Top 12 Must-Visit Attractions in Virginia

Virginia is a beautiful destination, from sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches on the eastern shores to scenic mountains and valleys in the western region of the state. All across the landscape, major historic sites, natural wonders, and charming cities and towns offer thousands of fun things to explore and enjoy during your Virginia vacation, weekend getaway, or day trip.

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Created as a recreational scenic roadway, the Blue Ridge Parkway stands as a designated All American Road and the most visited unit of the U.S. National Park System. The northern entrance of the Parkway begins in Virginia at Milepost 0 near the southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park. From there, the byway traverses 217 miles in Virginia along the picturesque ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, before reaching the North Carolina border, where it continues for another 252 miles.

Although the roadway is generally open year-round, many of the facilities and activities are available only seasonally. Therefore, spring, summer, and fall are ideal times for visits. Each season offers a unique experience along the Blue Ridge Parkway, from the flamboyant Catawba Rhododendron and other wildflower displays in spring to camping, heritage festivals, and more in summer. Moreover, don’t miss nature’s breathtaking palette of autumn colors.

Get Some Sun at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Address: Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA, USA

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Ideally located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Beach is a lively resort city attracting year-round visitors as well as summer beach vacationers. The popular Virginia Beach resort area extends approximately 40 hotel- and restaurant-lined blocks along the Atlantic Oceanfront and the famous Virginia Beach boardwalk. Whale watching is another exciting adventure.

Throughout the year, numerous festivals and special events enhance the beachfront ambiance. At Christmastime, visitors can drive on the Boardwalk to enjoy the annual holiday lights display.

Visit Colonial Williamsburg

Address: 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

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Phone: +1 888-965-7254

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Located near Interstate 64 about halfway between Richmond and Norfolk, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the United States. Spread across a 301-acre Historic Area, this fascinating 18th-century restored city encompasses 88 original buildings and close to 500 reconstructed buildings. Visitors can engage with authentically costumed interpreters and re-enactors, enriching their understanding of history 365 days a year.

Ongoing and seasonal programs, tours, and special events provide additional activities for all ages. While Colonial Williamsburg is a perfect destination for families and groups to interact with history, it also offers many features appealing to couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Explore Shenandoah National Park

Address: Virginia, USA

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Phone: +1 540-999-3500

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Known for its sweeping views, well-maintained trails, abundant wildlife, waterfalls, and recreational opportunities, Shenandoah National Park overlooks the historic Shenandoah Valley and the central Virginia Piedmont region. Therefore, Skyline Drive, a National Scenic Byway and the park’s most popular attraction, is renowned as one of the most scenic drives in both Virginia and the nation.

Approximately 101 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail run through the park, following a route similar to Skyline Drive. Although Shenandoah National Park offers stunning views year-round, facilities like lodging and campgrounds may close during winter months, thereby advising visitors to plan accordingly.

Tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate

Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121, USA

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Phone: +1 703-780-2000

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The beloved historic home of George and Martha Washington, Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is situated in Northern Virginia, overlooking the Potomac River about eight miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. With around one million visitors annually, Mount Vernon ranks as the most popular historic estate in the United States.

Covering approximately 500 acres, the estate features 50 acres open to the public, including the iconic Mansion, outbuildings, gardens, trails, and more. Additionally, Mount Vernon hosts special programs and events throughout the year.

Tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Address: 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

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Phone: +1 434-984-9800

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Thomas Jefferson—the third U.S. president and a key figure in American history—designed, remodeled, and enlarged his Virginia home, Monticello, over a period of 40 years from 1769 to 1809. Located in Charlottesville, Monticello is a National Historic Landmark and, alongside the University of Virginia, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Monticello is open year-round except Christmas. In addition to daily tours, myriad seasonal events, special evening tours, and family-friendly activities enhance your visit. The annual Monticello Independence Day Celebration is the nation’s oldest continuous naturalization ceremony outside of a courtroom.

Get a History Lesson at the National Battlefield Parks

Address: 1000 Colonial Nat’l Historical Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690, USA

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Phone: +1 757-898-2410

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Millions of visitors each year explore Virginia’s tumultuous and influential history at preserved battlefields across the state. In 1781, Yorktown Battlefield was the site of the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War, making it one of the most significant conflicts in U.S. history.

Home to the former capital of the Confederacy, Virginia is scattered with close to 800 Civil War sites, more than any other state in the nation. Six Civil War national parks preserve and interpret crucial events of the war, attracting history buffs year after year: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Richmond National Battlefield Park, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield, and Appomattox Court House and National Historical Park.

Pay Respects at Arlington National Cemetery

Address: Arlington, VA, USA

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Phone: +1 877-907-8585

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A visit to Arlington National Cemetery provides an interesting, powerful, and memorable experience. In addition to pristine rows of headstones, many monuments and memorials honor significant individuals and events in U.S. history.

An interpretive bus tour, which departs continuously from the Visitors Center, includes stops at the Kennedy gravesites, the Tomb of the Unknowns, Changing of the Guard, and Arlington House Robert E. Lee Memorial. The Women In Military Service for America Memorial is located at the Ceremonial Entrance, directly across Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial. Annual ceremonies on Easter, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day are free and open to the public.

Walk the Natural Bridge

Address: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, USA

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Phone: +1 540-291-1326

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Located in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s Natural Bridge is both a natural wonder and a National Historic Landmark. Thomas Jefferson was so mesmerized by its beauty that he purchased the site along with many surrounding acres in 1774. Since the eighteenth century, the Natural Bridge has been a major tourist attraction.

Today, it remains a prominent sightseeing destination. It is a popular stop for tour groups, schools, and other visitors. Over the years, several attractions have been added, including a one-mile nature trail, a small living history Native American Village, an indoor butterfly garden, a wax museum, and more. Scheduled evening shows, such as “The Drama of Creation,” are also offered at the Bridge.

Adventure to the Luray Caverns

Address: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835-4436, USA

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Phone: +1 540-743-6551

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Discovered in 1878 and attracting visitors globally since, Luray Caverns is a designated United States Natural Landmark. Situated in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, this geological marvel is conveniently located 9 miles from Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park.

A paved and illuminated walkway winds through magnificent cathedral-height chambers adorned with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. One of the most talked-about features is the Stalacpipe Organ, known as the world’s largest musical instrument, located in the Cathedral Chamber. The guided walking tour of the caverns lasts just over an hour and covers approximately 1.25 miles.

Spot Wild Horses on the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

The close neighboring islands of Chincoteague and Assateague are renowned for the wild horses (often referred to as “Chincoteague ponies”) made famous by the children’s book, “Misty of Chincoteague.”

While many are initially attracted by these enchanting ponies, the area is also known for its charming fishing village, quaint shops, and restaurants, as well as beaches, abundant wildlife, and outdoor recreational options—all enhancing the laid-back vibe of Virginia’s eastern shore.

Ride the Rollercoasters at the Theme Parks

Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

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Phone: +1 757-229-4386

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Two premier Virginia theme parks, located just over 70 miles apart, offer family fun and thrills for all ages. Attracting millions of visitors annually, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been voted “The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” since 1990. The park features more than 50 rides in various European-themed areas, including England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland. Additionally, during the Christmas season, Busch Gardens transforms into a themed wonderland known as “Christmas Town.”

Kings Dominion, located just off Interstate 95, about 75 miles south of Washington, D.C., is a 400-acre theme park featuring more than 60 rides and attractions, including the largest collection of roller coasters on the east coast. Scheduled fall weekend nights feature the annual Halloween Haunt with thrilling experiences.

Moreover, don’t miss the chance to visit the USS Wisconsin Battleship in Norfolk.