Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This spectacular natural formation features enormous chambers filled with towering stalactite columns, shimmering travertine draperies, and crystal-clear pools. Explore the caves through its well-lit, paved walkways and you’ll find yourself in magnificent cathedral-sized rooms with 10-story-high ceilings. Listen out for the haunting sounds of the “singing” rocks, thanks to the world’s largest musical instrument the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which plays the stalactites. Learn how this organ works and other cool facts on a self-guided tour of the caves. While you’re there, the nearby Car and Carriage Caravan Museum and Rope Adventure Park are worth a visit, too.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Luray Caverns and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
36 within 3 miles
Attractions
35 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Mary-Elizabeth E12 contributionsAwe inspiringLike nothing else anywhere else. Mind boggling show of profound geological process. Beautiful and awe inspiring. Staff providing intro to self-guided tour very nice and helpful. Cool, simple graphic is provided to explain origin of the caverns and the valley. I do wish the organ was better used than the short eerie electronic renderings. Regardless, a MUST see. Worth coming even just for this one attraction.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 12, 2023
- BlovesfoodBensalem, Pennsylvania658 contributionsAre you scared of the darkIf you have been to other caverns, this isn't very different. The main difference to me is this cavern feels more commercialized and touristy and less natural. The area is set up as a one-stop shop for activities instead of centering this natural wonder. The cavern tour is self-guided. I used the QR code to open an electronic brochure that was easy to read no matter what light the rooms offered. It was fun when someone accidentally turned the lights off and a small group of us were continuing by the lights of our cell phones. It was DARK! I would say to plan for an hour underground in the cavern and additional time for souvenirs, chocolate chip cookies, stalactite Cafe, and the historical village. The temp is about 55 inside and was perfect for wearing a light sweater. Had some breathing difficulty as we went deeper into the cave. Those with asthma should bring their inhaler.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 18, 2023
- Aimee W41 contributionsA Gorgeous Site!This place is wonderful! Beautifully designed for all ages and abilities! The path has been overhauled to make it a 100% stair free brick pathway into and through the caves. HUGE for people like myself with limited mobility, people in wheelchairs and strollers can access this site that would normally be so difficult for folks with wheeled needs. The caves were beautiful. The information so interesting, and easy to follow. A great experience!Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 23, 2023
- Ahme1987Glen Carbon, Illinois73 contributionsBeautifulThe caverns are a self guided tour. There are 2 options, a website on your phone or a brochure with descriptions for each stop. It was crowded but you could go at your own pace and take photos. The caverns are gorgeous and it is cool to see the stalactites and stalagmites at various lengths. Near the end, there is a organ that uses the caverns to make the vibrations for the music. After we were done with the caverns, we went to the car museum. Almost all of the cars in the museum run. It was cool to see how they change throughout the years.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 29, 2023
- Dreamer15216558978Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania2 contributionsWorth seeingWe were there for a wedding and it was wonderful. Before the wedding, we did a tour on our own and was really beautiful. Would recommend going in the morning less crowded. They also have antique car show and a toy museum on the property which is free. Was worth seeing as well.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 1, 2023
- ToIrelandwithlove42 contributionsOrgan Needs Repair, No Seats to rest on, Still SpectacularI came here many years ago, back when the organ still clearly played "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." Now it sounds like off-key random sounds. They still say it's playing the hymn, which is embarrassing. They need to fix the organ. Also, I saw several older people struggling to walk the whole thing. Pregnant women and older people don't need wheelchairs, but they do need seats every once and a while. When we went, Nov 23, there were no tours. It was self-guided with numbers and a pamphlet. Don't know if that is always the case. It used to all be guided, but maybe that is just summer months? The walkways are all wheelchair accessible, but it is a long walk. You no longer have to climb down stairs from the gift shop. If you are an older person or pregnant lady and can't walk a long way without a break, I recommend getting a wheelchair.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 3, 2023
- Andrés BlancoCarteret, New Jersey737 contributionsA natural wonderDrove all the way from Jersey to visit the caverns and I can say it was worth it. These caverns are the most beautiful and best preserved I've been on. The complex around Luray Caverns also has other attractions like a garden maze, a car and carriage museum, and more. There is also a good souvenir shop that you will pass going in and out of the caverns. The following comment is a personal mistake I made but I want to point it out just so other people don't commit it. I took a wheelchair user to the caverns and I regret it big time... Even though I carefully read what the attraction's website states about accessibility I got too excited reading that the whole tour was step-free and all walkways were paved. The problem was that some areas had very steep inclines going up and down so this required a lot of effort to do. It can also be dangerous because the floor is also wet so please don't try it.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 20, 2023
- Joann GStaten Island, New York25 contributionsBeautiful cave!Awesome time and spectacular experience. My only criticism was the young people who were working the day I went were too interested other friends than to give us information. We saw the organ and hoped we would hear the music .when we were leaving we asked if they ever play the music and we found out it plays every 5 minutes but it has to be activated by an employee. There were four employees when we were there ignoring our attempts to get info about the organ and we finally left. It was disappointing that we could have heard the organ play.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 28, 2023
- Mike SEgg Harbor Township, New Jersey6 contributionsGreat Experience with one sour noteThe Caverns were Amazing!! Mother Nature at her Best. Well worth the time to experience it no matter your age. Scott was one of the hosts inside the cavern and gave a few pointers. The only downer on this experience was the young girl who job is to try and sell you a picture of your party as you enter the Caverns. She didn't handle No very well in fact she was rather rude because we didn't want to buy the picture package at $45.00. She really needs to accept a no with a smile and not to rip away the pictures before you finish the word no thank you. Other than that, Fantastic !!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 2, 2023
- Juan DiegoWashington DC, District of Columbia414 contributionsPerfectWe decided to visit this place on the recommendation of some friends. It is an incredible place, out of the ordinary, you feel like you are on another planet. These caves are indescribable, the natural creations, figures and changes over time make this place a natural wonder worth admiring and visiting. It takes 2 to 3 hours to tour the caves and enjoy the entire landscape. I highly recommend this place.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten February 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,935 reviews
Excellent
3,120
Very good
1,342
Average
325
Poor
98
Terrible
50
Carmen L
632 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
After so many years of wanting to check out Luray, I finally checked out this underground gem. The line outside was long, but it went by quickly. The trek is easy once inside, as it’s a paved path. Some stretches are narrow, which means others can’t pass you. Please be mindful of that, otherwise you’ll back up everyone behind you. (The family behind us did it and caused a MAJOR backup).
There’s plenty of parking, a couple of gift shops, a small eatery to get snacks. Your ticket also gets you in to a couple of the adjacent museums, so it’s well worth it if you have kids and want to entertain them for a few hours.
There’s plenty of parking, a couple of gift shops, a small eatery to get snacks. Your ticket also gets you in to a couple of the adjacent museums, so it’s well worth it if you have kids and want to entertain them for a few hours.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
123Freckles
Holland, MI553 contributions
Oct 2019
We had never heard of this place before our visit to Gordonsville, VA. We happened to see a pamphlet about it and thought it might be interesting - it WAS! We are seniors, so our entrance fee was $25.00 each, which was well worth it since it also included the car museum. I thought the car museum would be boring, but I ended up really enjoying it! The caverns were beautiful! We especially enjoyed the organ that plays on the stalactites and the reflection pools. Some of the walkways were a little steep, but we were fine (we're 73 & 81). You may feel a little disoriented at times too! They recently finished a new wheelchair friendly entrance to the caverns. Plenty of photo-ops here!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaynell C
Daphne, AL67 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Social distancing in effect. Fortunately for us, we chose to go on a weekday instead of the weekend & it was lots less crowded. Early arrival is also a good thing. Wear non slip shoes as some areas are wet. We were allowed to tour at our own pace, which was great, as we enjoy taking pictures. Probably the best cave system we've ever been through & we've been to several. Loved that their was a Veterans memorial & a wishing well , of which the proceeds benefit different charities. Don't miss the car museum. It's included in your ticket price & also the heritage museum & outbuildings. Both were very nice. You could spend a couple of hours or half a day, or maybe a full day if you take in all of the attractions. Some are at additional cost ( the maze & ropes course ) Admission is $30 to the Caverns, kinda high, but if you take in all that's included, it's not bad. All employees that we encountered were
kind & helpful with questions. There's also a toy museum that's included that has antique toys. All in all, a must see for all age groups . Must be in good physical condition to walk through the caves.
kind & helpful with questions. There's also a toy museum that's included that has antique toys. All in all, a must see for all age groups . Must be in good physical condition to walk through the caves.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paprika
9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Luray caverns advertises that it's now wheelchair acceptable so we went for my husbands birthday this past weekend. We quickly learned it is not.
When buying tickets we were informed that some parts were so steep, we would potentially need three people with me. Aka I would have to ask two strangers. I completely understand that they only have so much space to work with and that due to the structure of the cave it's not simple to keep things on an even level, but info like that should be made well aware on their site.
However the most upsetting thing was the bathroom. The handicap stall could not fit a wheelchair, not even close. I'm not really sure that's even legal? And to exit the restroom you have to roll out backwards since there's no turning room.
I wouldn't be so bothered if they hadn't exclaimed everywhere how accessible they are now. It's hard to enjoy the views when you and your partner are sweating up a storm trying to roll up a a steep incline. And degrading to have to leave your wheelchair outside of a bathroom stall to use it.
We still had an enjoyable weekend but I cannot recommend Luray at all if you are disabled.
When buying tickets we were informed that some parts were so steep, we would potentially need three people with me. Aka I would have to ask two strangers. I completely understand that they only have so much space to work with and that due to the structure of the cave it's not simple to keep things on an even level, but info like that should be made well aware on their site.
However the most upsetting thing was the bathroom. The handicap stall could not fit a wheelchair, not even close. I'm not really sure that's even legal? And to exit the restroom you have to roll out backwards since there's no turning room.
I wouldn't be so bothered if they hadn't exclaimed everywhere how accessible they are now. It's hard to enjoy the views when you and your partner are sweating up a storm trying to roll up a a steep incline. And degrading to have to leave your wheelchair outside of a bathroom stall to use it.
We still had an enjoyable weekend but I cannot recommend Luray at all if you are disabled.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hopesicle
Florida166 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
I was hesitant at first about visiting since it was a 3 hour drive from where we were staying and a bit expensive but it was absolutely worth it. We got the kids a flashlight (the youngest was scared at the thought of a cave) but it wasn’t necessary as there is ample lighting. We were all just amazed at all the different formations and the vastness of the caverns. The areas are clearly numbered and you get a pamphlet that tells you all about the unique features of that area. We toured the caverns portion in exactly one hour.
We did the full experience with the garden maze and ropes course. The maze was fun and the ropes course was wonderful and a highlight of our entire trip! The car museum only takes about 10 minutes but has everything from buggies all the way through early motorized cars. We had to rush through the Luray/Shenandoah museum because they were about to close. We spent 4 hours on property but didn’t quite get to experience everything. 5 hours would have been ideal.
Honestly we were annoyed to have to wear masks even during the ropes course and in the caverns but then other reviewers feel there weren’t enough precautions, so you can’t please everyone.
Either way, this is a definite must see!
We did the full experience with the garden maze and ropes course. The maze was fun and the ropes course was wonderful and a highlight of our entire trip! The car museum only takes about 10 minutes but has everything from buggies all the way through early motorized cars. We had to rush through the Luray/Shenandoah museum because they were about to close. We spent 4 hours on property but didn’t quite get to experience everything. 5 hours would have been ideal.
Honestly we were annoyed to have to wear masks even during the ropes course and in the caverns but then other reviewers feel there weren’t enough precautions, so you can’t please everyone.
Either way, this is a definite must see!
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC408 contributions
Aug 2020
We went to Luray Caverns after I read about a trip to the caves by the National Geographic Society in 1905, back when the train was taken on a steam train and wagons. We came down from Shenandoah National Park for an afternoon to come to the caverns.
The caves themselves were spectacular and worth the trip, if you can go when the lines are short and the cave not too crowded, as it was when we were there. The cave itself was a bit too altered and accessible for my taste, with smooth brick paths, handrails, and lighting making it feel like a Disney attraction taking you from one room to the next.
The rest of the Luray Caverns campus was less impressive. We ate lunch at the little cafe, which had a very limited menu of mediocre food, so we went to Wendy's afterward to fill up. The various museums felt rundown and the additional costs for the somewhat poorly maintained hedge maze was not worth it, except perhaps for small children. It felt overall like a roadside tourist trap.
My recommendation would be to walk the cave and skip the rest.
The caves themselves were spectacular and worth the trip, if you can go when the lines are short and the cave not too crowded, as it was when we were there. The cave itself was a bit too altered and accessible for my taste, with smooth brick paths, handrails, and lighting making it feel like a Disney attraction taking you from one room to the next.
The rest of the Luray Caverns campus was less impressive. We ate lunch at the little cafe, which had a very limited menu of mediocre food, so we went to Wendy's afterward to fill up. The various museums felt rundown and the additional costs for the somewhat poorly maintained hedge maze was not worth it, except perhaps for small children. It felt overall like a roadside tourist trap.
My recommendation would be to walk the cave and skip the rest.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road_warriorXTRM
Philadelphia, PA507 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We were here 30 years ago, wow how times flies. Now it has become so much more than caverns. It is an experience and you can easily spend 1/2 day here or more. Admission includes the cavern, toy museum, car museum and the Luray County Museum. In addition to cavern I would recommend a visit to the Luray County Museum which is about 200 yards from the cavern entrance.
Overall a great day and we a pleasant experience on a 95+ degree day.
Overall a great day and we a pleasant experience on a 95+ degree day.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Durwoody
Dallas, TX448 contributions
Jun 2021
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! This was my first trip to a cavern. It was spectacular! Thankfully, it wasn’t crowded, and I got to take some gorgeous photos. Soaring ceilings, rock formations and the multitude of colors will have you stopping in awe.
My jaw has not dropped in a long time and it did several times in the cavern. I thought the most amazing part of the caverns was the area with the mirror surface. It takes a minute for you to realize what you are seeing. There was not an audio tour when I went, but they give you a brochure with corresponding numbers of some of the formations. The self-guided tour takes about 90 minutes. Be sure to check out the cavern organ. There was a guide there who told us about the organ and how it was created.
The purchase of the cavern ticket allows you into the Car & Carriage Museum and the Toy Town Junction Museum. There are also garden mazes, food kiosk, picnic area, and a rope adventure park for an extra charge and more fun.
My jaw has not dropped in a long time and it did several times in the cavern. I thought the most amazing part of the caverns was the area with the mirror surface. It takes a minute for you to realize what you are seeing. There was not an audio tour when I went, but they give you a brochure with corresponding numbers of some of the formations. The self-guided tour takes about 90 minutes. Be sure to check out the cavern organ. There was a guide there who told us about the organ and how it was created.
The purchase of the cavern ticket allows you into the Car & Carriage Museum and the Toy Town Junction Museum. There are also garden mazes, food kiosk, picnic area, and a rope adventure park for an extra charge and more fun.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Da-juiceman
Philadelphia, PA298 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
The stalactites and stalagmites were stunningly presented and impeccably lit. We found one area, where the ceiling was mirrored by still water below, a photo worthy showstopper (as did many others). The entire exploration took our family of 3 about 2 hours to complete, and was surprisingly tiring. Although the entire route are ramps, they are not ADA compliant and can be very steep. We nearly lost control of our wheelchair in several sections, so wheelchairs and strollers need extra caution. Due to COVID restrictions, the outdoor ticket line had markings to keep people separated and everyone in the cavern had masks and were appropriately distant. As one of the main attractions in this area, the natural marvel is not to be missed.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Les M
Cincinnati, OH485 contributions
Aug 2021
I was arriving just before Noon on a weekend, so I knew it would be pretty crowded. The line to get tickets was literally out the door, so I just bought tickets online on my phone (while in line) and then just went to start the tour.
The cave is really cool. I've toured a couple caves and Luray Caverns is the best I've ever been too! It really is well done. Its a massive system, and there's lots to see. Some spots were crowded, but I was able to walk through pretty quickly. I think the tour is designed to be done in about an hour. It took be just about 30 min to walk through it.
I hit the gift shop and got some trinkets for my kids but I didn't check out the car museum or any of the other stuff that comes with your admission. There was plenty of parking - even midday on a Saturday.
From a Covid perspective, they do have signs asking people to wear a mask, but it was hit or miss. I'd say a bit more than half of the people wore masks and maybe half didn't. If I wasn't fully vaccinated, I would have been hesitant about being trapped in an enclosed cave with a bunch of people... My 2 cents...
The cave is really cool. I've toured a couple caves and Luray Caverns is the best I've ever been too! It really is well done. Its a massive system, and there's lots to see. Some spots were crowded, but I was able to walk through pretty quickly. I think the tour is designed to be done in about an hour. It took be just about 30 min to walk through it.
I hit the gift shop and got some trinkets for my kids but I didn't check out the car museum or any of the other stuff that comes with your admission. There was plenty of parking - even midday on a Saturday.
From a Covid perspective, they do have signs asking people to wear a mask, but it was hit or miss. I'd say a bit more than half of the people wore masks and maybe half didn't. If I wasn't fully vaccinated, I would have been hesitant about being trapped in an enclosed cave with a bunch of people... My 2 cents...
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I know that the caverns' dolostone is some 450 million years, but when did the karstification process that formed the cave and its speleothems take place?
Written January 7, 2023
A fantastic question for a paleobiologist which I am not :)
Written January 8, 2023
Same response as Linda P. No formal guided tours.
Written July 16, 2022
Mary A
Orange City, Florida
I have COPD. Will it be difficult for me to walk the cavern?
Written May 27, 2022
If you take your time then yes I believe it would be fine. There are some inclines but pace yourself. It's definitely worth the visit.
Written June 1, 2022
Yes there is a brochure and it is self guided! You can do it at your own pace!
Written August 16, 2021
This is random but is any part of Luray Caverns stroller friendly?
Written June 14, 2021
The entire cavern, entrance and exit are stair free.
Written June 22, 2021
I believe they had AAA discounts.
Written April 9, 2021
Sightsee164266
Cleveland, Texas
Can you purchase a ticket to just enter the caverns only? We just wanted to see the caverns and would the ticket be the same price?
Written March 20, 2021
One ticket price no matter what you choose to leave off.
Written March 30, 2021
…
Showing results 1-10 of 113
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing