Best Virginia Day Trips
Virginia is a state filled with history, natural beauty, and coastal charm, making it the perfect place for memorable day trips. After moving to the South, I’ve found that Virginia offers everything from scenic mountain drives and historic towns to relaxing beaches and vibrant cities, all within easy reach for a quick getaway.
What is day tripping around Virginia like? It's an amazing time, full of discovery, learning about history, hiking and swimming. If you live there, don't miss this opportunity to cheaply explore your surroundings. If you are from out of town, base yourself in one location and day trip around like we have done. Virginia has no shortage of incredible destinations for a perfect day trip (or weekend getaway). Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Leesburg - an hour northwest of Washington, D.C.
Leesburg, Virginia, just about an hour northwest of Washington, D.C., makes for an easy day trip that I thought was one of the best nearby. This charming historic town swept me off my feet with its cobblestoned streets, tree-shaded parks, and lovingly preserved 18th-century buildings.
I spent a delightful long weekend at the beautifully restored 4-star Lansdowne Resort (AAA Four Diamond Award winner), wandering the red-brick sidewalks downtown, browsing antiques along King Street, and sampling craft brews at Black Hoof Brewing Company. I especially loved my scenic bike ride on the W&OD Trail, and my leisurely stroll through Morven Park’s gardens and mansion.
When I needed a little indulgence, I treated myself to homemade chocolates at Mokomandy. Locals told me that wine tasting at Stone Tower Winery is worth it. Although Leesburg is just a short drive from D.C., it feels worlds away — peaceful, romantic, and full of small-town warmth. If you visit, consider coming in spring or fall when the foliage is at its finest and the weather is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike.
- Location: Northern Virginia, about 33 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 12.5 square miles (town), situated in Loudoun County
My personal highlight is watching the sun set over the Blue Ridge foothills.
2. Staunton - 2 hours 30 minutes from DC
Staunton, Virginia, tucked in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, makes for an easy and joyful day trip. Surrounded by rolling hills and just off I-81, it feels like a small-town retreat yet still offers plenty of things to see and do.
I spent three cozy days at the 3-star Blackburn Inn, a beautifully restored 19th-century hospital turned boutique hotel, just a short walk from the heart of downtown. My mornings began with coffee at The By & By Café (try the sausage, egg and cheese bagel!). Afterwards we headed to Gypsy Hill Park. I loved exploring going on a tour of the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, a candlelit, authentic re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater.
Afternoons were for browsing the quirky antique shops and art galleries along Beverley Street, indulging in gelato at The Split Banana Co., and sampling Shenandoah Valley wines at Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room. I also made time to tour the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, a fascinating step back into early 20th-century history.
- Location: Central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, about 40 miles west of Charlottesville
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 20 square miles (city), located within Augusta County
Staunton is lively but relaxed. I love that it's less crowded than nearby Charlottesville or Lexington, making it perfect for an affordable day trip filled with culture, nature, and great food. I’d suggest visiting in early fall for fall foliage.
3. Farmville - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Richmond
Farmville, Virginia, right in the heart of Prince Edward County, makes for an easy and joyful day trip just an hour from Richmond. I loved its brick-lined charm, Civil War and civil rights history, and a welcoming creative pulse that runs through its downtown.
A scenic drive west from Richmond (about 1 hour and 15 minutes) brings you into the heart of town. You can see the Green Front Furniture district in 2 or 3 hours, an enormous collection of old tobacco warehouses transformed into showrooms of global rugs, furniture, and décor. From there, I ducked into The Sassy Sisters and Blake & Gray for locally made gifts and clothing, then paused for a relaxed dinner at the North Street Press Club, where locals and college students mingled over burgers, craft cocktails, and live music.
The next morning, I set out to walk the High Bridge Trail, a 30-mile converted rail-trail that leads out of town into Virginia’s woodlands. Standing on the restored High Bridge, 125 feet above the Appomattox River, offered one of the best views in the region. Later that day, I visited the Robert Russa Moton Museum, a moving landmark in American civil rights history.
Check into the Hotel Weyanoke for two days, with rooftop views over the town and a warm, boutique feel — but without the sky-high prices of resort towns. Dinner at Taproot Tavern, located in the same building, rounds out the visit perfectly and was my personal highlight.
- Location: South-central Virginia, about 65 miles west of Richmond
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 7.3 square miles (town), spanning both Prince Edward and Cumberland counties
4. Lexington - two-hour drive west from Richmond
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and just a short drive from I-81, it feels like a small-town retreat yet still offers plenty of things to see and do. A scenic two-hour drive west from Richmond (or about an hour if you are coming from Roanoke) brought me into the heart of this small Shenandoah Valley city, home to both Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute.
Check into the 4-star Georges for two days, a beautifully restored boutique inn right on Main Street that captures Lexington’s quiet luxury. Dinner at Haywood’s Piano Bar and Grill downstairs is the perfect ending to a vacation day. Spend 2 hours exploring downtown Main Street where you can browse a mix of independent bookstores, antique shops, and old-fashioned storefronts that look unchanged since the 19th century. Take the kids to Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe or have lunch at Bistro on Main which offers Southern fare in a beautifully restored building.
- Location: West-central Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley about 50 miles northwest of Lynchburg
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 2.5 square miles (city), independent of but surrounded by Rockbridge County
Take a 4-minute drive to the Virginia Military Institute Museum, housed in the castle-like campus itself which is incredible and my personal highlight.
5. Roanoke - 3-hour drive southwest from Richmond
I thought that Roanoke, was the best Virginia day trip when I first moved to the South. Tucked into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it makes for an easy and joyful day trip that completely won me over. Known as the “Star City of the South,” it’s surrounded by scenic views yet still offers plenty of things to see and do right in town.
We spent an unforgettable 2-day weekend at the historic 4-star Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, a Tudor-style landmark full of Southern grace. My days began with scenic hikes along the Mill Mountain Star Trail, ending with sweeping views beneath the iconic neon star that’s watched over the city since 1949. I hiked along the stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, explored the colorful murals of the Wasena and Grandin Village districts, and spent lazy afternoons browsing the Taubman Museum of Art’s striking modern exhibits.
In the evenings, I caught live music at Dr. Pepper Park, and sampled mountain-inspired cuisine at Lucky Restaurant.
- Location: Southwestern Virginia, nestled in the Roanoke Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 43 square miles (city), serving as the cultural and economic center of the region
My personal highlight was wandering through farmers markets overflowing with local peaches and wildflower honey.
6. Virginia Beach - 2-hour drive southeast from Richmond
I completely fell for this lively stretch of the Atlantic coast — golden beaches, windswept dunes, cypress swamps, and a vibrant boardwalk scene all framed by rolling surf and the serene waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
After a breezy 2-hour drive southeast along I-64 from Richmond, I reached Virginia Beach, the sun-kissed heart of the state’s coastline — a place where coastal adventure meets laid-back seaside charm.
I spent two days at 4-star Cavalier Hotel, a restored 1920s icon perched above the ocean. We went for a stroll along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, visited First Landing State Park, hiked in False Cape State Park, and stood in awe where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Henry Lighthouse.
In the afternoon, spend an hour in the ViBe Creative District, take the kids to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and have dinner at Waterman’s Surfside Grille.
- Location: Southeastern Virginia, on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 497 square miles (city), making it the largest city in Virginia by area
7. Occoquan - 45 minutes south of Washington, D.C.
Tucked along the Occoquan River, Occoquan, Virginia feels like a quiet retreat yet still offers plenty of things to see and do in a small, walkable setting.
When I first strolled through historic Occoquan, I immediately loved the cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and inviting cafés. We spent time exploring local art galleries and antique stores, and I thought it was an amazing way to slow down and soak up the town’s warm character.
- Location: Northern Virginia, along the Occoquan River about 20 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 0.3 square miles (town), located in Prince William County
I especially enjoyed taking a riverside walk in Mamie Davis Park which was my personal highlight.
8. Waynesboro - 1 hour 30 minutes from Richmond
Waynesboro, Virginia, nestled right at the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, makes for an easy day trip from Richmond. Surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, it feels like a scenic retreat yet still offers plenty of things to see and do right in town.
I especially enjoyed visiting the South River Greenway, which felt like stepping into a dream. Walking along the river trail with mountain views all around created such a unique balance of relaxation and beauty that made the visit even more memorable. For me, it was one of those experiences that linger long after the trip ends.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without exploring the nearby Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. Hiking through the historic rail tunnel was a brilliant 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.
- Location: Central Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 30 miles west of Charlottesville
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 15 square miles (city), bordered by Augusta County
9. 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: Northern Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 26 square miles (county), part of the Washington metropolitan area
My personal highlight was watching the sunset from Gravelly Point Park, where planes from Reagan National Airport soared overhead.
10. Fairfax - 40 minutes from DC
Fairfax offered something else entirely: the feeling of stepping into a living tapestry of Virginia’s history wrapped in suburban charm and wooded trails that feel worlds away from the capital.
You can check out Old Town Fairfax, where 19th-century storefronts meet modern cafés and bookstores. Have lunch at First Watch, then wander through Historic Blenheim, a Civil War-era farmhouse covered in soldiers’ graffiti, a haunting, fascinating echo of the past.
Afternoons were for nature: hiking the Accotink Creek Trail through shady woods, spotting deer near Burke Lake Park, and kayaking at Lake Accotink, where the reflections of tall trees shimmered like glass.
- Location: Northern Virginia, about 20 miles west of Washington, D.C.
- Location Map
- Size: About 6.3 square miles (city), surrounded by the larger Fairfax County region
Strolling down Main Street was my personal highlight.
Conclusion
What I love most about Virginia day trips is the variety...every town and city has its own character, history, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Within just a few hours, I can leave behind the busy pace of everyday life and step into something new, whether it’s history, nature, art, or food. Virginia’s towns and cities may be close to home, but every visit feels like a getaway worth savoring.
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.
