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 Water & Amusement 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. Primland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By B5229ITtims
We had a recent pheasant hunt where we stayed in the Patrim House and enjoyed a great time at Primland. Our hunting guide Michael was really good and he had the best dog's for hunting birds that I've ever seen. I highly recommend this experience at Primland. We had drinks in the bar at the main lodge and Erica was FANTASTIC. She took great care of us and was very accommodating for us being there late on a very slow evening. The service is always good there but it was exceptionally great this time. The Pig Candy topped off the night and is a CAN'T MISS.
2. Buffalo Mountain Ziplines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 137 reviews
Come experience the thrill of flying from treetop to treetop at the home of Virginia's highest and longest ziplines! Buffalo Mountain Ziplines offers up to 8 cables taking you as high as 150' above the forest floor and spanning distances of over 2000' (in one cable). We welcome ages 3 and up! Great for the whole family. Located one mile off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 171.5.
Reviewed By smajero - Pasadena, United States
Mallory and Sean were the best part of the trip - they made us feel comfortable and then created a totally fun experience. I even found a selfie of Mallory on my phone - very funny! It was one of the best times We've had in a very long time and it was all because of the way Sean and Mallory took care of us.
3. Water Country USA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,457 reviews
Keeping cool during a summer packed with thrills is easy at Water Country USA®. Virginia's largest water park offers fun for the entire family with resort-style amenities and more than 40 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions. Experience a rush aboard Colossal Curl™, the park’s first family thrill ride and the first of its kind in North America. Unwind and relax on a journey down the park’s lazy river or catch a wave at the Surfer’s Bay Wave Pool. Little ones can have a “splashtastic” good time in one of the park’s KIDsiderate® play areas designed just for them. Water Country USA also offers swim lessons and classes to help guests stay safe and feel confident in the water. With something for everyone, Water Country USA is hot destination for a cool summer.
Reviewed By bwat - Raleigh, United States
This was our first visit to Water Country USA and we had a blast! They do a great job of keeping the park clean and beautiful. They also did a great job of having a variety of activities in a spot for all ages and thrill levels. If you have a variety of ages in your group, there is just about something for everyone within close proximity. We were only there from about noon until 7 PM and did not get to do everything. We will definitely be back!
4. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,696 reviews
Take your family to a place where fun comes naturally, Williamsburg, Virginia, home to Busch Gardens® and Water Country USA. Challenge one of Busch Gardens’ seven world-class coasters or discover family fun playing at Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ and Land of the Dragons®. Water Country USA®, Virginia’s largest water park, is just three miles west of Busch Gardens and features state-of-the-art water rides and resort-style amenities. Guests are in for an epic journey on the park’s wildest family thrill slide, Colossal Curl™. True to its name, this mega water slide will deliver a high-adrenaline, family-friendly, action-packed adventure.
Reviewed By AshleighC405 - LaVale, United States
I loved every minute of Christmas Town, I was in awe the moment I walked into England, it felt like I actually was in the United Kingdom, it was designed so nicely and what made me in even more awe was seeing some of the staff dressed like the 1800's England and caroler's were walking around the area and were friendly, although while walking by I don't think I ever heard them sing, but they looked like they were enjoying their job. This is the first time in 20 years that I've been to Busch Gardens and I did not remember a thing when I was little, so this trip felt like it was the very first time. I loved that you can see some of the animals during Christmas Town. The animals you get to see are the baby Clydesdale's, Bald Eagles and Wolves. I loved how there were themed area's to different European countries and the buildings were accurate replica's of these different countries. While still on that subject, for Christmas Town they were decorated to how each country would decorate/celebrate which was really neat and Germany had a very nice touch with most of the songs playing over the speakers were Christmas Carols sung in German! The park is very clean and the staff are very nice and friendly as well. Loved that 2 roller coasters were opened the weekend I was there. Those were Verbolten and Invadr. I loved all the theming of Verbolten, it was themed almost like something at Universal or Disney. I loved every second of Verbolten!!! The crowds at the park weren't too bad and lines moved quickly. The best things to do to see the lights are to ride Aeronaut Skyride (an aerial view of the lights), Nacht Tower aka Mach Tower (Another aerial view) and the Christmas Town Express train! I highly recommend Christmas Town Express, so many lights it was amazing! There's also a synchronized light show there called O' Tannenbaum in Oktoberfest section right in front of the Festhaus. The only con was there weren't many places for food opened, but other than that it was an amazing time at Christmas Town and plan to come back sometime in spring or summer so I can make a review of the park again. Oh, one more thing the park is beautiful at Christmas Time!
5. Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By palmerfam - Shavertown, United States
We had a wonderful visit middle of July 2018. Arrived at 10am in the dot, line was about 15 minutes long. Went very fast. Plenty of seats and shade! Pool area very clean. Very attentive life guards, everyone is very friendly! This is the perfect place for families! We had 3 kids here, 5, 10 & 11, they all loved it! There was plenty for everyone to do. We felt the older 2 were safe enough do they own thing. Safety breaks every hour for 10 min to rehydrate, reapply sunscreen and take the kids to the bathroom. Not too crowded, not too big. Just perfect! Highly recommended by us!
6. Hampton Carousel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By WeechWayToTravel
The Hampton Carousel is fantastic! I have seen carousels the world over & it is one of the finest. It is beautifully carved & meticulously painted. A real treasure showcased in a spacious pavilion allowing it to be enjoyed year round. It’s conveniently located on the Chesapeake Bay near the easy on/off highway 64. Conveniently located between Virginia Beach & Colonial Williamsburg. Well worth the trip. Make a day of it by visiting the Fort Monroe Casemate Museum, the Air & Space Museum or the Hampton History Museum nearby.
7. State Fair Of Virginia
8. Kings Dominion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,835 reviews
Grab your friends and family and come to Kings Dominion - Virginia's ultimate 400-acre destination for summertime fun! With more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including the largest coaster collection on the East Coast, Planet Snoopy, our Peanut's themed children's area and WaterWorks, a 20-acre water playground which is included in your park admission. Kings Dominion is Virginia's only destination offering two parks for the price of one. We have everything you need for creating lifelong memories. Our 40th Celebration starts in 2014 and offers magnificent experiences you won't find anywhere else! While it's our birthday, this celebration is all about you! We've taken all of the thrills, chills, smiles and dazzling moments of our history and crafted them into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't miss it! To end the day, stay for Dominion at Dusk - a KD40 Nighttime Celebration! Start off with the vibrant lights and sounds of Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular and the stunning water and lights display of our fully refurbished International Street Fountain. The party really gets going as the Grande Bandstand and the midways of International Street come to life with our all-new block party, Ignite the Night! featuring an impressive cast singing some of your favorite hits! And the party isn't complete without a magnificent display of fireworks lighting up the nighttime skies above the park. Open daily during the summer; weekends in the spring and fall.
Reviewed By Amusementparkguy - Pataskala, United States
A friend and I took our annual trip to Kings Dominion. The park was fairly clean, and the employees were friendly enough. It is a very beautiful park located in northern Virginia. One thing we encountered that was new to us was the pricing on the menu at some of the restaurants. The price rang up higher at the register than listed on the menu. It was probably a computer error somewhere. We notified a supervisor who corrected the problem immediately and returned the money to us. Always a good time here.
9. Richard Petty Driving Experience
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
Get behind the wheel in one of our 8 – 80 lap driving programs or Ride-Along shotgun for 3 high-speed laps at over 20 tracks nationwide – including Richmond International Raceway!
