Located just beyond the Virginia International Raceway, beautiful Danville Pittsylvania County offers everything your escapist heart could dream of — from trendy craft breweries and downtown hangouts, to boutique shops, foodie-fav restaurants, outdoor trails, historic sites, museums and nightlife.
Looking to relax with a glass of wine? In Danville, you’ll enjoy a locally grown varietal overlooking scenic country views. Or maybe a freshly brewed beer and a few games of corn hole in a renovated tobacco warehouse is more your speed. In Danville, you don’t have to choose. Here are our Top Ten Picks to enjoy during your next stay.
1. Wander the Riverwalk Trail
Stretch your legs and inspire your mind along Danville’s newest natural cultural attraction. The Riverwalk on the Dan is the ideal spot for walkers, bikers, strollers and joggers looking to see our thriving city. More than eleven miles of artfully designed trails weave their way through Danville’s many parks, historic sites, shops, attractions and businesses.
You can connect at Dan Daniel Memorial Park and Anglers Parks, the Carrington Pavilion, the Danville Science Center and historic downtown Danville. With multiple access points along the eleven mile route, folks looking to park and walk should use the entrance near the Carrington Pavilion at the Crossing at the Dan.
The Crossing at the Dan
667 Craghead Street
Danville, VA 24541-1503
(434) 797-8961
See the Riverwalk Trail Map
2. Grab a Paddle and See What Floats Your Boat
Ask a local what’s the best thing about Danville, and they might tell you "a river runs through it." Famous for gentle waters, the Dan River offers easy access for a whole new perspective on our charming city. Stop by the Boat House in Abreu-Grogan Park on Saturdays through the end of October to rent a canoe, stand-up paddle board, or kayak for the day or the weekend. On-site rentals require exact cash payment, but credit card payments are accepted in advance.
Community Recreation Office
Danville City Auditorium
125 North Floyd Street, Fourth Floor
Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
(434) 799-5150
3. Learn a Little Something (or a Lotta Something!)
With more than 250 years of American invention, Danville Pittsylvania County is a history buff’s dream. From the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, to the Pittsylvania County History Research Center, Millionaire’s Row, the AAF Tank Museum and more than 40 historic markers for sites of interest, Danville delivers a wealth of history at every turn.
Tour the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, also known as the "Last Capital of the Confederacy," or pay a visit to the many historic cemeteries located just a few blocks away. Stop by High Street Baptist Church, site of speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and "Bloody Monday," a notorious civil rights protest.
Explore Danville’s Many Historic Sites now
Download a Map of Historical Markers
4. Explore Local Culture at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
Located in the historic home of Major William T. Sutherlin on Millionaires Row in Danville, Virginia, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is Danville, Virginia’s center for self-expression and stories of the self through the study and creation of fine arts and history. The museum’s mission is to promote art and history in the Dan River Region through rotating gallery exhibitions, a Civil War exhibit, local history, an auditorium, and a children’s "See & Do" room. Programs include an annual storytelling festival, concerts, guided tours, Historical Halloween cemetery tour, and other educational and cultural events.
Danville Museum of Fine Arts
975 Main Street
Danville, Virginia 24541
(434) 793-5644
5. Zip Your Way to an Adrenaline Rush
Ready to feel your heart race? Grab a few friends and head over to the Danville Zip Line and Adventure Ropes Course. This 400-foot zip line features both single and tandem rides, and reservations are available for groups of 8 or more. You can also test your skill against the four-part High Ropes Course, featuring the Heeby Jeeby/Multi Vine, the Island Hop, the rope Swing and the Dual Zip Line.
The weight limit for the zipline is 300 pounds per line; participants must sign a waiver before entering. Children under the age of 18 must have a form signed by a parent or guardian.
Dan Daniel Park
Danville Outdoor Recreation
302 River Park Drive
Danville, Virginia
(434) 799-5150
6. Inspire Your Creativity Along the Danville Art Trail
The arts scene in DPC is constantly growing! From upscale art galleries like Reid Street Gallery and the Danvillian Gallery, to performing arts at the North Theatre, Arts at Averett, Danville Little Theatre and Gretna Little Theatre, Danville offers something to inspire every visitor. The Danville Concert Association and Danville Symphony Orchestra also delight the stage with periodic performances. Danville Pittsylvania County is also home to numerous murals painted on renovated buildings downtown. You can even take in an outdoor concert at the popular Carrington Pavillion, centrally located at the Crossing at the Dan.
While you’re outside, explore the Danville Art Trail (DAT), an 18-month exhibit of outdoor sculptures in public places, combined with murals, Victorian architecture, and points of interest. Art is located within a one-mile radius of the JTI Fountain at 111 Main Street in the vibrant River District.
Explore the Arts Scene Now
7. Snap a Selfie at the Science Center
Combine your love of science with an Instagram-worthy selfie at the striking Science Center Digital Dome located in the heart of downtown at the Crossing at the Dan. Better yet, pop inside for a tour of one of Virginia’s few Butterfly Stations for a photo opportunity — and learning opportunity — like none other. Stop by anytime through October for an up close and personal encounter in the butterfly greenhouse. Known for making science fun for all ages, the Danville Science Center offers hands-on exhibits and special programs year round. Visitors can explore aspects of science in everyday life and beyond.
Danville Science Center
677 Craghead Street
Danville, Virginia 24541
(434) 791-5160
8. Brush Up on Military History at the AAF Tank Museum
You don’t have to be a military history buff to appreciate the items on display at the AAF Tank Museum. Thanks in large part to the generosity of a local collector and donor, the AAF Tank Museum was established in 1981 to expand collect, restore, display and preserve as many Tank and Cavalry artifacts as is possible. The Museum’s goal is to increase the public’s awareness to the realities of war and serve as a reminder about those who were lost or missing in conflict. It stands as a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world.
AAF Tank Museum
3401 US Highway 29
Danville, VA 24540
(434) 836-5323
9. Sample a Flight at Ballad Brewing
What happens when a doctor of microbiology falls in love with craft beer? You get a meticulously brewed, thoughtfully conceived beer in a delicious marriage of art and science. And it’s all right here in Danville, Virginia. Perhaps even better than the beer is the building itself. With its conical corner tower and solid brick façade, you can feel Ballad Brewery’s history before you step through the doors of this stately, 1891 converted tobacco warehouse. Sample daily brews from the modern 20-barrel facility, or choose a favorite and share a game of corn hole, chess, cards or trivia with friends. As the locals like to say, they’re not just making beer at Ballad. They’re part of the community.
Ballad Brewing
600 Craighead Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 799-4677
Check Out Upcoming Events at Ballad
10. Hop On the Dollar Trolley
After all that, your legs might be tired of walking. So skip the sidewalk and tour the town on our convenient downtown Trolley. With fares of just one dollar, and stops every place you want to be, this is the best buy in the whole city.
Download the Trolley Schedule now