Virginia Day Trips

Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia
With its rich colonial history, lush wine country, and beautiful mountains, Virginia is a delightful place to plan a day trip.
Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast, Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in the country.
Some of my favorite moments in Virginia came on day trips—the kind where you leave in the morning with coffee in hand and return just after sunset with something new in your chest. I remember winding through country roads, passing farm stands and faded barns, thinking, “There’s a kind of magic in how close beauty can be.”
What stayed with me were the still hours in between: walking the grounds of a historic estate, breathing deep in a pine-scented trail, watching water shimmer beside a vineyard patio. Each trip felt like a reset, like time had stretched a little wider. Virginia didn’t ask for grand plans—it just offered depth, gently. I always came home a little lighter than when I left.
Whether you’re looking for Blue Ridge overlooks, charming main streets, coastal drives, or historical detours not far from the city, these guides reflect the Virginia day trips that stayed with me. Sometimes the best places are the ones just far enough to feel like a pause—and close enough to return to often.
Things to Do in Crystal City, Virginia
Things to Do in Bedford, Virginia