As a Virginia native, I was always surprised to hear that Virginia was one of the most visited states in America, but when you consider everything it offers, that makes sense. Virginia played an enormous role in American history, beginning with the establishment of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607. More than 150 years later, Virginians such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson helped shape the nation’s independence, and during the Civil War, Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate States of America.
Beyond its history, Virginia has an incredible variety of landscapes and cultures, stretching from the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah Valley to the cities of Northern Virginia and the beaches of the Atlantic coast. Having grown up here, I’ve had the opportunity to explore much of the state, from its famous historic sites to remote mountain trails and smaller communities that visitors often overlook.
Explore Richmond
Richmond is the capital of Virginia and one of the most historically significant cities in the state. Its history stretches from the colonial and Revolutionary periods through the Civil War, when Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate States of America. Historic landmarks, museums and preserved neighborhoods offer insight into these different periods, including the city’s complicated history of slavery, war and Reconstruction.
Today, Richmond combines its historic character with a lively downtown, restaurants, art galleries and distinctive neighborhoods. The James River runs directly through the city, creating an unusual combination of urban scenery and outdoor recreation. The river’s rapids, wooded trails and waterfront parks provide opportunities for hiking, kayaking and exploring nature without leaving the metropolitan area.
Explore Mt. Rogers
Virginia’s highest mountain is also one of the most distinctive natural areas in the state. Rising to 5,729 feet (1,746 meters), Mount Rogers supports a high-elevation environment that feels very different from most of Virginia. Its summit is covered by a rare Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest, while the surrounding highlands feature open meadows, rocky ridges and expansive mountain views.
The area is particularly famous for the free-roaming ponies of nearby Grayson Highlands State Park. Numerous trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, cross the surrounding mountains and provide excellent opportunities for hiking, backpacking and camping. The combination of unusual vegetation, exposed highland scenery and wildlife makes this one of Virginia’s most memorable mountain destinations.
Explore Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is the state’s largest coastal destination, with miles of shoreline along both the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The main oceanfront is lined with hotels, restaurants, entertainment and a long boardwalk, while quieter beaches and natural areas can be found farther from the resort district.
First Landing State Park offers forest trails, coastal habitats and a quieter setting near the Chesapeake Bay, while the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects important coastal wetlands and wildlife habitat farther south. Virginia Beach is also part of the larger Hampton Roads region, putting Norfolk, Chesapeake and several important historic and military sites within easy reach.
Explore Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is one of Northern Virginia’s most historic and attractive areas. Founded in 1749, the city developed as an important port along the Potomac River and was closely connected with George Washington and other figures from early American history.
Today, Old Town’s brick sidewalks, colonial-era buildings and historic streets are filled with restaurants, shops, museums, art galleries and bars. King Street forms the heart of the historic district, connecting the waterfront with the neighborhoods farther inland. The Potomac River waterfront is especially pleasant for walking and offers views toward Washington, D.C., along with opportunities for boat excursions and waterfront dining.
Explore Springfield
Springfield is a suburban community in Fairfax County, just outside Washington, D.C. Although it isn’t a traditional tourist destination, it provides a look at everyday life in one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas. Residential neighborhoods, shopping districts and numerous parks characterize the community, which has grown considerably alongside the broader Northern Virginia region.
Springfield’s location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring Washington, Alexandria, Arlington and the many parks and historic sites throughout Northern Virginia. Nearby destinations include Lake Accotink Park, Hidden Pond Nature Center and the extensive regional trail networks that connect communities across Fairfax County.
Explore Jamestown
Established in 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in what would eventually become the United States. The settlement marked the beginning of lasting English colonization in the region, although its early years were characterized by disease, food shortages and conflict with the Powhatan peoples who already inhabited the area.
Very little remains above ground from the original settlement, but archaeological discoveries at Historic Jamestowne have revealed important details about the lives of the colonists. Nearby Jamestown Settlement features reconstructed colonial buildings, replicas of the ships that crossed the Atlantic and recreated Powhatan structures that help illustrate the history and cultures of the region before and during European colonization.
Explore Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park protects a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of Virginia’s premier destinations for hiking, wildlife and mountain scenery. Skyline Drive stretches approximately 105 miles along the park’s ridges, providing access to scenic overlooks, trailheads and expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains.
More than 500 miles of hiking trails cross the park, including a substantial section of the Appalachian Trail. Popular destinations include waterfalls, rocky summits and viewpoints such as Old Rag and Hawksbill Mountain, the park’s highest peak. Black bears, white-tailed deer and numerous bird species inhabit the forests, while autumn brings spectacular foliage that makes Shenandoah one of the most popular fall destinations in the eastern United States.
Explore McAfee Knob
McAfee Knob is one of Virginia’s most famous hikes and among the most photographed viewpoints along the entire Appalachian Trail. Located near Roanoke, the trail climbs through hardwood forests before reaching a dramatic rock ledge that projects outward above the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The hike is approximately eight miles round trip by the traditional trail route, with a substantial elevation gain and several hours of walking. The reward is an expansive view across the Catawba Valley and the surrounding ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is also home to deer, black bears and other Appalachian wildlife, making the hike enjoyable for its natural setting as well as its famous summit viewpoint.
Explore Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is one of Virginia’s most impressive natural landmarks. The enormous limestone arch rises approximately 215 feet above Cedar Creek and was gradually shaped by the erosive action of water over immense geological timescales. Its remarkable size and natural symmetry have made it a celebrated attraction for centuries.
Today, the formation is protected within Natural Bridge State Park, where visitors can walk beneath the arch and explore the surrounding landscape. The Cedar Creek Trail provides access to the bridge and additional natural scenery, making the park an appealing stop during a road trip through the mountains of western Virginia.
Explore Charlottesville
Charlottesville is a historic city in central Virginia, situated near the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home to the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, the city combines historic architecture, university culture, restaurants and a lively downtown pedestrian district. The Downtown Mall is particularly popular for its shops, outdoor dining, live music and festivals.
Just outside the city stands Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s famous hilltop residence and one of Virginia’s most important historic landmarks. Visitors can tour the house, explore its gardens and learn about the plantation’s history, including the lives of the enslaved people who worked there. Together with the University of Virginia, Monticello forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making Charlottesville an especially rewarding destination for those interested in American history and architecture.
