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
The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Virginia, United States
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. Virginia Creeper Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,086 reviews
A bike trail challenging to both beginners and experts.
Reviewed By knightma - Lancaster, United States
Some friends had told us about the trail a couple of years ago. We had a great time, rented a bike and shuttle service to the top of the trail. The part from White Top down to Damascus is pretty much all down hill and is pretty easy, even if you haven’t ridden in a while. There are several places to stop along the way and the scenery is great.
2. Appalachian Trail
3. Old Rag Mountain Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 366 reviews
Reviewed By 352remil - Virginia, United States
Just got back from hiking this bad boy and would recommend it. I always wondered if it would be as hard as people say. While I wouldn't say only certain people should do it...you gotta be prepared for what you are getting into. Today being election Tuesday I figured there wouldn't be too many issues with overcrowding. I arrived at 10:30 am and the two main lots were full. I was one of the first cars in the 3rd overflow but while I was gathering my gear at least 10 more cars full of people arrived. There are portopotty's in the lower overflow lot but actual restrooms in the main parking area. While the ranger station at the lower overflow lot is closed be prepared to bring your wallet/pass with you because the ranger station is open in the main lot at the head of the trail. I did not read the signs that warn of this in the lower overflow lot so unfortunately had to return to my car adding another mile to the overall hike. People say plan the day to do the hike and they are right. I set out from the ranger station at 11 am and was done by 4:30 pm but the sun was disappearing rapidly and I speed walked the last several miles once getting to the Weakley Hollow Fire Road. I also didn't spend a ton of time at the overlooks nor the summit. So what is there to be cautious about? The rocks...oohh the rocks. Slippery when wet is not just a Bon Jovi album. If you've done any research you know about the rock scramble but the rocks along the way are not to be taken lightly either. I was behind a family and watched the father slip on a small rock. He went down hard about 2 miles into the trail hitting his head on some other larger rocks. The family decided to turn back at that time. The boulders are what everyone comes for though. When I bought my trail ticket ($15) the ranger warned of the mile long rock scramble at the top but I truly didn't appreciate what she meant until I got there. Once off the beaten path, it took a minute to orient on how to navigate the trail but once I figured out to look for the blue blazes, it made it slightly easier. I was able to traverse most of the scramble alone but did have to bite the bullet and ask for a hand in a some places mainly because the scramble forced an awkward body position making leverage impossible. Even though it was 61 degrees and a sunny day there was ice in several spots once leaving the tree line and there was some strong winds. Once slipping into an icy puddle, getting a grip on the boulders with the wet shoe was nigh impossible. That's why people recommend good hiking shoes with grip. Going down from the summit using the Saddle Trail to the Fire Road was a nice respite after all the bouldering. Be prepared for 5 more hiking miles after you summit if you do this route. Weakely Hollow Fire Road was well marked after getting off the saddle trail. There's now a new Ridge access trail back to the parking area but the sucker is mostly uphill and feels like torture at the end of a long day of traversing Old Rag.
4. Stony Man Mountain Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 448 reviews
Reviewed By MarkUSNA1998 - Odessa, United States
After a much longer hike the day before, we wanted a shorter, easier one for our last day. Since this one is right next to Skyland where we we're staying, it was perfect. In short, it is easy to find the trail head, there was ample parking (at 10am), and it was a pretty easy hike up to the best view I have seen yet in the park. All in all I think it took is about an hour round trip, with about 15 minutes standing at the top. Highly recommended!
5. The Noland Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By 559albertd
The locals know how awesome the Noland trail is so if you are in town and want an awesome trail to walk or jog, this is your place. Well marked and maintained, shaded and plenty of parking.
6. Virginia Capital Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By CyclingUngaros - Raleigh, United States
We had a great ride on the Virginia Capital Trail! Traffic along the way are good to give bikes the right-of-way. There are two restaurants close to half-way that are accommodating to cyclists.
7. Bike Depot
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By 527cathleenb - Omaha, United States
We rented bikes to tour the island ...it is a great way to get around Chincoteague....bring your bug spray or get it when you get your bikes; beach gear available too.
8. Inside Ski Training Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
Year-round indoor skiing and snowboarding on a large infinite slope. A professional instructor controls the speed and the pitch of the slope as the rider progresses. A mirror at the base and the instructor provide immediate feedback. All equipment provided and reservations are required. Important COVID-19 Update: Please wear a mask at all times and observe 6 feet of social distancing. Group lessons must be from the same household. All other lessons must be booked and billed as a private. Lessons are available every other hour to allow us to sanitize between students. Please limit extra spectators to 2.
Reviewed By bigmamma2021
Awesome lessons for me and my 11 yr old son! Great instructors and nice indoor ski slope! We’ve been going for 4 lessons so far and all were fantastic!
9. Skyline Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,668 reviews
105-mile Scenic Drive Built In The 1930's Goes Through The Entire Length Of The Park.
Reviewed By ITRT
We entered Shenandoah National Park at the Front Royal Entrance and departed via the Thornton Gap Entrance, a distance of about 32 miles of the 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs through the park. Shenandoah offers many scenic overlooks, camp grounds, trailheads for the beginner as well as the experienced hiker, visitor centers, restrooms and souvenir shops near the entrances, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the park. Scenic overlooks line the Skyline Drive. The Park is mostly forest-covered hills and mountains with wide valleys and some waterfalls. The flowers add to the beauty of the Skyline Drive. The speed limit is 35 mph on the two-lane road that is also shared with bicyclists. We arrived mid-morning and were glad we did as there was a back-up of cars waiting to enter via the Thornton Gap Entrance. It was a beautiful and enjoyable day.
10. Whiteoak Canyon Falls
TAGS
