I’ve been calling Virginia my residence for the final fifteen years (has it actually been that lengthy?), and I do really feel it is among the greatest locations to reside! It has every part from the mountains to the ocean, and to not point out the 4 very distinct seasons. At any time when I journey to different locations, irrespective of how stunning, I all the time come residence to the candy scent of Virginia. (In case you haven’t smelled the air right here, it’s pretty – I’m not kidding!)
What I like most about Virginia is its wealthy historical past and true versatility. From romping by historic websites to spending the day at an amusement park, vacationers and locals alike can discover the state and by no means run out of issues to do. That’s most likely why it’s probably the most fascinating (and standard!) vacationer sights within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC searching for a countryside escape.
Possibly you’re planning a trip for the household, or possibly you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Regardless of the explanation, the state is filled with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can take pleasure in all the identical. Here’s a roundup of the perfect day journey alternatives Virginia provides—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which can be nonetheless alone bucket listing!
15 Day Journeys in Virginia
Shenandoah Nationwide Park & Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Nationwide Park makes for the proper day journey. With greater than 200,000 acres of protected land, there are many climbing trails to discover. It’s excellent whether or not you’re up for an extended trek or a neater hike with the children. And don’t miss Skyline Drive. This scenic drive alone is definitely worth the journey for the mountain views – particularly at peak foliage.
The season you go to can undoubtedly impression your plans. It’s an attractive spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you wish to be certain to take a look at their website earlier than planning. The daytime temperatures are fantastic, the nighttime can drop fairly low.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns, found simply again in 1989, looks like an journey that each children and adults can marvel at. They’re the biggest caverns within the Japanese US, and they’re actually as spectacular as the photographs make them look. Inside, you’ll be able to view stalactites, stalagmites, mud flows, glassy swimming pools, and even the Nice Stalacpipe Organ (Sure, it’s an actual factor!).
Your ticket isn’t only for exploring underground, although. Head above floor to take pleasure in a Backyard Maze, a Rope Journey Mark, Toy City Junction, and the Automotive & Carriage Caravan Museum. It’s a kind of locations that you simply and your loved ones can spend all day having fun with. I’m fairly positive I went with my mother and father after I was in highschool, however now we have to take the boys quickly!
Colonial Williamsburg
As probably the most well-known historic websites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful day journey for historical past buffs. Even when you don’t take into account your self notably inquisitive about historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll by the cobblestone streets, you’ll notice simply how immersive of an expertise it’s. You don’t really want to purchase tickets to go inside to see a number of the sights, however after all it’s best to for the complete expertise.
With every part from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an awesome place to step again in time whereas taking children out for a day stuffed with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You possibly can try my put up, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my journey went after I took child Mazen! The excursions do differ all year long, so be certain to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seashore
Enjoyable reality: after we moved to Charlottesville, we had been really attempting to maneuver to the seaside! However by some means we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are inclined to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seashore is the closest seaside to us and the principle seaside in our state.
There are many enjoyable eating places and little boutiques alongside the principle Boardwalk stretch, which is 3 miles lengthy. There are many children actions at Grommet Island Park.
In case you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the perfect occasions to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, nevertheless it’s slightly quieter. It’s time of 12 months to lease bikes too. Could, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating huge summer season crowds.
In case you’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Seashore again after I was pregnant with Mazen!
Mount Vernon
Virginia is residence to many presidents (eight to be actual!), and you may go to the house of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Mount Vernon is positioned 22 miles exterior of Washington, D.C., not too removed from the capitol. It’s a kind of historic websites that you need to go to at the very least as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a novel expertise. In case you plan on visiting with children, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive strategy to rework the grounds right into a treasure hunt. In case you plan on visiting, it have to be by guided tour—so be certain to e-book tickets upfront.
Previous City Alexandria
Flashback to when Emily lived in Previous City!
Previous City Alexandria has that excellent small-city really feel with cobblestone streets, colourful row homes, and tons of little retailers and eating places. It’s simply minutes from D.C., nevertheless it looks like a significant metropolis of its personal. You possibly can stroll King Road Mile and take within the historical past. And don’t miss Spite Home, the skinniest home in America!
If the climate’s good, you’ll be able to hop on a sightseeing cruise and take a look at town from the water. Truthfully, although, Alexandria is an effective one any time of 12 months. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every part’s embellished and additional festive. However heat climate days are arduous to beat for strolling round, window procuring, and absorbing all of its attraction.
Chincoteague Island
In case you’re a horse lover—or simply need a completely distinctive seaside day—Chincoteague Island must be in your listing. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the realm. And sure, you actually would possibly spot them whereas stress-free on the seaside. My good friend Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a novel place it’s. (I’ve a reminiscence of going with my mother and father in highschool and getting 1,000 mosquito bites. That’s most likely not promoting it!)
However Chincoteague isn’t simply in regards to the ponies. This little 7-mile-long island has a lot extra to supply. You possibly can spend the day biking, climbing, or taking boat excursions to discover the water. And don’t skip a go to to neighboring Assateague Island, the place there are much more seashores and wild ponies.
In case you’re questioning when to go, my vote is September. The climate remains to be heat however not as sticky as peak summer season. And crowds skinny out after August. It’s simply the correct mix of peaceable and energetic.
Pure Bridge State Park
Pure Bridge State Park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a kind of spots that feels simply as cool at this time because it should have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made observe of it again within the day! The star of the present is an enormous limestone arch (215 toes tall!) carved out by Cedar Creek over time.
You possibly can take the 137-step staircase down (don’t fear, there’s a shuttle if wanted) and stroll the paved Cedar Creek Path proper beneath the bridge. The path retains going previous issues just like the recreated Monacan Village, Saltpeter Cave, and Lace Falls. It’s half historical past lesson, half nature stroll, and completely price it.
I’d say spring by fall is the perfect time to go to—not too sizzling, not too chilly, and loads of additional issues occurring. You possibly can go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s undoubtedly an awesome day journey if you need a mixture of contemporary air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a kind of cities that has slightly one thing for everybody. And it’s stuffed with enjoyable issues to do to fill a complete day journey. Whether or not you’re all about historical past, artwork, or simply good meals and drinks, you’ll discover it in Virginia’s capital.
If museums are your factor, begin with the Virginia Museum of Tremendous Arts. It’s such an attractive house with every part from traditional to up to date artwork. For my fellow e-book lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is price a cease. And when you’re into historical past, undoubtedly try the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Struggle Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy in the course of the Civil Struggle, there’s no scarcity of historical past to discover.
However Richmond isn’t simply museums and monuments. There are such a lot of nice eating places together with breweries and distilleries. It’s the sort of metropolis the place you’ll be able to stroll from spot to identify and actually make a day of it. Seize brunch, go to a museum, and end with a drink or two. Take a look at my weblog put up about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve acquired to present my city, Charlottesville, slightly love right here! It’s not only a school city with the College of Virginia proper in the midst of issues. Charlottesville has such an awesome mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city attraction. You’ll discover some actually wonderful eating places and native breweries all inside strolling distance of the historic Downtown.
Whilst you’re at it, don’t miss a go to to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s residence. It took him over 40 years to design (and redesign!) the mansion. You possibly can take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by the grounds. It’s necessary to notice that the property was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved individuals. With displays on the lives of the slaves, this historical past shouldn’t be discarded or glossed over. Monticello additionally holds a number of festivals all year long, so plan accordingly if it’s one thing you wish to expertise!
Weblog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia attraction—outdated historic significance however a energetic environment. When downtown, you’ll be able to take pleasure in small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, a lot of that are positioned in unique 1800s buildings. In case you’re up for slightly historical past exploration, you’ll be able to go to Dodona Manor, residence to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
In case you’re headed out together with your children, you completely have to go to Leesburg Animal Park. It’s a park that’s unfold out over 21 acres, housing each home and unique animals. Apart from viewing, children also can take pleasure in jungle gyms, large slides, and an arts and crafts room. This little city is such a captivating day journey spot!
Fredericksburg
Head all the way down to Fredericksberg, a city stuffed with American Revolution and Civil Struggle historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Struggle battles ceaselessly came about. Now you can go to the once-battle area, now a Nationwide Cemetery you could tour when you’d like.
Apart from the cemetery, you too can view civil battle landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s a number of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re carried out touring, be certain to go to Foremost Road for slightly procuring and snacking. A good friend recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Nineteen Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
In case you’re up for slightly historical past blended with contemporary air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is certainly price including to your Virginia day journey listing. It’s the location of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—means again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings seems to be slightly completely different nowadays, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest elements? The reside reenactments. You possibly can wander by Powhatan Village and get an actual really feel for a way life was again then. Then transfer on to the English settlement space, the place you’ll be able to see what was on the menu again within the day—issues like apple pie, pork, and goat milk butter.
It’s a must to try the ships whilst you’re down there. It’s an extremely life like recreation of what life was like for these touring from England to America. Not solely that, however the tour explores, what they name “the primary threads of tapestry we name America.” Superbly said and extremely charming.
Weblog put up: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
In case you’ve acquired a prepare lover or a automobile fanatic in your own home (like my boys), put the Virginia Museum of Transportation in your listing. It’s proper in downtown Roanoke and makes for a extremely enjoyable outing for teenagers.
The museum is in an outdated Norfolk & Western freight station, which already offers it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover every part from vintage vehicles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my good friend’s advice, they’ve made it tremendous family-friendly with interactive displays and a giant playroom only for the children. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an outside railyard the place children can really rise up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday by Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you’ll be able to simply pair your go to with a stroll by Roanoke’s Metropolis Market or pop into one other close by museum. It’s the proper mixture of enjoyable, studying, and slightly nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
In case you ask me, there’s nothing fairly like a ski day at Wintergreen Resort as soon as winter rolls round. A number of years again, Mazen and I even performed hooky for a mom-and-son ski day, and we attempt to go each winter.
In case you’re planning a weekend journey, undoubtedly purpose to get there early. And by early, I imply pulling into the lot earlier than 9 a.m. The later you go, the longer the elevate strains get. Realized that one the arduous means.
Wintergreen provides ski classes for rookies, which Birch did final 12 months! Heads-up—these spots replenish quick. And when you hit the slopes, persist with what feels good in your ability degree. East Coast snowboarding undoubtedly has a unique vibe than what you’ll discover out west—assume narrower trails and icier snow. (And it may hit 60 levels!)
After a full day of snowboarding, you’ll be able to both pack a lunch (we’ve carried out that loads of occasions) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your means residence for dinner. It’s such a comfortable spot with nice meals and native brews. Winter sports activities not your factor? It’s nonetheless price a go to in the summertime months. There’s a pool, tennis, golf—you title it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Undoubtedly try my full put up with Wintergreen ski suggestions earlier than you go!
How one can Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with tons to do.
While you’re selecting a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I all the time say to search for locations that supply slightly little bit of every part. In any case, you’ve acquired a complete day to fill! Examine the map and see when you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time assume the perfect journeys have steadiness of museums/actions and energetic/relaxation/consuming time. A bit historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra energetic, like a stroll, some procuring, or grabbing meal. That means, everybody within the household will get slightly one thing they take pleasure in. Bonus factors if there’s a espresso cease or a cute native store concerned. Selection retains the day feeling enjoyable as a substitute of dragging on!
Plan for driving time.
Virginia’s an even bigger state than most individuals notice. While you’re planning a day journey, don’t overlook to issue within the drive. Usually there isn’t an excessive amount of visitors until you’re up in Northern Virginia.
A bit planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! In case you’re visiting Virginia by way of roadtrip, be certain to take a look at my put up, Street Journey Ideas for Households.
Stability exercise and leisure.
Everybody wants slightly breather on a day journey—children and grown-ups alike. You possibly can’t go full velocity from morning ‘til night time with out feeling worn out. I all the time wish to construct in slightly downtime between actions. Possibly that’s grabbing ice cream, sitting by the water, or mapping a playground the place the children will get steam out.
Have a backup plan.
Virginia climate likes to maintain us on our toes—sunshine one minute, rain clouds the subsequent. That’s why I all the time suggest having a backup plan in your pocket. In case your outside plans get rained out, it’s sensible to know the place the native museums or indoor spots are. You possibly can nonetheless take advantage of out of your day with out getting soaked.
Discover Virginia’s treasures with firsthand suggestions from a neighborhood!
After residing in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve undoubtedly picked up a couple of favorites with regards to exploring Virginia. From historic cities to attractive nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s all the time one thing new to find. And now you’ve acquired a stable listing of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a couple of must-see spots off your bucket listing!
In case you’re searching for much more native concepts, listed below are a couple of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
