The Ultimate Virginia Travel Guide
Virginia: One of the most historical states in the US, Virginia is home to several fascinating historical sites, including Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, many sites related to the American Civil War, and several landmarks and monuments linked to George Washington, the first President of the US. However, the list continues, as Virginia is also home to awe-inspiring panoramic mountain vistas, world-class museums, lush botanical gardens, and sparkling beaches of the Atlantic Coast, making it one of the top destinations in the US! Here is my Virginia travel guide featuring all of the top Virginia attractions, trip planning information, and a Virginia attractions map.
To make it easy for you to navigate the content, I have organized my Virginia travel guide into two sections. (1) A brief introduction to Virginia, a little history, some geography, commute, and weather, and (2) Major Virginia attractions. If you wish, you can skip the introduction and move on to the next section, Virginia Attractions.
History: Virginia, admitted to the Union as the 10th state on June 25, 1788, has a rich history that spans over four centuries and played a vital role in the Colonial era as it was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the country, and later during the American Revolution, Virginia became a hotbed of revolutionary activity and produced many of the founding fathers of the United States, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Virginia was named to honor Queen Elizabeth of England, referred to as the “Virgin Queen.” The state’s nickname, the Old Dominion, originated in Colonial days. Dominion refers to complete ownership of a particular piece of land or territory. Virginia is the birthplace of eight US presidents, more than any other state in the US.
Geography: Virginia stretches from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, with a long Atlantic coastline, and is bordered by West Virginia and Maryland on the north, North Carolina and Tennessee on the south, Maryland and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and West Virginia and Kentucky on the west. Virginia’s geography is diverse and spectacular, offering visitors a wide range of natural attractions. The eastern part of the state features sandy beaches and stunning coastal views, while the west offers rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque mountains. The central part of Virginia is home to the Piedmont Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and fertile soil, and is home to some of the Nation’s best museums, memorials, and gardens.
Getting There
Flight: Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport (CHO), Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), Richmond International Airport (RIC), and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) are the main airports to get to Virginia.
Drive: If you live in neighboring states, you could drive to Virginia. However, if you’re traveling from a greater distance, it’s better to fly into Virginia since the attractions in Virginia are scattered all around the state and entail a significant amount of driving.
Train: Amtrak offers several rail services in Virginia: (1) Northeast Regional, connecting Boston Providence / Springfield Hartford New York Washington, DC Roanoke / Richmond Norfolk / Newport News Virginia Beach (2) Palmetto connecting – New York, Washington, DC, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa / Miami and (3) Carolinian / Piedmont connecting – New York, Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte.
Climate: Virginia has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summers can be quite humid, with temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. However, the coastal areas of Virginia are usually cooler due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Winters in Virginia are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is typically light in most areas of the state, but the western region receives heavy snowfall due to its elevated location. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Virginia, as the weather is mild and pleasant, and the fall foliage is simply stunning.
Time zone: Virginia is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Getting around: While Virginia offers quite a few public transportation options, including Amtrak rail and Greyhound bus services, I highly recommend renting a car when visiting Virginia. Some cities, like Richmond and Virginia Beach, offer trolley services that take you to popular attractions. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, be sure to plan ahead and factor in travel time, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist season when traffic can be heavy on the highways.
Things To Do in Virginia
Virginia Attractions Map
Virginia is a true amalgam of breathtaking natural beauty and rich history! Ranging from the spectacular valley and mountain vistas in Western Virginia to the glistening beaches of the Atlantic Coast in Eastern Virginia, accompanied by the several historical sites, museums, and gardens spread across its central and northern plains make Virginia one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the US!
To simplify and make it easy to follow, I have grouped and arranged the attractions in Virginia into four primary regions – Western, Central, Eastern, and North Eastern Virginia!
Western Virginia, known for its incredible natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque mountains stretching from the southwest to the northwest part of the state, is home to several awe-inspiring natural wonders, including the Natural Tunnel State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Luray Caverns, and the gorgeous Shenandoah National Park!
Central Virginia is home to some of the Nation’s best museums, memorials, and gardens, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Virginia War Memorial, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and others!
Eastern Virginia, the major tourist hub of Virginia, features picturesque beaches, lighthouses, museums, gardens, and world-renowned historical sites, including colonial-era architecture in Williamsburg, the first permanent English settlement in America in Jamestown, and historic Yorktown!
North Eastern Virginia, boasting a rich history, natural beauty, and proximity to Washington DC, is home to several historic sites, memorials, museums, and waterfalls, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Manassas National Battlefield Park, George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Great Falls Park, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, and several others!
Here’re the must-see places in Virginia, starting with the attractions in Western Virginia, followed by attractions in Central Virginia, Eastern Virginia, and North Eastern Virginia!
Natural Tunnel State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park
Located in Duffield, Southwest Virginia, Natural Tunnel State Park is home to a naturally formed massive limestone tunnel, measuring 850 feet long and 200 feet wide, so huge that it’s used as a railroad tunnel! While you could hike to the Natural Tunnel, you also have an option to ride a chairlift to the Natural Tunnel, which is much more fun!
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge is a gigantic 215-foot tall sandstone bridge-shaped arch carved into a limestone gorge by Cedar Creek, a tributary of the James River. The Natural Bridge can be seen via a short hike on the Cedar Creek Trail, but I highly recommend hiking the entire trail, which leads to Lace Falls and other features along the way.
Frontier Culture Museum
Frontier Culture Museum
The Frontier Culture Museum, located in Staunton in Shenandoah Valley, western Virginia, is an expansive open-air museum offering a fascinating glimpse into the different cultures and lifestyles of the early days of the US. The exhibits include several classic rustic buildings and live demonstrations of daily life in farm households.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns, located in Luray, northwest Virginia, with several stunning massive cave formations and features, is unquestionably the best show cave in the US! Luray Caverns admission also includes access to three other nearby attractions – Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and Shenandoah Heritage Village.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwest Virginia, is home to breathtaking vistas of the Shenandoah Valley, rolling hills, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls. The park’s famous Skyline Drive runs through the entire park and offers numerous vista points and hiking trails along the way.
Skyline Caverns
Skyline Caverns
Skyline Caverns, located in Front Royal, northwest Virginia, is an underground wonderland of stunning geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. The cavern is popularly known for its unique Anthodite formations, crystal-like structures resembling delicate white flowers, accessible via guided tours.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, located in Winchester, northwest Virginia, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture! The Museum showcases the decadent and unique history and heritage of the Shenandoah Valley with exhibits featuring decorative arts, fine arts, folk art, and six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Monticello
Monticello
Located in central Virginia, Monticello was the primary residence and plantation of Thomas Jefferson, who himself designed this stunning neoclassical architecture and the beautiful gardens surrounding it! Monticello offers guided tours of the house featuring the life and work of the third US President and his contributions to American society.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, central Virginia, features about 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, including a rose garden, a healing garden, and a butterfly garden. The Garden’s Conservatory is another highlight, featuring a variety of tropical and exotic plants from around the world.
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Agecroft Hall & Gardens is a Tudor-style estate in Richmond, central Virginia, that was initially built in Lancashire, England, in the late 15th century and was later dismantled and moved to Richmond in the 20th century. Today, it’s a house museum offering tours of the exquisite interior of the house and the beautiful gardens surrounding it.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Located in central Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a world-class art museum boasting an impressive collection of several thousand artworks from all over the globe, including paintings and sculptures, displayed in its several indoor galleries and a few stunning outdoor art installations in the garden surrounding the Museum.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture, also located in Richmond, central Virginia, is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society and features an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, interactive exhibits, and other memorabilia, showcasing over 16,000 years of Virginia’s rich history & culture!
Maymont
Maymont
Maymont, located in Richmond, central Virginia, is a stunning 100-acre estate and public park with beautiful gardens, the historic Maymont Mansion, which is now a museum, and several other attractions, including an arboretum, a Japanese garden, an Italian garden, a nature center, a children’s farm, and a carriage collection.
Virginia War Memorial
Virginia War Memorial
Virginia War Memorial in downtown Richmond is a solemn tribute to Virginia’s fallen soldiers who died in wars from World War II to the present, making it a poignant and emotional experience for visitors. The Memorial’s shrine room displays a 30-foot-tall statue of a sword-wielding angel surrounded by the names of the fallen heroes of Virginia.
American Civil War Museum
American Civil War Museum
The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar in Richmond, right across the Virginia War Memorial, is a museum dedicated to the history of the American Civil War, featuring two floors of exhibits, including a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations that provide an immersive and engaging experience.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
Located in Eastern Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a sprawling living history museum that takes you back to the 18th century, where you can experience what life was like during the American Revolution era. The meticulously restored public buildings, homes, and shops, with costumed interpreters who bring the past to life with live demonstrations.
Jamestown
Jamestown
Jamestown, located in Eastern Virginia by the James River, was the first permanent English settlement in the US, founded in 1607 and named after King James I. The rich history, Native American cultures, and a glimpse into what life was like in the early 17th century in Jamestown can be experienced at Historic Jamestowne & Jamestown Settlement.
Yorktown
Yorktown
Yorktown, a historic town in Eastern Virginia, was the site of the final war of the American Revolutionary War, where the British were defeated, effectively ending the war in North America. Yorktown features several historic sites, including the Yorktown Battlefield, American Revolution Museum, Yorktown Victory Center, and several colonial-era buildings.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a popular world-class amusement park located in Williamsburg, Eastern Virginia. The park is renowned for its thrilling roller coasters and various other rides, beautifully landscaped gardens, European-themed villages, several eateries, and a variety of live shows, including musical performances, animal shows, and more.
Virginia Living Museum
Virginia Living Museum
The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News is an amazing Museum offering a striking combination of indoor galleries & an outdoor park, showcasing different ecosystems of Virginia & the Chesapeake Bay region. The museum features several interactive exhibits, including a planetarium, aquarium, butterfly garden, and a new dinosaur exhibit.
The Mariners' Museum and Park
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
Featuring a fascinating world of maritime history, the Mariners’ Museum & Park in Newport News houses one of the world’s largest collections of maritime artifacts, including ship models, navigational instruments, & maritime paintings. The outdoor park features a scenic lake, picturesque walking trails, sculptures, & beautiful gardens.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
Located in Hampton, Virginia, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center features several engaging and interactive exhibits, including a Mars habitat module, a lunar lander, an Apollo capsule, the largest IMAX screen in Virginia, and much more, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the wonders of space and aviation.
Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe National Monument is a historic fort in Hampton, Virginia, which was established in 1609 and was an important military installation throughout the history of the US. The fort is now a national monument, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history through its many historic buildings and battle sites.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden, located in eastern Virginia, is an awe-inspiring sprawling botanical garden featuring several themed gardens, including the Bristow Butterfly Garden, Renaissance Court, Enchanted Forest, Japanese Garden, a koi pond, and a stunning wooden bridge, accessible through paved hiking trails or narrated tram tours.
Chrysler Museum of Art
Chrysler Museum of Art
Located in Norfolk, the Chrysler Museum of Art is a world-class art museum featuring an extensive collection of several thousand artworks from around the globe! The museum has a vast array of art pieces that span over 5,000 years of history, including European and American paintings, glass art, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Nauticus
Nauticus
Nauticus, located in Norfolk, Eastern Virginia, is a captivating maritime-themed science center & museum set in a restored naval battleship, the USS Wisconsin, offering an opportunity to experience life aboard a real-life battleship. The museum features several exhibits, including Hampton Roads Naval Museum, a 3D theater, & hands-on science exhibits.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Cape Henry Lighthouse
The Fort Story Military Base in Virginia Beach is home to two lighthouses – the original Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, and the newer, iconic black and white striped Cape Henry Light, built in 1881. Being an active military base, visitors must park at the gate, undergo a security screening, and ride a shuttle to the lighthouses from the entrance.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a pristine beach located in southeastern Virginia, featuring the famous Neptune’s Park and a three-mile-long boardwalk dotted with restaurants, cafes, & shops, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The beach, with soft white sand & crystal-clear waters, is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, & surfing.
Military Aviation Museum
Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia, features one of the world’s largest collections of World War I and World War II-era aircraft, including rare and fully operational planes. The museum also features vintage military aircraft, interactive displays, thrilling flight demonstrations, air shows, and other events throughout the year.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore, located on the North Eastern Shore of Virginia, is a pristine protected coastal wilderness area with several miles of undisturbed sandy beaches, dunes, marshes, lighthouses, hiking trails, and a unique population of wild horses, making it one of the best places to enjoy a beach vacation in Virginia.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument, located in Westmoreland County, Virginia, is a fascinating historical site that allows visitors to explore the birthplace of the first President of the US. The monument features the Memorial House Museum, a replica of the home where Washington was born, a visitor center, and a museum.
George Washington's Ferry Farm
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
George Washington’s Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is the childhood home of America’s first president, George Washington. The farm sits on the banks of the Rappahannock River and is a significant historical landmark, where visitors can explore the plantation’s grounds and learn about the Washington family’s life during the 18th century.
Chatham Manor
Chatham Manor
Chatham Manor is a charming historic house in Stafford, Virginia, overlooking the Rappahannock River. Built-in the 18th century, Chatham Manor was a headquarters for Union and Confederate forces and was used as a hospital during the Civil War. The house boasts an impressive architecture and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.
National Museum of the Marine Corps
National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps, located in Triangle, Northern Virginia, adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, is a tribute to the US Marines and tells the story of the US Marine Corps from its inception in 1775 to the present day through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, state-of-the-art immersive theater, and historical artifacts.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Located in North Eastern Virginia, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a historic site offering a glimpse into the life and times of the first President of the US. The site features several colonial-era buildings, including Washington’s mansion, outbuildings, and gardens accessible via guided mansion and self-guided exterior tours.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a majestic neoclassical monument in Alexandria, Virginia, dedicated to the memory of George Washington. Inspired by the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Memorial is an architectural marvel featuring stunning marble floors, a grand lobby, and an impressive 333-foot observation deck.
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park
Situated in Northern Virginia, Great Falls Park is a beautiful and peaceful natural park offering stunning vistas of the Potomac River cascading down a series of rocky cliffs and boulders. The park features several observation decks and hiking trails, including the River Trail, which provides some of the best views of the waterfalls and rapids.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, located in Northern Virginia, is a unique and beautiful outdoor venue hosting various performing arts events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. The park’s Filene Center, an open-air venue with a 7,000 seating capacity, makes it one of the country’s most popular outdoor music venues.
NRA National Firearms Museum
NRA National Firearms Museum
The NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax is a must-visit destination for all gun enthusiasts! The museum boasts several thousand firearms thoughtfully arranged into galleries from different eras, including rare, unique, and iconic guns used in significant historical events and showcasing the evolution of firearms and their impact on the world.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Located in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center houses an extensive collection of aircraft and spacecraft, including the famous Space Shuttle Discovery, Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, and a Concorde supersonic airliner. The center also features interactive exhibitions, an observation tower, an IMAX theater, and flight simulators.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park, located in Northern Virginia, was the site of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, two critical battles during the American Civil War. The battlefield and its historic landmarks, including the Stone House, the Henry Hill Visitor Center, and the Deep Cut, can be accessed via the park’s several hiking trails.
Planning Your Trip To Virginia
Visiting outside the winter and scorching summer months, spending a minimum of two weeks or breaking down your Virginia trip into multiple visits, and staying close to the attractions is the best way to explore Virginia!
As you have seen above in my Virginia attractions list, Virginia is home to a plethora of breathtaking vistas, several historical sites, and remarkable experiences spread all over the state. Moreover, each attraction is unique and captivating, making choosing one over the other extremely difficult. If you’re unable to explore all the attractions in Virginia on a single trip, I recommend splitting your Virginia trip into multiple visits, focusing on one or two regions of Virginia at a time.
Best Time To Visit Virginia: While Virginia’s subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, makes it a year-round destination, the western region receives heavy snowfall due to its elevated location and has limited recreational opportunities during the winter months. Summers can also be scorching and humid, making Spring and Fall my favorite time of the year to visit Virginia. Fall, especially mid-October and mid-November, is the best time to see peak fall colors in Virginia.
Time Required In Virginia: With several remarkable experiences and attractions in Virginia spread across its Western, Central, Eastern, and North Eastern regions, and considering the long drives between these attractions and the time required to relish each location, I highly recommend spending at least two weeks to see all that Virginia has to offer. Or divide your Virginia trip into multiple visits, exploring one region of Virginia at a time. No matter how you plan your trip, I recommend spending a minimum of three days in Western Virginia, two days in Central Virginia, four days in Eastern Virginia, and three days in Northeastern Virginia.
Hotels In Virginia: While there are several campsites and vacation rentals available in many parts of Virginia, but if you’re like me and prefer the comfort and convenience of a hotel room, here are my top picks for hotels in the different regions of Virginia, strategically selected close to the major attractions of the area –
- Hotels in Western Virginia
- Hampton Inn Staunton and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Staunton, Natural Bridge State Park and Shenandoah National Park.
- Hampton Inn Kingsport offers easy access to Natural Tunnel State Park.
- Hotels in Central Virginia
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville, located close to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
- Hilton Richmond Downtown, Richmond Marriott, and Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond – Downtown, offers easy access to all downtown attractions, including the Virginia War Memorial, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
- Hotels in Eastern Virginia
- Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection and Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg-Central offer easy access to all three historical sites – Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown.
- Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Town Center and Homewood Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach – Norfolk Airport are conveniently located near other attractions in Eastern Virginia.
- Hotels in North Eastern Virginia
- Holiday Inn Express Knadle Hall and Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Belvoir Alexandria South, located in northeastern Virginia, are great places to stay near George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
- Hilton Garden Inn Falls Church and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairfax Fair Oaks offer easy access to Manassas National Battlefield Park, George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Great Falls Park, and Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Restaurants In Virginia: While popularly known for its peanuts, apples, and oysters, Virginia offers many more exceptional culinary experiences! Here are a few restaurants and Virginia delicacies you must try on your trip to Virginia – Delicious red apples and apple butter made from apples grown in Roanoke Valley and Shenandoah Valley. Peanuts from Whitley’s Peanut Factory, multiple locations. Fresh oysters and Chesapeake Bay blue crab, available in almost all seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach, including Waterman’s Surfside Grille and Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant. Yummy Virginia Peanut Pie at Jamestown Pie Company, Williamsburg. Last but not least, traditional Virginia BBQ, cooked over hot charcoal for a long period, available at Old City Barbeque in Williamsburg, Barbeque Exchange in Gordonsville, and ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque in Richmond.
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I hope you enjoyed reading the post, The Ultimate Virginia Travel Guide, and I hope it will help you plan your trip to Virginia. You can find other US attractions and destinations in my USA Travel Guide.
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