Top 10 Things to Do in Bedford, Virginia: A Local’s Guide
Nestled where the Piedmont Plateau meets the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bedford, Virginia offers a perfect blend of small-town charm, rich history, and natural beauty. Known for the National D-Day Memorial and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this hidden gem between Lynchburg and Roanoke delivers authentic experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to historical sites, outdoor adventures, or simply seeking Southern hospitality, Bedford’s unique attractions make it an unforgettable destination.
1. National D-Day Memorial
The National D-Day Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the Allied forces who participated in the Normandy invasion during World War II. Bedford was chosen as the memorial’s location because it suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses of any American community. The 88-acre site features stunning sculptures, a reflecting pool, and educational exhibits that bring this pivotal historical moment to life.
Address: 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA 24523
Hours: 10am-5pm daily (closed on major holidays)
Admission: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Students $8, Children under 6 free
Website: www.dday.org
Local Tip: Visit early in the morning for the most powerful experience and fewer crowds. The memorial offers guided tours at 11am and 1pm which provide fascinating insights not found on the information plaques.
2. Peaks of Otter
The Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in Virginia. This area features three mountain peaks—Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill—surrounding the picturesque Abbott Lake. Hikers can choose from trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging summit climbs that reward with panoramic views stretching for miles.
Address: 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA 24523
Hours: Trails open dawn to dusk year-round
Admission: Free (parking and trail access)
Local Tip: The 1.5-mile Sharp Top Trail is strenuous but offers the best views. For a unique experience, visit the Peaks of Otter Winery afterward—it’s just a 15-minute drive and offers tastings of their famous fruit wines.
3. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Discover Thomas Jefferson’s personal retreat at Poplar Forest, an architectural masterpiece designed by the founding father himself. This octagonal home served as Jefferson’s private escape from public life at Monticello. Today, this meticulously restored National Historic Landmark offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into Jefferson’s genius, private life, and the enslaved community who built and maintained the property.
Address: 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, VA 24551
Hours: 10am-5pm daily (March-December), limited winter hours
Admission: Adults $18, Seniors $16, Students $10, Children under 6 free
Website: www.poplarforest.org
Local Tip: Visit during one of their special events like Wine Festival (June) or Jefferson’s birthday celebration (April) for a more immersive historical experience. The archaeology tours (offered seasonally) reveal fascinating ongoing discoveries about life at Poplar Forest.
4. Smith Mountain Lake
Often called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s second-largest freshwater lake with 500 miles of shoreline. This recreational paradise offers swimming, boating, fishing, and watersports against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rent a pontoon boat for the day, try your luck catching striped bass, or simply relax on the sandy beach at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Address: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA 24104
Hours: State Park open 8am-dusk daily
Admission: State Park entrance $7-10 per vehicle (seasonal)
Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake
Local Tip: Visit Bridgewater Plaza for waterfront dining, mini-golf, and boat rentals all in one location. For the best fishing experience, hire a local guide who knows exactly where the trophy stripers are hiding.
5. Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library
Step back in time at the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library, housed in a historic building in downtown Bedford. The museum chronicles the area’s rich history from Native American settlements through colonial times, the Civil War, and beyond. Their extensive genealogical library is a treasure trove for visitors researching family connections to Bedford County.
Address: 201 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sunday
Admission: Adults $5, Seniors $4, Students $3
Website: www.bedfordvamuseum.org
Local Tip: Ask about their “Bedford Boys” exhibit, which tells the moving story of the local soldiers lost on D-Day. If you’re interested in genealogy, call ahead to schedule time with their research assistant who can help you trace your family connections to the area.
6. Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive
Experience one of America’s most scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which passes just north of Bedford. This iconic roadway offers stunning overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas with spectacular mountain vistas. The changing seasons bring their own magic—spring wildflowers, summer greenery, fall foliage, and winter’s crystalline beauty make this a year-round attraction.
Access Points: Peaks of Otter (Milepost 85.9) is the closest entrance from Bedford
Hours: Open 24/7 year-round (weather permitting)
Admission: Free
Website: www.nps.gov/blri
Local Tip: Download the Blue Ridge Parkway app before your visit for offline maps and points of interest. The Peaks of Otter Lodge restaurant (MP 85.6) offers excellent regional cuisine with stunning lake views—perfect for lunch during your drive.
7. Johnson’s Orchards and Peaks of Otter Winery
Experience a taste of Bedford’s agricultural heritage at Johnson’s Orchards, a family-owned farm operating since 1919. Pick your own seasonal fruits (apples, peaches, cherries), shop for fresh produce and homemade goods at their farm store, or sample unique fruit wines at the on-site Peaks of Otter Winery. Their famous Apple Harvest Festival in fall draws visitors from across the region.
Address: 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford, VA 24523
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm (seasonal variations)
Admission: Free entry (pay for picked fruit and products)
Website: www.johnsonsorchards.com
Local Tip: Try their signature “Chili Dawg” wine for a truly unique experience—it starts sweet and finishes with a spicy kick! The best time to visit is September-October when apple picking is in full swing and the mountain views are enhanced by fall colors.
8. Claytor Nature Center
Explore the natural world at the Claytor Nature Center, a 491-acre outdoor education facility operated by the University of Lynchburg. The center features diverse ecosystems including forests, fields, wetlands, and the Big Otter River. Visitors can enjoy seven miles of hiking trails, a wildflower garden, educational programs, and the Belk Astronomical Observatory for stargazing events.
Address: 1844 Woods Road, Bedford, VA 24523
Hours: Trails open dawn to dusk daily; visitor center hours vary
Admission: Free for self-guided visits; some programs have fees
Local Tip: Check their calendar for monthly “Star Parties” at the observatory where you can view celestial objects through powerful telescopes with expert guidance. The Cloverlea Farmhouse and historic gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when the heirloom plants are blooming.
9. Historic Downtown Bedford
Stroll through Bedford’s charming downtown district where historic architecture houses unique local businesses. Browse antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries, then refuel at one of the locally-owned restaurants or cafes. The restored Centertown Bedford features the iconic Liberty Station restaurant (housed in a former train depot) and hosts community events throughout the year including the popular Centerfest in September.
Location: Main Street and Bridge Street area, Bedford, VA 24523
Hours: Individual business hours vary; most shops open 10am-5pm
Local Tip: Visit on the first Friday evening of each month when many shops stay open late and offer special promotions. Don’t miss Goose Creek Studio for local art and Otter Creek Coffee Shop for the best brew in town—both are local favorites.
10. Sharp Top Brewery
End your Bedford adventure with a visit to Sharp Top Brewery, a local craft brewery named after the iconic peak visible from town. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of handcrafted beers made with local ingredients whenever possible. Enjoy live music on weekends, food truck offerings, and a friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle over pints of Bedford’s finest brews.
Address: 1140 Moneta Road, Bedford, VA 24523
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
Local Tip: Try their flagship “Flat Top IPA” or seasonal “Peaks Porter” while enjoying the outdoor patio with mountain views. Thursday trivia nights are popular with locals and a great way to experience authentic Bedford culture.
Find Your Way Around Bedford
Map of Bedford, Virginia showing the locations of the top attractions mentioned in this guide.
Bedford, Virginia offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm that makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences. From honoring the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation at the National D-Day Memorial to hiking the peaks that inspired the town’s breweries, Bedford delivers memorable adventures for every interest.
Whether you’re passing through on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip or making Bedford your primary destination, the warm hospitality and diverse attractions will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even left town.
