my trip was the Action Tours guide I found on TripAdvisor, which cost $16.99. I downloaded it before arriving, and it provided a map and an audio tour of the entire 135-mile drive, detailing points of interest and the trails. It was fantastic and worth the price, with access available for a year after purchase. Driving through was gorgeous, though the speed limit is 35 mph, with sharp curves and wildlife. I spotted deer and various birds, and some tree groves that date back to the park's founding. While traffic was light for a midweek day, there were a few drivers speeding at 55 mph, which posed a risk to wildlife. A semi-truck also sped dangerously, likely making deliveries. Most drivers adhered to the speed limit, allowing time to truly enjoy the stunning scenery transitioning from forest to open meadows. There are several picnic and restroom facilities, including Loft Mountain, Louis Mountain, Skyland, Big Meadows, Elk Wallow, and Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. I look forward to making this drive again and using the Action Tours app once more.”— zstargazer

4. Charlottesville ghost tour — evening walking exploration

Two-hour walking tour of haunted locations in Charlottesville, featuring local legends and historical tales of tragedy and the supernatural.

“Reubens, our guide, was both friendly and knowledgeable. We appreciated her local stories as well as her personal anecdotes. She facilitated a great conversation among herself and all the guests.”— Alicia R

5. Dairy Market food tour in Charlottesville

A guided exploration of the Dairy Market, including tastings from local vendors and insights into the local food scene.

“After recently enjoying a food tour at Pike Place Market in Seattle, my family and I were eager to experience the Dairy Market tour in Charlottesville. The reservation process and communication with our guide were both smooth. This tour surpassed all our expectations. Our guide was fantastic, and the food was exceptional. We even had leftovers to take home because there was so much! I highly recommend this for any food enthusiast.”— atcamyp

6. Self-guided audio tour of Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park

Self-directed audio tour along 100 miles of Skyline Drive, revealing the history and natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park.

“Much of the drive felt empty, with not much information offered beyond what was already available on NPS signs. I had hoped for additional side stories and insights.”— Cindy_L