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 Zoos & Aquariums 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. Fort Chiswell Animal Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By tumbleweedchris - Asheville, United States
Fort Chiswell Animal Park is hidden in the hills of southern Virginia and not very far from the interstate. I think you have to just know it exists as I don't remember seeing any billboards for it. There is a gift shop that you start in and buy your food. We got 2 bags for 2 people, which was more than enough. For 2 people, you could probably get by on 1 bag of food, but you will have to ration it out a little. Just outside the shop, there is a small petting zoo area with some animals you can feed by hand. Just remember they will be there after the bus tour to give any leftover food to, so I wouldn't give out too much food to start. Going down to the bus, you can feed lettuce to the giraffe before boarding. Once on the bus, you will quickly meet the resident camel, Puff. He is the Jaws of this bus ride. He pokes his head in every window, takes and chugs cups of food, and takes bags if you let him. He's really lovable, but also ravenous. From there, you will meet bison, zebras, horned animals, ostriches, pigs, and llamas. You are able to feed them all but only pet some. The animals were kind of clustered into one part of the park, so there was a gap of the tour without animals. It is impossible not to have fun though. The bonus here is that you make a mess of a bus instead of your car, unlike other safari parks. This is a great stop and one you can make in 90 minutes. I recommend this when passing through this stretch of interstate.
2. Virginia Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 857 reviews
Reviewed By TheCarrs52601 - Norfolk, United States
We have a membership at NBG and every year enjoy the Annual Swap with VA Zoo! We took our 4 grandkiddos and had a blessed visit! The covid precautions are very well done at the zoo and the animals look very healthy too! The baby giraffe is adorable, the tiger beautiful, the meerkats so cute, and we loved watching the orangutans! The train ride isn’t very long but reasonably priced at $2 each. The Run Wild Discovery Zone was a hit with the kids with the stump jump and balance beams & logs & they always enjoy the climbing on the huge snake & it’s a fun photo op! It’s wonderful having a zoo close by and the Swap is such a fantastic practice between VA Zoo & NBG!❤️
3. Virginia Living Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
View endangered red wolves. Get up close to a loggerhead turtle and moon jellies. See fish with no eyes and frogs that change colors. Touch live spider crabs and fossilized dinosaur tracks. It's all at the Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, where living exhibits depict Virginia's natural heritage from the mountains to the sea. Experience a steamy cypress swamp and cool mountain cove. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and the underground realm of a limestone cave. See flying squirrels, stingrays and other creatures of the night. Touch famous Bay creatures. Kids will especially enjoy the Touch Tank with its sea stars and horseshoe crabs. Enjoy hands-on activities. See spectacular views of the sun from the observatory and travel the universe in the state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Outdoors, stroll the boardwalk to view coastal birds, beavers, otters, coyotes, endangered red wolves and other animals in naturalized habitats. Butterfly Garden, Virginia Garden and landscape plantings display one of the most extensive displays of native plants in Virginia. Learn how to live, build and garden green in the Conservation Garden and Green Living House.
Reviewed By prancingdeer - Tucson, United States
It’s great for all ages and has a little bit of something for everyone! From animals to space it truely is great
4. Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By leadkat
Three Lakes Park is great for the kids and for anyone to come and explore. Check the hours of the Nature Center since they do change according to the seasons. The Nature Center is a great place to check out some wonderful displays about Virginia wildlife. It is also a place to get a sip of water and use the always clean rest rooms. They have a wonderful play area that challenges the young to even the older kids. The walk around the entire lake property is a shaded adventure. Want to have some fun, learn something new and get some exercise for free? Check this place out!
5. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,502 reviews
A 300,000-gallon tank with sharks, rays, and other aquatic species, is the main attraction at this popular aquarium, along with a walk through tunnel featuring sharks, rays, and more. Featuring thousands of animals representing hundreds of species.
Reviewed By ertofu - Alexandria, United States
We took our young kids here with another family with young kids, and we all had a great time. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. The aquarium has a variety of exhibits and creatures: sea turtles, ducks, sharks, Komodo dragons, etc. It’s also got a cool boardwalk area outside along the water where you can spot a variety of critters in the wild. It’s a great place to take the family for a few hours.
6. Infinity Acres Petting Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Infinity Acres Petting Ranch invites you to "Feel the Love & Discover the Joy and come talk to some of the most adorable animals on earth. This is a one of a kind experience! Offering EITHER AN INTERACTIVE HANDS ON RANCH EXPERIENCE OR A PERSONALLY GUIDED TOUR that lets you to meet, touch and take pictures with the friendly animals. Great opportunity to cuddle a coatimundi, kiss an alpaca, nuzzle a miniature zebu, or give a bottle of milk to a baby goat. These are just some of the many friendly, exciting and unusual creatures to greet. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE. $10 admission each, reservation required. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
7. Creation Kingdom Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Unique interactive encounters with some of earths rarest animals.
Reviewed By danieln677 - Groveland, United States
This family does a great job with an amazing selection of happy animals. My three boys 7 to 17 had a great time. Highly recommend. Very nice atmosphere
8. SeaQuest Lynchburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Immerse yourself in a world of discovery as SeaQuest takes you on an adventure through rainforests, deserts and the depths of the seas. With exciting exhibits and activities for families and children of all ages, you’ll be able to get wet with the stingrays, feed the toucans, encounter the caimans, marvel at the sharks, take selfies with the snakes and more. Creating an unforgettable experience for every guest by connecting them with amazing animals from all over the planet.
Reviewed By 432abigaleh
Seeing Flash (the sloth) was the best part of my visit! $20 well worth it! A wonderful spot for all families
9. Luray Zoo - A Rescue Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 283 reviews
Luray zoo does not maintain this sight this is a third party sight for accurate information on hours etc see website
Reviewed By Sev1579 - Stanardsville, United States
For the area, this is a great place to visit. If you go in expecting the DC Zoo or even Richmond, you will be let down, however, for a small town this is great. I thought the reptile section was as good as any zoo, it was really good. The monkeys were also fun to watch. It has a pretty large feeding area with some goats and sheep. We spent about 30 minutes there. Price was 10 dollars and I thought it was pretty much on point with what we got. The parking lot was a touch of a pain, its pretty small.
10. Leesburg Animal Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By TAO-Traveler - Washington DC, United States
The Pumpkin Village experience (October) is GREAT for little kids...! Skip the pony rides (really for very small kids) and do the Camel Ride (only on the Weekend...!) Lots of slides, bouncy areas, kiddie ziplining and velcro hatchet throwing...! See all the animals (but be sure to buy animal food inside--- unless you have quarters for the dispensers). When you are done--- Buy pumpkins or gourds from the connected pumpkin area--- and consider the pumpkin butter, on the cashier's shack shelves...! Weekend mornings are best (less crowded)--- You and the kids will need to wear a mask (the park's felines can catch COVID and it is a good safety practice for everyone). And you should get a morning pass the day before--- since their are visitor limits...
