Virginia is for lovers, as the state likes to say about itself.
That’s not without reason, though, as the Old Dominion State is rich in both history and natural beauty.
From the mountains to the sea, there’s so much to see and do here, so take this list as a starting point for finding so much more to love about the beautiful and historical 10th state that has sent more U.S. presidents to the White House than any other has (so far).
Harpers Ferry
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The town of Harpers Ferry was strategically important during the Civil War, and control of it changed several times. More famously, it was where abolitionist John Brown led a failed and violent uprising raid on a Union arsenal in 1859, one of the major buildups to the war. The town itself is in West Virginia, but portions of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are also in Maryland and Virginia. This includes a mountaintop called Loudoun Heights on the VA/WV border.
Big Schloss
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It’s a pretty long drive from just about anywhere to get to this hike in the Appalachians, but it’s worth it. The reward after a forest hike is an open summit with several rock outcrops and sweeping views.
Skyline Drive
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Skyline Drive is the north-south thoroughfare in Shenandoah National Park and follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along its 105-mile length are turnouts with excellent views and interpretive signs, hiking trails, campgrounds, and lodges.
Luray Caverns
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Luray Caverns, a short drive from Skyline Drive’s Thornton Gap entrance, may feel like a tourist trap to some. However, the caverns themselves are spectacular, and it’s worth at least one visit. Go on a weekday for the best chances of avoiding the biggest crowds.
Monticello
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Thomas Jefferson was our third president, the person who completed the union-expanding Louisiana Purchase, and one of the most influential of the Founding Fathers. Oh, and of course, he authored the Declaration of Independence. Monticello, just outside Charlottesville, is a mansion and plantation that was his primary residence, and interpretive tours are available today.
Peaks of Otter
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South of Skyline Drive, the road continues as the Blue Ridge Parkway for 469 miles into North Carolina and to the Cherokee entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Peaks of Otter is one of several popular Virginia stops. There are three mountaintops you can hike to, a waterfalls trail, an historic village, and a campground, lodge, and restaurant.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park
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Located in the southwestern part of the state, Mount Rogers is Virginia’s highest mountain. The Grayson Highlands, connected to Mount Rogers NRA on its south side, are known for their boulder-studded meadows and herd of wild ponies.
Great Falls Park
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Just 30 minutes from the congestion and hustle and bustle of downtown Washington, D.C. is this island of raw wilderness where the Potomac River crashes down a series of cataracts and then rushes through a narrow cliff-lined gorge. Popular activities here include hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Arlington National Cemetery
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This military cemetery is the final resting place of U.S. service members going back to the Civil War, and many other dignitaries are buried there as well. The most famous gravesite is that of assassinated President John F. Kennedy with its “eternal flame.” Another popular but solemn draw is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has uniformed guards stationed there 24 hours a day.
Mt. Vernon
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On the banks of the Potomac in Alexandria, south of D.C., is the residence of George Washington, hero of the Revolutionary War and our first president. After you tour the mansion and the grounds, go check out the shops and restaurants of historic Old Town Alexandria.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
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A great deal of fighting took place in Virginia during the Civil War, including the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. The grounds commemorate those battles and allow you to learn about what took place there. You might also get to watch a Civil War battle reenactment.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
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This is where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. The preserved Old Appomattox Court House is still here, as is the village of the same name, which still has several original 19th century buildings still standing.
Colonial Williamsburg and Colonial National Historical Park
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The Civil War wasn’t the only war to spill across Virginia. Portions of the Revolutionary War took place here, including the battle at Yorktown where General George Washington defeated the British army and accepted their surrender, securing America’s independence. The national historical park preserves that site as well as others, including Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the continent. At nearby Colonial Williamsburg, you can step back in time and learn what it was like to live in those days.
Chincoteague
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Located on a small island and surrounded by sea and marshes, Chincoteague never exploded in growth the way many other coastal towns have. It has a family-friendly, authentic feel, and it has access to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore, where you can enjoy the beach and view wildlife, including the area’s famous wild ponies that inspired the children’s classic Misty of Chincoteague.
Great Dismal Swamp
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The name may be off-putting, but don’t let it fool you. This large swamp in the southeastern corner of the state along the North Carolina border is a place of serene beauty and a haven for wildlife. The best way to explore it is by boat, but there are also roads in the area that allow for convenient stops and viewing.
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