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 likely one of the finest locations to dwell! It has every thing from the mountains to the ocean, and to not point out the 4 very distinct seasons. Each time I journey to different locations, irrespective of how lovely, I all the time 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 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 crucial attention-grabbing (and in style!) vacationer points of interest 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 perhaps you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Irrespective of the explanation, the state is stuffed with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can take pleasure in all the identical. Here’s a roundup of the perfect day journey alternatives Virginia provides—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which can be nonetheless by myself bucket checklist!
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 excellent whether or not you’re up for an extended trek or a neater hike with the children. And don’t miss Skyline Drive. This scenic drive alone is definitely worth the journey for the mountain views – particularly at peak foliage.
The season you go to can undoubtedly influence your plans. It’s a phenomenal spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you wish to be sure to take a look at their web site earlier than planning. The daytime temperatures are fantastic, 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 most important caverns within the Jap US, and they’re actually as spectacular as the images 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 mother and father once I was in highschool, however we’ve to take the boys quickly!
Colonial Williamsburg
As one of the crucial well-known historic websites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a superb day journey for historical past buffs. Even should you don’t take into account your self notably fascinated 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 need to purchase tickets to go inside to see lots of the sights, however in fact you need to for the total expertise.
With every thing 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 may try my publish, 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 to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seaside
Enjoyable truth: 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 likely 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 youngsters actions at Grommet Island Park.
Should you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the perfect occasions to go to. The climate’s nonetheless lovely, however it’s slightly quieter. It’s an excellent time of 12 months to lease bikes too. Could, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating massive summer season crowds.
Should you’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Seaside 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 situated 22 miles exterior of Washington, D.C., not too removed from the capitol. It’s a type of historic websites that you must go to no less than 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 youngsters, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive option to rework the grounds right into a treasure hunt. Should you plan on visiting, it should be by guided tour—so be sure to e book tickets upfront.
Outdated City Alexandria
Flashback to when Emily lived in Outdated City!
Outdated City Alexandria has that excellent 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 looks like a serious metropolis of its personal. You may stroll King Avenue 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. Actually, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of 12 months. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every thing’s adorned and additional festive. However heat climate days are arduous to beat for strolling round, window procuring, and absorbing all of its allure.
Chincoteague Island
Should you’re a horse lover—or simply desire a completely distinctive seaside day—Chincoteague Island must be in your checklist. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the realm. And sure, you actually would possibly spot them whereas enjoyable on the seaside. My buddy Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a singular place it’s. (I’ve a reminiscence of going with my mother and father 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 may 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.
Should you’re questioning when to go, my vote is September. The climate continues to be heat however not as sticky as peak summer season. And crowds skinny out after August. It’s simply the right combination of peaceable and vigorous.
Pure Bridge State Park
Pure Bridge State Park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a type of spots that feels simply as cool immediately because it will need to have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made be aware 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 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 fall is the perfect 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 undoubtedly an awesome day journey if you need 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 complete 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 High quality Arts. It’s such a phenomenal area with every thing from traditional to up to date artwork. For my fellow e book lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is price a cease. And should you’re into historical past, undoubtedly try the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Battle Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy in the course of 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 publish about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve bought to offer 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 awesome mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city allure. You’ll discover some actually wonderful 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 the grounds. It’s necessary to notice that the property was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved folks. With reveals 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 wish to expertise!
Weblog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia allure—outdated historic significance however a vigorous environment. When downtown, you may take pleasure in small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, a lot of that are situated 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 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 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 Battle historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Battle battles continuously 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 also view civil struggle landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s lots of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re finished touring, be sure to go to Most important Avenue for slightly procuring and snacking. A buddy recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
Should you’re up for slightly historical past blended with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is certainly price including to your Virginia day journey checklist. 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 lately, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest elements? The dwell reenactments. You may 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 may see what was on the menu again within the day—issues like apple pie, pork, and goat milk butter.
You must try the ships when you’re down there. It’s an extremely lifelike 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 fascinating.
Weblog publish: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Should you’ve bought a practice lover or a automotive fanatic in your home (like my boys), put the Virginia Museum of Transportation in your checklist. It’s proper in downtown Roanoke and makes for a extremely 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 every thing from vintage automobiles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my buddy’s suggestion, they’ve made it tremendous family-friendly with interactive reveals and a giant playroom only for the children. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an outside railyard the place youngsters can truly rise up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday by Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you may 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 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, 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 raise strains get. Realized that one the arduous means.
Wintergreen provides ski classes for newbies, which Birch did final 12 months! Heads-up—these spots replenish quick. And when you hit the slopes, keep on with what feels good on your talent stage. East Coast snowboarding undoubtedly has a special 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 finished that loads of occasions) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your means house for dinner. It’s such a comfy 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 title it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Positively try my full publish with Wintergreen ski ideas earlier than you go!
Methods to Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with tons to do.
If you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I all the time say to search for locations that supply slightly little bit of every thing. In any case, you’ve bought an entire day to fill! Verify the map and see should you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time assume the perfect journeys have an excellent stability of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. Just a little historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra lively, like a stroll, some procuring, or grabbing an excellent 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 a substitute of dragging on!
Plan for driving time.
Virginia’s an even bigger state than most individuals notice. If you’re planning a day journey, don’t neglect to issue within the drive. Typically there isn’t an excessive amount of 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 sure to take a look at my publish, Highway Journey Ideas for Households.
Stability exercise and rest.
Everybody wants slightly breather on a day journey—youngsters and grown-ups alike. You may’t go full pace from morning ‘til night time with out feeling worn out. I all the time prefer to construct in slightly 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 following. That’s why I all the time suggest having a backup plan in your pocket. In case your out of doors plans get rained out, it’s sensible 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 ideas from an area!
After residing in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve undoubtedly picked up a number of favorites on the subject of exploring Virginia. From historic cities to beautiful nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s all the time one thing new to find. And now you’ve bought a stable checklist of Virginia day journeys that will help you begin checking a number of must-see spots off your bucket checklist!
Should you’re on the lookout for much more native concepts, listed below are a number of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
