Best Virginia Day Trips for Couples
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and take a day trip from the city? Well, you are in the right place! After moving to the South, I’ve found that Virginia has no shortage of incredible destinations for a perfect day trip (or weekend getaway). This guide has the ones I recommend the most from what I explored on my recent four week road trip, and I think you’ll enjoy them too. I kept it short for busy readers, but if you want a larger heap of road trip ideas, my Best Places to Go in Virginia article is for you.
Leesburg - 2 hours from Richmond
This is our favorite day trip in Northern Virginia near Washington, DC when we're in the mood for wine tasting and antiquing (and just a quick trip out of the capital, about 50 minutes by car). First, head to King Street for antique shops, bookstores, and little boutiques. You can easily grab snacks at a cafe (we like Goosecup for cappuccinos and croissants!)
For me, a highlight was heading just outside town to a nearby winery, enjoying the peaceful vineyards view.
Later, back in town, we visited historic sites: Dodona Manor (Gen. George C. Marshall's home), Morven Park (mansion, museums, grounds), and the Loudoun Museum. It truly is a gem of a day trip if you love history like me, without having to fight crowds for a ticket.
Walking back through Historic Downtown with Chris and enjoying its 18th-century architecture once the streetlights were lit was incredibly romantic, my favorite highlight. Leesburg is my #1 Virginia day trip for couples.
Historic Shirley - 35 min from Richmond
Along a quiet stretch of the James River, about halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg, we instantly loved the way Historic Shirley rises from the landscape like a living echo of America’s earliest days. I think it's one of Virginia’s most graceful homes and also a hidden gem less crowded than other popular places to visit in Virginia!
Historic Shirley, established in 1613, stands as a masterpiece of Georgian architecture with its red brick, symmetry, and that iconic “flying staircase” that seems to float upward without visible support.
For us, Historic Shirley is one of the best day trips in Virginia. (Also, be sure to check out other beaches you can visit nearby!)
Inside, the house feels timeless. Period furnishings, portraits, and artifacts tell the story of the Carter family, who have lived here for eleven generations. Once you stand here, I could totally picture guests arriving by riverboat centuries ago, and then enjoying the same view across the water.
Farmville - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Richmond
We discovered this central Virginia gem by accident as a part of a larger road trip and it instantly became one of my favorite family-friendly day trips in Virginia.
First we enjoyed historic buildings and a much more relaxed pace of life downtown along Main Street. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
After, we sat in a local cafe for a while, then drove to High Bridge Trail State Park (about 15 min by car) to do a bit of hiking.
Returning to town, we had lunch and strolled around the Longwood University area to end our day trip.
Virginia Beach - 2-hour drive southeast from Richmond
Even though it's definitely a touristy spot, Virginia Beach is still my favorite Virginia stop for a day on the beach! There are heaps of amazing things to do here! What I love most is that our day can be family-friendly and spontaneous without any planning. We started our road trip here.
If we are tired, we tend to just relax on the beach, enjoying the dunes and blue ocean, followed by a casual lunch, and then we head home.
On the other hand, when we drive in and we are excited to explore, there is a lively boardwalk scene, shopping, a couple of state parks (First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park) and kid-friendly attractions (our son loves the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center). Best of all, for me, it truly is one of the best beaches on the East Coast! I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
We've even turned our day trip into a weekend getaway a few times, staying at 4-star Cavalier Hotel, (from $419/night) a restored 1920s icon. It's also easy to find a place to eat, whether we are in the mood for casual or elegant (we liked dinner at Waterman’s Surfside Grille). If you like taking photos on your day trips, head to Cape Henry Lighthouse, my favorite highlight.
Occoquan - 1 hour 20 minutes from Richmond
If you are in the mood for a lazy river town, Occoquan is one of my favorite vacation ideas! I immediately loved the cobblestone streets, boutique shops, galleries, and inviting cafés. Maybe your kids won't find it super exciting, but if you need a romantic spot for an anniversary or birthday, we loved it here! I especially enjoyed taking a riverside walk in Mamie Davis Park, my personal highlight.
Waynesboro - 1 hour 30 minutes from Richmond
This was my favorite day trip when we were based in Richmond for two weeks. It's actually the perfect starting point if you decide to go deeper and drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (and Skyline Drive). It's incredibly scenic here, you get that crisp, fresh air, and fall foliage is the best!
Of course, we couldn’t leave without exploring the nearby Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. This historic rail tunnel was a brilliant day trip idea, and emerging on the other side to breathtaking mountain scenery was a memory I still think of whenever I crave a short and exciting escape, a real standout!
Congratulations for reading through all my Best Virginia Day Trips for Couples on a Road Trip. I hope that our experiences inspire you to go on your own road trip to one (or more!) of my favorite USA destinations!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
