Things to do in Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns

5 hours from Washington depending on which entrance you use, so treat it as a full day out rather than a quick detour.

Skyline Drive, the 105-mile road running the length of the park, charges a per-vehicle National Park entrance fee that is separate from anything else you plan; Luray Caverns nearby is a distinct, privately run attraction with its own ticket price on top.

Combine the drive, a short hike to an overlook, and the caverns in one day and you are looking at a long day, so many visitors book a night nearby instead. Weather turns fast on the ridge, and fog or wind can close sections of the Drive with no notice.