Virginia, a state steeped in history, natural beauty, and Southern charm, offers endless opportunities for exploration. Below, discover 25 unforgettable experiences, along with nearby accommodations and the unique atmosphere of each destination.
Colonial Williamsburg
Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, a meticulously preserved 18th-century town where history comes alive. Costumed interpreters reenact daily colonial life, from blacksmithing to political debates. Stroll Duke of Gloucester Street, visit the Governor’s Palace, and dine at historic taverns like Shields Tavern, where servers in period attire dish up hearty fare like peanut soup and game pie. The atmosphere is immersive, with cobblestone streets, flickering lanterns, and the occasional clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages. Nearby, the Williamsburg Inn offers elegant lodging with colonial-inspired décor and modern luxury, while the Griffin Hotel provides a boutique experience steps from the action.
Shenandoah National Park
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Shenandoah National Park’s 200,000 acres of wilderness feature cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and the iconic Skyline Drive. Hike Old Rag Mountain for challenging scrambles and panoramic views, or wander the serene Limberlost Trail, surrounded by blooming rhododendrons. The park’s atmosphere shifts with the seasons—crisp autumn foliage, wildflower-filled springs, and misty summer mornings. Stay at Skyland Resort, a rustic lodge perched at 3,680 feet, offering cozy cabins and sweeping valley views. For a touch of luxury, The Inn at Little Washington (45 minutes away) provides world-class dining and opulent rooms.
Mount Vernon
George Washington’s beloved estate, Mount Vernon, overlooks the Potomac River with timeless grace. Tour the mansion’s stately rooms, explore the verdant gardens, and pay respects at Washington’s tomb. The site’s museum delves into his legacy as a general and president. The atmosphere is serene and reflective, with gentle river breezes and the hum of cicadas in summer. Nearby, the Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria offers chic, modern accommodations, while The Morrison House exudes Federal-style elegance just 15 minutes away.
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Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach blends lively boardwalk energy with tranquil coastal beauty. Walk the three-mile oceanfront promenade, dotted with street performers and bronze statues, or kayak through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The atmosphere here is vibrant yet laid-back, with salt-kissed air and golden sunsets. The Cavalier Hotel, a historic beachfront gem, boasts marble floors and ocean views, while the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers family-friendly amenities and direct beach access.
Luray Caverns
Descend into Luray Caverns, a subterranean wonderland of towering stalagmites and mirrored pools. The otherworldly “Stalacpipe Organ” uses ancient rock formations to create haunting melodies. Above ground, the Luray Valley Museum showcases 19th-century rural life. The atmosphere is mystical, with cool, damp air and dimly lit pathways. Stay at The Mimslyn Inn, a historic retreat in nearby Luray with Southern hospitality, or Skyland Resort for a mountain escape.
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Arlington National Cemetery
This hallowed ground honors America’s heroes with rows of white headstones and solemn memorials. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visit JFK’s eternal flame, and explore Arlington House, Robert E. Lee’s former home. The atmosphere is reverent, with quiet whispers and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Nearby, the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City offers refined luxury, while The Westin Crystal City provides sleek, contemporary rooms.
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece, Monticello, sits atop a Charlottesville hill, blending neoclassical design with innovative gadgets. Wander the gardens, tour the slave quarters, and sample wines at nearby Jefferson Vineyards. The atmosphere is intellectual and pastoral, with rolling vineyards and the hum of cicadas. Stay at Keswick Hall, a lavish estate with a Pete Dye-designed golf course, or The Draftsman, a boutique hotel in downtown Charlottesville.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through misty mountains, past wildflower meadows and pioneer homesteads. Stop at Mabry Mill for cornmeal grinding demonstrations or hike Crabtree Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. The atmosphere is tranquil, with fog clinging to valleys and golden sunrises. Peaks of Otter Lodge offers rustic charm beside Abbott Lake, while The Swag (in NC, near the border) provides a secluded, luxury retreat.
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Jamestown Settlement
Relive the story of America’s first permanent English colony through immersive exhibits, replica ships, and a Powhatan Indian Village. The atmosphere is educational and engaging, with the scent of woodsmoke and the sound of musket fire. Stay at Williamsburg Lodge, a colonial-style hotel with modern amenities, or Kingsmill Resort for golf and spa access.
Historic Richmond
Richmond pulses with Civil War history and a thriving arts scene. Explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, stroll the Canal Walk, or bike the James River Park trails. The atmosphere is dynamic, blending Southern grace with urban grit. The Jefferson Hotel impresses with grand staircases and stained glass, while Quirk Hotel marries historic architecture with bold, modern design.
Chincoteague Island
Nestled along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague Island is a tranquil coastal escape famous for its wild ponies and untouched landscapes. The island’s charm lies in its simplicity: salty marsh air, quiet beaches, and the rhythmic crash of waves at Assateague National Seashore. Kayak through serene waterways to spot ponies grazing in the marshes, or join a guided boat tour to learn about their legend. Birdwatchers flock here during migration seasons to glimpse herons, ospreys, and snow geese. The annual Pony Swim in July, where Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department herds ponies across the channel, is a century-old tradition that draws crowds for its rustic, small-town energy. The atmosphere is unhurried and nostalgic, with ice cream shops, seafood shacks, and sun-bleached cottages dotting the landscape. Stay at the Island Manor House, a historic bed-and-breakfast with waterfront views and Victorian charm, or the Refuge Inn, offering cozy rooms and a pool just minutes from the beach. For a secluded retreat, Miss Molly’s Inn, the inspiration for Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague, provides quaint, pony-themed lodgings.
Massanutten Resort
A four-season playground in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Resort blends outdoor adventure with family-friendly relaxation. In winter, its slopes buzz with skiers and snowboarders carving through fresh powder, while summer transforms the resort into a hub for zip-lining, golfing, and tubing down the Shenandoah River. The indoor/outdoor water park, complete with lazy rivers and thrill slides, keeps kids entertained year-round. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, with the scent of pine trees mingling with wood-fired pizza from slope-side eateries. Cozy up at the Massanutten Resort Main Hotel, which offers ski-in/ski-out access and mountain views, or rent a private cabin through Massanutten Rentals for a rustic escape. For luxury, the Resort Villas feature fireplaces and gourmet kitchens, ideal for multi-generational stays.
Manassas National Battlefield
Step onto the hallowed grounds where the first major battles of the Civil War unfolded. Manassas National Battlefield is a sprawling landscape of rolling fields, stone bridges, and historic markers that recount the clashes of 1861 and 1862. Walk the Henry Hill Loop Trail to see the Stone House, a field hospital during the war, or stand near the iconic Stone Bridge, where Union troops retreated. The atmosphere is solemn and reflective, with the whisper of wind through tall grasses and the distant call of red-tailed hawks. Interactive exhibits at the visitor center bring the era to life with uniforms, weapons, and harrowing soldier accounts. Nearby, the Comfort Inn Battlefield offers straightforward lodging with easy park access, while the Hyatt Place Manassas provides modern rooms and a pool. For a historic stay, the Buckland Farm Inn, a 19th-century estate, blends Civil War heritage with Southern hospitality.
Virginia State Capitol
Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond is a neoclassical masterpiece and a living symbol of American democracy. Free guided tours reveal its storied halls, including the Old House Chamber where Patrick Henry famously declared, “Give me liberty or give me death!” The building’s domed rotunda, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, houses a marble statue of George Washington. The atmosphere is dignified and steeped in history, with sunlight filtering through arched windows onto polished wood floors. Outside, Capitol Square’s lush gardens and monuments invite quiet contemplation. Stay at The Berkeley Hotel, a boutique gem in Shockoe Slip with exposed brick walls and a rooftop terrace, or The Commonwealth, a historic inn offering antebellum elegance. For modern luxury, Quirk Hotel combines art-filled spaces with a trendy rooftop bar.
Chrysler Museum of Art
Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum of Art is a cultural treasure trove housing over 30,000 works spanning 5,000 years. Marvel at its world-renowned glass collection, including Tiffany lamps and contemporary sculptures, or lose yourself in European masterpieces by Monet and Warhol. The museum’s serene atmosphere—soft lighting, hushed galleries, and the occasional chime from the glass studio—invites lingering contemplation. Don’t miss the Perry Glass Studio, where live demonstrations showcase fiery glassblowing techniques. Nearby, the Glass Light Hotel mirrors the museum’s aesthetic with glass-art installations and chic, maritime-inspired rooms. The Hilton Norfolk The Main offers skyline views and a rooftop bar, while The Pagehurst Inn provides a cozy, historic bed-and-breakfast experience.
Virginia Creeper Trail
This 34-mile rail-trail, stretching from Abingdon to Whitetop Station, is a cyclist’s paradise. The shaded path winds through Appalachian forests, over wooden trestle bridges, and past bubbling creeks. Rent a bike in Damascus, the “Trail Town USA,” and coast downhill through dappled sunlight, stopping to picnic by the rushing waters of Green Cove Station. The atmosphere is peaceful and communal, with nods between passing riders and the occasional clip-clop of horseback riders. Post-ride, refuel at The Tavern in Abingdon, a 1779 pub serving hearty Southern fare. Stay at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, a grand 1832 mansion with a spa and gardens, or Alpine Motel, a retro-chic spot in Damascus with a laid-back vibe.
