The state of Virginia is a reasonably historic and completely lovely place to go to. From the picturesque locations on the East Coast to the Appalachian mountains, there’s a heap of the very best issues to do in Virginia which can be dotted all throughout the state.
Now, though Virginia won’t at all times be the obvious alternative when searching for the very best locations within the USA to go to from a world perspective, it’s acquired some gems that People have liked for years! That is precisely why I needed to share among the spots you shouldn’t miss while exploring the state.
With that in thoughts, check out the very best issues to do in Virginia while you go to. Have the very best time exploring!
1.) Shenandoah Nationwide Park
Nestled alongside the Blue Mountain Vary, rambling by Shenandoah Nationwide Park is among the finest issues to do in Virginia when you love the good outside.
Now, after all, it’s a nationwide park so anticipate it to be huge, so you could have not less than some plan in place when you’re planning on seeing essentially the most epic spots. Clearly, when you love a hike, be a part of the Appalachian Path which is completely lovely and utterly unspoilt. Simply be sure that to plan your route, observe the paths and at all times be a accountable hiker.
Alternatively, when you don’t fancy a ramble, pop in your automotive and drive the Skyline Drive that runs the size of Shenandoah Nationwide Park.
Should you fancy a shorter (however nonetheless fairly lengthy) hike, be a part of the Outdated Rag Hike that may be fairly intense. Solely try this when you’re in good bodily health and, after all, take plenty of water.
Plus, if it’s waterfalls you’re after, hop on over to Dark Hollow Falls (through the Darkish Hollows Falls Trailhead). Simply remember, the path can get tremendous muddy, so good sneakers are a should!
Learn extra: Enjoyable cities within the USA to go to
2.) Luray Caverns
That is no extraordinary kinda cave, the Luray Caverns are completely beautiful! Found within the nineteenth Century, and designated a world heritage website in 1973, this spectacular cave system is so lovely to pop inside. Truthfully, you don’t should be a geologist to get pleasure from this place, the entire system is so lovely to see.
Rooms inside the caverns attain as much as 10 tales excessive, and cave partitions are marked with lovely color formations which have fashioned over hundreds of years.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to for a USA street journey
3.) Mount Vernon
So yeah, you’ll have in all probability heard of George Washington, proper?
Effectively, while in Virginia, you’ll be able to go to his plantation home close to Mount Vernon that’s probably the greatest issues to do in Virginia (particularly when you love historical past).
This property turned traditionally protected website, has a heap of pretty backyard walks, a museum to touchup in your historical past and the tomb of Washington and his spouse, Martha, too. It’s round 10-miles from the centre of Alexandria, which makes it completely simple to go to for a half-day journey.
4.) Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is finest described as a dwelling museum whereby you’ll be able to discover the lengthy, generally checkered and tumultuous historical past.
Truthfully, you’ll be able to spend a day exploring all of the old-world feeling city and it’s completely pretty for a extra stress-free household day trip.
As soon as right here, remember to take a horse-drawn cart, perform a little procuring and be taught extra about historical past on this area of the USA.
Additionally, the King’s Arms is a giant win for me, adore it!
5.) Chrysler Museum of Artwork
Virtually 100 years previous, visiting the Chrysler Museum of Artwork is among the finest issues to do in Virginia when you’re into your artwork and design.
Together with large exhibitions and short-term rooms, there’s a very attention-grabbing exhibit is devoted to glassmaking. Should you tire out your senses from the artwork, take a breather and loosen up within the structure of the big entrance corridor.
6.) First Touchdown State Park
Perched on the realm round Cape Henry, First Landing State Park is a good place to take a look at while on the coastal routes of Virginia itself.
You see, this spot is just not removed from the location the place the primary colonialists landed again within the seventeenth Century. These days, the seaside continues to be as pristine as ever and it’s a stunning place to go for a stroll and ramble the oceanfront.
Additionally, when you fancy a hike, be a part of the Bald Cypress Path that’ll take you straight by the swamps and is a reasonably simple hike.
Learn extra: Enjoyable cities within the USA to go to
7.) Norfolk Botanical Gardens
There may be lots of unbelievable historical past to see in Virginia, however generally you simply have to cease and odor the roses. Proper?
If that’s you, try the Norfolk Botanical Gardens to get a breath of recent air and stroll by the colorful gardens. All year long, the gardens host common (and seasonal) occasions, too. This implies it’s at all times value checking what’s occurring earlier than you go to.
Oh, and remember to hold your eyes peeled for the Japanese Backyard. Beautiful!
8.) Virginia Seashore Oceanfront
Strolling alongside the 3-mile boardwalk alongside the Atlantic Coast is completely bliss within the late afternoon. You see, alongside the boardwalk are a heap of bars, eating places and little stopping factors that makes it a lot enjoyable on a sunny day.
As soon as right here, hold your eyes peeled for the Neptune Statue, seize among the finest pancakes at Pocahontas Pancake House and pop into Pelon’s Baja Grill for some tasty Mexican (their tacos are all the pieces).
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to for a USA street journey
9.) Leesburg
Round a 1-hour drive from Alexandria, the historic city of Leesburg was as soon as one of the prosperous cities in all of Virginia. These days, it’s a reasonably quaint little city, particularly within the centre of Leesburg to go to.
As soon as right here, be sure that to seize some freshly-caught oysters from King Street Oyster Bar, cease by Mom’s Apple Pie Bakery for among the finest puddings in Virginia and spot George C. Marshall’s, Dodona Manor.
It’s an ideal city to cease at as you head additional east on a street journey from Alexandria or Washington DC.
10.) Richmond
Being the capital of the state, visiting Richmond is among the finest issues to do in Virginia if you’d like extra of a metropolis break. You see, it’s an ideal little place for a weekend keep and has a lot to do when you’re right here.
After arriving, remember to try the Virginia State Capitol constructing, go to the Virginia Museum of Positive Arts and discover the completely huge Maymont Property.
Afterwards, head on over to Lemaire for a particular deal with of a dinner. It’s a bit costlier than another spots in Richmond however the meals is so good, particularly their crusted tuna. Yum!
11.) James River Guests Heart
Past Coleman Falls and round 40-miles from Lynchburg, the James River Customer Heart is a good place to cease as a part of a winder street journey round Virginia.
You see, from right here they’ve some epic strolling trails and the Harry Flood Byrd Memorial Bridge the place you’ll be able to seize some epic images, too.
Though a sleepy little spot, it’s value stopping you probably have a bit picnic to benefit from the views. It’s completely tranquil.
Learn extra: Enjoyable cities within the USA to go to
12.) Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello was the principle plantation that the third president of the USA used to reside.
These days, it’s an amazing place to go to to be taught extra about Thomas Jefferson and the event of the plantation itself. Simply on the outskirts of Charlottesville, it’s very easy to go to within the automotive.
13.) Alexandria
Only a stone’s throw from Washington DC, exploring the historic Alexandria is among the finest issues to do in Virginia when you’re already visiting Washington DC.
After arriving, remember to try the 18th century, Carlyle Home Historic Park that’s completely pretty. Oh, and see the George Washington Masonic Memorial that’s not too removed from Alexandria Practice Station.
Lastly, get your self over to Hank’s Oyster Bar for among the yummiest shellfish in all of Alexandria. Plus, their calamari is epic, too.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to for a USA street journey
14.) Cape Henry Lighthouse
Simply throughout from First Touchdown State Park, seeing Cape Henry Lighthouse is among the finest issues to do in Virginia if you wish to discover extra of the states lengthy historical past.
You see, the lighthouse itself has stood for the reason that 1700s and is effectively value a gander while you’re already within the space.
Plus, you’ll be able to companion this together with your journey all the way down to Virginia Seashore, too!
Learn extra: Enjoyable cities within the USA to go to
21 Enjoyable Cities In The US To Go to