Top Things to do in Virginia
Top Hotels in Virginia
- 1. Best Western Plus Sandcastle Beachfront Hotel
- 2. Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach - Oceanfront
- 3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charlottesville-UVA, VA
- 4. Hampton Inn Virginia Beach-Oceanfront North
- 5. Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- 6. Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond
- 7. Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg South
- 9. The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 10. Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
10 Historic Sites in Virginia That You Shouldn't Miss
Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Restaurants in Virginia
1. Arlington National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9,443 reviews
Veterans of every American war from the Revolution to the country's most recent conflicts are buried at Arlington, which was officially declared a military cemetery in 1864. Among the more than 260,000 dead are three unidentified service members, buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and John F. Kennedy, whose gravesite is marked by an eternal flame.
Reviewed By Bill8071 - Lakewood Ranch, United States
No one can visit Arlington National Cemetery without realizing you are paying respect to many many fallen heroes. Every where you go you are reminded of the events, and the heroes involved, that changed the course of history of the United States. There is the tomb of the unknown soldier that is one of the most reverent sites there. The changing of the guard ceremony is done with a solemn precision that adds dignity and respect to the fallen soldier Don’t visit Arlington without watching the changing of the guard. You will also see memorials to those who perished in our space program. You will see a special section dedicated to those who served on the Supreme Court. You’ll see the grave sites of civil rights leaders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for the African Americans. You’ll see generals buried next to privates and both will have nothing more than the simple, but elegant, grave marker provided by the government. From President Kennedy’s grave site, and the eternal flame, you will look up and see the home of General Robert E Lee and you will turn around and see the majestic view of Washington DC and the United States Capital building. The tour guides are excellent. You can do self guided but be ready for some serious hill climbing. We chose the tram and are glad we did. The guides point out many of the grave markers that are historical in our lifetime as well as some from fallen times before us. The tour also includes a visit to the Marine memorial which is a bronze statue of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. The memorial is huge and surrounded with pictures and history. One of the most beautiful monuments I have ever seen. When you visit, give yourself plenty of time to just stand at certain sites and reflect on men and events. The changing of the guard ceremony takes at least 30 minutes of your time. The Iwo Jima memorial another 30 minutes, and just walking around all the other sections and reflecting will consume s couple hours. Give a half a day minimum to your visit. With the many funerals they have there every day you will probably see a caisson and horses that are mounted by impeccably dressed soldiers moving thru the cemetery going to or coming from a burial. It’s just a beautiful, perfectly manicured, cemetery.
2. Pamplin Historical Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 339 reviews
Featuring the engaging National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Tudor Hall Plantation, a recreated Military Encampment, and some of the best preserved earthworks in existence, this 424-acre park relives the life and times of a soldier during America's "War Between the States."
Reviewed By johnsI9946UT - Penfield, United States
We often take some time to preview an attraction to determine our willingness to return and the amount of time to allocate, if we chose to return. As per the AAA tour book we spent three hours and really only accessed the tip of an iceberg. As Civil War and general history buffs, we were very impressed with the two tours we attended. The guide was extremely well informed, friendly, and eager to share information as well as answering all questions in a manner accessible to visitors of all ages. The property is privately owned and is not a state or national park. It is beautifully maintained and has accurate reconstructions of the late Civil War period. If you are a history buff as we are, consider a full day at this site. The staff is helpful and friendly. New to history? Come and learn about a great family, life in the mid-1800s, and the battle that broke the military log jam that led to the end of the war.
3. Bassett Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 360 reviews
Home of Mr. and Mrs. John Rockefeller Jr. decorated in 18th-century furnishings.
Reviewed By kingbyriverk - Mid Coast Maine, United States
Tour the Rockefeller’s country home and see why they loved it. We learned quite a lot about the birth of Williamsburg as well from the knowledgeable guide.
4. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,303 reviews
Museum where you can find all types of displays regarding the momentous events and activities during Revolutionary times.
Reviewed By CatyRay
This is a great museum and living history site that explains the Revolution from the time when Britain imposed taxes on the colonies to make up for the huge cost of the French & Indian War, to the Treaty of Paris in 1783. It isn't just about the Yorktown battle, American victory and British surrender. You walk from room to room in the indoor exhibit area (one-way now), viewing artifact cabinets and large, easily readable text on plaques. Two films available now. The second, about the Siege of Yorktown, has loud noise (canon fire) and smoke. You feel like your in the middle, as the benches seem to shudder with each blast. Outdoors, there is a recreated military encampment and working colonial farm. The guides are very knowledgeable, and with only a dozen visitors wandering around, had time to answer questions and engage in a deeper explanation/discussion. I have been interested in the Revolution since childhood (Dad was active in the Sons of the Revolution and I'm a DAR member) and have degrees in history. This museum was a great refresher . I would not advise brining small children if you want to take your time and read everything in the exhibits. The "hands on" features (push button for short a video, for example), have been turned off. Well worth the $15.25 adult admission. Glad we went and I will go back when the next special exhibit opens about November. I was hesitant, at first, to book, since I've been to historical sites that seem to have been a little too commercial for my taste. This is run by a foundation (including the Jamestown Settlement) that gets some state funding for the educational purposes.
5. Bacon's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 401 reviews
The Castle provides Guided Tours, Gift Shopping, & Tourist Information on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 10 a.M. And 5 p.M. And Sundays between 12 and 5 p.M. Grounds are open 365 days a year between dawn and dusk. Built in 1665, Bacon's Castle, originally known as the Arthur Allen Brick House, is British North America's oldest brick structure, North America's only surviving example of Jacobean Architecture, and has North America's oldest, preserved 17th-century English Formal Garden. Since 1973, Preservation Virginia restores, preserves, and presents the 40-acre historic site as a museum. The Site has a gift shop, restrooms, tourist information desk, guided house tours, Oldest Tidewater Virginia Barn (early-18th-century), 1850s Smokehouse, 1829/1849 Slave Quarters, and self-guided grounds and garden tours. Preservation Virginia's Bacon's Castle is proud to announce it is a Virginia Green certified Attraction and encourages others to participate in responsible practices. The grounds are accessible 364 days of the year between dawn and dusk.
Reviewed By Prbrad
What a great educational experience. Megan was our guide and did a fantastic job giving us the history and other insights to this historical property. She explained with wonderful detail as to the historical significance of what happened here. The self guided tour of the property was very good. This won’t be our last visit.
6. Historic Jamestowne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,335 reviews
Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery. The site is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.
Reviewed By Seabiscuit47 - Washington DC, United States
This was a pleasant and educational surprise. It is well worth the short walk from the visitor center to the ruins, archeological dig and museum. The interpretive introduction by the volunteer, in character as John Rolfe was both fascinating and humorous. The archeology museum is a wonderful source of artifacts and reconstruction of 17th century life in the settlement. The small restaurant onsite serve nice sandwiches/wraps and has a patio on the banks of the river.
7. Colonial Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,204 reviews
Colonial Williamsburg is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America. This isn't just a place where things once happened. They're happening, right now, here in the 18th century. We're the place where the idea of our country is being born; the place where the ideals we stand for as Americans are being defined. We are the 18th century "live," filled with the stories of the women, men, and children—free and enslaved—whose values and visions gave us a new world. Step back in time and meet the people who made America—sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, this is your place.
Reviewed By 511lindam - Chapel Hill, United States
We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge and loved everything about it! Williamsburg is great fun and I would recommend a multi day pass to explore all of Colonial Williamsburg!! Overall just a great place to visit for all ages!!
8. Monticello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,916 reviews
Monticello and its many historical rooms, gadgets, furniture, buildings, and artifacts tell us a lot about Thomas Jefferson, the president who built it and lived there.
Reviewed By jayrandall24 - Westerville, United States
My wife and I were more than pleasantly surprised by our visit here today. It was more than just a tour of a big house! It was a whole lesson on a life of a man, his passions, his family, his successes and his failures. It was a lesson on slavery and racism. We were amazed by the tour guides there, including Don, Lou and the woman who did the slavery tour (can’t remember her name) :( They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and friendly! It was a real eye opener and more than worth the time! We recommend it highly!!
9. Oatlands Historic House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
A historic garden property administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We are currently closed for our off season, but will reopen to the public on April 18, 2019.
10. George Washington's Mount Vernon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,640 reviews
Come share the fascinating moments of America’s first family with yours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Explore the beautiful mansion and grounds and get to know the man, the ideas and the values that founded a nation. Dive into history through action-packed theaters, fascinating exhibits and meet characters from Washington’s world. Admire the view of the peaceful Potomac, or hop on board a sightseeing cruise. It’s a place where history truly comes to life.
Reviewed By breinhaugen - Fargo, United States
This was the second time we have visited Mount Vernon. While both visits were during the same time of year, both tours were completely different. A few years ago we did the Candle Light tour, but this year we decided to do a day tour which included the extra Dinner with the Washingtons tour. I would highly recommend either tour. Day or night, Mount Vernon is very worth visiting. During the Candle Light tour we were led by a tour guide, obviously by candle light around the property. Actors dressed as the Washington and servants played their parts well at each stop. During the Dinner with the Washingtons tour we were led around by a very knowledgeable tour guide who gave us an in-depth look at how the property sustained itself. Of course no matter which time you choose to go, you need to tour the house itself as well. There is a really nice, new visitor center on the property. There is a food court, shops, and various movie theaters showing short films on various topics around the Washingtons and that time period. We were able to easily get an Uber to and from Mount Vernon from Old Town Alexandria. It was quite inexpensive.
TAGS
