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 among the finest locations to dwell! It has every part 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 lovely, I at all times come house to the candy scent of Virginia. (Should you haven’t smelled the air right here, it’s pretty – I’m not kidding!)
What I really like most about Virginia is its wealthy historical past and true versatility. From romping by means of 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 widespread!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC on the lookout for a countryside escape.
Perhaps you’re planning a trip for the household, or perhaps you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Irrespective of the rationale, the state is filled with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can take pleasure in all the identical. Here’s a roundup of the most effective day journey alternatives Virginia presents—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which can be nonetheless by myself bucket record!
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 climbing trails to discover. It’s good whether or not you’re up for an extended trek or a neater 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 an exquisite spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you need to be certain that to take a look at their web site earlier than planning. The daytime temperatures are great, 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 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 take pleasure in a Backyard Maze, a Rope Journey Mark, Toy City Junction, and the Automotive & Carriage Caravan Museum. It’s a type 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 now have 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 in the event you don’t think about your self significantly all in favour of historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll by means of the cobblestone streets, you’ll understand simply how immersive of an expertise it’s. You don’t really want to purchase tickets to go inside to see a whole lot of the sights, however after all you must for the complete expertise.
With every part from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an amazing place to step again in time whereas taking children out for a day stuffed with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You may take a look at my put up, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my journey went after I took child Mazen! The excursions do range all year long, so be certain that to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seaside
Enjoyable reality: after we moved to Charlottesville, we had been truly making an attempt to maneuver to the seaside! However in some way we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are inclined to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seaside is the closest seaside to us and the principle seaside 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 children actions at Grommet Island Park.
Should you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the most effective instances to go to. The climate’s nonetheless lovely, however it’s slightly 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 huge summer time crowds.
Should you’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 actual!), and you’ll 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 type of historic websites that you must go to a minimum of as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a singular expertise. Should you plan on visiting with children, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive option to rework the grounds right into a treasure hunt. Should you plan on visiting, it have to be by guided tour—so be certain that to guide 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., however it seems like a serious metropolis of its personal. You may 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 the town from the water. Actually, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of yr. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every part’s adorned and additional festive. However heat climate days are arduous to beat for strolling round, window purchasing, and absorbing all of its allure.
Chincoteague Island
Should you’re a horse lover—or simply need a completely distinctive seaside day—Chincoteague Island must be in your record. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the realm. And sure, you actually may spot them whereas stress-free 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 concerning the ponies. This little 7-mile-long island has loads extra to supply. You may spend the day biking, 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.
Should you’re questioning when to go, my vote is September. The climate remains 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 type of spots that feels simply as cool in the present day 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 a large limestone arch (215 ft tall!) carved out by Cedar Creek over time.
You may 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 price it.
I’d say spring by means of fall is the most effective time to go to—not too scorching, not too chilly, and loads of additional issues happening. You may go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s positively an amazing day journey if you’d like a mixture of recent air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a type of cities that has slightly 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 Fantastic Arts. It’s such an exquisite area with every part from traditional to modern artwork. For my fellow guide lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is price a cease. And in the event you’re into historical past, positively take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Warfare Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy through the Civil Warfare, 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 form 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. Try my weblog put up about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve received to present my city, Charlottesville, slightly love right here! It’s not only a school city with the College of Virginia proper in the course 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.
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 may take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by means of the grounds. It’s necessary 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—previous historic significance however a full of life environment. When downtown, you may take pleasure in small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, lots of that are positioned in unique 1800s buildings. Should you’re up for slightly historical past exploration, you may go to Dodona Manor, house to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
Should you’re headed out together 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 also can take pleasure in 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 Warfare historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Warfare battles often occurred. Now you can go to the once-battle subject, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you would be able to tour in the event you’d like.
Other than the cemetery, you can even view civil warfare landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s a whole lot of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re executed touring, be certain that to go to Major Road for slightly purchasing and snacking. A pal recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round for the reason that Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
Should you’re up for slightly historical past combined with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is unquestionably price including to your Virginia day journey record. It’s the positioning of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—means again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings appears to be like slightly totally different as of late, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest components? The dwell reenactments. You may wander by means of 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 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 sensible 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.” Superbly said and extremely fascinating.
Weblog put up: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Should you’ve received a prepare lover or a automobile fanatic in your own home (like my boys), put the Virginia Museum of Transportation in your record. It’s proper in downtown Roanoke and makes for a extremely enjoyable outing for teenagers.
The museum is in an previous Norfolk & Western freight station, which already provides it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover every part from vintage vehicles 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 an enormous 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 means of Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you may simply pair your go to with a stroll by means of Roanoke’s Metropolis Market or pop into one other close by museum. It’s the proper mixture of enjoyable, studying, and slightly nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
Should you 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.
Should you’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 elevate strains get. Discovered that one the arduous means.
Wintergreen presents ski classes for learners, which Birch did final yr! Heads-up—these spots refill quick. And when you hit the slopes, stick with what feels good in your ability stage. 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 may both pack a lunch (we’ve executed that loads of instances) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your means house for dinner. It’s such a comfortable spot with nice meals and native brews. Winter sports activities not your factor? It’s nonetheless price a go to in the summertime months. There’s a pool, tennis, golf—you identify it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Positively take a look at my full put up with Wintergreen ski suggestions earlier than you go!
How one can Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with heaps to do.
While you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I at all times say to search for locations that provide slightly little bit of every part. In any case, you’ve received an entire day to fill! Test the map and see in the event you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I at all times assume the most effective journeys have a superb steadiness of museums/actions and energetic/relaxation/consuming time. Just a little historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra energetic, like a stroll, some purchasing, or grabbing a superb meal. That means, everybody within the household will get slightly one thing they take pleasure in. 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. While 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.
Just a little planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! Should you’re visiting Virginia through roadtrip, be certain that to take a look at my put up, Highway Journey Suggestions for Households.
Stability exercise and leisure.
Everybody wants slightly breather on a day journey—children and grown-ups alike. You may’t go full velocity from morning ‘til night time with out feeling worn out. I at all times wish to construct in slightly downtime between actions. Perhaps 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 suggest having a backup plan in your pocket. In case your outside plans get rained out, it’s good to know the place the native museums or indoor spots are. You may 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 in relation 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 received a stable record of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a number of must-see spots off your bucket record!
Should you’re on the lookout for much more native concepts, listed here are a number of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog: