The top things to do in Virginia include historical sites, beaches and much more
Apr 18, 2022 鈥 6 min read
Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia鈥檚 Historic Triangle brings the state鈥檚 rich history to life 漏 John McDonnell / The Washington Post via Getty Images
With its mild climate, diverse terrain and welcoming spirit, Virginia offers a wide range of things to do for explorers of all ages.
In this commonwealth, you鈥檒l find everything from remote wilderness and bustling cities to beaches, pastoral farmland and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Whether you鈥檙e part of a couple, a family or a friend group on an adventure, here are some of the very best things to do in Virginia.
Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains
Rising through the western portion of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a segment of the Appalachian Range that descend to the Shenandoah Valley. (At more than 1 billion years of age, they鈥檙e some of the oldest mountains in the world.) You can easily explore these picturesque peaks in a car: just hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Dr. You can also take a hike on the Appalachian Trail, as nearly a quarter of the trail鈥檚 length lies in Virginia. In the winter, skiers flock to the slopes at or .
Admire Thomas Jefferson鈥檚 Monticello
Declaration of Independence author and US president Thomas Jefferson spent 40 years building his dream home at Monticello, which was completed in 1809. Located just outside of Charlottesville in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the site is the only US presidential and private home in America designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the first floor of the home and its grounds on guided or self-guided tours, and learn the fascinating history of Jefferson鈥檚 life as well the stories of some of the hundreds of people he enslaved.
Soak up the sun in Virginia Beach
Beach lovers of all types can find their ideal patch of sand in Virginia Beach. A loud and lively area of the city, the Oceanfront plays host to high-rise hotels, restaurants, arcades, music venues and more on the 3-mile-long Boardwalk. A few miles away, quieter, more laid-back beaches beckon, at Sandbridge, First Landing State Park and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Museum-hop in Richmond
Virginia鈥檚 capital city is also its capital of culture, and Richmond鈥檚 many museums and cultural institutions rank high on the list of top things to do in this historic city. Families flock to the , while art lovers adore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the at Virginia Commonwealth University. History buffs can hit up the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the , the or the . You can even enjoy an 鈥淯nhappy Hour鈥 at the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, which celebrates the 19th-century author鈥檚 life and career.
Step back in time in the Historic Triangle
Experience what life was like for Virginia鈥檚 earliest residents by spending a day or two exploring the commonwealth鈥檚 . This compact area invites travelers to visit Colonial Williamsburg, the site of the Jamestown settlement and the Yorktown Battlefield. Williamsburg is an ideal home base for area explorations, with plentiful hotels, restaurants and, for bargain shoppers, the . For some modern-day fun, theme park is just down the road.
Sip your way through Virginia鈥檚 wine regions
Virginia鈥檚 wineries are spread across a diverse array of regions, from the rocky mountains to the sandy shores. The state has eight officially designated wine-growing regions, or American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and numerous wine trails 鈥 which means you鈥檙e never far from an excellent local tasting room. The Monticello Wine Trail in Central Virginia is considered one of the commonwealth鈥檚 premier wine-growing regions, while Northern Virginia, the Blue Ridge and Hampton Roads offer dozens of options as well.
Head underground for a cavern tour
In the Southwest and Shenandoah Valley regions, visitors will find eight different caverns to explore. Luray Caverns are the largest in the eastern United States, with awe-inspiring formations like the Frozen Fountain, a massive rounded white flowstone, and the Empress Column, formed where a stalactite and stalagmite meet. It鈥檚 also home to the Stalacpipe Organ, known as the largest musical instrument in the world. Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg, Skyline Caverns in Front Royal and Endless Caverns in New Market are just a few of the other spots worth adding to your itinerary.
Search for wild ponies at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
On the northern tip of Virginia鈥檚 Eastern Shore at the Maryland, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island is home to a well-known herd of wild ponies. You can hike or bike around this lush preserve in search of the charismatic animals, who roam freely around the island. Make a stop at the Assateague Lighthouse and relax on the secluded beachfront before heading into the quaint town of Chincoteague for a taste of local oysters, clams and crabs.
Relax in the healing thermal springs of Bath County
Named for the English city of Bath, Virginia鈥檚 is home to some of the commonwealth鈥檚 best-known thermal springs. Visitors have been drawn to this region bordering West Virginia for over 200 years in pursuit of the healing powers of the natural springs. At the , you can even take a dip in the same mineral waters enjoyed by Thomas Jefferson back in 1818.
Stroll the King Street Mile in Old Town Alexandria
Located just across the Potomac from Washington, DC, Alexandria鈥檚 charming Old Town feels like a world away. King Street is the main artery of this well-preserved historic district, which is lined with centuries-old buildings, cobblestone alleyways and hundreds of independent shops and restaurants. Dine alfresco at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront, and be sure to snap a selfie in front of the Spite House, one of the skinniest historic homes in America.
Look up and take in Natural Bridge
An extraordinary natural wonder, Natural Bridge is a National Historic Landmark and State Park in Virginia鈥檚 southwest: over millions of years, the flow of Cedar Creek sculpted a 215ft-tall gorge in the limestone hills. Look for George Washington鈥檚 initials carved into the side of the rock: America鈥檚 first president once famously surveyed the site. A nature trail within the park will take you through a recreation of a Monacan Indian village and then to Lace Falls, a 30ft cascade.
Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery
One of the world鈥檚 largest national cemeteries is in Arlington, just outside of Washington, DC. Walk or take a shuttle tour of the expansive Arlington National Cemetery, home to John F Kennedy鈥檚 gravesite as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Looking for a specific grave? Find it using the .
Hike with the family in Great Falls Park
The 800-acre in Northern Virginia is best known for the dramatic cataract created where the Potomac River flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. Easy, family-friendly hiking trails will take you to three scenic overlooks along the river. You鈥檒l also find the Patowmack Canal here, which was one of the first in the nation.
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