Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Virginia is a beautiful vacation spot filled with historical attractions, beaches, Blue Ridge Mountains, and much more. The state’s tourism slogan is, “Virginia is for lovers”.
It is a birthplace of eight U.S Presidents and has many historical sites that visitors can explore. Let us explore some of the best vacation spots in Virginia which you can explore with your friends and family.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg has been associated with the American Revolution and offers some of the best tourist spots which visitors can explore. The city was founded in 1632 as a fortified settlement between the James and the York Rivers.
Here you will be transported back into time as experience the 18th century’s historic homes and soak up the culture. Costumed interpreters show what life was like for the gentry, the farmers, and the slaves that lived and worked here.
Explore the restored buildings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and enjoy the re-enactments that make the visit to this city fun for everyone.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Created in the 1920s, Shenandoah National Park protects portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which range in height between 2,000 and 4,000 feet. It is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts who want to view fall foliage, hike, and picnic.
A popular way to see the park is through Skyline Drive which snakes through hills and valleys offering beautiful vantage points. The drive also includes attractions like President Hoover’s summer residence and the old Cave Cemetery below Dark Hollow Falls.
In addition to that, there are great hikes which take you through the park as well. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and camping, lodges, and restaurants can be found throughout the park.
Mount Vernon, Virginia
This was the home of the first president of the United States, George Washington from 1754 until his death 45 years later. This plantation house was a work under progress under his close supervision.
The architectural design, interiors, and construction received his personal attention. The house is filled with personal reminders of George and Martha Washington: family portraits, crests, and the couple’s belongings.
When you come here you can visit the house, stroll through the garden and learn about the enslaved people who lived there and visit the family’s tomb.
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of Virginia and the town is steeped in history. The city was the capital of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
The city is most known for its history, culture and magnificent architecture. Art and theatre lovers can go and visit The Virginia Repertory Theater which is the largest company in Virginia.
See performances of the Richmond Symphony, the Virginia Opera, and the Richmond Ballet Corps.
This city is also the home of Edgar Allen Poe, and now you can visit a museum containing artifacts and some of his writing. You must also visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has fine collections covering 5,000 years of art from around the world.
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria has an old-town charm that makes this city a great vacation spot in Virginia. It is a must-see for anyone who is coming to visit the state.
Alexandria was George Washington’s home. The town draws many visitors with its cobblestone streets, historical architecture, and abundant shops and restaurants.
Explore the historical buildings including General Robert E. Lee’s boyhood home, art galleries, and antique shops. Also visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, which was an actual torpedo factory in World War II, is now a creative space for over eighty artists.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
There are lots of things to do in Virginia Beach, of course starting with the beach itself. There are three beaches and fourteen miles of sandy shores which give its visitors everything they desire.
Either you can skate down the boardwalk or soak up some rays in the Oceanfront neighborhood – there are lots of things to do. There are excellent outdoor restaurants, nautical statues, shopping, and four oceanfront stages featuring live entertainment.
Abingdon, Virginia
Abingdon is another historical town where the entire town from its outskirts to its brick-paved sidewalks downtown are a National Historic Landmark.
See how poverty-stricken people lived until the mid-20th century at the Yeary Cabin or visit the living history museum the Fairview Historic Homestead to see how immigrants lived. The town is also famous to the Barter Theatre, the longest-running professional theatre in the U.S.
You can catch a show here or sample local beer at Wolf Hills Brewing Co. and explore the great outdoors.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is known for its rich history. Also, best known as the home to the prestigious University of Virginia, Charlottesville makes for a great vacation spot in Virginia.
Thomas Jefferson built his home here and you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site called Monticello. Presidents Monroe and Madison lived here as well.
The city is also home to some of the most popular new wines on the market. There are around twenty vineyards which you can visit as well.
Norfolk, Virginia
Located on the shores of Chesapeake Bay and bounded by the Elizabeth River, Norfolk makes for a great place to visit in Virginia. It is also the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, and the city pays homage to its military past and present.
Visit the most popular tourist attraction here which is the floating museum of the USS Wisconsin, this is an American battleship that served in the Pacific theatre of World War II.
Other than that, you can also tour the complex of Naval Station Norfolk where visitors can see the base’s massive ships and aircraft.
Natural Bridge of Virginia, Virginia
The Natural Bridge of Virginia is a natural bridge formation carved out of limestone and dolomite over hundreds of thousands of years. It towers at more than 215 feet with a span of 90 feet, it is also one of the oldest tourist spots in America.
This was one of the most popular sights during the 18th and 19th Centuries for European visitors, ranking with Niagara Falls. Visitors may stay at the park’s hotel and visit the re-created Monacan village.
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia
Manassas National Battlefield Park is where two Civil Wars took place e: the First and Second Battles of Manassas, often known as the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. The site has been preserved very well so visitors can understand and even picture those battles.
Around a million visitors come to Manassas National Battlefield Park annually to participate in the 45-minute ranger-led tours of the fields overlooking Bull Run.
Luray Caverns, Virginia
Visit Luray Caverns to see the largest commercial cave system in the eastern United States. Here you can see breathtaking examples of calcite formations within an extensive underground system.
This is the largest cave system in the eastern United States. The caves are 164 feet below ground and stay at a temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
The highlights of this cave are Titania’s Veil; the giant Double Column; interior lakes and a one-of-a-kind musical instrument called the Great Stalacpipe Organ.
Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge, Virginia
Chincoteague Island is on the Virginia half of Assateague Island and makes for a great vacation spot in Virginia. Visitors mainly come to this island to see the Chincoteague ponies, feral horses of diminished size due to their poor diet of salt marsh plants and grasses.
Apart from the ponies, you will get to see many wild animals like brown pelicans, merlins, red fox, fox squirrels, and white-tailed deer.
Enjoy swimming, walking nature trails, take wildlife tours by boat or bus, watch birds – among the many things to do here at the Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge.
Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown was built in 1957 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding. There are many outdoor and historical attractions that you can explore in Jamestown.
Explore the Greensprings Interpretive Trail which features 3 1/2 miles of hiking and bike paths. Apart from that, you must also the Triangular James Fort, which is a re-creation of the one constructed by the colonists, with thatch-roofed structures representing Jamestown’s earliest buildings.
Busch Gardens, Virginia
This lively adventure park is European themed and evokes southern Germany in its entertainment area with dirndl-costumed dancers. There are many roller coasters themed to the Loch Ness Monster, the Alps, and the ruins of Pompeii.
There are special sections are designed for younger children, with rides appropriate to their thrill level.
Virginia is blessed with many varied types of vacation spots which the visitors can enjoy like the scenic Virginia Beach or the beautiful Mount Vernon.
20 Thrilling Florida Vacation Spots
Ready to plan your next vacation in sunny Florida? Here are the highlights of the 20 best vacation spots in the state! From the vibrant nightlife of Miami to the laid-back charm of Clearwater, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, high-end experiences, or unique adventures, this article has got you covered. So, pack your bags and get ready to soak up the sun and fun in the Sunshine State!
15 Virginia Vacation Spots Perfect For Exploring History
Explore the best vacation spots in Virginia with this must-read article! From the historical charm of Williamsburg to the breathtaking beauty of Shenandoah National Park, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the top attractions, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences that Virginia has to offer.
Top 15 Ohio Vacation Spots: Vibrant Cities & Aesthetic Parks
Ready to discover the best vacation spots in Ohio? Look no further than this article, which highlights the top destinations in the state, from the vibrant cities of Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus to the scenic Hocking Hills State Park. Explore the great outdoors, enjoy cultural activities, and indulge in local cuisine and attractions. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the diverse and exciting vacation spots that Ohio has to offer!
Picturesque Lake And Mountain Top Views: 16 Michigan Vacation Spots
Discover the best Michigan vacation spots with this ultimate guide! From the charming university town of Ann Arbor to the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or romantic getaways, Michigan has it all.