Charlottesville might not be the first city that comes to your mind when you think about visiting Virginia. Still, this city has almost everything a tourist wants. Whether you like to visit indoor places like museums, historical places, or outdoor places like nature preserves and beaches, you will find them in Charlottesville.
Not only that, but there are many hidden gems in Charlottesville that have yet to catch the eye of the majority of tourists. That’s why I have shared below 15 underrated tourist spots in Charlottesville that can make your trip to the city more memorable.
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Indoor Hidden Gems in Charlottesville
1. McGuffey Art Center
Location: 201 2nd St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902
McGuffey Art Center is housed in what was once an elementary school building. If you are one of those who like visiting art galleries, especially those where you will mainly see work of local artists, then this art center should definitely be your priority visit.
With more than 150 resident, associate, and incubator artists working here, you will see a wide range of art on display. From sculptures in the garden to paintings, drawings, ceramics, and photographs, there are many varieties available on display.
Not only that, but the rotating exhibit makes sure that visitors see something different and unique every time. This center’s open-door policy is also encouraging, which allows visitors to meet the artists on the spot.
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2. James Monroe’s Highland
Location: 2050 James Monroe Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Those who like visiting historical places would surely enjoy this lesser-known masterpiece in Charlottesville. James Monroe’s Highland was the home of the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe.
As you reach this place, you will see beautiful grounds and gardens with a walking trail that allows visitors to explore the highlands. The home where James Monroe once lived is not as luxurious as some other presidential homes in the country. Not to forget, the original house was burned down in the 1800s, but the current house does have some parts of the original structure.
On the outside, you will see original outbuildings preserved carefully, along with some personal artifacts, classic furnishings, and documents inside the house, which are related to James Monroe’s presidency era. If you want to learn more on-site, you can also choose the guided tour option. Lastly, there is also a museum shop if you want to purchase any kind of souvenir from the museum.
3. Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
Location: 400 Worrell Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
For those who like visiting art museums, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection offers something unique that you won’t see in many other locations. This is among the only museums outside Australia that primarily focus on Indigenous Australian art.
This museum has five specific galleries, where you will see over 2000 art pieces, which include sculptures, bark and acrylic paintings, prints, woodwork, and others.
Along with that, this museum also has rotating exhibits that complements the permanent artworks. The staff here is also very knowledgeable about the artwork on display, which is a plus point.
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4. The Fralin Museum of Art
Location: 155 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22904
Next on this list is the Fralin Museum of Art, which is located at the University of Virginia. The museum has artwork not only from different countries but also from centuries past, which makes this hidden gem spot even more unique in Charlottesville.
This museum’s overall collection consists of over 13,000 artifacts. Some well-known artwork on display is native and ancient American art, American and European painting, centuries-old sculptures, ancient Mediterranean art, Asian art, and photography.
The museum has two floors, with most of the art on the second floor. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable, which makes visiting this place even better.
5. New City Arts
Location: 114 3rd St NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
The last indoor hidden gem on this list is New City Arts. It’s a non-profit art organization where you can see the work of local and national artists.
Here, you will see different paintings, drawings, and photographs on display. They also rotate the exhibits to bring something new along. Beyond that, they also arrange events and provide co-working spaces for artists where you can meet local artists.
Outdoor Hidden Gems in Charlottesville
6. Ivy Creek Natural Area
Location: 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
After the indoors, it’s time to visit the outdoor hidden gems of Charlottesville, which will surely make your experience one of a kind. Starting with the Ivy Creek Natural Area, this nature preserve spans over 215 acres and is surrounded by lush greenery all around.
Whether you want a peaceful place for walking, jogging, or even hiking, Ivy Creek Natural Area is perfect. Talking about hiking, there are eight different trails that go through open fields, forests, and riverside paths. Not to forget, these trails are not challenging and can be completed by the majority of visitors.
This place also offers the opportunity to view wildlife and, most importantly, let the visitor view the South Fork River Reservoir. You can view the reservoir from the bridge as well as from the forest side. The backdrop of lush greenery makes it look so eye-pleasing.
7. Ragged Mountain Natural Area
Location: 1730 Reservoir Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Just a short drive away from downtown Charlottesville lies Ragged Mountain Natural Area. This nature preserve spans over 980 acres and offers countless activities to do in Charlottesville.
The trail system in this area is also well-maintained and ideally accessible to the masses. Along the hike, you will see deep forests, hilly terrains, ragged mountains, and the Charlottesville Reservoir, which is the primary tourist spot here. The reservoir is the main photography spot for visitors as well, with serene back views of the forest, making the reservoir look even more beautiful.
This area is even quieter than other nature preserves in the town, as boats, swimming, and pets are not allowed here. However, you can navigate the reservoir by canoe and kayak.
8. Saunders-Monticello Trail
Location: 503 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
If you like doing activities in nature preserves, the Saunders-Monticello Trail should be your must-visit stop in Charlottesville.
This place is spread across 89 acres and offers lots of walking, jogging, and hiking opportunities for people of all ages. The hiking trails are not challenging, and you will also see gravel paths and boardwalks. Most of the trails are dog-friendly, which is a plus point.
While you’re out on the hike, keep an eye out for various birds and wildlife. Since there aren’t any restrooms along the way, you can take a break under the cool shade of the trees. Besides hiking, there are biking trails and a lovely pond that makes for a fantastic photography spot for anyone visiting.
9. Riverview Park
Location: 1909 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
For those looking for an underrated picnic spot with families in Charlottesville, Riverview Park is a perfect place. This park spans over 26 acres and has facilities like an open field, a playground, and benches.
The most prominent attraction inside this park is the flowing Rivanna River. This riverside area, covered with greenery, not only attracts visitors but is also a popular photography spot.
For those who like to walk, the Rivanna Trail starts from this park and is 2.3 miles long. The paved trail is not challenging and will surely be a nice way to start your visit.
10. Birdwood Golf Course
Location: 410 Golf Course Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
The last outdoor hidden gem in Charlottesville on this list is Birdwood Golf Course. Whether you are alone or with family, this golf course would be a perfect choice for an outing.
The course is always in good shape, and stunning views make the experience of playing here one-of-a-kind. There is an 18-hole course accompanied by a par-3 course. In addition to golf, there is a tennis court and a spa on-site as well.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Charlottesville
11. Oakhurst Café
Location: 1616 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
The first hidden gem restaurant to visit in Charlottesville is Oakhurst Café. Those who like visiting cafés would surely embrace the vibes and ambiance.
As you reach the café, you will see a patio area outside surrounded by plants and flowers. On the inside, you will see a very simple yet eye-catching decor, which is really comforting, with open spaces between tables and some artwork hanging on the walls.
If we talk about the menu, you will find breakfast, lunch, and brunch options, which include muffins, granola, beignets, ricotta, French toast, chicken hash, breakfast and different types of sandwiches, burgers, sausages, benedicts, and some other light options.
12. Fig
Location: FIG, 1331 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
On number two, we have Fig, a small restaurant that often goes unnoticed by the masses. It is a very quiet and pleasant place, perfect for everyone, whether you are with friends, family, or even alone.
The ambiance inside the restaurant is quite comfy, with different lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, artwork hanging on the walls, and some flowerpots making the decor look even better.
On the menu, you will find a variety of options, from eggs, French toast, waffles, vegan scramble, and biscuit and gravy to nachos, mozzarella sticks, bruschetta, salmon, different types of salads, fried chicken, fig mac burger, lamb burger, ravioli, shrimp rigatoni, chicken fettuccini, and many others.
13. Bang Restaurant
Location: 213 2nd St SW, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Next on our list is Bang restaurant. And just like the name, from ambiance to food, everything here is bang. What’s even more impressive is that they have varieties of vegan and gluten-free dishes, which was really nice to see.
Starting with the vibes, the outside and the patio area surrounded by plants and trees offer a pleasing experience, much like a café style vibe. While on the inside, the ambiance is fairly cozy, especially with red lighting close to each table. The seating area also came up with chair and sofa options, which is a plus point.
On the menu, you will find a variety of dishes, from coconut rice, spring rolls, cauliflower dumplings, Five Spice Eggplant, cucumber noodles, tofu, and different types of salads on the vegan side to Thai chicken spring rolls, tuna rolls, salmon rice, chicken wraps, chicken tikka masala, shrimp, and lamb options on the non-veg menu.
14. Otto Turkish Street Food
Location: 111 W Water St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
The next underrated restaurant on this list is Otto Turkish Street Food. With a nice balance between vegan and non-veg items, this restaurant offers authentic Turkish taste.
Starting with the ambiance, it gave off the vibe of college cafés, with casual seating and different paintings and pictures on the walls, making it look cool on the inside.
If we talk about the menu, their most loved items are wraps, fries, and bowls, which are hand down among the best items you will ever eat. Apart from that, making your own pita sandwiches, doner kabob, falafel, hummus, Turkish salad, baked chicken, mixed veg stew, bulgar rice, eggplant, baklava, and many others are indeed one of a kind.
15. Now and Zen
Location: 202 2nd St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902
The last off-the-beaten spot to eat on this list is Now and Zen, which is a Japanese restaurant with authentic taste and is undoubtedly a must-visit if you like Japanese food items.
The restaurant is not huge in size but is managed perfectly from the inside. It has black-themed walls and a floor-to-bottom entrance that lets you view outside. The overall atmosphere is quite admirable.
The menu here is quite extensive, with a wide range of Japanese options. From traditional miso soup, smoked squid salads, house-made dumplings, salads, spring rolls, fried oysters, tofu, salmon, tuna, chicken curry, tofu steak, and a wide range of bowls to veg and non-veg sushi, sashimi, and nigiri, rice bowls, ramen, and many other items.
FAQ’s
1. What is the best time to visit Charlottesville?
May to July is arguably the best time to visit Charlottesville.
2. Is Charlottesville a prime tourist spot?
It is not a prime tourist spot, but Charlottesville does attract tourists from different regions of America.
3. Is Charlottesville affordable for tourists?
Yes, Charlottesville is affordable for tourists.
4. Is Charlottesville safe for travel?
Charlottesville is more or less a safe spot for tourists.
