Virginia is a beautiful vacation destination, filled with historical attractions, sandy beaches and the Blue Ridge Mountains where visitors can spot an array of species of birds and land animals. The birthplace of eight U.S. Presidents, Virginia has a rich history and many well-preserved historical sites.
Here are the best Virginia day trip destinations, including Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Alexandria, Roanoke, and Hampton.
Unique Places to Visit in Virginia:
1. Visit George Washington's favorite places in Old Town Alexandria
If you are a history buff like me, you'll want to get started in Alexandria, the place that George Washington called home.
The Old Town Historic District, with its traditional cobblestone streets, is a hive of activity that pulls you in. There are historic buildings, art galleries you can visit, antique shops, and restaurants, all set against the backdrop of the Potomac River.
You can follow George Washington by visiting his favorite pub, Gadsby’s Tavern, checking out the pharmacy where he and Martha shopped, or viewing his pew at Christ Church.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center, which was an actual torpedo factory in World War II, is now a creative space for over eighty artists, and yous can watch them as they create modern masterpieces.
2. Swim and play in Virginia Beach
There is a wealth of things to do in Virginia Beach, and first and foremost is the beach itself.
Three different beaches and fourteen miles of sandy shores give you the beach vacation you need, whether it’s in the heart of the action or in a secluded cove.
The three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the place to be if you like walking.
You can go shopping here, stop to eat at one of the many restaurants and enjoy vacation vibes.
Virginia Beach offers amusement rides, golfing, sea kayaking, boat tours, and nightlife. It’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
First Landing State Park commemorates the first English settlers, who came ashore in 1609.
Back Bay National Wildlife Preserve connects you with nature and offers the chance to see wild horses, feral pigs, loggerhead turtles, and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
3. Step back in time at Williamsburg, Virginia
I drove here from D.C. to spend a day at Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown, hugely popular open-air museums stretching for several city blocks. I really felt transported back into a different time.
All around me, there were restored buildings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century. Historical re-enactors dressed in period costume completed the picture.
For me, the highlight of Colonial Williamsburg was the Governor’s Palace, a stately structure that was the residence of two of Virginia Colony’s early governors.
There is also a lot of excitement to be found in the Williamsburg area. On a separate trip I stopped at Busch Gardens with my kid so that he could ride the rollercoasters. In the summer, we went back to play in the wave pool and lazy rived at Water Country USA. Can you fit everything that Williamsburg has to offer into one trip? Let me know!
4. Drive through Shenandoah National Park
After visiting Colonial Williamsburg, we drove to Shenandoah National Park to spend the night at a lodge and do some hiking.
The 105-mile Skyline Drive is meant to be driven slowly. You should plan to stop regularly at one of the seventy-five lookout posts along the route that have stunning views of the park’s scenery.
I loved hiking in Shenandoah and I described some of my favorite spots in this post.
In all, Shenandoah National Park has 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and camping, lodges, and restaurants can be found throughout the park.
Cascading waterfalls and beauty spots are everywhere.
The park has a multitude of wild creatures, including black bears, cougars, and over 200 species of birds such as wild turkeys and barred owls.
I stayed at Big Meadows Lodge which had rustic decor and a great restaurant.
5. Walk through history in Abingdon, Virginia
It is not difficult to find historical sites in Abingdon, Virginia.
The entire town, from its outskirts to its brick-paved sidewalks downtown are a National Historic Landmark and full of historic connections.
You can see how poverty-stricken people lived until the mid-20th century at the Yeary Cabin, an old Appalachian homestead. Or visit a living history museum, the Fairview Historic Homestead, to discover firsthand how immigrants lived in their new land.
Around town are fine places to walk: the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
In town, the center of arts and culture is the Barter Theater, which has been in use since 1933 and has hosted actors such as Gregory Peck, Hume Cronyn, and Ernest Borgnine.
Romantic Places to Visit in Virginia:
6. See Civil War-era forts in Winchester
Winchester lies in the Shenandoah Valley of northwestern Virginia.
Its strategic location made it a major part of the American Civil War. Seven battles were fought in the area, and there remain the ruins of five Civil War-era forts.
Today, the city sits in the midst of farmland, mainly orchards. Pick-your-own apples is an important part of the fall season.
May brings the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which has been running since 1927 and includes a carnival, a parade, fireworks, dances, and the crowning of the Apple Blossom Queen.
7. See endangered animals at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Virginia half of Assateague Island.
I came here mainly to see the Chincoteague ponies, feral horses of diminished size due to their poor diet of salt marsh plants and grasses.
The entire Virginia half of the island is a refuge for animals, some of them endangered, such as the sika deer and the piping plover.
I also saw a brown pelican and I red fox.
In the summer, there is great swimming and boating.
If you are looking for adventure, explore the shipwrecks that dot the island’s shores and that were the reason for the installation of a lighthouse in 1833.
Fishing, crabbing, and clamming are permitted in designated areas with a valid Virginia fishing license.
Family-friendly Places to Visit in Virginia:
8. George Washington Birthplace National Monument
For even more history, visit George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
Just a heads up: George Washington’s home no longer stands; it was completely destroyed in a cataclysmic fire in 1779.
The house where America’s first president was born in 1732 has been recreated according to typical upper-class homes of the time and filled with period furnishings.
You can visit The Memorial House, along with the Kitchen House, where you can watch historical re-enactors demonstrate how candles and soap were made in Washington’s time.
I really enjoyed the Colonial Herb and Flower Garden displays of plants from Washington’s time.
The Colonial Living Farm, with its barn, pasture, and livestock, uses traditional farming methods and you can even see two Red Devon oxen descended from Washington’s stock!
In the Visitor’s Center, you can see artifacts from the burned-down home as well as a 15-minute film about the Washington family.
9. Learn about Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville
I drove to Charlottesville to see Monticello, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former home of Thomas Jefferson.
I also admired Presidents Monroe's home, Highland. It was just a 10-minute drive from Monticello.
Jefferson also designed the grounds and the early buildings of the beautiful University of Virginia. Plan a visit to see the rooms where Edgar Allan Poe studied.
10. Staunton, Virginia for Couples
Staunton, Virginia is probably best known as the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States.
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum reside in his birthplace.
I also enjoyed the Museum of Frontier Culture, where four working farms and interpreters in historical costume display life as it would have been on a farm in the 17th, 18th, or 19th centuries.
If you like theater, you will want to spend the night here. The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Theater puts on Shakespeare plays year round. The Heifetz International Music Institute has both a summer school and a summer festival.
There are so many more amazing destinations you can visit in Virginia. I'm always coming back for more and adding to my articles here.
If you have more time, drive about 30 minutes north to Harrisonburg, VA and stroll through the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
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