Best Things to Do in Danville, VA
Your Guide to Danville, Virginia Danville, VA has quietly become one of the most interesting destinations in Southside Virginia. A city that once relied almost entirely on tobacco and textiles has reinvented itself with a $750 million casino resort, a revitalized downtown packed with restaurants and breweries, miles of trails along the Dan River, and […]
Entertainment Hub
Golf simulators, bowling, pool, live music, and a craft bar all under one roof at RDS.
Caesars Virginia
Virginia's $750M casino resort with 1,500 slots, table games, and world-class dining.
River District
Danville's revitalized downtown with breweries, restaurants, boutique hotels, and shops.
Outdoor Adventures
12.8 miles of Riverwalk, 35+ miles of mountain bike trails, and Dan River water sports.
Your Guide to Danville, Virginia
Danville, VA has quietly become one of the most interesting destinations in Southside Virginia. A city that once relied almost entirely on tobacco and textiles has reinvented itself with a $750 million casino resort, a revitalized downtown packed with restaurants and breweries, miles of trails along the Dan River, and entertainment venues that give visitors reasons to stay well beyond a quick stop. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, looking for something to do on a Friday night, or exploring Danville for the first time, this guide covers the best things to do in and around the city.
River District Social: Danville’s Entertainment Anchor
Start your Danville experience at River District Social, the city’s all-in-one entertainment destination. Housed in a 120-year-old converted tobacco warehouse at 680 Lynn Street, RDS packs golf simulators, LED-lit bowling lanes, pro-grade pool tables, a craft cocktail bar, a full kitchen, and live weekend music into a single upscale-casual venue.
- ✓ Golf Simulators: Full Swing technology with 38+ world-famous courses, including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews
- ✓ Bowling: Rollerball Classic lanes with LED lighting and full bar service
- ✓ Pool: Pro-grade billiard tables in a lounge atmosphere
- ✓ Live Music: Free shows every weekend with local and regional artists
- ✓ Food & Drinks: Chef-crafted menu and craft cocktails that go beyond bar basics
River District Social is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 10pm and Friday through Saturday from 11am to midnight. It’s a Danville Best of 2025 Favorite and won four out of five categories in the local Readers’ Choice awards. Families are welcome during all hours, with a 21+ policy after 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
Caesars Virginia Casino and Resort
The biggest addition to Danville’s entertainment landscape is Caesars Virginia, a $750 million casino resort that opened in December 2024. Located about ten minutes from the River District, the resort features nearly 1,500 slot machines, 79 live-action table games, a WSOP Poker Room, and a Caesars Sportsbook. Beyond the gaming floor, visitors find Gordon Ramsay’s Ramsay’s Kitchen, the 500 Block Food Hall, a full-service spa, a 320-room hotel, and a 2,500-seat entertainment theater hosting national touring acts.
Many visitors combine a Caesars Virginia trip with dinner and entertainment at River District Social, creating a full day or evening that covers both the casino experience and the downtown Danville scene.
The River District: Downtown Danville Revitalized
Danville’s River District is the heart of the city’s comeback story. What was once a quiet stretch of vacant tobacco warehouses is now a thriving downtown district with over $375 million in private investment. Walking Main Street and Craghead Street, you’ll find:
- ✓ Ballad Brewing: Craft brewery in a renovated 1891 tobacco warehouse with a family-friendly taproom and food trucks
- ✓ Golden Leaf Bistro: Upscale dining in a historic warehouse setting with steaks, seafood, and live music
- ✓ The Bee Hotel: Virginia Hotel of the Year winner, a 47-room boutique hotel in a converted newspaper building
- ✓ Danville Science Center: Hands-on museum with a seasonal butterfly greenhouse, great for families
- ✓ Danville Community Market: Local vendors, produce, and artisan goods
- ✓ Cotton Restaurant: Riverfront dining overlooking the Dan River
The River District is walkable, well-signed, and increasingly vibrant. New apartments, shops, and restaurants continue opening as the revitalization gains momentum.
Outdoor Adventures Along the Dan River
Danville’s outdoor recreation scene is one of the city’s underappreciated strengths. The Dan River runs through the heart of the city, and the trail and water access systems built around it offer quality options for visitors who want to spend time outside:
- ✓ Danville Riverwalk Trail: 12.8 miles of paved trail along the Dan River, perfect for walking, running, and biking
- ✓ Anglers Ridge Mountain Bike Trails: 35+ miles of IMBA-spec singletrack for all skill levels
- ✓ Dan River Water Sports: Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals from the Abreu-Grogan Boat House
- ✓ Ballou Park Disc Golf: 27-hole disc golf course with recreational and competitive layouts
- ✓ Dan Daniel Memorial Park: 170 acres with sports fields, trails, a skate park, and the Otterbots baseball field
A whitewater channel is also under construction around the Dan River Falls building, set to open in 2027, which will add an entirely new adventure draw to the area.
History and Culture
Danville’s history runs deep and touches on some of the most significant chapters in American history. For visitors who appreciate heritage alongside their entertainment, the city offers several notable experiences:
- ✓ Millionaires’ Row: Perhaps the finest collection of Victorian and Edwardian residential architecture in Virginia, built by tobacco and textile magnates
- ✓ Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: Housed in the Sutherlin Mansion, which served as the final capital of the Confederacy
- ✓ Tobacco Warehouse District: A 40-block national historic district with over 500 contributing buildings
- ✓ Wreck of the Old 97 Marker: Commemorating the 1903 train wreck that inspired one of America’s most famous songs
The city’s Civil Rights history, NASCAR heritage through Wendell Scott, and transformation from industrial powerhouse to modern entertainment destination create a layered narrative that visitors discover at their own pace.
Live Entertainment and Events
Danville’s event calendar has grown substantially in recent years. Between River District Social’s weekend live music, the 2,500-seat theater at Caesars Virginia, the Crossing at the Dan amphitheater, and community events throughout the year, there’s a growing roster of things to see and do:
- ✓ Free live music at River District Social every weekend
- ✓ National touring acts at the Caesars Virginia theater
- ✓ Festival in the Park, Danville’s longest-running festival since 1973
- ✓ Danville Otterbots summer collegiate baseball
- ✓ Virginia International Raceway events nearby in Alton
Getting to Danville
Danville sits in south-central Virginia near the North Carolina border, accessible from several major cities:
- ✓ Greensboro, NC: approximately 50 minutes
- ✓ Lynchburg, VA: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- ✓ Roanoke, VA: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- ✓ Durham, NC: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- ✓ Richmond, VA: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
The city’s proximity to the Piedmont Triad metro area in North Carolina (population 1.7 million+) makes it an easy day trip or overnight destination, especially with the draw of Caesars Virginia and the growing River District.
Plan Your Visit
The best way to experience Danville is to start at River District Social for entertainment and food, explore the River District on foot, and add Caesars Virginia, outdoor trails, or historic sites depending on your interests and timeline. For overnight stays, The Bee Hotel in the River District and the Caesars Virginia hotel both offer quality accommodations.
Whether you’re a Danville local rediscovering your own city or a visitor seeing it for the first time, the things to do in Danville, VA are more plentiful and more exciting than they’ve ever been. Come see what the comeback city is all about.
More at River District Social
Golf Simulators
Full Swing simulators with 38+ world-famous courses. Real-time shot data, climate-controlled bays, up to 8 guests.
See Prices →Bowling
LED-lit Rollerball Classic lanes with full bar service. Up to 4 guests per lane.
See Prices →Pool Tables
Pro-grade billiard tables in a relaxed, music-filled lounge. Cold drinks and tasty bites.
See Prices →Frequently Asked Questions
What Is There to Do in Danville, VA?
Danville offers golf simulators and bowling at River District Social, the Caesars Virginia casino, Riverwalk Trail, Anglers Ridge mountain biking, the River District dining and brewery scene, Danville Science Center, historic Millionaires' Row, and live entertainment throughout the year.
What Is the River District in Danville?
The River District is Danville's revitalized downtown area centered around Main Street and Craghead Street. It features restaurants, breweries, boutique hotels, entertainment venues, and shops inside converted historic tobacco warehouses.
Is Caesars Virginia Near Downtown Danville?
Yes, Caesars Virginia is approximately a 10-minute drive from the River District. Many visitors combine a casino visit with dining and entertainment in downtown Danville.
Is Danville Good for a Weekend Trip?
Absolutely. Between Caesars Virginia, the River District restaurants and bars, River District Social's entertainment, the Riverwalk Trail, and attractions like the Danville Science Center and Millionaires' Row, you can easily fill a full weekend.
What Outdoor Activities Are Available in Danville?
Danville offers 12.8 miles of paved Riverwalk Trail, 35+ miles of mountain bike trails at Anglers Ridge, kayaking and canoeing on the Dan River, disc golf at Ballou Park, and multiple parks including Dan Daniel Memorial Park.
Where Should I Eat in Danville?
The River District is your best bet. River District Social offers chef-crafted bar food with entertainment. Golden Leaf Bistro serves upscale dining in a historic warehouse. Ballad Brewing pairs craft beer with food trucks. Cotton offers riverfront dining.