Despite the fact whether you are an adult or a kid, we all eagerly wait for vacations to step out of our home spaces and praise the alluring wonders of the world, and no one can deny this fact.
Though the world is full of spectacular places and your bucket list might also be filled to the top with dazzling destinations, here we are going to introduce you to the hidden gems of one of the most attractive cities, Virginia.
Virginia travel spots are wider than the relaxing ones or the adventurous ones. Virginia, one of the charming cities, has excelled in catering to all the needs of visitors, whether they are planning a vacation to seek some peace or want to try something adventurous. This place has got everything and has something for everyone, whether you are a quiet soul or an adventure junkie.
What’s important is to brilliantly make an itinerary plan depending on the type of vacation you are planning. Well, we will be here listing the top tourist attractions of Virginia that you shouldn’t take a chance to miss. Right from the city lanes, we will walk through the iconic city’s buildings that are surely goanna awe-inspiring. So, get your notepad ready to jot down the not to miss attractions of Virginia.
Extracting the Hidden Gems in Virginia
Virginia is also addressed by other names, such as “The Birthplace of a Nation” and “Mother of Presidents.” The city encompasses a rich and glorious history as it is the same site that marks an end to both the Revolutionary and Civil War.
Best for vacation, this city is stuffed with jaw-dropping sites, iconic buildings, charming beauty, backdrop scenic spots, an abundance of adventurous sports, and much more. The Theme parks, packed with thrilling rides and outdoor activities, act as a cherry on the cake. So, with a drop of a hat, let’s scroll down to the Virginia travel spots that you can choose for your vacation.
- Luray: Mysterious cave beneath the layer of greenery
If you are looking for an alluring destination far away from the city life, its noises, etc., then my friend, Luray, is the perfect spot wherein you can spend a couple of hours without getting bored.
Yeah!! It is one of the worthy destinations. However, the structure of the caverns is quite mysterious to date. Belonging to Shenandoah Valley, it is one of the popular and perfect Virginia travel spots with your kids. What leaves the people stunned is the natural rock formations of this site. To visit this site, you need to carry the tickets with you. The site has much to tell about the history and rich culture of Luray. The other attractive sites that you must visit are the Luray Valley Museum and the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum.
- Chesapeake: Watch the endangered species
The scenic backdrop beauty and watching out the wildlife provide you with the quintessential of the beauty of nature. Its swamp area can also be explored by taking a boat. Taking the gloomy attire in the winters and becoming pleasant during the summers, the swamps might often look creepy. It is one of the must-see Virginia travel spots with your little ones. The only reason is that they can enjoy several activities that are introduced especially for kids. The two other destinations that you can explore here are The Chesapeake City Park and Northern west River Park.
- Leesburg: A Place for Wine Lovers
Another one from the list of the hidden gems in Virginia is the Leesburg. It’s not only a hidden gem of Virginia but is one of the secret places that wine lovers definitively visit. The wine-tasting and entertainment program runs throughout the year for tourists. Right from the Vintage wines, you can taste the flavour of Signature wines as well. Tarata Winery is one of the most famous places in Leesburg that visitors never miss to check. The place is not only famous because of its tasty wines, but the scenic landscapes and vineyards are also the major factors that attract visitors from all around the world. You can click snaps here or make your way to Ida Lee Park Recreation Centre or Morven Park. Moreover, you can even head towards the Washington and Old Dominion Trail to enjoy scenic rail routes.
- Shenandoah National Park: Quintessential of enchanting beauty
Offering you an abundance of thrilling activities, Shenandoah National Park has been preserved since 1935 in Northern Virginia. Naturalists and adventure junkies are the general visitors here. This picturesque tourist destination is counted among the best National parks in the entire country. One of the finest Virginia travel spots, here visitors can grab the opportunity to try their hands at hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, camping, gazing at the wildlife, or just admiring the serenity of nature.
- Yorktown: Providing a glimpse of the Revolutionary War
Gained popularity under historical significance, this site is recognized as the place where the last major battle of the Revolutionary War took place. This place highly attracts the history buffs and the ones who are fond of visiting the historical attractions.
Furthermore, if you are here, then we recommend you to visit the American Revolution Museum and the Watermen’s Museum on your vacation. To enjoy waterfront dining, head to the Riverwalk Landing. While exploring all these destinations, if you have got tired, then plan your way to Yorktown Beach.
- Virginia Beach: Dive into the sea of entertainment activities
Stretching over to around 60 kilometres, Virginia Beach is one of the most visited spots in Virginia. Welcoming gleaming sunshine, this beach welcomes tourists and locals throughout the year. Moreover, the beach is filled with numerous hotels, motels, souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, etc.
You can unhesitatingly head to Virginia Beach if you are seeking adventurous activities in Virginia. It is included under the best Places to visit in Virginia for strolls, cycling, skating, amusement rides, arcades, and other entertainment activities. The most favourable condition here is that it is the perfect destination for people of all ages and interests.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Enjoy a scenic drive on the mountain road
Imagine enjoying a drive on a narrow path covered with dense and tall trees. How amazing it would be? Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the hidden gems in Virginia that draws the attention of the people through its scenic drive. The mountain road is at a height of 1500 ft. when measured from the sea level. The scenic mountain drives are truly a bliss to your eyes.
- Mount Vernon: The Plantation home of George Washington
The huge historical significance is what attracts millions of visitors from all around the world. Resting in the Northeast area of Virginia, this place was the home of Washington from 1754-1799. With a scenic plot, family pictures, and splendid furniture, this building has around 20 rooms. Moreover, if you are keen to know about his achievements or life, then the Museum and its education canter is the best place to dig out extensive detail.
- Tangier Island: Make serenity your companion
Lying in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia, this island can only be accessed by the people through a boat or a small plane. Known as the Fishing Village, this small destination is one of the alluring Virginia travel spots if you are in search of some calmness. Try out the fresh seafood or get an insight into Tangier Island by stepping into the Tangier Island Museum and Interpretive Cultural Centre. These are some of the interesting activities that you can experience here. Moreover, the best way to explore this destination spot is by bike, golf cart, or kayaking.
- Chincoteague: Have a closer look at the wildlife
This island provides tourists with scenic beauty with a pinch of wildlife. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best destinations to spot the wildlife and, most especially, the island’s horses. Visitors are advised not to approach, feed, or touch these animals because of their wild nature. One of the hidden gems in Virginia, this place offers exciting activities in bulk. Some of the general activities that you can enjoy performing here are fishing, kayaking, boating, and biking.
- Marymount: Immerse in the beauty of nature
Covering an area of around 100 acres, you’ll find Marymount in Richardson. Filled with scenic beauty, this place encompasses a historic house museum – Marymount Mansion. Opened for the general public, this place has a greenhouse, a carriage collection, and a formal garden exhibiting the natural wildlife. During 1893, this place was occupied by James H. Dooley and his wife, Sallie. The flowers planted in the garden bloom throughout the year. Furthermore, the trees incorporated in the garden are ordered from all around the world. The key highlights of this must-to-visit destination are the Italian garden, Japanese garden, cascade, and fountains. As you head inside the mansion, you’ll see a jaw-dropping combination of Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne Style. The beauty of this place is worth to be praised.
- Busch Gardens: Based on the Cultural European theme
Located in Williamsburg, Busch Garden is one of the scenic theme parks that has maintained its position consecutively since 1990. Based on the European theme, the site depicts beautiful landscape villages, riders, and roller coasters to add fun to your vacation plan. One can enjoy some moments in the tranquility or gaze at the exotic birds. To make it one of the perfect destinations for your children as well, this one of the hidden gems in Virginia has created a separate section for the kids by incorporating the rides matching their thrill level.
- Natural Bridge of Virginia: A naturally formed attraction site
This gem, enlisted on the National Register of Historic Places, stands at an elevation of 215 feet. One of the reasons behind it getting enrolled among the historic places is that it is one of the oldest tourist attractions in America. Formed naturally after the collapse of a cavern, this site became one of the most highly visited places in Virginia. The nearby Places to visit in Virginia after reaching this site are Natural Bridge Cavern and Natural Bridge Zoo. By going downstairs to around 34 stories at the Natural Bridge Cavern, you’ll witness the Colossal Doom Lake, Mirror Lake, Stalagmites, and the Stalactites.
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Canter: Exhibiting the Marine life
Perfect destinations to visit with family or friends, this attraction site allows people to take a closer look at the Marine life. Favourable for adults and kids, too, here, you can gaze at the large varieties of turtles, water-dwelling reptiles, mammals, and several other sea creatures. Some of the creatures that you can easily spot here belonging to the above-listed categories are Green turtles, Loggerhead Sea turtles, Komodo dragons, sandbar sharks, etc.
- Steven F. Udara-Hazy Canter: Presenting some unique artifacts
Free to enter, this attraction excellently showcases the space artifacts and aviation. The artifacts are displayed in a manner that perfectly depicts every aspect of aviation. It is a paradise for people who are interested in space study; they can also spot the foreign military vehicles belonging to the era of World War II. One can even witness the Space Shuttle Discovery, which most people like and is one of the most interesting aspect.
Traversing through the Famous Cities of Virginia
In addition to the attractive hidden gems in Virginia, there are a handful of cities in Virginia that exceptionally draw the attention of tourists and are worth visiting.
- Charlottesville: A paramount of cultural activities
Providing a space to the University of Virginia is one of many reasons that this place gained popularity. Rather, it is also admired as the hub of historical and cultural sites.
Moving ahead, you can also enjoy watching the alluring buildings and their strategic architecture. While exploring the building, you will notice that most of the buildings are constructed by following the Greek and Roman style. The historical sites, buildings, and architecture are what pleases most of the visitors from all around the world.
- Williamsburg: A historical delight
Another town that you can undoubtedly add to your Virginia travel spots is Williamsburg. Right from the role that it played during the American Revolution to being the Capital of the colony and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Williamsburg’s contribution is unforgettable. Rich in history, this place also encompasses one of the long-living museums around the globe.
Colonial-era churches and buildings made up of old bricks are a treat to history enthusiasts. The destination portrays a picture of both the ancient and modern lifestyle at the same time. While exploring the historical monuments, you can also spot the university students who strike the visitors with an overwhelming experience.
- Alexandria: A historic district of Virginia
Every place holds some history that it narrates to today’s generation. Though there are several historic cities in Virginia, and one of them is Alexandria. It is one of the well-preserved historic districts and a Virginia travel spot. While turning back the pages of history, it was discovered that this site has its roots dating back to the year 1749.
Once known for the second largest slave market in the country, this destination is now outlined with several restaurants, cafes, boutiques, ancient shops, etc.
The other popular spots that this place has are an ancient Christ Church and the grand George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Both these sites are crowned as National Historic Landmarks.
- Manassas: Prime destination for cultural tour
If you are planning a cultural heritage tour, then it is a must to include destination. Ranked among the historical Virginia travel spots, one must visit Manassas National Battlefield Park. What makes this Battlefield Park gain popularity and immense significance is that it witnessed two major civil wars. The other things that are worth visiting are its breweries, restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, entertainment venues, etc. Apart from this, attend performances taking place at the Manassas Symphony Orchestra.
- Jamestown: Preserving the ruins of Powhatan Indian Village
By heading to this village, you won’t only witness the ruins of the Powhatan Indian Village; rather, you can also have a glimpse at the artifacts and warfare collection that are around 600 years old. To check the glasshouse demonstration, plan a tour of James House Glassworks, which is a ticketed Virginia travel spot. And, if you are a history buff, then you will definitely be pleased by admiring the archaeological sites and other historical monuments.
Closing Thoughts
Virginia travel spots cannot be counted on the fingertips. The place holds an abundance of spots that are stuffed with inexplicable scenic beauty and serenity. It won’t be wrong to state that Virginia has a lot of sites for historical buffs, but one can even enjoy the adventurous activities. You can enjoy a scenic drive on the mountain roads or can enjoy taking snaps at the picturesque spots. Virginia has covered everything for its visitors, whether we talk about the food options, antique shops to buy souvenirs, museums, etc. Take a note of the top attractive destinations you are willing to visit in Virginia.
“Virginia – Where you can dive deeply into its prestigious history, cultural sites, thrilling activities, alluring scenic attractions, hiking trails, or explore the art galleries.”
