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 the whole lot 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. (For those who haven’t smelled the air right here, it’s beautiful – I’m not kidding!)
What I really 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 most likely why it’s one of the vital attention-grabbing (and well-liked!) 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 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 one of the best day journey alternatives Virginia provides—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which can be nonetheless alone 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 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 lovely spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you wish 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 children 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 possibly can 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 Automobile & 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 once I was in highschool, however we’ve 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 if you happen to don’t contemplate your self significantly eager 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 need to purchase tickets to go inside to see loads of the sights, however in fact you need to for the total expertise.
With the whole lot from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an awesome place to step again in time whereas taking children out for a day filled 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 once I took child Mazen! The excursions do fluctuate all year long, so ensure that to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seashore
Enjoyable truth: after we moved to Charlottesville, we had been really attempting to maneuver to the seashore! However one way or the other we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are likely to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seashore is the closest seashore to us and the principle seashore 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.
For those who’re not into crowds, spring and fall are one of the best occasions to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, but it surely’s a little bit quieter. It’s a very good time of yr to hire bikes too. Could, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating huge summer time 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 precise!), and you may go to the house of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Mount Vernon is situated 22 miles outdoors of Washington, D.C., not too removed from the capitol. It’s a kind of historic websites that it’s important to go to at the least as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a singular expertise. For those who plan on visiting with children, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive strategy to remodel the grounds right into a treasure hunt. For those who plan on visiting, it should be by guided tour—so ensure that to e book 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 outlets and eating places. It’s simply minutes from D.C., but it surely 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 possibly can hop on a sightseeing cruise and take a look at town from the water. Truthfully, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of yr. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when the whole lot’s adorned and additional festive. However heat climate days are arduous to beat for strolling round, window procuring, and absorbing all of its attraction.
Chincoteague Island
For those who’re a horse lover—or simply desire a completely distinctive seashore 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 seashore. 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 most likely not promoting it!)
However Chincoteague isn’t simply in regards to 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.
For those who’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 at this time 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 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 value it.
I’d say spring by way of fall is one of the best 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 awesome day journey if you need a mixture of contemporary air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a kind of cities that has a little 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 Fantastic Arts. It’s such a lovely area with the whole lot from basic to up to date artwork. For my fellow e book lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is value a cease. And if you happen to’re into historical past, positively take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Struggle Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy in the course of the Civil Struggle, 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 possibly can 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 obtained to provide my city, Charlottesville, a little bit love right here! It’s not only a faculty city with the College of Virginia proper in the midst of issues. Charlottesville has such an awesome mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city attraction. You’ll discover some actually 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 may take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by way of the grounds. It’s necessary to notice that the property was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved individuals. With reveals on the lives of the slaves, this historical past just 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 attraction—previous historic significance however a full of life environment. When downtown, you possibly can get pleasure from small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, lots of that are situated in unique 1800s buildings. For those who’re up for a little bit historical past exploration, you possibly can go to Dodona Manor, house to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
For those who’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. Except for viewing, children may 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 right down to Fredericksberg, a city filled with American Revolution and Civil Struggle historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Struggle battles incessantly passed off. Now you can go to the once-battle area, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you may tour if you happen to’d like.
Except for the cemetery, it’s also possible to view civil struggle landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s loads of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re performed touring, ensure that to go to Principal Avenue for a little bit procuring 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 little bit historical past combined with contemporary air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is certainly value including to your Virginia day journey record. It’s the location of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—method again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings seems to be a little bit totally different lately, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest components? The reside reenactments. You may wander by way of 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 possibly can 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 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 put up: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
For those who’ve obtained 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 very 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 the whole lot 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 reveals and a giant playroom only for the children. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an out of doors railyard the place children can really rise up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday by way of Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you possibly can 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 a little 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 elevate traces get. Discovered that one the arduous method.
Wintergreen provides ski classes for inexperienced persons, which Birch did final yr! Heads-up—these spots refill quick. And when you hit the slopes, stick with what feels good to your talent stage. East Coast snowboarding positively has a distinct 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 possibly can both pack a lunch (we’ve performed that loads of occasions) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your method 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.
Undoubtedly take a look at my full put up with Wintergreen ski ideas earlier than you go!
Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with heaps to do.
Whenever you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I all the time say to search for locations that provide a little bit little bit of the whole lot. In any case, you’ve obtained a complete day to fill! Examine the map and see if you happen to can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time assume one of the best journeys have a very good steadiness of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. Somewhat historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra lively, like a stroll, some procuring, or grabbing a very good meal. That method, everybody within the household will get a little 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 neglect to issue within the drive. Usually there isn’t an excessive amount of site visitors except 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 by way of roadtrip, ensure that to take a look at my put up, Street Journey Ideas for Households.
Stability exercise and leisure.
Everybody wants a little bit breather on a day journey—children and grown-ups alike. You may’t go full pace from morning ‘til evening with out feeling worn out. I all the time wish to construct in a little bit 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 ideas from a neighborhood!
After dwelling in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve positively picked up just a few favorites in terms of exploring Virginia. From historic cities to attractive nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s all the time one thing new to find. And now you’ve obtained a strong record of Virginia day journeys that will help you begin checking just a few must-see spots off your bucket record!
For those who’re on the lookout for much more native concepts, listed below are just a few extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
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