Best Places to Visit in Virginia
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, 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, quiet trails through breathtaking landscapes, and 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 places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
Alexandria: Canvases & Quiet Inspiration
Tucked along the Potomac River just outside Washington, D.C., Alexandria is a historic port city where cobblestone streets, colonial charm, and a thriving arts community converge. The town’s waterfront and creative energy feel like stepping into a storybook setting with a modern twist.
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.
For the night, we checked into Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria, a boutique hotel perched on the waterfront.
Alexandria’s walkable downtown blends centuries-old architecture with a forward-looking creative scene. With the Potomac glinting at sunset and the hum of artists at work in converted industrial spaces, the city offers an intimate but cosmopolitan escape, just minutes from the bustle of D.C.
Williamsburg: Echoes Beneath the Lantern Light
Nestled along the James River in Virginia’s Tidewater region, Williamsburg is a city where early American history comes to life against a backdrop of leafy streets and timeless charm. The town feels like stepping into another era, yet it hums with an inviting energy.
We 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, with brick pathways and oak-shaded greens.
For the night, we stayed at the Williamsburg Inn, a refined hotel that blends Southern hospitality with colonial elegance.
Williamsburg’s compact center offers a rare blend: living history, cultural depth, and a relaxed rhythm. Just a short drive from both Richmond and Norfolk, it provides a memorable escape that feels both rooted in the past and comfortably connected to the present.
Fredericksburg: Brick Roads, Battlefields & Biscuits
Set along the Rappahannock River between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Fredericksburg is a small city steeped in Revolutionary and Civil War history, yet alive with a modern, welcoming spirit. Its mix of brick-lined streets and leafy river views creates a sense of quiet charm.
We wandered through Old Town, where 18th- and 19th-century buildings now hold antique shops, cafés, and galleries. The waterfront park offered a peaceful stroll along the river, while the city’s historic battlefields and museums gave powerful glimpses into the nation’s past.
For the night, we stayed at the Richard Johnston Inn, a historic bed-and-breakfast with period furnishings and warm hospitality (around $210, intimate and elegant).
Fredericksburg’s walkable downtown blends preserved history with small-city ease. Just about an hour’s drive from the bustle of Washington, it offers the feeling of stepping back in time while still enjoying a vibrant dining and arts scene.
Winchester: Apples, Architecture & Porch-Swing Pace
Tucked in the northern Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is a historic city framed by mountain views and orchards. Its blend of colonial landmarks and lively streets makes it feel both rooted in the past and comfortably relaxed.
We explored Old Town Winchester, where the pedestrian mall is lined with cafés, boutiques, and restored 18th-century buildings. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley added an artistic and cultural touch, while reminders of the city’s Civil War history are woven throughout the area.
For the night, we stayed at The George Washington Hotel, a stately downtown property with classic architecture and a touch of old-world elegance (around $220, polished and welcoming).
Winchester’s walkable core offers a mix of heritage and charm, with apple country and mountain drives just minutes away. About an hour and a half from Washington, D.C., it feels like a serene escape where history, culture, and natural beauty intersect.
Norfolk: Mermaids, Makers & Waterfront Moments
Set along the Chesapeake Bay and Elizabeth River, Norfolk is a waterfront city that blends maritime heritage with a dynamic cultural scene. Its harbors, neighborhoods, and public art give it an energy that feels both coastal and cosmopolitan.
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.
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).
Norfolk’s compact center offers a mix of naval history, vibrant arts, and breezy waterfront views. 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.
Harrisonburg: Valley Roots & A College Town Glow
Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is a vibrant small city where mountain views frame a lively downtown. Its 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.
For the night, we stayed at Hotel Madison, a modern property with warm design and valley views (around $215, relaxed and contemporary).
Harrisonburg’s compact downtown blends history with innovation, surrounded by farmland and mountain trails. Just a short drive from Shenandoah National Park and less than two hours from Charlottesville, it’s a gateway to both outdoor adventure and cultural discovery.
Staunton: Shakespeare, Side Streets & Mountain Air
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.
First Landing State Park: Chesapeake Calm & Ancient Forests
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.
Charlottesville: Hillside Grace & Monticello Light
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.
Virginia Beach: Soft Sand & Shoreline Stillness
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.
Love Virginia Beach? Check out all my favorite beaches in Virginia.
Leaving Virginia, But Not Really
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.
