Virginia has long been a popular travel destination for history-loving travelers. Historic cities like Alexandria, Culpeper, and Winchester charm visitors with cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Civil War battlefields and presidential homes like Monticello and Mount Vernon draw history buffs, too.
But, there are lots more things to do in Virginia than tour historic sites. Today’s visitors enjoy everything modern Virginia has to offer, while still appreciating the history, of course. Whether hiking the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surfing at Virginia Beach, or exploring in between, there are so many things to do in Virginia, making it one of the most popular destinations in the country. Virginia’s temperate climate means it’s never too hot or too cold, making it a great destination year-round.
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The Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia
There are so many great things to do in Virginia that it helps to look at them region by region.
Northern Virginia includes the five counties just west of Washington, DC. This area is rich in American history, and its historic towns ooze charm.
The cities of this region, like Alexandria, Leesburg, and Fairfax, have preserved much of the character of their early days, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. But, the region is modern, too, with an incredible parks system, great wineries and great entertainment.
Explore the parks in Northern Virginia, where you can hike miles of trails, kayak on the Potomac, and watch for bald eagles. Many have golfing, waterparks, camping, and boat launches, too. Northern Virginia offers some of the best things to do in Virginia.
Old Town Alexandria
One of the oldest cities in the United States, Alexandria sits on the banks of the Potomac River, just 30 minutes south of Washington, DC. With cobblestone streets and buildings dating back 400 years, Old Town Alexandria has historic charm. Along the waterfront, city parks offer views of the National Harbor and Washington.
Enjoy a meal at Alexandria’s popular restaurants. Shop the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a torpedo factory turned art-space, to see artists at work and to shop for great gifts. Stroll down Queen Street to find the Spite House (523 Queen Street), a home built to close off an alleyway that’s only 7 feet wide. Tour Christ Church (118 N. Washington Street), the church that George Washington attended.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Only 10 minutes south of Alexandria, tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the family estate George Washington retired to after his presidency. One of the most visited historical attractions in Virginia, Mount Vernon is well worth the time.
A visit to Mount Vernon includes a tour of the mansion and grounds, gardens, stables, and George and Martha Washington’s tombs. The story of the enslaved people who worked the plantation is also told, including a visit to their living quarters.
Mount Vernon offers special interest tours such as the lives of the enslaved people who worked the estate and filming locations for “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” Special seasonal events are also offered. Special events are not included with general admission tickets.
Arlington National Cemetery
Another popular thing to do in Virginia is visit Arlington National Cemetery. This is the final resting place for more than 14,000 American soldiers. You can also visit President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is especially moving. Other memorials throughout the cemetery serve as a reminder of the cost of freedom
Leesburg
Leesburg is the county seat of Loudoun County, and it is only 25 minutes from Dulles International Airport. Dating back to the 1750s, Leesburg is a charming, historic town with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions to enjoy.
When visiting Leesburg, visit Morven Park. The grounds are free and open to the public, offering miles of easy walking trails. Tour the house, home of Westmoreland Davis, Governor of Virginia from 1918-1922. The mansion is beautiful, but what makes it unique is that all the contents are original, providing a true insight into the life of the Davis family.
Take in a wine tasting at one of the many vineyards in the region, like Walsh Family Wine. The rolling hills and climate of Northern Virginia are quite suitable for vineyards, and the wines of the region are known throughout the world.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is part of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, located near Dulles International Airport in Fairfax County. This museum features an impressive collection of air and space vehicles including the Discovery Space Shuttle, the Enola Gay, and John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7.
Besides the museum’s impressive collection of aircraft, there’s also an onsite restaurant, an IMAX theater, and an observation deck to watch planes take off and land at the Dulles airport.
Great Falls National Park
Northern Virginia has an extensive park system, but Great Falls National Park is the only one that offers views of the Potomac River’s waterfalls at Mather Gorge. The trails at Great Falls have an easy to moderate rating, with the River Trail being the most challenging. The park has restrooms, a visitor center, and picnic areas. It’s quite popular, and the parking lot often fills early, so arrive early in the day to visit this beautiful site. Parking is $20/vehicle and free for NPS pass holders.
The Best Things to Do in Central Virginia
Central Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers rolling hills and beautiful byways. Small towns, with old-fashioned charm and friendly residents, offer lots of things to do in Virginia.
Culpeper
Culpeper, Virginia, located about halfway between Washington, DC, and Charlottesville, is one of the oldest cities in Virginia. George Washington was commissioned to survey the town when he was only 17 years old. It’s a walkable town with lots of great shops.
Some of the best things to do in Culpeper involve food and drink. The town’s many local restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine. And, local breweries, wineries, and distilleries mean there are plenty of great places to unwind.
More adventurous types will enjoy climbing at State Climb, the only non-profit climbing gym in the state. Or, head to the Rappahannock River Campground to spend a relaxing day tubing or kayaking on the Rappahannock River.
Culpeper is home to the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts, and sound recordings. One of the most unique things to do in Culpeper, Virginia is a movie screening at the Library of Congress Packard Campus Theater. Screenings here are free and open to the public.
Charlottesville
The most well-known city in Central Virginia, Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, founded as a public university by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. But, Charlottesville is much more than a college town. When looking for things to do in Virginia, Charlottesville’s history, rich arts scene, including the Ix Art Park, and charming downtown mall are huge draws.
Some of the most visited historical sites in Virginia are located near Charlottesville, including Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland. These early presidents helped shape our nation, and their stories are preserved in their family homes.
There are several other historical sites in Charlottesville. The Jefferson School, which preserves and shares the history, culture, and art of African Americans from this region, also hosts special events throughout the year. Michie Tavern, which has been welcoming guests since 1784, still serves a colonial-style family dinner. And, the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center is an interactive museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits that share some of the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
For food and shopping, head to the Downtown Mall. Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall includes more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants in restored, historic buildings along Main Street. Many of the restaurants offer outdoor dining. Entertainment venues and street performers add to the entertainment value of the neighborhood.
Long known for great ciders, Charlottesville is also recognized as one of the best wine-making regions in the world. Don’t leave the area without a visit to a local winery or cidery to enjoy a tasting and take in the scenery. Many offer live entertainment on weekends.
Monticello
Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing Jefferson’s significance as a Founding Father (he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence) and the architectural significance of the estate.
There are several tours offered at Monticello. The general tour explores Thomas Jefferson’s life, Monticello’s iconic architecture, and slavery on the plantation. Behind-the-scenes tours go further, exploring the upper floors of the mansion and sharing stories of the enslaved people who lived there. In-depth tours look deeper into the topics of slavery at Monticello, gardening, and archaeology at the plantation.
An interactive museum, including a children’s room, helps make important historical topics more approachable.
The Best Things to Do in Virginia’s Mountain Region
Along the western edge of the state, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer many interesting things to do in Virginia. Historic towns will interest history buffs. But, for outdoor adventure, it’s hard to top all the things to do in this part of Virginia.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The park also has rugged biking trails, fishing areas, and backcountry camping for hardy adventurers.
Fourteen of the hiking trails at Shenandoah National Park lead to waterfalls or waterfall overlooks with incredible mountain views. The Hazel Falls and Caves Trail goes past waterfalls to the caves at the park. For the best views, visit in late fall when the fall foliage covers the mountains.
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park, a National Historic Landmark, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains just south of Lexington, Virginia.
Named for the 200-foot tall Natural Bridge that sits in a limestone gorge at Cedar Creek, it has miles of hiking trails. Head down 137 stone stairs into the park to access the trails and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the James River Valley.
The park’s Monacan Indian Living History Exhibit shares how this Native American tribe lived and worked. At the end of the trail, take in the beautiful Lace Falls.
Roanoke Valley
There are so many things to do in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley that adventurers will not be disappointed.
The Roanoke Valley is a top ten mountain biking destination with hundreds of miles of biking trails through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Smith Mountain Lake, one of the top vacation destinations in the state, is the largest lake in Virginia and has 500 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Nearby, the James River offers kayaking and river tubing.
For views, drive the Roanoke Valley’s section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some of the best views are Rocky Knob, Abbott Lake, and the Mills Gap Overlook. The parkway gets crowded in the fall, but the foliage is stunning and worth the traffic.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns, a US Natural Landmark, is the largest cavern system in the Eastern United States. Cavern tours on well-lit walkways through the caverns display cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. The cavern chambers are filled with stone columns, stalactites, and stalagmites with crystal-clear pools below.
Historic Towns of Western Virginia
Along the I-81 corridor, historic towns share the rich history of this region.
Winchester, Virginia, which changed hands more than 70 times during the Civil War, is home to several museums including George Washington’s Office (which he used in the 1740s), the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (which includes the art and history museum, the Glen Burnie House and Gardens and miles of walking trails. Old Town Winchester is a popular destination, a pedestrian-only area in the heart of the city with shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions.
Lexington, Virginia is home to Washington and Lee University where Robert E. Lee is buried, the Virginia Military Institute, and the Stonewall Jackson Home. It’s also close to Natural Bridge State Park and the Virginia Safari Park, a 180-acre drive-through park where the animals roam freely. The best way to experience Lexington is on foot or by horse and carriage tour.
Staunton (pronounced STAN-ton), Virginia always makes the list of things to do in Virginia for its unique ties to William Shakespeare. This quaint town with red brick sidewalks, unique architecture, and boutique shops, is best known for its music and theater festivals. Staunton’s recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriar’s Playhouse hosts Shakespeare productions year-round.
The Best Things to Do in Virginia’s Coastal Region
The mountains are beautiful, but for the best things to do in Virginia in the summertime, head to the beach. Virginia has more than 132 miles of Atlantic shoreline and thousands of miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater rivers. With all that shoreline, there’s plenty to do at the coast.
Virginia Beach
When it comes to things to do in Virginia at the beach, no place can beat Virginia Beach. Head to the beach for boarding, surfing, and swimming. Or, just relax on the sand and take in the views.
Virginia Beach’s crown jewel, though, is the Boardwalk which stretches three miles along the beach. Take a stroll, go rollerblading, or rent beach bikes for a leisurely ride. With hotels, shops, and restaurants, the Boardwalk area is the heart of Virginia Beach and its many festivals each year.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Voted the most beautiful theme park year after year, a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the most fun things to do in Virginia. Each area of the theme park is designed around a European Country such as Germany, Italy, and France. The rides, attractions, shops, dining options, and building facades in each area reflect the country represented. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable place to visit.
Of course, the rollercoasters, live entertainment, and other theme park attractions are great, too. As if that’s not enough, Water Country USA, which is the affiliated water park, is right next door, a great addition in the summertime.
Busch Gardens is open year-round, though with limited hours for seasonal events. Howl O Scream, offered in the fall, transforms the park into a Halloween dream with frights and haunted trails to thrill parkgoers. In wintertime, Busch Gardens transforms into Christmas Town, with more than 10 million twinkling lights, seasonal entertainment, and holiday treats.
Colonial Williamsburg
A living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg is a popular destination with lots of things to do in Virginia. Guests to Colonial Williamsburg can stroll the dirt streets through the reproduction colonial town to see what life was like in colonial America.
House tours share what life was like for colonists, and for the enslaved people who did much of the work. Trade demonstrations explain how things were made, like brick-making, millinery, and tin-smithing. Pubs offer fare typical of food in the 1700s, sometimes with live entertainment from period re-enactors.
Norfolk and the Chesapeake Bay
Not far from Williamsburg, Norfolk is home to the Norfolk Naval Base where ships come and go daily through the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Navy enthusiasts can learn about the city’s maritime history with a tour of the USS Wisconsin battleship. Tour the Chrysler Museum of Art, stroll the city to enjoy street art, or enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
For the best views of the bay head to Fort Monroe in nearby Hampton. Fort Monroe has a unique history, tied to Robert E. Lee, the Civil War, and Edgar Allen Poe. It’s worth visiting for its unique architecture and history, but the views from its rooftop should not be missed.
The Best Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia is the state capital and one of the most diverse cities in the Mid-Atlantic. The region has much to offer visitors looking for things to do in Virginia.
Richmond
In the Museum District, just northwest of downtown, visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, or the Children’s Museum of Richmond. In the heart of downtown Richmond, the Black History Museum, the Cultural Center of Virginia, the Poe Museum, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum are within walking distance of each other.
Adventurers can enjoy many outdoor pursuits. Go kayaking and paddleboarding on the James River. Explore miles of hiking trails throughout the city. One of the most popular is Belle Isle, just west of downtown Richmond off Belvidere Street, which has hiking and biking trails and great views.
The city has an abundance of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment venues for all interests.
The American Civil War Museum
The American Civil War Museum is the most comprehensive Civil War museum in the country. The first major battle of the Civil War (Battle of Bull Run) and the last major battle (Battle of Appomattox Court House) were both fought in Virginia. Virginia was also the home of the White House of the Confederacy.
It’s one museum at three locations: The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar in Richmond, the White House of the Confederacy in Richmond, and the American Civil War Museum at Appomattox. Visit all three locations for the most comprehensive understanding of the Civil War.
Museum exhibits and programs tell the story of the Civil War from three angles, the Union, the Confederate, and the Colored Troops Fight for Freedom. It’s the only museum to share all perspectives on the War. Numerous relics and artifacts enhance the visitor experience.
So Many Things to Do in Virginia
While Virginia has long been a popular destination for history travel, there are lots more things to do in Virginia. Visit Virginia to explore George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, or explore Civil War history where it happened.
Make time for the great wines and ciders of Charlottesville and Loudoun County, the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or the fun and sun at Virginia Beach and Busch Gardens. Virginia is for everyone, whatever your interest.
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Karen Dawkins shares travel reviews, tips and ideas at Family Travels on a Budget and as a featured author at other publications. Her personal reviews share the best tips for visiting popular sites and hidden gems in the United States and beyond. When she isn't traveling or writing about travel, she's at home with her family and dog, baking cookies until it's time for the next adventure.
