I’ve been calling Virginia my house for the final fifteen years (has it actually been that lengthy?), and I do really feel it is without doubt one of the greatest locations to reside! It has all the pieces 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 house to the candy scent of Virginia. (For those who haven’t smelled the air right here, it’s beautiful – 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 widespread!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC searching for a countryside escape.
Possibly you’re planning a trip for the household, or perhaps you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Regardless of the rationale, the state is filled with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can get pleasure from all the identical. Here’s a roundup of one of the best day journey alternatives Virginia provides—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which can be nonetheless by myself bucket listing!
15 Day Journeys in Virginia
Shenandoah Nationwide Park & Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Nationwide Park makes for the right 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 better hike with the youngsters. 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 impression your plans. It’s a good looking spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you need to be 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 children and adults can marvel at. They’re the biggest caverns within the Japanese US, and they’re really 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 get pleasure from a Backyard Maze, a Rope Journey Mark, Toy City Junction, and the Automotive & Carriage Caravan Museum. It’s a type of locations that you just and your loved ones can spend all day having fun with. I’m fairly certain I went with my mother and father once 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 superb day journey for historical past buffs. Even in case you don’t contemplate your self notably eager 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 loads of the sights, however after all it is best to for the complete expertise.
With all the pieces from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an amazing place to step again in time whereas taking children out for a day filled with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You possibly can try my submit, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my journey went once I took child Mazen! The excursions do range all year long, so be sure that to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seashore
Enjoyable truth: after we moved to Charlottesville, we have been truly attempting to maneuver to the seashore! 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 seashore to us and the primary seashore in our state.
There are many enjoyable eating places and little boutiques alongside the primary Boardwalk stretch, which is 3 miles lengthy. There are many children actions at Grommet Island Park.
For those who’re not into crowds, spring and fall are one of the best instances to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, nevertheless it’s a bit quieter. It’s a superb time of yr to lease bikes too. Could, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating large summer season crowds.
For those who’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 house to many presidents (eight to be actual!), and you’ll 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 type of historic websites that you need to go to no less than as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a novel expertise. For those who plan on visiting with children, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive technique to remodel the grounds right into a treasure hunt. For those who plan on visiting, it should be by guided tour—so be sure that to ebook 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 retailers and eating places. It’s simply minutes from D.C., nevertheless it seems 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 the town from the water. Actually, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of yr. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when all the pieces’s adorned and additional festive. However heat climate days are onerous to beat for strolling round, window buying, and absorbing all of its allure.
Chincoteague Island
For those who’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 would possibly spot them whereas stress-free 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 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, 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.
For those who’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 type of spots that feels simply as cool as we speak because it should have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made word 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 value it.
I’d say spring by fall is one of the best time to go to—not too scorching, not too chilly, and loads of additional issues happening. You possibly can go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s positively an amazing day journey if you need a mixture of contemporary air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a type of cities that has a bit one thing for everybody. And it’s filled 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 Superb Arts. It’s such a good looking house with all the pieces from basic to up to date artwork. For my fellow ebook lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is value a cease. And in case you’re into historical past, positively try the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Battle Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy throughout 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 acquired to provide my city, Charlottesville, a bit 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 amazing mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city allure. You’ll discover some really 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 house. 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 essential 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 need to expertise!
Weblog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia allure—outdated historic significance however a energetic ambiance. When downtown, you’ll be able to get pleasure from small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, lots of that are positioned in authentic 1800s buildings. For those who’re up for a bit historical past exploration, you’ll be able to go to Dodona Manor, house to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
For those who’re headed out along 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. Other than viewing, children may get pleasure from jungle gyms, big slides, and an arts and crafts room. This little city is such an enthralling day journey spot!
Fredericksburg
Head all the way down to Fredericksberg, a city filled 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 incessantly occurred. Now you can go to the once-battle discipline, now a Nationwide Cemetery you can tour in case you’d like.
Other than the cemetery, you too can 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 achieved touring, be sure that to go to Most important Road for a bit buying and snacking. A pal recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Nineteen Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
For those who’re up for a bit historical past blended with contemporary air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is certainly value including to your Virginia day journey listing. It’s the location of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—approach again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings seems to be a bit totally different lately, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest components? The reside reenactments. You possibly can wander by Powhatan Village and get an actual really feel for the 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.
You need 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.” Fantastically acknowledged and extremely charming.
Weblog submit: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
For those who’ve acquired a practice lover or a automotive fanatic in your 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 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 all the pieces from vintage automobiles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my pal’s suggestion, they’ve made it tremendous family-friendly with interactive displays and a giant playroom only for the youngsters. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an out of doors railyard the place children can truly 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 right mixture of enjoyable, studying, and a bit nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
For those who 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.
For those who’re planning a weekend journey, positively goal 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. Discovered that one the onerous approach.
Wintergreen provides ski classes for newcomers, which Birch did final yr! Heads-up—these spots replenish quick. And when you hit the slopes, keep on with what feels good on your ability degree. East Coast snowboarding positively has a distinct vibe than what you’ll discover out west—suppose 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 achieved that loads of instances) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your approach house 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.
Undoubtedly try my full submit with Wintergreen ski ideas earlier than you go!
How one can Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with tons to do.
Whenever you’re selecting a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I at all times say to search for locations that provide a bit little bit of all the pieces. In any case, you’ve acquired an entire day to fill! Test the map and see in case you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I at all times suppose one of the best journeys have a superb stability of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. Somewhat historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra lively, like a stroll, some buying, or grabbing a superb meal. That approach, everybody within the household will get a 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. Whenever you’re planning a day journey, don’t overlook to issue within the drive. Typically there isn’t an excessive amount of visitors until you’re up in Northern Virginia.
Somewhat planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! For those who’re visiting Virginia through roadtrip, be sure that to take a look at my submit, Highway Journey Ideas for Households.
Stability exercise and rest.
Everybody wants a bit breather on a day journey—children 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 bit downtime between actions. Possibly that’s grabbing ice cream, sitting by the water, or mapping a playground the place the youngsters 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 advocate having a backup plan in your pocket. In case your out of doors plans get rained out, it’s good 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 ideas from a neighborhood!
After dwelling in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve positively picked up a number of favorites relating to exploring Virginia. From historic cities to beautiful nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s at all times one thing new to find. And now you’ve acquired a stable listing of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a number of must-see spots off your bucket listing!
For those who’re searching for much more native concepts, listed here are a number of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog: