An Insider’s Guide to My Favorite Charlottesville Parks

Pen Park – This is hands down one of my favorite parks in Charlottesville.  Conveniently located about a half mile off Rio Road, this picturesque park runs along the Rivanna River. It hosts my “home” golf course – MeadowCreek, which is an incredible municipal course with relatively low green fees. Families will enjoy the shaded playgrounds, which include areas for both toddlers and older children. The park is also set to be home to Bennett's Village, an inclusive play space for children of all abilities, with accessible structures and sensory gardens. There are also miles of winding nature trails that are perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll.

Riverview Park – A close second for me is Riverview Park at the tip of the Woolen Mills neighborhood, along the Rivanna River (noticing a theme yet?). The playground is ideal for toddlers and older kids alike, and the paved Rivanna Trail offers a perfect opportunity for walking, jogging, or biking. For those with four-legged friends, dogs can be off-leash on a designated portion of the trail on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Darden Towe Park – Located on the west end of Pantops, and yes, you guessed it – this park also runs along the Rivanna River, and offers canoe and kayak access for water enthusiasts. One of the area’s larger parks, Darden Towe spans 113 acres and offers multi-purpose athletic fields, baseball fields, and tennis/pickleball courts. We frequently find ourselves enjoying the enclosed dog park, which is a perfect way to spend a spring afternoon in the sunshine. It’s also home to the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center, which specializes in exhibitions relating to history and exploration.

Azalea Park – I had to include at least one park on this list that wasn’t along the Rivanna River. Although we don’t spend much time south of downtown, this park is high on our list of lazy afternoon stops if we’re in the area. While it lacks significant water features, it does run along Moore’s Creek, Azalea has amenities for everyone, including a playground, basketball court, baseball fields, community garden plots, and a smaller enclosed dog park. Trails connect the park to the Rivanna Trail system, providing opportunities for walking, jogging, or wildlife observation along the creek.

While these are my four favorite parks in Charlottesville, there are plenty of others throughout the area that offer a wide range of amenities—from sports fields and playgrounds to trails, dog parks, and quiet spots to relax. Whether you're looking for a place to let the kids run wild, take a peaceful walk, or spend time with your pup, there’s a park out there that fits your vibe. Explore a few and find the one that feels like your own favorite escape!