21 Best Places to go in Virginia
This guide will help you discover some of the best places to visit in Virginia, showcasing both well-known destinations and hidden gems that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Virginia, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and charming towns, offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore.
Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or food lover, Virginia has something for everyone.
From Monticello to the Grand Caverns, these are the best places to go in Virginia.
1. Old Town Alexandria
A quaint and charming town a few minutes away from Washington D.C, Old Town Alexandria is a hidden gem filled with locally owned businesses and history on every corner. The town was established in 1749 and is considered to be one of Washington D.C’s oldest towns.
The best times to visit the cute, historic town is during the Spring and Fall. Visit this post for more information on photo spots.
2. Williamsburg
Williamsburg is mainly known for it’s historic significance and it’s close proximity to Yorktown and Jamestown. You could easily spend a few days here and not ever get bored! The College of William and Mary is an important historic site for when visiting the city.
Besides Downtown Colonial Williamsburg, you are only a few minutes away from one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world, Busch Gardens.
You also cannot miss out on the pancake houses while you’re there but make sure to wake up early.
3. Washington D.C
Washington D.C may be known as the U.S capital with a ton of museums, but the capital offers so much more. D.C is a drivable distance away from Maryland and Virginia. Virginia use to be a part of Washington D.C until 1846, but I still think this city is worth the visit!
Why you should visit Washington D.C:
- Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin
- Spring temperatures are perfect for a picnic on the mall
- Diverse food trucks
- Museums
- Smithsonian Institution
- Fredrick Douglas historic site
4. Wintergreen
Wintergreen is one of Virginia’s hidden gems. The resort is famous for snow activities like snowboarding and skiing.
The retreat is a perfect getaway for snow lovers! The 4-star mountain side resort also offers golf and spa treatments. Besides the snow activities, there are wine and beer tours.
5. Staunton
Staunton is your go to location for haunted tours and the arts. Explore the beautiful downtown area and visit the Blackfriars Playhouse to watch a familiar production like a retelling of the Christmas Carol or a play by a local.
Best Places to go in Staunton:
- Blackburn Inn
- Gypsy Hill Park
- Mill Street Grill
- Downtown Staunton
- Train Station
- Mary Baldwin University
- Wright’s Dairy Rite
6. Richmond
Just a little over an hour from Staunton, Richmond is the city where you’ll find just about anything when it comes to fun activities. Richmond is often praised for its deeply ingrained history, especially during the Civil War.
The city has an abundance of memorials and other historic sites.
Best Places to go in Richmond:
- Virginia Museum of Arts
- Maymont
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Downtown Richmond (famous for murals)
- American Civil War Museum
- Richmond Canal
7. Lynchburg
Lynchburg is a lesser known city in Virginia but has many similar characteristics like Richmond in both the historical and art scene. In my most instagrammable places in Virginia post, I include a few places that helped the city stand out to me.
Here you will find:
- Old Churches
- Cemeteries
- Museums
- Nature Parks
8. Natural Bridge State Park
I always find myself writing about this fascinating park with so much history. It is one of the few parks that is considered to be one of the most visited in Virginia.
Since the rock formation was created during the Paleozoic era, no one really knows how it was created, which makes the park even more mysterious.
Things to do in Natural Bridge Virginia:
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Virginia Wildlife Park
- Foamhenge
- Caverns
- Dionsaur Kingdom II
- Zoo
- Lace Falls
9. Roanoke
Roanoke is a well known city in Virginia that is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just like Richmond and Lynchburg, there are many iconic places that must be visited when traveling to Roanoke.
The city is also home to one of the best universities in the country (Virginia Tech).
Things to do in Roanoke:
- Splash Valley Waterpark
- Mill Mountain Park
- Mill Mountain Zoo
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- The Harrison Museum of African American Culture
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway has to be one of Virginia’s most beautiful trails as well as the longest in the United States. The park ranges from around 469 miles and runs into the state of North Carolina.
The only thing to do here is marvel over the scenic beauty of the mountains. But this site on where to eat and where to stay can help you plan your trip.
11. Grand Caverns
I previously mentioned this show cave in one of my posts and thought it was appropriate to include the Grand Caverns in this post as well. Most states don’t have the luxury of caves built from hundreds if not thousands of years ago.
These caverns help to make Virginia a popular contender for traveling. The tours for the Cave have been opened since 1806 and history runs deep.
Things to do at the Grand Caverns:
- Swim
- Mini Golf
- Picnics
12. Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive is a unique road in Virginia in that it runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Virginia, this is one of the key places to do just that with many hikes.
Hiking Trails:
- Stony Man
- Dark Hollow Falls
- Old Rag Mountain
- WhiteOak Canyon Trail
- Hawksbill Mountain
13. Shenandoah National Park
This park is popular for camping and hiking with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah National Park is a little over an hour away from the U.S Capital.
Best Places for Camping:
- Big Meadows Campground
- Loft Mountain Campground
- Mathew Arms Campground
Best Trails in Park:
- Bearfence Mountain Trail
- Stony Man
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail
- Lewis Falls Trail
*Many of these trails are also a part of Skyline Drive
14. Sherando Lake
Sherando Lake is a summer getaway for many Virginia locals, but many people complain about not having their own space. It’s all about timing and finding the right dates for your trip.
Some of the activities at the lake include swimming and camping. The cost of admission is $8 per vehicle. I personally found that early fall offered amazing views of the mountains and the lake without the crowds.
15. Rockfish Gap
Everyone will say that this is one the best places to go for a beautiful mountain view, and I couldn’t agree more. The gap is in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is near the Augusta and Nelson counties.
There isn’t much to do other than the mountain view, but you’d be surprised at the amount of people who visit. I would also caution on days where it’s foggy or rainy.
16. Goshen Pass
Goshen Pass is a water gap in Virginia. Where mountain meets water, you can enjoy views of the Maury River cutting into an mountain. Goshen Pass is not for people who have a severe fear of heights because of the curvy road and steep dropoffs. However, the adventure is totally worth your time otherwise. The steep road leading up to Goshen has a place where people can swim, hike, and fish.
17. Monticello
Monticello is a must see historical landmark for locals and visitors. Home to one of the most historic men in American history, Thomas Jefferson’s home is open for tours.
But I must caution that the road leading up to Monticello is not for the faint of heart. For the tours, it is recommended to book way in advance.
You not only see where Thomas lived but you also observe homes that slaves once lived. There is so much history surrounding Monticello that it is wise to visit at least twice to fully soak in all there is about Jefferson.
18. Natural Chimneys State Park
A Mt. Solon hidden gem that wouldn’t have been discovered if it wasn’t for the rock formations from the Paleozoic era. I also wrote more about my experience visiting this park in previous posts.
This state park is in Augusta County and offers a variety of outdoor activities. The rock formations were once called Cyclopean Towers in the 1800’s.
The limestone structures are definitely a bucket list essential for when visiting Virginia. Don’t forget to add this park to your list of places to go in Virginia.
19. Yorktown
Yorktown is part of colonial Virginia and offers a state park, beach, and historical sites for the perfect weekend getaway. The famous place is home to the history of the British defeat during the Revolutionary War.
Best places to go in Yorktown:
- Yorktown Beach
- Yorktown Victory Monument
- American Revolution Muesum
- Coleman Memorial Bridge
- York River State Park
20. Fredricksburg
A historical city on the Rappahannock River with footsteps left behind by soldiers of the Civil War. Fredericksburg is south of the U.S Capital and has several battlefields. Just like Williamsburg, this city is filled with charming buildings and immense historical significance.
Things to do in Fredericksburg:
- James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
- Chatham Manor
- Hurkamp Park
- Confederate Cemetary
21. Blue Ridge Tunnel
I visited this famous Virginia landmark for the first time in 2021 and I wasn’t at all disappointed in the hike or the tunnel. I previously wrote a post about this tunnel and the amount of people who visit throughout the year.
The hype is real, and I hope people visit for years to come. Be prepared to bring a flashlight, comfortable shoes, and comfortable clothing.
That’s it! These beautiful locations in Virginia are what makes the state unique and open to many visitors. One day you can choose to visit Rockfish Gap and then stop by Natural Chimneys to see a one of kind rock formations.
There are so many places to go in Virginia and I hoped that I encouraged you to visit.
For more adventures, visit these:
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