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, regardless of how stunning, 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 like most about Virginia is its wealthy historical past and true versatility. From romping by way 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 standard!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC searching 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. Regardless of the explanation, 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 one of the best day journey alternatives Virginia gives—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 excellent whether or not you’re up for an extended trek or a better hike with the children. 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 wish to make certain 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 youngsters and adults can marvel at. They’re the biggest caverns within the Japanese US, and they’re really 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 kind of locations that you simply and your loved ones can spend all day having fun with. I’m fairly certain 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 wonderful day journey for historical past buffs. Even in the event you don’t contemplate your self notably thinking about historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll by way of 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 a number of the sights, however after all it is best to for the total expertise.
With every thing from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an important place to step again in time whereas taking youngsters out for a day filled with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You may take a look at my publish, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my journey went after I took child Mazen! The excursions do differ all year long, so make certain to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seashore
Enjoyable reality: once we moved to Charlottesville, we have been really making an attempt to maneuver to the seaside! However someway we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are inclined to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seashore 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.
Should you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are one of the best occasions to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, nevertheless it’s just a little quieter. It’s an excellent time of 12 months to hire bikes too. Might, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating large summer season crowds.
Should you’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Seashore again after I was pregnant with Mazen!
Mount Vernon
Virginia is house to many presidents (eight to be actual!), 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 it’s a must to 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 youngsters, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive option to remodel the grounds right into a treasure hunt. Should you plan on visiting, it have to be by guided tour—so make certain to guide 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 outlets and eating places. It’s simply minutes from D.C., nevertheless it seems 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 the 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 laborious to beat for strolling round, window purchasing, and absorbing all of its attraction.
Chincoteague Island
Should you’re a horse lover—or simply desire a completely distinctive seaside day—Chincoteague Island must be in your record. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the world. 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 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 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 kind of spots that feels simply as cool at the moment because it will need to have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made word 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 value it.
I’d say spring by way of fall is one of the best time to go to—not too sizzling, not too chilly, and loads of further issues occurring. You may go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s positively an important day journey if you’d like a mixture of contemporary air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a kind of cities that has just a little 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 Tremendous Arts. It’s such a good looking house with every thing from basic to up to date artwork. For my fellow guide lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is value 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 in the course of 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 sort 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 publish about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve bought to offer my city, Charlottesville, just a little 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 important 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 may take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by way of 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 will not be 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 attraction—previous 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 positioned in unique 1800s buildings. Should you’re up for just a little 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 a captivating day journey spot!
Fredericksburg
Head all the way down to Fredericksberg, a city filled 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 incessantly came about. Now you can go to the once-battle area, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you would be able to tour in the event you’d like.
Other than the cemetery, it’s also possible to view civil battle landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s a number of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re executed touring, make certain to go to Essential Avenue for just a little purchasing 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 just a little historical past blended with contemporary air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is unquestionably value including to your Virginia day journey record. It’s the positioning of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—manner again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings appears to be like just a little completely different as of late, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest elements? The dwell reenactments. You may wander by way 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 a must 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 fascinating.
Weblog publish: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Should you’ve bought a practice lover or a automotive 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 youths.
The museum is in an previous Norfolk & Western freight station, which already offers it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover every thing from vintage vehicles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my buddy’s advice, they’ve made it tremendous family-friendly with interactive displays and a giant playroom only for the children. 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 by way of Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you may simply pair your go to with a stroll by way of Roanoke’s Metropolis Market or pop into one other close by museum. It’s the proper mixture of enjoyable, studying, and just a little 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 traces get. Discovered that one the laborious manner.
Wintergreen gives ski classes for newbies, which Birch did final 12 months! Heads-up—these spots replenish quick. And when you hit the slopes, stick with what feels good in your ability stage. East Coast snowboarding positively 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 executed that loads of occasions) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your manner 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 take a look at my full publish with Wintergreen ski suggestions earlier than you go!
Tips on how to Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with tons to do.
While you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I all the time say to search for locations that provide just a little little bit of every thing. In any case, you’ve bought a complete day to fill! Test the map and see in the event you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time suppose one of the best journeys have an excellent stability of museums/actions and energetic/relaxation/consuming time. A little bit historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra energetic, like a stroll, some purchasing, or grabbing an excellent meal. That manner, everybody within the household will get just a little 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 notice. While you’re planning a day journey, don’t neglect to issue within the drive. Typically there isn’t an excessive amount of visitors until you’re up in Northern Virginia.
A little bit planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! Should you’re visiting Virginia through roadtrip, make certain to take a look at my publish, Street Journey Suggestions for Households.
Stability exercise and leisure.
Everybody wants just a little 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 just a little downtime between actions. Perhaps 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 subsequent. That’s why I all the time 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 residing in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve positively picked up a couple 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 record of Virginia day journeys that will help you begin checking a couple of must-see spots off your bucket record!
Should you’re searching for much more native concepts, listed here are a couple of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog: