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Staunton

Staunton travel guide

Independent city in Virginia

Best time to visitJune and August to October
Nearest airportSHD · 12 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population25,750

About Staunton

Staunton is an independent city in the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,750. In Virginia, independent cities are separate jurisdictions from the counties that surround them, so the government offices of Augusta County are in Verona, which is contiguous to Staunton. Staunton is a principal city of the Staunton-Stuarts Draft Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2020 population of 125,433. Staunton is known for being the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. president, and as the home of Mary Baldwin University, historically a women's college. The city is also home to Stuart Hall, a private co-ed preparatory school, as well as the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. It was the first city in the United States with a fully defined city manager system.

Places to visit in Staunton

  1. Frontier Culture Museum

    Frontier Culture Museum

    Museum · 3 mi from centre

    An outdoor living-history museum with relocated and reconstructed farms from England, Ireland, Germany and West Africa alongside American frontier homesteads, all staffed by costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and chores.

  2. Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

    Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

    Museum

    The site includes the Greek Revival manse where Woodrow Wilson was born, period gardens and a museum covering his life and presidency, including his restored Pierce-Arrow limousine and a World War I trench exhibit.

  3. Blackfriars Playhouse

    Entertainment

    A recreation of Shakespeare's indoor London theater where the American Shakespeare Center stages plays with the house lights on, as audiences would have experienced them in his time.

  4. Downtown Staunton

    Historic

    The hilly historic downtown is filled with well-preserved Victorian buildings that now house independent shops, galleries and restaurants, and it is easy to explore on foot.

  5. Gypsy Hill Park

    Park

    Staunton's large city park has a lake, a paved walking loop, a duck pond, a bandstand and sports fields, and it is a relaxed spot for a stroll or picnic close to downtown.

Where to stay in Staunton

Popular hotels in Staunton, out of 29 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Staunton

Best time to visit Staunton

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Staunton is June and August to October, when average daytime highs are around 66–84°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 24° – 41° 9
Feb 30° – 50° 10
Mar 36° – 58° 8
Apr 44° – 68° 7
May 53° – 74° 12
Jun 60° – 83° 10
Jul 66° – 88° 11
Aug 63° – 84° 8
Sep 57° – 77° 9
Oct 45° – 66° 6
Nov 37° – 57° 6
Dec 29° – 47° 9

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Staunton weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 64° 40° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 68° 41° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 61° 41° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 61° 37° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 65° 40° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 68° 44° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Staunton

These are the airports closest to central Staunton. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • SHD Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Staunton

Getting around Staunton

The town is small enough that if you stay downtown, you can walk anywhere you would like to go. There is also a trolley/bus service provided by the city for $0.25 per ride.

Staunton travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Staunton?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Staunton is June and August to October, when average daytime highs are around 66–84°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.

What is the weather like in Staunton?

July is usually the warmest month in Staunton, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 24°F (-5°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 111 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Staunton?

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (20 km) from the centre of Staunton.

What time zone is Staunton in?

Staunton uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Staunton?

The town is small enough that if you stay downtown, you can walk anywhere you would like to go. There is also a trolley/bus service provided by the city for $0.25 per ride.

What are the best places to visit in Staunton?

Top sights in Staunton include Frontier Culture Museum, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Blackfriars Playhouse and Downtown Staunton. An outdoor living-history museum with relocated and reconstructed farms from England, Ireland, Germany and West Africa alongside American frontier homesteads, all staffed by costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and chores.

Where should I stay in Staunton?

Popular areas for hotels in Staunton include Southeast, Waynesboro and Verona. Well-reviewed options include The Blackburn Inn and Wingate by Wyndham Waynesboro/Route 340.

How many hotels can I book in Staunton?

Destina Holidays currently lists 29 properties in and around Staunton, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.