I’ve been calling Virginia my dwelling for the final fifteen years (has it actually been that lengthy?), and I do really feel it is among the greatest locations to reside! It has every little 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 stunning, I all the time come dwelling to the candy scent of Virginia. (In case you 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 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 most likely why it’s some of the attention-grabbing (and standard!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC in search of a countryside escape.
Possibly you’re planning a trip for the household, or possibly you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Regardless 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 most effective day journey alternatives Virginia gives—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which are nonetheless alone bucket checklist!
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 mountaineering 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 fantastic spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you wish to be sure 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 actually as spectacular as the images make them look. Inside, you’ll be able to 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 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 certain I went with my dad and mom after I was in highschool, however we’ve got to take the boys quickly!
Colonial Williamsburg
As some of the well-known historic websites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful day journey for historical past buffs. Even for those who don’t think about your self notably enthusiastic about historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll by means 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 plenty of the sights, however after all it’s best to for the complete expertise.
With every little thing from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an ideal place to step again in time whereas taking youngsters out for a day filled with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You’ll be able to 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 be sure to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seaside
Enjoyable truth: once we moved to Charlottesville, we had been truly making an attempt to maneuver to the seashore! However someway we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are inclined to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seaside is the closest seashore to us and the primary seashore 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.
In case you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the most effective occasions to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, however it’s a bit of quieter. It’s a superb time of yr to hire bikes too. Might, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating massive summer time crowds.
In case 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 dwelling 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 positioned 22 miles exterior 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 at the very least as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a novel expertise. In case you plan on visiting with youngsters, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive method to remodel the grounds right into a treasure hunt. In case you plan on visiting, it have to 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 seems like a significant metropolis of its personal. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to hop on a sightseeing cruise and take a look at town from the water. Actually, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of yr. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every little thing’s adorned and further festive. However heat climate days are laborious to beat for strolling round, window buying, and absorbing all of its allure.
Chincoteague Island
In case you’re a horse lover—or simply desire a completely distinctive seashore day—Chincoteague Island must be in your checklist. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the world. And sure, you actually may spot them whereas enjoyable on the seashore. My buddy Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a novel 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 concerning the ponies. This little 7-mile-long island has a lot extra to supply. You’ll be able to spend the day biking, mountaineering, 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.
In case 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 correct mix 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 right this moment 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 toes tall!) carved out by Cedar Creek over time.
You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s undoubtedly an ideal day journey if you would like a mixture of contemporary 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 filled 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 Superb Arts. It’s such a fantastic area with every little thing from basic to up to date artwork. For my fellow e book lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is price a cease. And for those who’re into historical past, undoubtedly take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Warfare Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy throughout 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’ll be able to 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 obtained to offer my city, Charlottesville, a bit of 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 ideal mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city allure. You’ll discover some actually 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 dwelling. It took him over 40 years to design (and redesign!) the mansion. You’ll be able to take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by means of the grounds. It’s vital 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 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 wish to expertise!
Weblog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia allure—outdated historic significance however a full of life ambiance. When downtown, you’ll be able to take pleasure in small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, a lot of that are positioned in authentic 1800s buildings. In case you’re up for a bit of historical past exploration, you’ll be able to go to Dodona Manor, dwelling to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
In case you’re headed out together 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. Apart from viewing, youngsters may 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 steadily happened. Now you can go to the once-battle subject, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you would be able to tour for those who’d like.
Apart from the cemetery, you may also view civil conflict landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s plenty of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re achieved touring, be sure to go to Major Road for a bit of buying and snacking. A buddy recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
In case you’re up for a bit of historical past blended with contemporary air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is unquestionably 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 a bit of totally different as of late, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest elements? The reside reenactments. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to 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 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
In case you’ve obtained a prepare lover or a automobile 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 very enjoyable outing for teenagers.
The museum is in an outdated Norfolk & Western freight station, which already provides it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover every little thing from vintage vehicles 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 an enormous playroom only for the children. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an out of doors railyard the place youngsters can truly rise up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday by means of Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you’ll be able to 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 a bit of nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
In case you ask me, there’s nothing fairly like a ski day at Wintergreen Resort as soon as winter rolls round. Just a few years again, Mazen and I even performed hooky for a mom-and-son ski day, and we attempt to go each winter.
In case you’re planning a weekend journey, undoubtedly 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 raise strains get. Realized that one the laborious means.
Wintergreen gives ski classes for learners, which Birch did final yr! Heads-up—these spots refill quick. And when you hit the slopes, follow what feels good on your ability stage. East Coast snowboarding undoubtedly has a unique 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’ll be able to both pack a lunch (we’ve achieved that loads of occasions) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your means dwelling 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 identify it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Positively take a look at my full publish with Wintergreen ski suggestions earlier than you go!
The best way to Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with tons to do.
Whenever you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I all the time say to search for locations that supply a bit of little bit of every little thing. In any case, you’ve obtained a complete day to fill! Examine the map and see for those who can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time suppose the most effective journeys have a superb stability of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. Slightly historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra lively, like a stroll, some buying, or grabbing a superb meal. That means, everybody within the household will get a bit of 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. Whenever you’re planning a day journey, don’t neglect to issue within the drive. Usually there isn’t an excessive amount of visitors until you’re up in Northern Virginia.
Slightly planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! In case you’re visiting Virginia by way of roadtrip, be sure to take a look at my publish, Street Journey Ideas for Households.
Steadiness exercise and leisure.
Everybody wants a bit of breather on a day journey—youngsters and grown-ups alike. You’ll be able to’t go full velocity from morning ‘til night time with out feeling worn out. I all the time prefer to construct in a bit of 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 subsequent. That’s why I all the time advocate having a backup plan in your pocket. In case your out of doors plans get rained out, it’s good to know the place the native museums or indoor spots are. You’ll be able to 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 undoubtedly picked up a couple of favorites with regards to 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 stable checklist of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a couple of must-see spots off your bucket checklist!
In case you’re in search of much more native concepts, listed below are a couple of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
