Charlottesville has a little bit of everything for everyone. The city blends time-honored history with modern amenities, rugged mountain vistas with state-of-the-art shopping, award-winning dining with arts and culture for all ages. In one day, visitors can see stars perform on the downtown mall, and then gaze toward stars of a different kind on the beautiful Blue Ridge. 

Things to Do on a Free Day or Evening
 

Only have a couple hours to while away? This list includes easily accessible entertainment options.

Charlottesville City Market

Held in the parking lot adjacent to the Downtown Mall seasonally. Local vendors sell produce, meat and poultry products, plants and flowers, arts and crafts and various prepared foods. 

McCormick Observatory

Telescope viewing on certain nights, slideshow and museum.

Movies

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Eat and drink at the theater.

Newcomb Hall Theater

A University-sponsored program that shows second-run films.

Regal Stadium 14 IMAX Theater at Stonefield

This theater offers stadium seating and IMAX viewing experiences.

Violet Crown

Located downtown, the theater offers private bookings for smaller theaters and a restaurant that allows you to bring food into the theater.

Virginia Film Festival

Yearly festival that showcases new features and documentaries, as well as screenings of classics. The festival brings in big-name actors and directors to provide their perspectives on their work.

Bowling

Bowlero

Located on 29 North, Bowlero has 48 lanes. Arcade, snack bar and pool tables. Bowling leagues.

Kids’ Activities

Check the Charlottesville Family website for seasonal and evergreen activities, or Activities for Kids.

Rivanna Trails

A series of trails in town linking city parks along the Rivanna River. The section behind the Law School follows a gorge behind Darden to University Village. 

Art Galleries and Museums in Charlottesville
 

UVA Galleries

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia

15th-20th century American and European paintings and sculpture, plus changing exhibits.

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum

Contemporary and historical Australian Aboriginal art.

Ruffin Hall Galleries

Contemporary art, including works by faculty and fourth-year students.

Downtown Galleries

Chroma Projects Art Laboratory

Contemporary local and regional art.

C’ville Arts

Crafts and local artists.

McGuffey Art Center

Local artist studios and gallery open to the public.

Second Street Gallery

Contemporary regional, national and international artists.

Welcome Gallery

Contemporary local art.
 

Other Spaces and Venues

Ix Art Park

Les Yeux du Monde

Sports and Recreation
 

UVA Sporting Events

UVA Law students must present a valid UVA student ID card to gain access to most home sporting events. 

Student Tickets

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports

NGRC Facility Hours 
Drop-in Group Exercise Schedule 

UVA Law students have access to all of the University’s world-class fitness and recreation facilities, including four on-Grounds fitness centers, the Snyder Tennis Center, the McArthur Squash Center at the Boar’s Head Sports Club and Birdwood Golf Course. The North Grounds Recreation Center, just down the street from the Law School, features a 10-lane lap pool, hot tub and sauna, group exercise classes, a dedicated multimedia cycling room and three handball/racquetball courts. That's in addition to cardiovascular equipment, strength-training machines and free weights. The University’s Outdoor Recreation Center serves students, faculty and community members wishing to take advantage of area hiking, camping, rock-climbing and water sports.

Students can get into any University sports facility (detailed below) for free with a valid student ID. Passes for family members of students (or faculty and staff and their family members) may be obtained at the office for a fee. Hours vary by semester, season and special events.

Aquatic and Fitness Center

The University’s athletic facilities centerpiece, this center features an Olympic-size pool, two stories of fitness equipment, a leisure pool, whirlpool and sauna. There is also a three-court gymnasium, an indoor walking/jogging track and multipurpose rooms to accommodate aerobics, yoga, dance and martial arts and additional free-weight space.

Birdwood Golf Course at Boar’s Head Resort

Among Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play, Birdwood Golf Course in Charlottesville is a nationally acclaimed, 18-hole course with Blue Ridge Mountain views. A par-72 championship course, Birdwood also features meals and lighter fare at the Birdwood Grill, as well as a fully stocked Pro Shop.

McArthur Squash Center at the Boar’s Head Sports Club

The 33,000-square foot venue is open to UVA students and members and guests of the Boar’s Head.

Memorial Gym

Features three full-court basketball/volleyball courts, indoor jogging track (12 laps/mile), dance room, multi-use/combative room, free weights, a range of cardiovascular equipment, locker rooms, showers, saunas and fitness assessments.

Snyder Tennis Courts

15 outdoor lighted courts next to Memorial Gym.

Dell Recreation Area across Emmet Street from Memorial Gym has four outdoor tennis courts, three lighted basketball courts and field space for volleyball and games.

North Grounds Recreation Center

The North Grounds Recreation Center is the closest gym to the Law School (just a three-minute walk), and was renovated in 2006. Has a 2-court gymnasium, three handball/racquetball courts, two squash courts, two multipurpose/group exercise rooms and day lockers and towel service. With an ID, students can check out a variety of equipment (see website for list).

Slaughter Recreation Building

Features three full-court basketball/volleyball courts or nine badminton courts, eight handball/racquetball courts, three squash courts, fitness room with free weights, Paramount machine, Lifecycles, rowing ergometers, Stair Master, Versa Climbers, six table tennis tables, combative and dance rooms, showers and equipment check-out. Handball/racquetball and squash courts can be reserved for one hour one day in advance.

Outdoor Equipment Rental Center

Rents almost anything you need for camping — backpacks, sleeping bags, coolers, stoves, canoes and accessories — to students and members of UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports.

Nearby Private Gyms

Yoga

Charlottesville offers a wide variety of yoga studios including Hot Yoga Charlottesville, Ashtang Yoga, FlyDog Yoga and Salute the Sun.

Performing Arts
 

The Paramount

With entertainment fare ranging from the Moscow ballet to a Yo-Yo Ma concert, the Paramount is the premiere theater venue in town. The circa 1931 theater was restored and reopened in 2004.

Ting Pavilion

This concert venue on the Downtown Mall presents local and national performing artists, and features covered or open-lawn seating as well as state-of-the-art sound systems. The Pavilion also hosts community events such as wine festivals, movie screenings and craft fairs, and is the site of Fridays After Five, a free concert series during the summer/early fall.

Jefferson Theater 

Located on Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall, the Jefferson Theater was established in 1912 as a live performance theater that played host to silent movies, vaudeville acts and a historic list of live performers, ranging from Harry Houdini to The Three Stooges. The Jefferson reopened in 2009 after a comprehensive restoration.

Charlottesville/University Symphony Orchestra

This professional group of musicians from the University and the surrounding area gives five symphonic performances during the school year in Cabell Hall Auditorium Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

LiveArts Theater

Presents a variety of works from classic to contemporary.

Charlottesville Band

Numerous concerts throughout the year. Auditions open to all.

John Paul Jones Arena

The John Paul Jones Arena, home of the UVA basketball teams, has featured such acts as Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Maroon 5, the Blue Man Group, Eric Clapton, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. The arena also has become the area’s premiere venue for comedy acts and family fare such as Cirque du Soleil. The arena offers an email alert notifying patrons of upcoming events.

Light House Studio

Filmmaking classes for young people.

UVA Music Department

There are a host of student musical groups at the University, including Black Voices, the University Glee Club, the University Jazz Ensemble, University Singers, Virginia Gentlemen and the Women’s Chorus. The McIntire Music Department has its own box office for tickets to University events.

Southern Cafe and Music Hall 

This venue features an array of emerging artists.

UVA Drama Department

Multiple major productions a year plus summer performances by the Heritage Repertory Theater.

First-Year Players

First-year law students are included in "first-years" for the purpose of this group, which produces one musical per semester.

Four County Players

This community theater offers multiple productions per year, including Shakespeare at the Ruins and acting workshops. Performances are held in the Barboursville Community Center.

Piedmont Virginia Community College Masquers

This drama department group of PVCC students and community residents stages two productions a year. See PVCC Fine Arts & Performances.

Oratorio Society

Members from the University and the community perform three times a year. Auditions held in the fall.

Shakespeare on the Lawn

Performs Shakespearean works at open-air locations around the Lawn for free. Open auditions.

Whethermen

This comedy improvisation troupe performs every semester and can be invited to perform at events or parties in the University by a department for a fee and by students free of charge.

Charlottesville Ballet

Charlottesville Ballet is a professional ballet company, dance academy and nonprofit organization, holding performances and events in Charlottesville and throughout Central Virginia.

Parks
 

Charlottesville and Albemarle County boast a number of parks and lakes for public use. Some charge entrance fees. The main ones are listed below. For a complete list of parks, see their websites.

City of Charlottesville Parks 

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation

Albemarle Co. Parks & Recreation

Beaver Creek Lake 

With 104 water acres, this lake is the largest fishing lake in Albemarle County. Water supply for the Crozet area, so no swimming. Boat launch, but no gas motors.

Chris Greene Lake Park

Swimming, fishing, boating, canoe rentals, picnic areas, large and small pavilions, playgrounds, boat launch and a fishing pier. All handicapped-accessible. Spring crappie fishing. Limited walking trails.

Darden Towe Park

This 110-acre park along the Rivanna River includes four tennis courts, running trails, children’s play area, picnic shelters, three softball fields and four multi-use fields for soccer, lacrosse and football. One picnic pavilion may be reserved for as many as 80 people. There is also a fenced dog park area.

Ivy Creek Natural Area

Just 10 minutes from the Law School by car. Six miles of trails in the forest, nature programs, bird walks. Owned jointly by city and county. No biking and no dogs, even on a leash.

McIntire Park

Wading pool for young children, swings, ball fields, golf course, picnic areas and nature trail. Dogs must be on a leash.

Mint Springs Valley Park

Swimming, picnic shelters, playgrounds, fishing and 3.6 miles of hiking trails. Handicapped accessible. Pavilions with fireplaces, grills and tables may be reserved.

Pen Park

This is the largest city park, with a nature trail along the Rivanna River, handicapped-accessible exercise trail, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, volleyball, Little League fields, three picnic pavilions and playground. Dogs must be on a leash.

Ragged Mountain Natural Area

A somewhat rugged, natural area for quiet hiking. No dogs, bikes or jogging.

Rivanna Trails 

A series of trails in town linking city parks along the Rivanna River. The section behind Law School follows a gorge behind Darden to University Village. See the website for all access points and new trails.

Riverview Park

A 27-acre riverfront preserve offering a playground, picnic areas and adjacent biking and walking trail.

Walnut Creek Park

Mountain biking, swimming in lake, nature trails, bike trails, fishing, picnic shelter and playground.

Camping, Hiking, Tubing and More
 

Get outside for tubing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and more. Check out Outdoors at UVA for more resources.

George Washington National Forest

Sherando Lake

This national forest has 20-plus campgrounds in Virginia and West Virginia. The closest part of the forest to Charlottesville is the Pedlar District, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway south of the Shenandoah National Park, site of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area at Sherando Lake.

Madison Vines RV Resort and Cottages

70 RV sites and 20 fully-furnished cottages. Heated bath house, horseshoes, volleyball, pool. Tent sites available.

Shenandoah National Park

Campgrounds: The park has four major campgrounds near a section of the Appalachian Trail. All except Mathews Arm have showers, laundry and a camp store. No campground has hookups for water, electricity, or sewage, but Mathews Arm, Big Meadows and Loft Mountain have dump stations. All except Big Meadows are first-come, first-served, and fees vary. Mileposts on Skyline Drive are given.

Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is furthest north. Next to trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. 179 sites. Open spring through October. No showers.

Big Meadows (mile 51.3), although secluded, is within walking distance of three waterfalls and across the Drive from the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife. Reservations required mid-May through November. 217 sites, open through November.

Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the back country. Within seven miles of the Big Meadows. 32 sites, open spring through October.

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. 219 sites, open spring through October.

Back-Country Camping: Camping is permitted in specific back country facilities. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains a system of back-country huts and cabins. Huts, three-sided structures located along the Appalachian Trail primarily for long-term hikers, require permits. Permits are not required for cabins, which are reserved in advance from PATC.

Lodges: The national park also has several lodges.

Skyland (mile 41.7) 177 guest rooms, rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges and modern suites.

Big Meadows Lodge (milepost 51) 20 rooms in the main lodge, 72 additional rooms in rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges and modern suites.

Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5) Several rustic, furnished cabins with private baths and outdoor grill areas.

Tubing, Canoeing, Kayaking

James River Runners

Canoeing, inner tubing, kayaking and rafting. Equipment rentals, group excursions and wilderness trips.

James River Reeling & Rafting

Canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing rentals and trips.

Hiking

Blue Ridge Tunnel

4.6 mile out-and-back hike through a historic railroad tunnel.

Crabtree Falls

Four overlooks offer views of the falls and vistas of the Tye River Valley. A vigorous 1.7 mile hike takes you from the trailhead parking lot on Route 56 up to the overlook at the top of the upper falls. From the upper falls, the trail follows the creek another 1.2 miles to Crabtree Meadows parking lot. There is a parking fee and an entrance fee to Lake Sherando.

George Washington National Forest

This national forest has over 900 miles of trails, from easy half-mile loops to strenuous nine-hour treks. Below are a couple of popular destinations. 

Humpback Rocks ​​​​​​​

A steep, short hike up to a 360-degree view.

Old Rag Mountain

A popular destination in Shenandoah National Park, featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views.

Saunders-Monticello Trail

Monticello’s 89-acre park with scenic views, an arboretum and a pond, plus running and biking trails.

Shenandoah National Park ​​​​​​

This park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Maps and information are available at entrance points to the park.

Sugar Hollow

Follow the river away from the reservoir for a level hike or cross the river at the parking area and go straight up to Skyline Drive.

Turk Mountain

A 2.2 mile round-trip hike to the summit of Turk Mountain that provides a wonderful view to the west.

Whiteoak Falls

Waterfalls, deep swimming holes, wildlife. Fairly level until the first big falls, so can be an easy day hike. Or make the loop all the way up to Skyline Drive for a full-day excursion.

Wineries and Breweries
 

Charlottesville and its surrounding areas have an extensive selection of wineries and breweries to visit, and cider-making is also popular. See websites for more information, including detailed maps. More information about area wineries can be found at the Monticello Wine Trail website. More information about area breweries can be found at The Brew Ridge Trail and Nelson 151 websites.

Historical Sites
 

James Monroe’s Highland

Home of James Monroe, president of the United States from 1817-25, who bought his "country cottage estate," as he called it, in 1793, mostly to be closer to his good friend, Thomas Jefferson, who lived 2.5 miles down the road.

Monticello 

In addition to tours, Thomas Jefferson’s home offers educational programs and is the site of a yearly July 4 naturalization ceremony. See Tickets and Tours.

Michie Tavern

One of the oldest homesteads in Virginia, built by John Michie circa 1784, offers tours. Lunch at “The Ordinary” is a fixed menu in the colonial style, and a convenient location near Monticello. General store and museum gift shop.

Montpelier

First settled in 1723, Montpelier is the 2,700-acre lifelong home of James Madison, the fourth U.S. president and primary author of the Constitution.

Classes
 

Albemarle County Adult Education ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages Program

The Albemarle County Adult Education ESOL Program offers general English classes with year-round registration for beginner- to advanced-level students.  

Albemarle County Parks & Recreation

Offers many classes locally.

Albemarle County Schools

The county's Open Doors program offers a variety of classes, including art, music, cooking, computers, yoga, golf, gardening, sign language and finance.

Charlottesville Department of Parks & Recreation

A broad range of classes and competitive sports are available for children and adults. Activities vary by age and include art, dance, music, basketball, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and more.

McGuffey Art Center

Classes are offered in creative bookmaking, calligraphy, fiber arts, Chinese brush painting, African dancing, glass blowing, stained glass, painting and printmaking. Children and adults.

YMCA

Offers a wide variety of programs for men, women and children. Programs include swim team, martial arts, basketball, summer day camp, karate and weight control. Also offers child care.

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Offers variety of courses in both academic and nonacademic fields. Registration takes place in January, May and August. Charlottesville Transit bus available to campus.

UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Offers a large number of credit and noncredit courses starting in September and January. The spring catalog is available in January, and the brochure for the fall session is available in late August and may be picked up in person. Cost varies for noncredit classes.

Trips by Region in Virginia
 

South

Lexington

Natural Bridge

Considered one of Virginia’s most stunning natural wonders.

South/Southeast

Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg

Norfolk Visitor Information Center

Chrysler Museum of Art

Langley Research Center

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Houses 175 acres of various flowers and gardens. Home of the Azalea Festival.

Norfolk’s Waterside

Stroll the waterfront and visit the shops and restaurants with a view of the Norfolk Harbor. The MacArthur Center features an upscale mall.

Virginia Zoo

Virginia Beach

Extensive boardwalk; restaurants and shopping.

Newport News Mariners’ Museum

Jamestown  

The site of the first permanent English settlement in the United States. Living history museum depicts life in America’s first permanent English colony.

Yorktown

The site of the Revolutionary War surrender of British General Cornwallis.

Williamsburg

Visit Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Pottery Factory.

East

Fredericksburg

George Washington’s hometown, 100 antique shops and a National Historic District with more than 350 original 18th- and 19th-century buildings.

Richmond 

Virginia’s capital city. Historical sites, museums, concert venues, children’s activities.

Agecroft Hall

State Capitol

Richmond’s most-visited spot. Tours offered daily.

Children’s Museum

Kings Dominion

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Exhibits elaborate lighting displays during the holiday season.

Maymont Park and Estate

American Civil War Museum

Science Museum of Virginia

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

North/Northeast 

Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia

Smithsonian Institute and associated museums, U.S. Capitol, White House, Arlington Cemetery, Supreme Court and National Zoo. Monuments such as the Washington, Vietnam Veterans, Jefferson and Lincoln. The National Art Gallery, various private art galleries, the Kennedy Center, theaters, historic Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria and much more.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum)

Mount Vernon

The 3,000 acres of George Washington’s historic estate and burial place are located nine miles south of Alexandria via the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

West/Northwest

Staunton

Pronounced Stan-ton, it is the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson. Staunton’s Blackfriars Theater, a recreation of an indoors Elizabethan playhouse, features the internationally acclaimed American Shakespeare Center. The park near downtown has a duck pond, playgrounds, a small train for children and a pool.

Museum of American Frontier Culture

Four working farms, each from a different time and place — 18th-century German and Scotch-Irish farms, a 17th-century English farm and a 19th-century American farm.

Shenandoah Mountains Area (around I-81)

Grand Caverns

Shenandoah Caverns

Luray Caverns

Natural Chimneys Park and Campground

Natural Chimneys Regional Park comprises seven great natural limestone towers.

Skiing

Massanutten

Located about an hour away, Massanutten has skiing, an all-seasons water park, snowtubing, ice skating, obstacle courses and more.

Wintergreen

The closest ski resort to Charlottesville also has tubing, obstacle courses, camps and more.

Organizations and Clubs by Sport

Note that the clubs and groups listed below in alphabetical order are in addition to law school organizations.

B
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Biking

C
Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting

D
Dance Classes and Clubs

F
Fishing

G
Golf

H
Hiking
Horseback Riding

L
Lacrosse

M
Martial Arts

R
Rifle
Rock Climbing
Rowing
Rugby 
Running

S
Sailing 
Scuba 
Skiing/Snow Tubing
Skydiving 
Soccer
Swimming

T
Tennis

Y
Yoga

Baseball/Softball

North Grounds Softball League

Open to anyone in the North Grounds of the University, the softball league is comprised mostly of Law School students, with some faculty and staff participating, and a few Darden School of Business teams. The season takes place in fall and spring, with playoffs to determine league champions. The NGSL also hosts a national softball tournament in the spring with teams from more than 60 schools.

Virginia Club Baseball

UVA student club team plays competitively against ACC schools such as Duke, Wake Forest and University of North Carolina, and in-state rivals such as William and Mary. Tryouts in late February. The 20-game schedule runs from mid-March to late April.

Biking

Mountain Bike Club

Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club.

Charlottesville Bike Club

Local club compiles the Guide to Road Rides in Central Virginia with maps and details of on-road bike rides.

Charlottesville Racing Club

Road racing, mountain biking and cyclocross. All ages and levels.

University of Virginia Cycling Team

For graduate/law/business students, undergraduates and alumni. The Virginia Cycling Team is a club sport at the University of Virginia and is a member of the ACCC (Atlantic Coast Cycling Conference) of the National Collegiate Cycling Association (NCCA), sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation.

Wintergreen Resort

Offers guided mountain bike ride, rentals, races, camps, etc.

Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting

UVA Outdoor Equipment Rental

Students and Intramural Sports members can rent canoes, paddles, life vests and a car-top carrier system.

Rivanna River Company

Kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard and tubing equipment rentals just 5 minutes from the Downtown Mall.
 

James River Runners

Canoeing, inner tubing, kayaking and rafting. Equipment rentals, group excursions and wilderness trips.

James River Reeling & Rafting

Canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing rentals and trips.

Downriver Canoe Company

Canoeing, kayaking, tubing and rafting on the southern fork of the Shenandoah River in the Shenandoah Valley.

Dance Classes and Clubs

Albemarle County Parks and Rec.

Ballroom, swing and country line dance classes.

Recreational Sports

Different dance class schedule each semester.

Swing Club UVA

Student group that organizes lessons, workshops and dances.

USA DANCE: Charlottesville Chapter

The local chapter of this national group offers dances and lessons in waltz, fox trot, rumba and other ballroom dances.

Fishing

Local fishing sites include the Beaver Creek Reservoir, Chris Greene Lake, the James River, the Rapidan River, the Rivanna Reservoir and Sugar Hollow. Some locations do not allow gas-powered boats.

Golf

See Virginia Golf for general information about golfing in the state.

Birdwood Golf Course

University golf course open to public. Four sets of tees, 18 holes, driving range and restaurant.

Meadow Creek Golf Course at Pen Park

Hiking

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (Charlottesville Chapter)

Horseback Riding

There are many local farms that offer horseback riding. Google for options.

Virginia Riding Team
The UVA Riding team consists of athletes of all levels and offers a chance for interested members to compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association.

Virginia Polo Club
Virginia Polo Center

Scrimmages for all skill levels. Competition with other colleges and local polo teams.

Lacrosse

Women’s Club Lacrosse

This UVA student club plays against other University club teams and Division 2 and 3 varsity teams. 

Virginia Men’s Club Lacrosse

UVA student club holds practices and games both semesters. Competes in the NCLL. All skill levels are welcome from beginner to ex-varsity.

Martial Arts

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports teaches some martial arts classes. Many private martial arts schools exist in Charlottesville.

Cavalier Judo

Cavalier Judo Club promotes the practice and study of judo, a sport derived from jujutsu. The word "judo" means "the gentle way," referring to the way that judo uses an opponent’s motion to throw them rather than overpowering them with force.
 

Tae Kwon Do Club

The University’s Tae Kwon Do Club (TKD Club) was created in the fall of 1992 and has been in operation ever since.

Rifle

Virginia Rifle and Pistol Club
The Virginia Rifle and Pistol Club offers full instruction in pistol and rifle marksmanship as well as shotgun sports. All participants are given instruction in firearms safety and have the option of shooting for fun or for the competitive teams.

Rock Climbing

Rocky Top Climbing Club

Indoor rock-climbing introductory lesson. Equipment rental.

Rowing

Rivanna Rowing Club

Central Virginia rowing club provides equipment, education and support to rowers of all levels.

Rugby

Virginia Rugby Football Club

"The oldest rugby club south of the Mason-Dixon." Established in 1961, the Virginia Rugby Club welcomes law students at practices or in the audience at matches.

Running

Ragged Mountain Running Shop

Good source of information on running, local road races and local track club.

Charlottesville Track Club

Local track club established in 1976, sponsors Saturday morning runs, speed workouts, fun runs and 5K and 10k races. Student membership rate.

Sailing

Sailing Association at the University of Virginia

UVA student/faculty group for all levels. Sailing lessons for beginners. Boats available for pleasure sailing. Club races competitively, travels to regattas.

Scuba

UVA scuba certification info

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports offers scuba diving certification, as well as the following private shops:

Charlottesville Scuba Center

Classes, equipment and travel packages are offered. Operates former quarry for local diving in season.

Skiing and Snow Tubing

Massanutten
Near Harrisonburg, Virginia (40 miles) 

Eight slopes, five chairlifts, accommodations across from ski area. Snow tubing park is popular with families.

Wintergreen
Wintergreen, Virginia (43 miles)

12 slopes, four chairlifts, slope-side accommodations, snow tubing. Popular with law students.

Other ski resorts farther away:

Bryce Mountain
Basye, Virginia (102 miles) 

Canaan Mountain
Davis, West Virginia (3.5 hours)

The Homestead
Hot Springs, Virginia (172 miles) 

Snowshoe
Slaty Fork, West Virginia (82 miles)

Soccer

The Law School has an informal team, Barristers United.

Men’s Club Soccer

Women’s Club Soccer

Swimming

UVA has indoor pools at the Aquatic Fitness Center and Memorial Gym.

Atlantic Coast Athletic Club (ACAC)

Private club and gym, Olympic-size, intermediate and infant swimming pools. You must be a member. ACAC also has a waterpark open to all for an entrance fee in summer.

City of Charlottesville indoor swimming pools:

Smith Recreation Center
Rates and Hours
Fitness center with competitive-swim and leisure pools, water slides, lazy river and exercise programs.

City of Charlottesville outdoor pools are open from Memorial Day (last Monday in May) to Labor Day (first Monday in September).

Meade Park, Onesty Family Aquatic Center 
Rates and Hours

Washington Park Pool
Rates and Hours

Tennis

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports offers a summer tennis program for adults and children. See Racquet Sports for information on University tennis courts.

Tennis Club at UVA

Virginia Club Tennis brings together advanced and intermediate players at the University of Virginia who wish to play tennis actively at a competitive level.

Charlottesville Tennis League

This well-established league offers competitive play on a weekly basis. Mixed doubles are played spring, summer and fall in eight-week sessions. Any mixed doubles pair or individuals may sign up. Indoor play during the winter.

Atlantic Coast Athletic Club (ACAC)

Tennis instruction and league teams. Eight clay tennis courts open March-Nov.

Yoga

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports offers hatha, kundalini and mixed-style yoga classes. Some classes are conveniently located at North Grounds.

Hot Yoga Charlottesville

Yoga in a 110-degree heated room. Validates parking at the nearby garages.

Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville

For serious study in a yoga community, try a workshop in yoga, meditation, or spirituality under Sri Swami Satchidananda and his students in this Integral Yoga ashram in Buckingham near Scottsville, about one hour from Charlottesville.

Family Fun

See the Activities for Kids page.