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 among the finest locations to dwell! 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 lovely, I all the time come house to the candy scent of Virginia. (If you happen to 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 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 crucial fascinating (and fashionable!) 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. Irrespective of the rationale, 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 the very best day journey alternatives Virginia affords—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which might be nonetheless alone 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 climbing trails to discover. It’s good whether or not you’re up for an extended trek or a neater hike with the youngsters. 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 influence your plans. It’s a lovely spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you need 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, looks 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 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 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 just 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 got 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 when you don’t contemplate your self significantly fascinated 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 numerous the sights, however in fact it’s best to for the total expertise.
With every little thing from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s a terrific place to step again in time whereas taking youngsters out for a day filled with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You possibly can 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 differ all year long, so make certain to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seaside
Enjoyable truth: once we moved to Charlottesville, we have been really attempting to maneuver to the seaside! 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 Seaside 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.
If you happen to’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the very best instances to go to. The climate’s nonetheless lovely, but it surely’s just a little quieter. It’s a very good time of 12 months to hire bikes too. Could, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating massive summer season crowds.
If you happen to’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 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 type 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 singular expertise. If you happen to plan on visiting with youngsters, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive method to rework the grounds right into a treasure hunt. If you happen to plan on visiting, it have to be by guided tour—so make certain to guide tickets upfront.
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 significant metropolis of its personal. You possibly can 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 possibly can 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 little thing’s embellished and additional festive. However heat climate days are onerous to beat for strolling round, window purchasing, and absorbing all of its attraction.
Chincoteague Island
If you happen to’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 may spot them whereas enjoyable on the seaside. 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 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 lots extra to supply. You possibly 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 happen to’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 full of life.
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 should have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made notice 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 possibly can 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 the very best time to go to—not too scorching, not too chilly, and loads of further issues occurring. You possibly 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 type of cities that has just a little 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 Positive Arts. It’s such a lovely area with every little thing from traditional to modern artwork. For my fellow guide lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is value a cease. And when you’re into historical past, positively take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Conflict Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy in the course of the Civil Conflict, 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 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. Take a look at my weblog put up about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve received to present my city, Charlottesville, just a little love right here! It’s not only a school city with the College of Virginia proper in the midst of issues. Charlottesville has such a terrific 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.
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 possibly can 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 need to expertise!
Weblog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia attraction—previous historic significance however a full of life ambiance. When downtown, you possibly can take pleasure in small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, a lot of that are situated in unique 1800s buildings. If you happen to’re up for just a little historical past exploration, you possibly can go to Dodona Manor, house to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
If you happen to’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. Except for viewing, youngsters may 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 right down to Fredericksberg, a city filled with American Revolution and Civil Conflict historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Conflict battles often came about. Now you can go to the once-battle area, now a Nationwide Cemetery which you could tour when you’d like.
Except for the cemetery, you may also view civil struggle landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s numerous historical past packed into this small city. When you’re finished touring, make certain to go to Most important Road for just a little purchasing and snacking. A pal recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round because the Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
If you happen to’re up for just a little historical past combined with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is unquestionably value including to your Virginia day journey checklist. It’s the positioning of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—approach again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings seems just a little totally different lately, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest elements? The dwell reenactments. You possibly can 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 possibly can see what was on the menu again within the day—issues like apple pie, pork, and goat milk butter.
You need 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 acknowledged and extremely fascinating.
Weblog put up: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
If you happen to’ve received a practice 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 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 little thing from vintage vehicles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my pal’s advice, they’ve made it tremendous family-friendly with interactive displays and an enormous playroom only for the youngsters. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an outside railyard the place youngsters 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 right mixture of enjoyable, studying, and just a little nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
If you happen to 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.
If you happen to’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 carry traces get. Discovered that one the onerous approach.
Wintergreen affords ski classes for newbies, which Birch did final 12 months! Heads-up—these spots replenish quick. And when you hit the slopes, persist with what feels good on your talent degree. 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 possibly can both pack a lunch (we’ve finished that loads of instances) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your approach 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 identify it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Undoubtedly take a look at my full put up with Wintergreen ski suggestions earlier than you go!
How one can 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 supply just a little little bit of every little thing. In any case, you’ve received a complete day to fill! Examine the map and see when you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time suppose the very best journeys have a very good stability of museums/actions and lively/relaxation/consuming time. Somewhat historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra lively, like a stroll, some purchasing, or grabbing a very good meal. That approach, 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 a much bigger state than most individuals notice. Whenever 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.
Somewhat planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! If you happen to’re visiting Virginia by way of roadtrip, make certain to take a look at my put up, 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 possibly can’t go full velocity from morning ‘til evening 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 youngsters 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 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 possibly can 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 attractive nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s all the time one thing new to find. And now you’ve received a strong checklist of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a couple of must-see spots off your bucket checklist!
If you happen to’re searching for much more native concepts, listed here are a couple of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
Discussion about this post