Best Places to Visit in Virginia
Searching for the most beautiful places to visit in Virginia on vacation? Well, you are in the right place! Virginia is a state where history, natural beauty, and Southern charm come together, making it one of the most rewarding places to explore. Having visited destinations across the country and living as a local for two months, I’ve found Virginia to be especially unique, offering everything from scenic mountains and rolling vineyards to vibrant cities and a stunning coastline.
I discovered historic towns filled with stories of the past. If you are short on time, head to Alexandria, Williamsburg and Fredericksburg first! We followed trails through breathtaking landscapes, and visited lively spots where culture and community shine. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways and outdoor adventures, Virginia truly has something for everyone. Here are the local places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Alexandria
This month felt like stepping into a storybook with crisp autumn air carrying the scent of the Potomac, cobblestone streets lined with golden leaves, and historic rowhouses glowing under the soft afternoon light. My visit coincided with Art on the Avenue, filling Del Ray with vibrant local art, live music, and the hum of community spirit.
After arriving from D.C. in 25 minutes, I spent three sunny October days wandering along Old Town’s waterfront, touring the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and going on a ferry ride to National Harbor.
We wandered down King Street, lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings now home to cafés and boutiques. At the riverfront, we explored the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a converted munitions plant that’s now a buzzing hub for working artists. Inside, we browsed open studios and exhibitions by members of The Art League, one of the region’s most vibrant arts organizations.
I was surprised by what a great culinary destination Alexandria turned to be, offering over 200 restaurants in the Old Town area alone, ranging from historic establishments like Gadsby's Tavern to modern American at The Majestic, waterfront dining at Ada's on the River, and a diverse range of international cuisines like Greek at Taverna Cretekou and Italian at Mia's Italian Kitchen.
- Location: In northern Virginia, along the western bank of the Potomac River
- Elevation: 30 feet above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Staying in a Balcony King guestroom at 4-star Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria for three days provided a comfortable base for exploring, complete with hypo-allergenic bedding and elegant decor.
Local tip: Use the free King Street Trolley between the Metro station, King Street, and the waterfront without having to walk the whole way.
2. Things to Do in Williamsburg
Stepping into Williamsburg felt like walking straight into the 18th century with stately colonial homes, white picket fences, horse-drawn carriages, and candlelit taverns. We drove about 2 hours and 45 minutes from DC and checked into Williamsburg Inn and stayed in a Deluxe Room with two Queen Beds for two days.
I spent our time exploring artisan shops filled with hand-dipped candles and pewter trinkets, enjoying a hearty lunch at the 18th-century-style King’s Arms Tavern, and wandering through the beautifully preserved Governor’s Palace gardens.
We also strolled through Colonial Williamsburg, wandering past costumed interpreters, horse-drawn carriages, and preserved 18th-century buildings. Nearby, the campus of William & Mary added a collegiate buzz.
- Location: In southeastern Virginia
- Elevation: 60 feet above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Our stay at the elegant Williamsburg Inn was super unique because it's such a refined, classic property where southern hospitality meets old-world grace and although prices here reflect the premium experience, but the setting and service more than justify it.
Local tip: Weekdays are better than weekends to avoid big crowds.
3. Fredericksburg in 48 Hours
This historic Virginia town completely won me over with its mix of charming boutiques, cozy cafés, rich Civil War history, and riverside scenery — all wrapped in that classic small-town Southern warmth. I thought that Fredericksburg was one of the best places to visit in Virginia when I moved to the East Coast. Why? I loved how it managed to feel both deeply rooted in the past and full of creative, modern energy at the same time!
I drove just about an hour south from Washington, D.C., and spent three leisurely days wandering Fredericksburg’s walkable downtown, exploring antique stores and art galleries along Caroline Street, savoring local wines at small tasting rooms, and learning about the town’s colonial and Civil War past at the Fredericksburg Battlefield (free to visit) and the Mary Washington House ($10 per person Adult admission).
In summer, the Rappahannock River comes alive with kayaking and riverside picnics, while locals told me that winter brings a quiet, storybook calm — with candlelit taverns, festive lights, and cozy restaurants serving up Southern comfort classics.
We stayed in a King Bed, Balcony room at the The Publisher Fredericksburg for two nights, complete with a Down duvet and Blackout drapes which gave us a restful sleep after exploring on vacation.
For lunch and dinner, we enjoyed sampling diverse local restaurants, including Fahrenheit 132, a steakhouse known for local ingredients, Orofino, an Italian restaurant with pasta and pizza, Park Lane Tavern, an European-inspired tavern, and Sedona Taphouse, a steakhouse that also features a large craft beer selection!
- Location: In northeastern Virginia, along the Rappahannock River
- Elevation: 170 feet above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Just 8 minutes by car, I reached the quiet charm of Falmouth and Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont nestled among towering trees and gardens, the historic estate that once belonged to American Impressionist painter Gari Melchers, and stepping inside felt like entering a tranquil world of creativity and grace, while the gardens outside buzzed softly with early bees and birdsong.
A downside? Even though Fredericksburg’s less expensive than big cities nearby, boutique stays and fine dining can still stretch the budget a little!
4. Winchester
This delightful Shenandoah Valley town completely charmed me with its blend of historic character, boutique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and small-town sophistication, all surrounded by rolling hills and endless vineyard views. I loved how Winchester felt both timeless and full of life, with locals who take pride in their history yet welcome you like an old friend.
I drove about 75 miles west from Washington, D.C., and stayed for three easygoing days — exploring the red-brick streets of Old Town Winchester, browsing the shops and cafés along the pedestrian-only Loudoun Street Mall, and touring George Washington’s Office Museum (Adults $5, Students $2.50) and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley ($15 Adult Admission). The mix of Revolutionary War landmarks and contemporary art made for a perfect blend of old and new.
We stayed in a King room at The George Washington Hotel, with classic architecture and a touch of old-world elegance on our room for two days (around $186 for one night).
- Location: In the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, near the border with West Virginia
- Elevation: 725 feet above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
In autumn, the town bursts into color with apple harvests and crisp mountain air, and I hope to visit in the spring soon too because locals told me the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in spring is an absolute must, with parades, pink-and-green décor everywhere, and that signature small-town joy.
5. Attractions in Norfolk
Set along the Chesapeake Bay and Elizabeth River, we adored Norfolk's waterfront location and maritime heritage! We drove about 3 hours from our previous stop in Winchester.
We wandered through the downtown waterfront, stopping at the Nauticus maritime museum and strolling past the Battleship Wisconsin . Nearby, the NEON District showcased colorful murals, galleries, and studios that highlight Norfolk’s growing creative community.
Our son had so much fun at Mermaid Factory decorating his own plaster dolphin to take home and I found it to be such an affordable family experience (under $30)!
For the night, we stayed at the Glass Light Hotel, a boutique spot filled with contemporary art and sleek design (around $240, stylish and modern).
- Location: In southeastern Virginia, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay
- Elevation: 10 feet above sea level
- Location Map
Just across the water from Virginia Beach and under two hours from Richmond, the city offers a lively, art-filled escape shaped by its ties to the sea, and that's why I think it's one of the best places to visit in the state!
6. Harrisonburg Activities
Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is a lovely small city where mountain views frame a lively downtown, and a mix of historic buildings, farm-to-table dining, and youthful energy gives it a welcoming, down-to-earth feel.
We strolled through the walkable Court Square area, where local shops and cafés spill into restored storefronts. The presence of James Madison University brings a creative spark, with galleries, music venues, and cultural festivals adding to the city’s rhythm.
We drove a little over an hour from Charlottesville and for the night, we stayed in a Non-smoking room with two Queen Beds at 4-star Doubletree by Hilton Harrisonburg, a modern property where I enjoyed its warm design and I loved relaxing next to the indoor pool (around $287/night).
- Location: In the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
- Elevation: 1,350 feet above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Joshua Wilton House is a must-visit for a romantic dinner in a historic setting, built around 1888 in a Late Victorian style, a real personal highlight.
7. Things to Do in Staunton
Also set in the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a charming small city where historic architecture meets a lively arts and theater scene. Its brick-lined streets and mountain backdrop create an atmosphere that feels timeless yet vibrant.
We wandered through the compact downtown, browsing independent shops and cafés tucked into 19th-century buildings. The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse brought world-class performances in an intimate setting, while galleries and music venues added to the city’s creative pulse.
For the night, we stayed at the Blackburn Inn, a boutique hotel in a restored 1828 building with modern comforts and historic character (around $225, elegant and distinctive).
Staunton’s walkable core offers a rare mix of culture, history, and small-town warmth. Just off I-81 and about 40 minutes from Charlottesville, it’s an inviting destination where the arts thrive against a backdrop of valley views.
- Location: In the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Elevation: 1,400 feet above sea level
- Location Map
8. First Landing State Park
Stretching across the shoreline where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, First Landing State Park offers a rare blend of sandy beaches, maritime forests, and quiet coastal marshes. It feels like a world away, yet sits right on the edge of Virginia Beach.
We walked shaded trails under ancient cypress trees, their roots twisting through still, tannin-colored waters. Boardwalks opened onto wide, windswept dunes and a mile-long beach where the bay shimmered in the late afternoon sun.
For the night, we stayed in one of the park’s cabins, simple and rustic with woodsy charm (around $145, cozy and secluded).
First Landing combines history—it’s where English colonists first landed in 1607—with a preserved natural landscape. Just minutes from Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, the park offers an escape where coastal wilderness and quiet history meet.
- Location: In Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean
- Elevation: 10 feet above sea level
- Location Map
9. Charlottesville
Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is a city where history and innovation meet against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and mountain views. Its blend of colonial heritage, university spirit, and a thriving food and arts scene gives it a vibrant yet relaxed feel.
We strolled down the Downtown Mall, a brick-paved pedestrian stretch filled with cafés, galleries, and live music spilling from historic storefronts. The campus of the University of Virginia added architectural elegance and youthful energy, while nearby wineries and orchards offered the perfect countryside escape.
For the night, we stayed at the Oakhurst Inn, a boutique hotel just steps from the university with a stylish but homey atmosphere (around $235, cozy and modern).
Charlottesville’s compact core blends cultural depth, academic spirit, and natural beauty. Just over an hour from Richmond and two hours from Washington, D.C., it’s a destination where history, creativity, and the Blue Ridge landscape come together seamlessly.
- Location: In central Virginia, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Elevation: 600 feet above sea level
- Location Map
10. Virginia Beach
Set where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is a coastal city that mixes boardwalk fun with natural beauty. Its wide sandy shoreline and lively oceanfront give it the feel of a classic seaside escape with plenty of modern touches.
We strolled the three-mile boardwalk, passing bike riders, open-air cafés, and oceanfront hotels buzzing with beachgoers. Beyond the surf, the Virginia Aquarium and nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge added a quieter side of exploration, with trails, marshes, and wildlife viewing.
For the night, we stayed at the Cavalier Hotel, a grand landmark with a storied past and modern luxury (around $285, elegant and iconic).
Virginia Beach blends the energy of a bustling resort town with easy access to coastal wilderness. Just a short drive from Norfolk and First Landing State Park, it offers both vibrant nightlife and serene natural escapes along the water’s edge.
- Location: In southeastern Virginia, on the Atlantic coast where the Chesapeake Bay meets the ocean
- Elevation: 12 feet above sea level
- Location Map
Love Virginia Beach? Check out all my favorite beaches in Virginia.
11. Historic Shirley
Along a quiet stretch of the James River, about halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg, Historic Shirley rises from the landscape like a living echo of America’s earliest days. The wide river shimmers just beyond the trees, and the long gravel drive leads to one of Virginia’s most enduring and graceful homes.
Historic Shirley, established in 1613 and settled permanently in 1638, stands as a masterpiece of Georgian architecture—red brick, perfect symmetry, and that iconic “flying staircase” that seems to float upward without visible support.
Inside, the house feels timeless. Period furnishings, portraits, and artifacts tell the story of the Carter family, who have lived here for eleven generations. It’s easy to imagine guests arriving by riverboat centuries ago, greeted by the same view across the water.
- Location: On the north bank of the James River in Charles City County
- Elevation: 50 feet above sea level
- Location Map
12. Chincoteague Island
At the edge of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where land gives way to salt marsh and sea, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge feels like a world apart. The air here carries a mix of ocean breeze and pine, and the landscape shifts constantly—marsh to dune, forest to open water—each turn revealing something wild and unexpected.
Established in 1943, the refuge covers thousands of acres on Assateague Island, protecting a mosaic of coastal habitats that feel both untamed and deeply peaceful. It’s best known for the famous Chincoteague ponies, descendants of wild horses that roam the dunes and marshes with a kind of quiet grace. Seeing them in the distance, manes lifted by the wind, feels like witnessing a piece of American folklore come to life.
- Location: On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, near Assateague Island and the Atlantic Ocean
- Elevation: 3 feet above sea level
- Location Map
13. Arlington - 15 minutes from D.C.
When I first explored Arlington, I immediately loved the mix of modern neighborhoods, inviting cafés, and vibrant public spaces. We spent time wandering through Clarendon and Crystal City, and I thought it was an amazing way to experience the lively atmosphere without ever needing to cross into D.C.
I especially enjoyed visiting Arlington National Cemetery, which felt like stepping into a dream of history and remembrance. Watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a unique experience that left a lasting impression.
- Location: In northern Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
- Elevation: 250 feet above sea level
- Location Map
My personal highlight was watching the sunset from Gravelly Point Park, where planes from Reagan National Airport soared overhead.
Conclusion
After exploring so many destinations across Virginia, I realized how much variety this state truly offers. From the lively oceanfront of Virginia Beach to the historic streets of Williamsburg, each place carried its own unique rhythm and charm.
Every corner of Virginia seemed to tell a story, whether through history, nature, or community spirit. I think you will find that Virginia is a gem, scenic, diverse, and the absolute best reminder that travel can be both exciting and deeply meaningful, all within one unforgettable state.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
