10 Best Things to Do in Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

Looking for some outdoorsy things to do in Virginia? Shenandoah National Park has it all. The 105-mile long park is known for its scenic roadway, Skyline Drive, which is a great jumping off point for exploring the area by foot, car, bike, or even horse.

About 40 percent of Shenandoah is wilderness, so you can definitely get off the beaten path if you choose. Of the more than 500 miles of trails within the park, more than 100 belong to the Appalachian Trail. Fair warning: You may run into some pretty hardcore hikers on your visit.

Mount Vernon

There's no shortage of historical things to do in Virginia, but one of the prettiest is Mount Vernon—once home to George Washington and now a National Historic Landmark. Built by Washington's father in 1735, the simple house was expanded over many years in to a 21-room mansion that has since been carefully restored.

Be sure to leave time to visit the estate grounds, where four gardens are spread over more than six acres. Keep an eye out for the animals that live here, including sheep, hogs, and cows.

Mount Vernon is open every day of the year, and you can get there by public transportation, driving, or even by bike or boat!

Wineries

Most people think of Napa when they think of America's wine country, but did you know that Virginia has its very own thriving wine region? Virginia is actually home to 257 wineries, which equals a lot of sampling opportunities. There are vineyards all over the state, but the majority are just outside of Charlottesville, so you may want to focus your tour there.

If you actually want to be able to drink the wine, sign up for a wine tour, and let someone else worry about the driving.

Blue Ridge Parkway

For the ultimate Virginia road trip, point your car towards the Blue Ridge Parkway, easily one of the best things to do in Virginia. This 469-mile road is called America's Favorite Drive by the National Parks Service, and it's easy to see why. Winding through the Appalachian Highlands, you see an amazing portrait of the country as you drive—from mountain vistas to wildlife.

Arlington National Cemetery

A visit to Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most poignant things to do in Virginia. The cemetery, with its iconic white grave markers, is the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members and their families.

There are numerous monuments and memorials within the cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This sarcophagus is guarded around the clock every single day of the year, in all types of weather. You may wish to time your visit during the changing of the guard ritual.

Old Town Alexandria

If your list of what to do in Virginia leans more towards shopping and eating, then you should head to Old Town Alexandria. This historic district of Alexandria has a vibrant waterfront, a great arts scene, and tons of delicious restaurants.

Cobblestone streets wind past stately and well-preserved homes. You'd never guess that Washington, D.C., is just across the river.

King Street is the entertainment heart of Alexandria, as this main thoroughfare is lined with a mile of shops, restaurants, and bars. And everything is walkable, so ditch the car and arrive via the King Street Metro Station instead.

Monticello

Monticello probably looks familiar to you: This former home of Thomas Jefferson is portrayed on the back of the nickel. A massive former plantation, it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's open to the public year-round.

You can even sign up to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the house, which gives you access to some of the private quarters that the general public doesn't get to see. Even with a general admission ticket, there's are plenty of things to do there, including visits to the interior of the main house and the historic gardens.

Luray Caverns

See an entirely new side of Virginia by going underground at Luray Caverns. These are the largest series of caverns in the East, and they've been outfitted with walkways and lighting to accommodate visitors. Your guide will point out incredible stone formations, as well as Dream Lake, the largest body of water in the caverns. Dream Lake is especially dazzling, as it reflects the stalactites hanging above it to create a mirror image.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The world-famous Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum opened an outpost in Chantilly, Virginia, in 2003. This massive complex houses the actual Space Shuttle Discovery and an Air France Concorde.

Leave some time to head up the Observation Tower, which offers 360-degree views of the planes landing and taking off at nearby Washington Dulles Airport. Like the other Smithsonian Museums, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is free—but there is a charge for parking.

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most unique things to do in Virginia. History comes alive at this revolutionary city, where actors reenact everyday life in the city of Williamsburg during the Colonial area.

In this "living history" museum, you can watch tradesmen at work, visit taverns, take a ghost walk tour, or enjoy a live music performance.

There are plenty of places to stay within Colonial Williamsburg, and don't worry, they all have modern conveniences.