A trip around Virginia offers some of the most diverse experiences the United States has to offer. You can journey from the rugged mountain peaks of Shenandoah National Park to the glittering shores of Virginia Beach, then step back in time at the historic settlements of Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg before soaking up contemporary culture at Richmond’s forward-looking arts scene. This state is famously for lovers—but whether you’re a lover of history, nature, or wine, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Virginia.
Virginia enjoys four distinct seasons, though the weather varies between the mountains and the coast. Generally, spring and fall are the best months to visit Virginia. Spring promises pleasant conditions before the humidity and crowds of summer arrive. Fall has similarly optimal climatic conditions with the bonus of gorgeous foliage in the western part of the state—be warned, however, that fall foliage attracts crowds, particularly around Shenandoah.
Amtrak trains are handy for getting to and from Virginia—Richmond Staples Mill Road Station has connections to cities such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Savannah, and Miami—but traveling in your own vehicle is the best way to see the state. Except for the Amtrak Thruway shuttle bus service, which travels between Richmond, Charlottesville, and Virginia Beach, public transport is scarce outside of urban areas.
Another reason to travel around Virginia by car is that you can explore thousands of miles of scenic byways. One of the most popular driving routes is Skyline Drive, which winds 105 miles (169 kilometers) through Shenandoah National Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which continues 469 miles (755 kilometers) through the Appalachian Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 39 | Tours 338 | Reviews 7,794 |
Travelers flock to Virginia for its rich diversity of attractions, scenery, and experiences. The state offers a variety of outdoor adventures, from the mountains and rivers to the beaches; more than 300 wineries; great food, and some of the most important historical sites in the United States.
...MoreVirginia is best known for being “the birthplace of a nation,” as it’s home to the first permanent English settlement, Jamestown, which was established in 1607. Another nickname for the state is “Mother of Presidents” as eight Virginia-born men have been head of state, including four of the first five presidents.
...MoreWhere you decide to go in Virginia depends on what you want from your trip. To explore the outdoors, head for Natural Bridge and Shenandoah National Park. If you’re after history, make it Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, and Monticello. Families and sun seekers will enjoy the coastal attractions in Virginia Beach.
...MoreThe wild ponies of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are a top draw. Around 150 adult wild ponies live on the Virginia side of Assateague Island, which is split with Maryland. The best time to see them is during the summer roundup when saltwater cowboys swim them across a channel to neighboring Chincoteague Island: the first foal to reach the shore is named King or Queen Neptune.
...MoreThanks to its long stretch of coastline, Virginia is known for its oysters and blue crabs. However, the cuisine is as diverse as the state itself and influenced by its long history. Southern–style barbecue is a typical dish, as is country ham and the hearty meat- and vegetable-based Brunswick stew.
...MoreBorn more than 50 years ago, “Virginia is for lovers” is one of the world’s most enduring tourism slogans. The original concept was a series of ads, which included "Virginia is for beach lovers" or "Virginia is for mountain lovers.” However, the modifiers were dropped and the simple, catchy “Virginia is for lovers” stuck.
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