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 State Parks 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. Grayson Highlands State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By WeTravel12050 - Wallace, United States
Saw the wild horses and hiked the trails....one of a kind experiences in life. We were in site 22 plenty of room for our 28 ft. gray wolf. Hike to Little Pinnacle (behind visitors center) to see a great view! Hike into the gate at Massey Gap parking field and follow the trail that is where we saw the horses....also a water fall at Cabin Creek trail....take your time and enjoy the views...
2. Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By je1058 - Fredericksburg, United States
What a spectacular bike ride this was… Started in Sterling and rode to Purcellville and back on a mid-weekday morning, while everyone else was at work and this was the PERFECT time to ride it! I talked to many prior to this ride who all advised this is a beautiful trail, but the many families and folks who walk it with little regard for those riding it (walking across the entire path, not moving, etc) made it not so fun. So, I chose a time when there wouldn’t be as many on the trail and that made all the difference in the world! (BTW – Trail etiquette is very important!) Some of the highlights of the ride were the beautiful views, from the horse farms and changing colors of the leaves to the seclusion of the trail with no one around. One of my favs was Sweet Rose Bake Shop at the end of the trail, such a “sweet” way to rewards ones self for such an accomplishment, in my case, it just meant grab a cup of coffee and slice of cake because I was only have way to the finish line, but it provided the nutrients needed for me to finish nicely! Can’t wait to ride the W&OD again!
3. First Landing State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,070 reviews
Nature enthusiasts will love this park with 2,700-acres of hiking trails, cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a variety of birds.
Reviewed By Davidgetsaround
Tucked away on the North side of Virginia Beach is a hidden treasure, a beach and campground, nature preserve and set of hiking trails. First Landing is popular, for those who know where to find it. I find myself going there all throughout the year as a way to enjoy a bit of nature in an otherwise urban life.
4. Westmoreland State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
A state park that consists of rivefront beaches, hiking trails, and boat rentals over 1,300 acres.
Reviewed By melissacL8093IT
Spent a lovely 5 August days at Westmoreland State Park. The housekeeping cabins are clean and cozy. The beaches are lovely, we found a few shark teeth at Fossil Beach. We hiked all the trails, rented kayaks, swam in the river. The park was not crowded. Masks were required in the visitor center and camp store. We saw plenty of wildlife on our walks - including deer, osprey, eagles, snakes, turtles and bats. Staying in the cabins was very relaxing. We brought cleaning supplies and paper towels - along with linens and food. The kitchen was stocked with dishes and basic cooking utensils. We didn't need anything that want provided to make our meals. The cabin was equipped with a decent AC - though a little loud at night. Park provides each cabin with one bundle og firewood. Additional bundles can be purchased.
5. Caledon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Site of one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles on the U.S. East Coast along with more than 200 species of birds.
Reviewed By BW350 - Midlothian, United States
A Virginia treasure. Museum and visitor center is the place to start to learn about this plantation. Many hikes are available for both walking and biking. Trail maps are found at the visitors center. Camping is hike-in, bike-in or float-in only. Fishing on the Potomac requires a license. There are no swimming areas in the park. You can kayak or canoe on the Potomac with 1000 feet of no motorized boats allowed. Picnic areas available. A great place to spend the day.
6. Douthat State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Visitors to this colorful state park will view rolling hills, birds and a beautiful lake.
Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States
We stopped at Douthat State Park for a hike with our dog while driving north to West Virginia. We did a loop hike including Blue Suck Falls, Tuscarora Overlook and Stony Run Falls, about 9 miles total. I was warned the waterfalls weren't much to get excited about, but the water level was high and I thought they were pretty nice. There were a lot of beautiful wildflowers blooming along the trail. The highlight was Tuscarora Overlook with fantastic views looking down over the park. There is also an historic old CCC cabin at the overlook. The loop had a decent amount of uphill but with switchbacks, it wasn't too bad. Overall, a great park for hiking and would like to return to explore more of the trails.
7. Kiptopeke State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
One of the best spots for bird-watching.
Reviewed By JC0420 - Cape Charles, United States
We go hiking and bird watching all year at Kiptopeke State Park. Because it is in the eastern most part of the state it is a very well used flyway for migrating birds. They also have a really nice Hawk watching station. The Park has an excellent boat ramp. The boat ramp may be a little crowded at times but if you are willing to wait a few minutes there is always a slot to launch and a place to park your truck and trailer. Finally, the Park also has a really nice beach so lots to enjoy.
8. Chippokes Plantation State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Located only 6 miles from Surry Courthouse and 15 miles from Colonial Williamsburg and Victorian Smithfield, the 1,947-acre Chippokes Plantation State Park invites visitors to explore thousands of years of natural and Native American and over 394 years of African and European American histories while basking on James River sun-kissed beaches, relaxing amidst nature and a roaring campfire, and visiting other regional attractions. In the same year Africans were first brought to Jamestown, in 1619 Captain William Powell was granted his patent for Chippokes Plantation. By 1626 Chippokes Plantation became a working farm and to this day remains an operational agricultural enterprise. Between April and October visitors may tour the 1854 Jones-Stewart Victorian Mansion and eight, beautifully-appointed exhibit rooms showcase how people decorated and lived in the years before the American Civil War. The Mansion hosts periodic Hearth Cooking Demonstrations at its detached Summer Kitchen. Please check for program details. During Summer months take guided walking tours of "Quarter Lane". Located adjacent to the 1816 Antebellum Riverhouse visitors follow in the footsteps of enslaved African Americans and their contributions to building America during this informative African-American Heritage Program. Please check for program details. Overnight guests may choose between four cabins and fifty water and electric campsites. Reservations are recommended.
Reviewed By mjrgnsn - Mechanicsville, United States
Great time stopping in to check out this state park and take in their annual Fall Festival with the various craft booths, reenactors, food vendors, plantation and museum tours.
9. False Cape State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Limited to hiking, biking and boating, this state park is formed by a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Reviewed By VirginiaKayak - Norfolk, United States
I’ve been here many previous visits but on this chilly day it was excellent. We saw tracks for deer, coyote, feral hog and raccoon. The air was crisp and the sky clear. The trails crossed dunes, beaches, historic trails, wetlands and amazing trees. We saw no other visitors either on the beach or interior of the Park. It was 37 degrees and sunny.
10. Smith Mountain Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
Reviewed By Margaretsreview - Moneta, United States
So much to see & do here at the lake. Rent a boat for the day or go to the State Park or SML Community Park. Visit the Visitors Center at Bridgewater Plaza for information on attractions all around the area!
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