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 likely one of the finest locations to dwell! It has every little thing 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 at all times come residence to the candy scent of Virginia. (If you happen to haven’t smelled the air right here, it’s beautiful – I’m not kidding!)
What I really like most about Virginia is its wealthy historical past and true versatility. From romping via 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 in all probability why it’s some of the attention-grabbing (and fashionable!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC in search of a countryside escape.
Possibly you’re planning a trip for the household, or possibly you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Irrespective of the rationale, the state is stuffed with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can get pleasure from all the identical. Here’s a roundup of the very best day journey alternatives Virginia gives—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which are 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 mountain climbing trails to discover. It’s good whether or not you’re up for a protracted trek or a neater hike with the children. And don’t miss Skyline Drive. This scenic drive alone is well worth the journey for the mountain views – particularly at peak foliage.
The season you go to can positively influence your plans. It’s a wonderful spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you need to make sure that 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 again in 1878, seems like an journey that each youngsters and adults can marvel at. They’re the most important caverns within the Jap US, and they’re actually as spectacular as the images 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 get pleasure from a Backyard Maze, a Rope Journey Mark, Toy City Junction, and the Automotive & Carriage Caravan Museum. It’s a kind of locations that you just and your loved ones can spend all day having fun with. I’m fairly certain I went with my dad and mom once I was in highschool, however we’ve got to take the boys quickly!
Colonial Williamsburg
As some of the well-known historic websites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful day journey for historical past buffs. Even for those who don’t think about your self notably inquisitive about historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll via the cobblestone streets, you’ll notice simply how immersive of an expertise it’s. You don’t really need to purchase tickets to go inside to see loads of the sights, however after all you must for the complete expertise.
With every little thing from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an excellent place to step again in time whereas taking youngsters out for a day stuffed with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You possibly can take a look at my submit, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my journey went once I took child Mazen! The excursions do differ all year long, so make sure that to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seashore
Enjoyable reality: after we moved to Charlottesville, we have been truly making an attempt to maneuver to the seashore! However in some way we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are inclined to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seashore is the closest seashore to us and the principle seashore 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 youngsters actions at Grommet Island Park.
If you happen to’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the very best occasions to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, however it’s a little bit quieter. It’s a superb 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 time crowds.
If you happen to’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Seashore again once I was pregnant with Mazen!
Mount Vernon
Virginia is residence to many presidents (eight to be precise!), and you’ll go to the house of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Mount Vernon is situated 22 miles exterior of Washington, D.C., not too removed from the capitol. It’s a kind of historic websites that it’s a must to go to not less than as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a novel expertise. If you happen to plan on visiting with youngsters, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive strategy to rework the grounds right into a treasure hunt. If you happen to plan on visiting, it have to be by guided tour—so make sure that to e-book tickets prematurely.
Previous City Alexandria
Flashback to when Emily lived in Previous City!
Previous City Alexandria has that good small-city really feel with cobblestone streets, colourful row homes, and tons of little outlets and eating places. It’s simply minutes from D.C., however it seems like a serious 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. Actually, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of 12 months. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every little thing’s embellished and further festive. However heat climate days are onerous to beat for strolling round, window buying, and absorbing all of its attraction.
Chincoteague Island
If you happen to’re a horse lover—or simply need a completely distinctive seashore day—Chincoteague Island must be in your listing. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the world. And sure, you actually may spot them whereas enjoyable on the seashore. My pal Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a novel place it’s. (I’ve a reminiscence of going with my dad and mom in highschool and getting 1,000 mosquito bites. That’s in all probability 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, mountain 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.
If you happen to’re questioning when to go, my vote is September. The climate continues to be heat however not as sticky as peak summer time. 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 the moment because it will need to have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made word of it again within the day! The star of the present is a large limestone arch (215 ft 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 value it.
I’d say spring via fall is the very best 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 positively an excellent day journey if you need a mixture of recent air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a kind of cities that has a little bit one thing for everybody. And it’s stuffed with enjoyable issues to do to fill a whole 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 Wonderful Arts. It’s such a wonderful area with every little thing from basic to up to date artwork. For my fellow e-book lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is value a cease. And for those who’re into historical past, positively take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Battle Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy through the Civil Battle, 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. Try my weblog submit about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve received to offer my city, Charlottesville, a little bit love right here! It’s not only a faculty city with the College of Virginia proper in the course of issues. Charlottesville has such an excellent mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city attraction. You’ll discover some actually superb eating places and native breweries all inside strolling distance of the historic Downtown.
When 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 via the grounds. It’s necessary to notice that the property was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved folks. With displays on the lives of the slaves, this historical past isn’t discarded or glossed over. Monticello additionally holds a number of festivals all year long, so plan accordingly if it’s one thing you need to expertise!
Weblog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia attraction—outdated historic significance however a energetic ambiance. When downtown, you’ll be able to get pleasure from small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, a lot of that are situated in unique 1800s buildings. If you happen to’re up for a little bit historical past exploration, you’ll be able to go to Dodona Manor, residence to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
If you happen to’re headed out along with your youngsters, 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. Other than viewing, youngsters can even get pleasure from 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 Battle historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Battle battles continuously befell. Now you can go to the once-battle subject, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you would be able to tour for those who’d like.
Other than the cemetery, you can too view civil conflict landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s loads of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re executed touring, make sure that to go to Primary Road for a little bit buying and snacking. A pal recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round for the reason that Nineteen Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
If you happen to’re up for a little bit historical past blended with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is unquestionably value including to your Virginia day journey listing. It’s the positioning of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—means again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings appears a little bit completely different as of late, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest elements? The dwell reenactments. You possibly can wander via 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 important to take a look at the ships whilst you’re down there. It’s an extremely reasonable 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.” Fantastically said and extremely charming.
Weblog submit: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
If you happen to’ve received 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 very enjoyable outing for youths.
The museum is in an outdated Norfolk & Western freight station, which already provides it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover every little thing from vintage automobiles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my pal’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 out of doors railyard the place youngsters can truly stand up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday via Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you’ll be able to simply pair your go to with a stroll via Roanoke’s Metropolis Market or pop into one other close by museum. It’s the proper mixture of enjoyable, studying, and a little bit nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
If you happen to 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.
If you happen to’re planning a weekend journey, positively intention 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 carry strains get. Realized that one the onerous means.
Wintergreen gives 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 talent degree. East Coast snowboarding positively has a unique vibe than what you’ll discover out west—assume narrower trails and icier snow. (And it might hit 60 levels!)
After a full day of snowboarding, you’ll be able to both pack a lunch (we’ve executed that loads of occasions) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your means residence for dinner. It’s such a comfy spot with nice meals and native brews. Winter sports activities not your factor? It’s nonetheless value a go to in the summertime months. There’s a pool, tennis, golf—you title it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Positively take a look at my full submit with Wintergreen ski suggestions earlier than you go!
Easy methods to Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with heaps to do.
Once you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I at all times say to search for locations that supply a little bit little bit of every little thing. In any case, you’ve received an entire day to fill! Verify the map and see for those who can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I at all times assume the very best journeys have a superb stability of museums/actions and energetic/relaxation/consuming time. Somewhat historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra energetic, like a stroll, some buying, or grabbing a superb meal. That means, everybody within the household will get a little bit one thing they get pleasure from. Bonus factors if there’s a espresso cease or a cute native store concerned. Selection retains the day feeling enjoyable as an alternative of dragging on!
Plan for driving time.
Virginia’s a much bigger state than most individuals notice. Once you’re planning a day journey, don’t overlook to issue within the drive. Usually there isn’t an excessive amount of site visitors until you’re up in Northern Virginia.
Somewhat planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! If you happen to’re visiting Virginia through roadtrip, make sure that to take a look at my submit, Highway Journey Suggestions for Households.
Stability exercise and rest.
Everybody wants a little bit breather on a day journey—youngsters and grown-ups alike. You possibly can’t go full pace from morning ‘til evening with out feeling worn out. I at all times prefer to construct in a little bit 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 at all times 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 dwelling in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve positively picked up a number of favorites with regards to exploring Virginia. From historic cities to attractive nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s at all times one thing new to find. And now you’ve received a stable listing of Virginia day journeys that will help you begin checking a number of must-see spots off your bucket listing!
If you happen to’re in search of much more native concepts, listed here are a number of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
