What are the Must-See Things to Do in Virginia?
Virginia mixes city and countryside better than almost any state in the country. This unusual blend makes it stand out from the neighboring North Carolina and Maryland, both of which seem to be either one or the other. Virginia is also a unique historical state with ties to former presidents, war heroes, and a stronger connection to its past than anywhere else. There are tons of things to do in Virginia; some to teach us and others to take our breath away.
01 Be Inspired By the Beauty of Lake Drummond
In the center of a marshy area called the Great Dismal Swamp is the crystal clear Lake Drummond. Virginia is home to just two natural lakes with Lake Drummond arguably being its pride and joy. Possibly the most interesting aspect of this strange, almost prehistoric land is that nobody actually knows how it was formed. There are plenty of theories surrounding it, from a meteor collision to the legendary Native American fire bird, but in ways, it's the mystery that adds to its allure. If you visit the lake, you can go boating, fishing, or canoeing. Or, if you want to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails surrounding the area.
02 Take some time to enjoy Virginia Beach
There's a whole community to explore at Virginia Beach, but you may not end up leaving the beach itself. Boasting several miles of pristine shorefront, it's one of the longest pleasure beaches in the world, with swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding available year-round. If you don't fancy going in the water, try walking, biking, or rollerblading along the boardwalk, or relaxing at some of the fantastic shops and restaurants.
03 Explore the Gothic Hollywood Cemetery
What is a modern day vacation without a trip to the local cemetery? Hollywood Cemetery is a sprawling metropolis of gothic architecture in Richmond. Situated in the Oregon Hill neighborhood, Hollywood Cemetery is a national treasure and an outdoor museum that spans hundreds of acres of land. As with the Pére Lachaise's and Hollywood Forever, there are also notable burials to be found there including two former presidents and many Civil War heroes.
04 Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery
Serving as the final resting place for over 400,000 military veterans, Arlington National Cemetery is the country's largest military cemetery. Visitors can pay their respects to the thousands who died serving their country and explore sites of historical significance, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the burial sites of many former presidents. Special remembrance services are held every Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
05 Wander the Carless Tangier Island
Off the shores of the Chesapeake Bay is a strange and unique place consisting of several little islands called Tangier. Its population is small and compact but was once quite a busy place. Perhaps its biggest draw is the fact that there are no cars here, only golf carts, bicycles, and your own two feet to get around. When was the last time you ever set foot in a place with no traffic? If you can't remember, maybe it's time you planned a relaxing trip to Tangier.
06 Escape in the Wildflower Meadows at Martha Jefferson Hospital
There's a scene in the Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Toto see the Emerald City. Between it and them is a vast meadow of wild poppies. The wildflower meadows outside of Martha Jefferson Hospital are like a real-life recreation of this iconic scene. This landscape was designed to encourage the healing of those in the hospital, but can also be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you want to lie in the flowers with your other half or wander to find the pond, this is a total Virginia must-see.
07 Travel back in time to Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington, is worth a visit for the estate itself, built in classic Palladian style on 500 acres of land. The property also includes plenty of family attractions, including the museum, 23 galleries, hands-on education centers, and interactive and 4D theater experiences. Visitors can also take a mansion tour, roam the extensive gardens and forest trail, take a sightseeing cruise along the Potomac River, or visit the farm, blacksmith shop, and Washington tomb.
08 Bathe in the Healing Jefferson Pools
Those who are craving relaxation should spend a day or two at the Omni Homestead, particularly Jefferson Pools in Warm Springs. Here, two springs flow into the bathhouse from the Allegheny Mountains, already naturally heated. Never does the temperature of the water sink below body temperature and they're both crystal clear and full of magnesium; an element said to have rejuvenating qualities. If you're wondering about its name, in 1818, Thomas Jefferson ventured here for a few weeks for the same reasons.
09 Marvel at the LOTUS Temple
You don't have to subscribe to a particular faith to visit the LOTUS temple. LOTUS stands for Light Of Truth Universal Shrine, and it exists for people of all-or-no faiths to come together as one. The temple exists to raise understanding across all faiths, with altars around the building that honors each and every one. Even if you'd prefer not to visit the strange, floral temple in the aptly-named Yogaville, even seeing it from a distance behind blossom trees in full bloom can be a wonderful experience.
10 Take the Kids to the Roarsome Dinosaur Land
What do all kids like at some point during their childhoods? Dinosaurs, of course. Alongside that fact, loving dinosaurs is also something many adults also don't stray from doing themselves. Dinosaurs are intriguing and interesting; there are also some to see just off of the Stonewall Jackson Highway. Dinosaur Land is home to over 50 different dinosaur models. It's cost-effective, easy to get to, and nowhere else in Virginia will you be able to pose beside a giant octopus.
11 Travel Back in Time to Colonial Williamsburg
Some of us on the east coast might remember taking a trip to Colonial Williamsburg at some point during our schooling years. Whether you were one of those people or not, it's never a bad idea to visit this place. Williamsburg was once the capital of Virginia. Forming the "Historic Triangle" alongside Yorktown and Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum where you'll get to walk alongside people going about their days the way they would have in the 17th Century. Colonial Williamsburg is an excellent day trip with dozens of annual events to boot.
12 Explore the cultural significance of Monticello
Monticello, the plantation owned by Thomas Jefferson, is no stranger to most Americans. As well as sitting on the back of every nickel, its signature outline has been seen on postage stamps and the now-discontinued two-dollar bill, which is still handed out as change in the Monticello gift shop. Visitors can now learn all about Thomas Jefferson and his legacy, including a vast slave network, as well as experience the art and history of the building itself. Live virtual tours are offered alongside in-person tours and events.
13 Experience the Beauty of Shenandoah National Park
Nowhere in Virginia is the vast countryside displayed more favorably than in Shenandoah National Park. Extending along the Blue Ridge Mountains, there's no limit to the activities you can do here. You can hike, you can camp, you can visit for the day with a great big picnic, lodge in the cabins, or pop into one of its three visitor centers to learn more. In addition to all of this natural wonder, there are hundreds of parkwide exhibits and plenty of options to photograph the park's wildlife.
14 See the Wild Horses of Assateague Island
Where Tangier is famed for its lack of cars and original accent, there's another island off the coast of Delaware that has its own driving point. Assateague Island is the home to thousands of wild horses and ponies. Two-thirds of Assateague is in Maryland, but its bottom section all belongs to Virginia. If you're a keen camper, you'll definitely enjoy the experience of wild ponies running through your camp at all times of the day. Then, you can head to the nearby Chincoteague Island for some world-famous oysters.
15 Enjoy some time at Luray Caverns
At ten stories high and covering more than 3 acres, Luray Caverns is the largest cavern system in the United States. This U.S. National Landmark has formed over 4,000,000 centuries, featuring cathedral-sized rooms filled with stone columns, stalactites, pools, and the world's largest musical instrument, The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Visitors can take a one-hour tour along accessible, well-lit, paved walkways free from stairs. All tickets for Luray Caverns include entry to the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction.
Scroll Down
for the Next Article