Luray Caverns
Explore the largest cave system on the East Coast, marveling at ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Luray Caverns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the largest cave system on the East Coast, marveling at ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
"This natural underground masterpiece is the largest cave system in Eastern America, and it’s packed with jaw-dropping sights."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved paths have inclines and declines. Good walking shoes are essential for the mile-long tour.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The caverns maintain a cool, constant temperature year-round. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stalactites & Stalagmites
Throughout the caverns
Marvel at the immense natural formations, some towering 140 feet high, sculpted over millions of years.
Dream Lake
Caverns
A crystal-clear pool reflecting the cave's formations, creating a surreal and breathtaking underground landscape.
Car & Carriage Caravan Museum
Included with ticket
Explore a fascinating collection of antique cars and horse-drawn carriages, a unique addition to your cavern visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved paths have inclines and declines. Good walking shoes are essential for the mile-long tour.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The caverns maintain a cool, constant temperature year-round. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
📸 Capture the Magic
Photography is allowed! Bring your camera to capture the stunning formations, but be mindful of others.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The self-guided tour takes about an hour, but factor in time for other attractions like the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paved paths have inclines and declines. Good walking shoes are essential for the mile-long tour.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The caverns maintain a cool, constant temperature year-round. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
📸 Capture the Magic
Photography is allowed! Bring your camera to capture the stunning formations, but be mindful of others.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The self-guided tour takes about an hour, but factor in time for other attractions like the museum.
💰 Look for Discounts
Check for potential discounts, like the Giant Food card offer mentioned by visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Luray Caverns for its breathtaking natural beauty and impressive geological formations, calling it a 'must-visit' and a 'natural wonder.' The self-guided tour is appreciated for its informative nature and the inclusion of other attractions like the Car & Carriage Museum enhances the value. Some find the accessibility challenging in certain areas and note the cool, damp environment.
"We had a really great time at Luray Caverns and here’s a friendly tip. If you have a Giant Food card and buy your tickets at the door, you get 50% off your second ticket. We took advantage of that and it was definitely worth it.
The walk from the parking lot to the entrance is a bit of a hike, so wear comfortable shoes. I hadn’t been in years and I was surprised to see there are no steps to enter anymore. It’s now a sloped walkway that takes you right into the cavern, which makes it much more accessible.
Once you’re inside, it’s dark, damp in some spots, and probably about a mile and a half long. You’ll get a nice little workout walking through, but it’s so interesting to see what nature created underground. The formations are fascinating and it’s wild to think this was discovered back in the late 1800s.
If you haven’t been in a while, it’s definitely worth going back. Wear good shoes, take your time, and enjoy it. Luray Caverns is one of those places that reminds you how amazing the natural world really is."
Stacie
"Amazing Caves. The self-guided tour lasts about 1h, and the path is paved and smooth, making it easy to walk. The most interesting parts are well marked so you can read the explanation in the pamphlet. In some spots, the staff is happy to answer questions and give more information. The dream lake was impressive and we enjoyed listening to the organ playing. We had a great time exploring the other attractions included in the ticket as well, especially the cars and carriages museum."
Francesca Ghezzo
"Great place. Really easy to get to and it was a beautiful scenic drive arriving there. The caverns were really nice and cool down there. The organ was pretty awesome. It says that it's handicap accessible but there are some parts that I would find it very hard to get a wheelchair through and deep inclines and declines. I'm not saying you can't get in there with a wheelchair but I had a double stroller and it was very difficult."
John Walenczyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Luray Caverns is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Washington D.C., making it a popular day trip destination for those in the DMV area. +1
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Luray Caverns. The scenic drive through the Shenandoah Valley is part of the experience.
Yes, Luray Caverns is conveniently located about 15 minutes from Shenandoah National Park, making it easy to combine visits.
Public transportation options are very limited. Driving is highly recommended for most visitors.
The address is 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA 22835.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by age. As of recent information, adults are around $32, children (ages 6-12) are $16, and seniors are $29. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to save time and potentially secure better rates.
Visitors have mentioned potential discounts, such as using a Giant Food card for 50% off a second ticket. It's worth inquiring about any available promotions.
Luray Caverns is open daily year-round. Hours can vary seasonally, with longer hours during the summer months. Check their official website for specific daily hours.
While there's a sloped walkway for easier entry, some parts of the cavern tour have inclines, declines, and narrow passages that can be challenging for wheelchairs and double strollers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The self-guided tour through Luray Caverns typically lasts about one hour.
You'll see incredible natural formations like stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and underground pools, including the famous Dream Lake.
Yes, photography is permitted inside the caverns, allowing you to capture the stunning geological wonders.
Your ticket often includes access to the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village.
Yes, the caverns maintain a cool, consistent temperature year-round, typically around 54°F (12°C).
📸 📸 Photography
Every corner offers a photo opportunity! The Dream Lake, the Cathedral Room, and areas with dramatic stalactite/stalagmite formations are particularly photogenic.
While generally allowed, it's best to check with staff on-site, as flash can sometimes be discouraged to preserve the delicate formations and for the comfort of other visitors.
Due to the low light conditions, a tripod can be very helpful for sharper images. Experiment with higher ISO settings and wider apertures.
No, drone usage is strictly prohibited inside the caverns for safety and preservation reasons.
While not explicitly advertised as photo tours, the self-guided nature allows you to linger in areas you find particularly inspiring for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main cavern tour, the included attractions like Toy Town Junction and the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum are big hits with kids. The Gem Sluice (where kids can pan for gems) and the Rope Adventure Park offer more active fun.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
It's a perfect opportunity for quiet reflection or intimate discovery. Combine your visit with the nearby Shenandoah National Park for scenic drives and hiking, or explore the charming town of Luray. The included museums offer a pleasant diversion, and the overall experience is both memorable and visually stunning, making it ideal for creating shared experiences or personal enrichment.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Plan for at least half a day to fully enjoy the caverns and one or two of the additional attractions. Consider staying overnight in Luray to explore more of the Shenandoah Valley, as many visitors recommend extending their stay to enjoy the surrounding area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Caverns: A Journey Underground
+1The formations are not just visually striking but also tell a story of slow, patient geological processes. Highlights include the Dream Lake, a perfectly still underground pool that offers stunning reflections, and the Cathedral Room, an enormous chamber with soaring ceilings. The caverns are also known for their unique 'Stalacpipe Organ,' where electronically-activated rubber-tipped mallets strike stalactites to produce music.
While the main tour is the star attraction, the accessibility has been improved with sloped walkways, making it easier for many visitors. However, some sections still present challenges with inclines and declines, so comfortable footwear is essential. The experience is designed to be awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into the Earth's hidden beauty.
Beyond the Caverns: Additional Attractions
For a touch of nostalgia and whimsy, Toy Town Junction presents a delightful display of vintage toys, appealing to both children and adults. Additionally, the Shenandoah Heritage Village provides a glimpse into the region's past with preserved historical buildings, offering context to the area's development.
For the more adventurous, Luray Caverns also features a Rope Adventure Park and a Garden Maze. The maze, in particular, has garnered some intriguing lore, with social media posts hinting at its mysterious nature.
These additional sites provide a well-rounded experience, catering to various interests and ensuring there's something for everyone. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit