Ultimate Day Trip from Washington DC to Luray Caverns
Plan a day trip to Luray Caverns right outside of Washington DC. If you haven’t experience going on a cave tour, this one is the best. You don’t just see stalagmites and stalactites but you will hear those stalactites make music with the Luray Caverns organ!
There are two very cool things to see in Luray Caverns. One is the ‘Fried Eggs’ and the other is the organ.
fried eggs
the stalacpipe organ
This was pretty cool. The organ is played throughout the day on a loop so you can hear it on the Self-Guided tour and the Guided Discovery Tour.
Take a listen!
Tours
Luray Caverns offer two types of tours.
self-guided tours
The costs are:
- Free: Ages 5 and under
- $35.47: Adult (Ages 13-61)
- $17.73: Child (Ages 6-12)
- $33.50: Senior (Ages 62+)
If you chose the self guided tour, be sure to look at the Virtual Tour Guide before you go. Save the link on your phone.
From their site about the tour: “A self-guided tour of the Caverns takes a little over an hour. However, we recommend allowing 2-3 hours to tour the Caverns and experience the other attractions included with your general admission ticket.”
guided discovery tour
The costs are:
- Free: Ages 5 and under
- $35.00: Child (Ages 6-12)
- $65.00: Adults (Ages 13+)
The Guided Tour Package Includes (From their webpage)
Luray Caverns Discovery Tour
This tour includes an in depth history on the discovery of Luray Caverns, Eastern Americas largest and most popular caverns system and registered U.S. Natural Landmark, including the unique Great Stalacpipe Organ as told by an 1870’s tour guide. You will also receive a special souvenir ticket and the “Story of Luray Caverns” booklet.
Car & Carriage Caravan Museum
Experience the history of the American Dream in our exhibit featuring over 140 items relating to transportation including cars, carriages and coaches dating from 1725 to 1941.
Shenandoah Heritage Village
A collection of local, restored historic buildings creating a small 19th century farming community including the Luray Valley Museum showcasing important Shenandoah Valley artifacts and decorative arts from the 1750s to the 1920s.
Toy Town Junction
Be our guest to visit Toy Town Junction. An exhibit displaying America’s history of toy and train related artifacts from as early as the 1940’s.
The benefit of going on this tour is you get to ask questions. After all those stalagmites and stalactites they all start to look like the same. Plus you get the “let’s turn out the lights experience.”
From their site about this tour: “Join our Guided Discovery Tour for a step back in time! Led by a guide portraying an 1870s explorer, this immersive experience offers a captivating look into the caverns’ rich history. You will hear intriguing stories about its discovery and early explorations, making it perfect for history buffs and curious adventurers alike. Offered once daily at 8:30 AM, this exclusive tour ensures a truly memorable visit.”
Photos from our tour
What to wear
You will want to have a light coat and good walking shoes. The caves are 65 degrees.
Luray Caverns Info
hours
- They are open all year.
- Their operating hours are 9 am-7pm.
- The Guided Discovery Tour is ONLY at 8:30 am
Location
101 Cave Hill Road
Luray, VA 22835
My Take Aways
- We have been on 3 other cave tours and this one is TOTALLY unique.
- If you take the Guided Tour in the morning, there are the other things to do so you make a day out it.
You can read about other my other posts on things to do in the DC area:
