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 finest locations to dwell! It has all the things from the mountains to the ocean, and to not point out the 4 very distinct seasons. Every time I journey to different locations, regardless of how stunning, I at all times come house 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 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 one of the vital fascinating (and common!) vacationer sights within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC on the lookout 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. 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 affords—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which might 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 mountaineering trails to discover. It’s good whether or not you’re up for an extended 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 undoubtedly affect your plans. It’s a gorgeous spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you need to ensure that to take a look at their website earlier than planning. The daytime temperatures are great, the nighttime can drop fairly low.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns, found again in 1878, looks like an journey that each youngsters 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 may 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 simply and your loved ones can spend all day having fun with. I’m fairly positive I went with my dad and mom after I was in highschool, however we’ve got to take the boys quickly!
Colonial Williamsburg
As one of the vital well-known historic websites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a superb day journey for historical past buffs. Even should you don’t contemplate your self notably considering historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll via the cobblestone streets, you’ll understand simply how immersive of an expertise it’s. You don’t really need to purchase tickets to go inside to see numerous the sights, however after all it is best to for the total expertise.
With all the things from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an awesome 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 after I took child Mazen! The excursions do differ all year long, so ensure that to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seaside
Enjoyable truth: after we moved to Charlottesville, we had been really attempting to maneuver to the seaside! However someway we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are likely to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seaside is the closest seaside to us and the primary seaside 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 youngsters actions at Grommet Island Park.
If you happen to’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the very best instances to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, nevertheless it’s a bit quieter. It’s a great time of 12 months to lease bikes too. Could, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating large summer time crowds.
If you happen to’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Seaside again after I was pregnant with Mazen!
Mount Vernon
Virginia is house to many presidents (eight to be precise!), and you may go to the house of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Mount Vernon is positioned 22 miles outdoors 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 singular expertise. If you happen to plan on visiting with youngsters, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive approach to remodel the grounds right into a treasure hunt. If you happen to plan on visiting, it have to be by guided tour—so ensure that to ebook tickets upfront.
Outdated City Alexandria
Flashback to when Emily lived in Outdated City!
Outdated 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 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 may 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 all the things’s embellished and further festive. However heat climate days are onerous to beat for strolling round, window purchasing, and absorbing all of its attraction.
Chincoteague Island
If you happen to’re a horse lover—or simply desire a completely distinctive seaside 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 seaside. My pal Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a singular 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, mountaineering, 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 right combination of peaceable and full of life.
Pure Bridge State Park
Pure Bridge State Park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a kind of spots that feels simply as cool right this moment because it will need to 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 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 further issues occurring. You possibly can go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s undoubtedly an awesome day journey if you would like a mixture of recent air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a kind of cities that has a 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 Positive Arts. It’s such a gorgeous area with all the things from basic to modern artwork. For my fellow ebook lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is value a cease. And should you’re into historical past, undoubtedly 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 type of metropolis the place you may 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 submit about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve received to present my city, Charlottesville, a 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 awesome mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city attraction. You’ll discover some really superb 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 house. 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 vital 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 full of life ambiance. When downtown, you may get pleasure from small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, a lot of that are positioned in unique 1800s buildings. If you happen to’re up for a bit historical past exploration, you may go to Dodona Manor, house 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 may also get pleasure from jungle gyms, large 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 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 incessantly occurred. Now you can go to the once-battle discipline, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you could tour should you’d like.
Other than the cemetery, you may as well view civil conflict landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s numerous historical past packed into this small city. When you’re accomplished touring, ensure that to go to Most important Road for a bit purchasing and snacking. A pal recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
If you happen to’re up for a bit historical past combined with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is certainly value including to your Virginia day journey listing. It’s the positioning of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—approach again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings appears to be like a bit completely different nowadays, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest components? 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 may 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 when you’re down there. It’s an extremely practical 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 practice lover or a automobile 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 provides it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover all the things from vintage vehicles 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 youngsters can really stand up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday via Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you may simply pair your go to with a stroll via 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
If you happen to ask me, there’s nothing fairly like a ski day at Wintergreen Resort as soon as winter rolls round. Just a few 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, undoubtedly 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 elevate strains get. Realized that one the onerous approach.
Wintergreen affords ski classes for rookies, which Birch did final 12 months! Heads-up—these spots refill quick. And when you hit the slopes, persist with what feels good on your ability degree. East Coast snowboarding undoubtedly has a special vibe than what you’ll discover out west—suppose narrower trails and icier snow. (And it might hit 60 levels!)
After a full day of snowboarding, you may both pack a lunch (we’ve accomplished that loads of instances) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your approach house for dinner. It’s such a comfortable 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 ideas earlier than you go!
Find out how to Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with heaps to do.
If you’re selecting a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I at all times say to search for locations that supply a bit little bit of all the things. In spite of everything, you’ve received a complete day to fill! Examine the map and see should you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I at all times suppose the very best journeys have a great steadiness of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. Slightly historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra lively, like a stroll, some purchasing, or grabbing a great 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 an even bigger state than most individuals understand. If you’re planning a day journey, don’t overlook to issue within the drive. Typically there isn’t an excessive amount of site visitors except you’re up in Northern Virginia.
Slightly planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! If you happen to’re visiting Virginia by way of roadtrip, ensure that to take a look at my submit, Highway Journey Ideas for Households.
Steadiness exercise and leisure.
Everybody wants a bit breather on a day journey—youngsters and grown-ups alike. You possibly can’t go full velocity 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 residing in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve undoubtedly picked up just a few favorites in terms of 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 just a few must-see spots off your bucket listing!
If you happen to’re on the lookout for much more native concepts, listed here are just a few extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog: