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I’ve been calling Virginia my residence for the final fifteen years (has it actually been that lengthy?), and I do really feel it is among the finest locations to reside! It has every part from the mountains to the ocean, and to not point out the 4 very distinct seasons. Whenever I journey to different locations, regardless of how lovely, I at all times come residence to the candy scent of Virginia. (If you 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 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 crucial attention-grabbing (and standard!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC in search of a countryside escape.
Maybe you’re planning a trip for the household, or possibly you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. No matter the explanation, the state is filled with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can get pleasure from all the identical. Here is a roundup of the very best day journey alternatives Virginia presents—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which can be nonetheless alone bucket record!
15 Day Trips in Virginia
Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive
Shenandoah National Park makes for the right 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 a protracted 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 affect your plans. It’s a lovely spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you need to be certain 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 Eastern US, and they’re actually as spectacular as the photographs make them look. Inside, you may view stalactites, stalagmites, mud flows, glassy swimming pools, and even the Great Stalacpipe Organ (Yes, it’s an actual factor!).
Your ticket isn’t only for exploring underground, although. Head above floor to get pleasure from a Garden Maze, a Rope Adventure Mark, Toy Town Junction, and the Car & 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 have now 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 significantly all for historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll by way 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 lots of the sights, however after all it’s best to for the total expertise.
With every part from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s a terrific place to step again in time whereas taking children out for a day stuffed with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You 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 range all year long, so be certain to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Beach
Fun truth: after we moved to Charlottesville, we had been truly making an attempt to maneuver to the seashore! But by some means we ended up within the mountains. While we are inclined to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Beach is the closest seashore to us and the primary seashore in our state.
There are loads of enjoyable eating places and little boutiques alongside the primary Boardwalk stretch, which is 3 miles lengthy. There are a lot of children actions at Grommet Island Park.
If you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the very best instances to go to. The climate’s nonetheless lovely, however it’s a bit of quieter. It’s an excellent time of yr to lease bikes too. May, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating large summer time crowds.
If you’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Beach again after I was pregnant with Mazen!
Mount Vernon
Virginia is residence 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 situated 22 miles exterior of Washington, D.C., not too removed from the capitol. It’s a kind of historic websites that it’s important 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. If you intend on visiting with children, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive technique to remodel the grounds right into a treasure hunt. If you intend on visiting, it should be by guided tour—so be certain to e-book tickets prematurely.
Old Town Alexandria
Flashback to when Emily lived in Old Town!
Old Town 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 looks like a serious metropolis of its personal. You can stroll King Street Mile and take within the historical past. And don’t miss Spite House, 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. Honestly, although, Alexandria is an effective one any time of yr. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every part’s adorned and further festive. But heat climate days are arduous to beat for strolling round, window procuring, and absorbing all of its allure.
Chincoteague Island
If you’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 world. And sure, you actually would possibly spot them whereas enjoyable on the seashore. My good friend 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!)
But Chincoteague isn’t simply in regards to the ponies. This little 7-mile-long island has lots extra to supply. You can 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.
If you’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 energetic.
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural 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 notice 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 can take the 137-step staircase down (don’t fear, there’s a shuttle if wanted) and stroll the paved Cedar Creek Trail 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 way of fall is the very best time to go to—not too scorching, not too chilly, and loads of further issues happening. You can go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s positively a terrific day journey in order for you 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 of one thing for everybody. And it’s stuffed with enjoyable issues to do to fill a complete day journey. Whether 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 Fine Arts. It’s such a lovely house with every part from traditional to modern artwork. For my fellow e-book lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is price a cease. And should you’re into historical past, positively take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil War Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy in the course of the Civil War, there’s no scarcity of historical past to discover.
But Richmond isn’t simply museums and monuments. There are so many 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. Grab brunch, go to a museum, and end with a drink or two. Check out my weblog submit about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve bought to present my city, Charlottesville, a bit of love right here! It’s not only a faculty city with the University of Virginia proper in the midst of issues. Charlottesville has such a terrific 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.
While you’re at it, don’t miss a go to to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s residence. It took him over 40 years to design (and redesign!) the mansion. You can take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by way of 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 is just not 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!
Blog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia allure—outdated historic significance however a energetic environment. When downtown, you may get pleasure from small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, lots of that are situated in unique 1800s buildings. If you’re up for a bit of historical past exploration, you may go to Dodona Manor, residence to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
If you’re headed out along 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. Aside from viewing, children can even get pleasure from jungle gyms, big slides, and an arts and crafts room. This little city is such a captivating day journey spot!
Fredericksburg
Head right down to Fredericksberg, a city stuffed with American Revolution and Civil War historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil War battles steadily happened. You can now go to the once-battle discipline, now a National Cemetery that you could tour should you’d like.
Aside from the cemetery, you too can view civil warfare landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s lots of historical past packed into this small city. Once you’re completed touring, be certain to go to Main Street for a bit of procuring and snacking. A good friend recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
If you’re up for a bit of historical past blended with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is certainly price including to your Virginia day journey record. It’s the location of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—means again in 1607! While the surroundings appears to be like a bit of completely different lately, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of the best elements? The reside reenactments. You can 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 may see what was on the menu again within the day—issues like apple pie, pork, and goat milk butter.
You have to take a look at the ships whilst 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 first threads of tapestry we call America.” Beautifully said and extremely fascinating.
Blog submit: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
If you’ve bought a practice lover or a automobile fanatic in your 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 outdated Norfolk & Western freight station, which already offers 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 good friend’s suggestion, 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 outside railyard the place children can truly stand up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday by way of Sunday. Since it’s proper downtown, you may simply pair your go to with a stroll by way of Roanoke’s City Market or pop into one other close by museum. It’s the right mixture of enjoyable, studying, and a bit of nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
If you ask me, there’s nothing fairly like a ski day at Wintergreen Resort as soon as winter rolls round. A couple of years again, Mazen and I even performed hooky for a mom-and-son ski day, and we attempt to go each winter.
If you’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. Learned that one the arduous means.
Wintergreen presents ski classes for novices, 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 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 completed that loads of instances) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your means residence 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 title it. It actually is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Definitely take a look at my full submit with Wintergreen ski ideas earlier than you go!
How to Plan a Day Trip in Virginia
Choose a vacation spot with heaps to do.
When you’re selecting a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I at all times say to search for locations that supply a bit of little bit of every part. After all, you’ve bought an entire day to fill! Check the map and see should you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I at all times assume the very best journeys have an excellent steadiness of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. A bit 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 a bit of one thing they get pleasure from. Bonus factors if there’s a espresso cease or a cute native store concerned. Variety retains the day feeling enjoyable as a substitute of dragging on!
Plan for driving time.
Virginia’s a much bigger state than most individuals understand. When you’re planning a day journey, don’t overlook to issue within the drive. Generally there isn’t an excessive amount of visitors except you’re up in Northern Virginia.
A bit planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! If you’re visiting Virginia by way of roadtrip, be certain to take a look at my submit, Road Trip Tips for Families.
Balance exercise and leisure.
Everyone wants a bit of breather on a day journey—children and grown-ups alike. You can’t go full pace from morning ‘til night without feeling wiped out. I always like to build in a little downtime between activities. Maybe 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 at all times suggest having a backup plan in your pocket. If your out of doors plans get rained out, it’s good to know the place the native museums or indoor spots are. You can nonetheless take advantage of out of your day with out getting soaked.
Explore Virginia’s treasures with firsthand ideas from a neighborhood!
After residing in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve positively picked up a number of favorites in terms of 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 bought a stable record of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a number of must-see spots off your bucket record!
If you’re in search of much more native concepts, listed here are a number of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog: