Virginia is for lovers – lovers of history, culture, and natural beauty! Here are our 7 favorite things to do during your trip.
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Colonial Williamsburg
A visit to Colonial Williamsburg is like stepping back in time to experience what life was like in Pre-Revolutionary America. This 301 acre living history museum is the largest in the world. It features costumed performers who interact with you in restored 18th century buildings and tell you about colonial times.
Admission to the park includes guided tours of historic sites like the Capitol, Governor’s Palace, Courthouse, and more. You will see many tradespeople at work throughout your experience. Your ticket also includes access to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, performances at the Hennage Auditorium, and a multitude of informational sessions and demonstrations. You can plan your day around your specific interests!
Nearby, visit Jamestown Settlement, home of the first permanent English colony in America circa 1607. The settlement is now a living history museum where costumed interpreters tell you about life in colonial America. Highlights include replicas of the ships that brought the settlers to America, a Powhatan Indian Village, and the recreated James Fort. You can also visit the Jamestown Rediscovery Archaeological Site to see ongoing excavations, and you can tour the Archaearium Museum with artifacts found in the site.
There’s only so much history you can experience before needing a break. Look no further than Busch Gardens Williamsburg! This European-themed amusement park has thrill rides, entertainment, animal experiences, and more. It’s a great way to jazz up your trip to Williamsburg (or bribe kids with so they are good during the “boring” history experiences)!
There’s plenty of great places to stay in the area. And there’s a ton of other stuff to see and do nearby.
Shenandoah National Park
If you love the great outdoors, your visit to Virginia must include Shenandoah National Park. Here you will find 200,000 acres of wilderness containing waterfalls, amazing vistas, and a variety of animal life. One of the easiest ways to experience the park is by driving the 105 mile scenic Skyline Drive. Make sure to stop at the overlooks for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you prefer to explore on foot, there are terrific hiking trails. Take the steep 1.4 mile round trip hike to the 70-foot waterfall called Dark Hollow Falls. For an easier trek, try Stony Man Trail, a 1.6 mile round trip hike with views of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. The 2.2 mile round trip Hawksbill Loop Trail allows you views from the summit of hawksbill Mountain, the the highest peak in the park. More than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through the par as well.
No matter how you experience the park, keep a look out for diverse wildlife. Deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds are all prevalent in the park. Take a Ranger Program to learn more about all of the animals and plants in Shenandoah. Also take the time to visit the many exhibits about the park’s history, ecosystem, geology, and wildlife.
You can camp or stay in a lodge or cabin in the park. There’s also plenty of great places to stay and other great things to see and do nearby.
Visit Presidential Homes
Two of America’s founding fathers called Virginia home, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. These two homes are in different parts of the state about two hours away from each other. Despite this, no trip to Virginia can be complete without exploring both!
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Home to the third president of the United States, Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A variety of tours are available. Take the Highlights Tour to see the most impressive rooms and outdoor spaces of the house, or go more in-depth with the Behind the Scenes Tour. You can also take tours to learn more about the legacy of slavery and the role of women at Monticello,
You can learn more about Thomas Jefferson at the Visitor’s Center, and even meet the man himself most Tuesdays-Saturdays!
There are many great places to stay and fun things to see and do in nearby Charlottesville.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon was home to George Washington, the first president of the United States. Take a guided tour of the house and grounds, or enjoy a variety of specialty tours. There’s even a tour that explores Mount Vernon through lyrics from the musical Hamilton! Another interesting tour is a visit to the fully-functioning gristmill and whiskey distillery on site.
Mount Vernon’s Museum and Education Center is particularly impressive. Here you will walk through George Washington’s history with life-size figures of him as a young man, Colonial officer, and in his later years. The Be Washington interactive game is a fun way to experience some of the leadership challenges Washington faced. The Revolutionary War 4D Theater takes you into several battles of the Revolutionary War. There’s also an impressive collection of artifacts from Washington’s life, including his legendary false teeth!
There are many great places to stay and other fun things to see and do nearby.
Virginia Beach & Outer Banks
Now that you’ve learned a lot of history and experienced the great outdoors, it’s probably time to relax on the beach. Fortunately, Virginia has that covered, too! Virginia Beach offers 35 miles of shoreline. The most bustling stretch is Virginia Beach Boardwalk with 3 miles of shops, restaurants, and attractions. If you are looking for peace and quiet, try Sandbridge Beach. And if you have younger children with you, the calm waters of Chesapeake Bay Beach are perfect!
Water pursuits are prevalent. Kayak or paddleboard on Chesapeake Bay or Back Bay. Fish off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. Or explore the water by boat on a cruise to see dolphins, whales, or simply the sunset. For a more in-depth look at marine animals, visit the highly rated Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
If you haven’t had enough history during your visit to Virginia yet, Virginia Beach has you covered. Visit First Landing State Park which marks the spot where English settlers first landed in 1607. If you are into military history, you will love the Military Aviation Museum featuring planes from World War I and II. And you can climb to the top of Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally funded lighthouse in the U.S. built in 1792.
Outer Banks
Virginia Beach is a great place to base yourself while exploring Virginia’s Outer Banks. The Outer Banks consist of a stretch of barrier islands. Visit False Cape State Park which is accessible only by foot, bike, or boat. Hike, take a guided kayak tour, take a tram tour, or simply just enjoy 6 miles of beach access.
Or make you way to Chincoteague Island to see the famous Chincoteague wild ponies. Learn about the ponies at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Time your visit to attend the Chincoteague Pony Swim to see the ponies swim across the channel as well as a week’s worth of other festivities.
There are plenty of great places to stay in Virginia Beach. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Alexandria
Minutes away from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is well known for its charming historic district and waterfront views of the Potomac River. Wander down King Street Mile or take a ride on the free King Street Trolley. You will find no shortage of boutique shops, art galleries, and great places to eat here. Take a walking tour to learn more about the history of the town. Opt for a traditional tour, food tour, or a ghost tour to hear about the spookier side of history!
The Alexandria Waterfront offers picturesque water views. Art lovers will enjoy the Waterfront Public Art exhibits along the promenade. There’s also the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former World War II factory turned into an art hub with over 80 studios and galleries. But don’t just stay on dry land! Get out on the water on a sailboat, kayak, or paddleboard. You can also tour and even set sail on the Tall Ship Providence. And don’t miss the historic Jones Point Lighthouse, one of the last remaining riverine lighthouses.
Alexandria also has a lot of great historic places to visit. The Carlyle House is a Georgian manor that was a social hub in the 18th century. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum feature two taverns where the fledging American Republic took shape in the late 18th century. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is a well-preserved Civil War fort. And the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum housed in an 18th century apothecary shop is a fascinating look about early pharmaceutical practices.
There are many great places to stay in Alexandria. And there are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is the largest cavern system in the eastern U.S. Not only will you experience stunning rock formations, you will also enjoy a host of fun and family-friendly attractions.
Of course, the main features are the Caverns themselves. Take the self-guided 1.5 mile walking tour through awe-inspiring rooms filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. Some of the rooms are ten stories high! But the most amazing site (and sound) comes from the Stalacpipe Organ which is played hourly.
The fun doesn’t end underground, though. Your ticket includes admission to several other fun attractions. The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum features transportation artifacts and historic vehicles. The Shenandoah Heritage Village recreates a 19th century farming community with historic buildings, gardens, and even a vineyard. And Toy Town Junction is an exhibit of electric toy trains and other historic toys.
Other fun activities at an additional cost are sluicing for gems, finding your way through a garden maze, and a ropes challenge course.
There are many great places to stay in Luray. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Arlington National Cemetery
Our final stop on our trip to Virginia is Arlington National Cemetery. Here lies many U.S. military personnel who have served their country. The cemetery is striking with row after row after row of white monuments. Wander down the rows paying your respects to the individuals buried there.
Make sure to catch the hourly (Oct.-March) or half-hourly (April-Sept.) Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This ceremony is performed by Tomb Guards and honors unidentified U.S. service members killed in battle.
Another key site is the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and two of their children. The site is marked by the Eternal Flame symbolizing JFK”s spirit. Other must-see memorials include the tributes to the victims of the Challenger and Columbia Space Shuttles, Women in Military Service for America, recipients of the Medal of Honor, and many more.
Learn more about the history of the region by exploring Section 27 and the Freedman’s Village. Here lie many formerly enslaved people who lived in the community established there after the Civil War. You can also tour Arlington House, formerly the home of Robert E. Lee prior to him serving as the commander of the Confederate Army.
Nearby Attractions
While you are in the area, you should definitely take the time to tour the Pentagon. This iconic building serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. Guided tours are available. Definitely plan ahead as you must allow at least 14 days prior to your visit to pass a background screening. You can also visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial honoring the 184 victims of the terrorist attack.
Also nearby is the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial). The statue is based on the iconic photo of Marines rising the U.S. flag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Time your visit around sunset for striking views of the memorial. In the summer, the U.S. Marine Corp has one-hour Sunset Parades on Tuesdays where they play music and run precision drills.
There are many great places to stay in Arlington. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
What’s on your Virginia trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Virginia. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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