Nestled within the hills along the Shenandoah Valley, Charlottesville, Virginia, mixes beautiful mountain views with a stunning downtown scene. It’s home to several famous landmarks, including Monticello, James Monroe’s house, Michie Tavern, and the University of Virginia. It’s an absolutely charming place to spend a day!
While the town is not particularly large, you’ll find plenty of wonderful things to do in the area surrounding it. It has a wonderfully eclectic mix of classic architecture alongside modern apartments and restaurants, particularly around UVA.
One of the most popular stops outside town is Monticello. And while I agree that Monticello is definitely one of those places that you must see in your lifetime, it’s expensive. Standard tickets for two people will set you back $52 for approximately 3 hours of exploring.
I’ve compiled an itinerary for the perfect day in Charlottesville that will cost you less than a visit to Monticello. These are activities that you can do in the Spring to Fall seasons, but I’d highly recommend doing them in the Fall as the leaves start to turn and the weather cools down a bit because you will see some indescribable views during this perfect day.
1. University of Virginia
Start your adventure in the heart of Charlottesville at the University of Virginia. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia is one of the most beautiful and historic college campuses in the United States.
The college offers free daily historical tours on campus while courses are in session, except for home football game days. Try to catch the 10 a.m. tour to get a good start on your day. They also have two special tours, “History of Women” and “History of African Americans” offered by request, but you’ll need to contact the school ahead of time and have at least 8 people in your group.
The regular tour starts from the Rotunda, a lovely building designed by Thomas Jefferson and modeled after the Roman Pantheon. It overlooks the beautiful university Lawn and also serves as a study center for students in the evenings.
2. Carter Mountain Orchard
After the tour, head about 15 minutes out of town to the Carter Mountain Orchard. As the name suggests, you’ll drive up a steep road to access this fantastic orchard perched on top of the mountain.
The mountains are visible at at least 180 degrees from the parking lot here. In the back there’s a wide-reaching view of the valley. You’ll see wild forest blend into little clusters of houses and larger towns further into the distance. It’s a truly enviable view.
But don’t just take in the sights here–have some fun!
Bushels of fresh fruit await under the awning of the main building. The Country Store and Bakery offers everything from assorted jellies and baked goods to aprons and toys. And the Mountain Grill serves up delicious food that you can enjoy with fresh cider.
Depending on the season, take some time to pick your own peaches and apples. Carter Mountain Orchard offers a wide variety of fruits that you’ll undoubtedly want to try! (I highly recommend the donut peaches!)
3. James Monroe’s Highland
When you’ve picked and eaten your fill, drive another twelve minutes east to the home of James Monroe, America’s 5th president. While his house is small compared to the grandeur of Monticello, the history and the landscape at the Highland are priceless.
You can choose to do a tour of the home or an augmented reality tour of the grounds for between $13 and $19 per person (discounts for military, local students, and residents), or just explore the Highland Rustic Trails for free!
The tours discuss different aspects of Monroe’s home, including the furniture, as well as his personal history, and insight on the lives of the slaves that lived on the property.
If you don’t want a tour, head right to the trails for some good exercise and incredible scenery. Guests can choose from four routes with a variety of pasture, woodland, and mountain views. The Highland is also a working farm, so you may spot some cattle while you’re meandering along the pasture trails. The South Pasture Loop is even open to bikes if you’d prefer not to walk.
The Red Trail is the longest route at 2.1 miles long; you also have to go along the Blue Trail for a bit to access the Red Trail. However, if you can manage the walk and the “strenuous mountainside walking,” you’ll be rewarded with some gorgeous views.
4. I-64 Scenic Overlook
At this point, you’re no doubt tired from the long day, but there’s one final, spectacular attraction on the agenda. Head back toward Charlottesville and grab some dinner if you need to, but keep an eye on the sunset. Approximately 30 minutes away from the James Monroe Highlands, you’ll find the I-64 scenic overlook. This pull-off area along the high provides a stunning panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley. And if you hit it right at sunset, it’s even better.
To access the overlook, you’ll have to drive towards Waynesboro and then come back towards Charlottesville, but it’s worth the time. There’s no hiking involved here and no fees—just the peaceful expanse of the mountains and valleys spread out before you in all the wondrous glory that nature has to offer.
Soak it in. Take some pictures. And enjoy the moment.
Closing Thoughts on Charlottesville, Virginia
I hope you enjoyed this one-day itinerary for Charlottesville and that it gives you some inspiration for a trip there! Daniel and I certainly had a blast during our visit, and it’s on our list of places to go again. It’s really the perfect place for a retreat away from the busyness of modern life and to just enjoy the beauty of nature!
If you’re looking for more things to do nearby, it’s conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park. We’ve explored both over the years and absolutely love the scenery–especially in the fall!
Feel free to leave any questions below or comments on other places you’d recommend in Charlottesville! Don’t forget to share this post to help spread the word and subscribe to get the weekly post sent straight to your inbox for free!
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