Luray Caverns -- been there lately?

Anonymous
I'm thinking of taking the family to Luray Caverns this weekend for DS's 5th bday. I haven't been there for about 20 years.... anyone have any insights?

Is there a good time of day to go?

How long did it take you to get there?

Any restaurants nearby?

Thanks
Anonymous
My family just went a few weeks ago.. it was really enjoyable.. I don't know about restaurants nearby, but there's a little place that makes burgers and stuff that's not too bad and not too expensive.. The actual cave tour itself is more expensive than we expected but all in all it was a good time, but I don't think we'd spend the money to do it a second time.
Anonymous
It is about 2hrs 15min from DC. I suggest you make a weekend out of it. You will be right next to skyline drive and there are some really cute cabins you can stay at.

I do agree, it is much more expensive than I had thought. You can also so some of the more lesser known caverns such as Shanendoah Caverns and Endless Caverns. They are not as magnificent as Luray, but you can get the gist of it.
Anonymous
Yes! I went one month ago for the first time in 30 years. The garden maze is fun, although it costs extra. There are two museums on site, neither of which I remembered.

My recommendation is the earlier in the day, the better. There's a restaurant, very casual, on property and also a snack bar.

Enjoy!
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:It is about 2hrs 15min from DC. I suggest you make a weekend out of it. You will be right next to skyline drive and there are some really cute cabins you can stay at.

I do agree, it is much more expensive than I had thought. You can also so some of the more lesser known caverns such as Shanendoah Caverns and Endless Caverns. They are not as magnificent as Luray, but you can get the gist of it.


It's only a 90 minute drive from McLean.
Anonymous
How long is the tour itself? Our 7 yo would love it - but not too sure about the 3 yo.
Anonymous
We went during spring break. My 3 yo loved being in a cave, but got impatient toward the end. It's a self-guided tour, so you can stay as long as you'd like (you get individual headsets for each paid admission - so your 3yo won't get one unless you pay extra). If you listen to all of the recordings, it takes a little over an hour. My 6 yo loved it. I don't know about restaurants (other than the on-site restaurant that was packed during lunch time), as we packed a picnic lunch.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:We went during spring break. My 3 yo loved being in a cave, but got impatient toward the end. It's a self-guided tour, so you can stay as long as you'd like (you get individual headsets for each paid admission - so your 3yo won't get one unless you pay extra). If you listen to all of the recordings, it takes a little over an hour. My 6 yo loved it. I don't know about restaurants (other than the on-site restaurant that was packed during lunch time), as we packed a picnic lunch.


Did you go early? I think mine will crash if we do an afternoon and quite possibly hang from a stalactite.
Anonymous
I'm recovering from a knee injury, so I'm hobbling a bit. I've heard there are a lot of steps...? Are they easy, low-riser steps, or more difficult steps?
Anonymous
It is a good amount of walking and steps. The initial descent into the caverns is a rather steep staircase.

We did the trip in 1 day from Bethesda. My 5 year old DS loved it. FWIW, he liked the adult version of the audio rather than the kids version. So, don't hesitate to try both.

As to restaurants, we had lunch at a cafe in town. It was ok. Nothing spectacular...but looked better than the options on the Luray Caverns property.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We went during spring break. My 3 yo loved being in a cave, but got impatient toward the end. It's a self-guided tour, so you can stay as long as you'd like (you get individual headsets for each paid admission - so your 3yo won't get one unless you pay extra). If you listen to all of the recordings, it takes a little over an hour. My 6 yo loved it. I don't know about restaurants (other than the on-site restaurant that was packed during lunch time), as we packed a picnic lunch.


Did you go early? I think mine will crash if we do an afternoon and quite possibly hang from a stalactite.


We got there around 10:00. The line to get in was really long because a few buses arrived at the same time. We left around 2:00 in the afternoon (after the tour, car museum and lunch) and the place was deserted. We did not do the maze. Also, when we went, there was a discount if you showed your Giant card (I think it was half off adult admission for the second adult), so look for that on their website. They do not advertise it there and you have to tell the cashier and actually show your Giant card.
Anonymous
Remember the discount for showing your Giant Bonus card!

•AAA membership discount, $2.00 off each adult admission (up to 6) with your membership card
•Martin's BonusCard, $5.00 off each adult ticket (up to 6)
•Giant BonusCard, one 50% reduction off a second regular adult ticket
•Participating companies and military bases (through their Human Relations Department)$5.00 off adult tickets.
Anonymous
thanks! not the OP - But the info. was helpful!
Anonymous
Thanks! -- I'm the OP. Definitely can use the Giant card.

I think DS will enjoy it... he likes to collect rocks!
Anonymous
We went last summer. The maze was pretty fun but the food options were limited. It was a nice day trip esp since the temps in the cave are in the 50s!
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