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
Things to do in Virginia, United States: The Best Battlefields
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. 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.
2. Chancellorsville Battlefield and Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 411 reviews
Reviewed By lkferrante - Saint Charles, United States
Visited Fredericksburg to see Civil War battle sites The first we saw was Chancellorsville Battlefield. The Visitor Center was very interesting and had a lot of displays. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Learning the history of the battle and seeing where Stonewall Jackson was said to have been shot was extremely interesting, as was other information about him. I highly recommend visiting this site as well as the other battlefields in and around Fredericksburg.
3. Manassas National Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,105 reviews
A 5,000-acre park that was the scene of two major Civil War battles.
Reviewed By 977samd - Vero Beach, United States
The Battlefields of Manassas are quite extensive and a visit begins at the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Pet Friendly to pets at all times on leashes, the Visitor’s Center, located at 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109, 793-361-1339, battlefields open daily daylight hours, Visitor’s Center offers information, maps, restrooms, bookstore/gift shop, a introductory film, and exhibits. There were 2 battles referred to as First Manassas (First Bull Run - July 1861) & Second Manassas (Second Bull Run - August 1862). In our view, they First Manassas Battlefield is best understood by taking the walking tour; & the Second Manassas Battlefield is best understood by taking the 12 Station or Locations Driving Tour. First Manassas was the first real Battlefield action between USA/CSA, and it ended with 900 young men dead on the battlefield. It ended any notion the war’s outcome would be decided quickly. Eventually after 4 years of war, the war ended and 600,000+ young men lay dead on the battlefields. We suggest you plan to spend 4 hours or so, minimum, to get an understanding of the meaning of Manassas, and to begin to understand the degree of violence and destruction that occurred at Manassas, and how it set the base for 4 more years of bloody and destructive war.
4. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 536 reviews
Reviewed By saramatthews
We toured the battlefield with Hallowed Ground Tours - we were several cars - and the very personable guide rode in the front car and we listened via cell phones. The battle and troop positions covered a fair bit of ground - more than is easily walked. The tour was great - and includes a nearby plantation now owned by the NPS - and equally worth seeing. The Visitor's Center is another must -
5. Petersburg National Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 460 reviews
Reviewed By VickiA156
What an amazing place to see. We enjoyed our brief visit in the visitor center before heading out on the 4.5 mile drive through the battlefield, Very knowledgeable ranger and very friendly. Must see when in the area. Free!
6. Yorktown Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,608 reviews
Reviewed By aliciar752 - Cape Coral, United States
This was a must see for my family of four. There is a short video when you pay your entrance fee at the visitor center and a museum that you can tour - with a really cool surprise exhibit that both my boys (7 and 14 really enjoyed). The driving tour is well marked and easy to follow. Getting out and standing in the trenches was a moving experience. My teenage son was actually silent taking it all in.
7. Richmond National Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By hoef972 - Manhattan, United States
Richmond was a series of battles fought over several months. To see the entire battlefield will require at least a full day. So plan accordingly. Start off by visiting the visitor center set in the old Tredegar Iron Works and take in the short film telling of the battles. As you set out to see the battlefields, keep in mind that some of the areas have been developed. Respect private lands. In connection to Richmond I would highly recommend visiting Petersburg Battlefield.
8. Berkeley Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 472 reviews
First settled in 1619, this historic estate is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the American Declaration of Indepenence, and his son William Henry, who later became president of the United States.
Reviewed By LSNS2652 - Smithfield, United States
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Manor House, the basement museum and grounds. Our tour guide was entertaining, full of information and wonderful energy. This plantation is full of history and definitely worth a visit.
9. New Market State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By StonewallBrigade
You could easily spend 2-3 hours viewing the museum (with 40-minute movie), the battlefield, and the Bushong Farm buildings. Also be sure to check out the two overlooks where you get a nice view of the Shenandoah River.
10. Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By casaahha - Salem, United States
We were part of a large group on the Stephen Ambrose This Hallowed Ground Civil War tour when we stopped here on the way to Appomattox. Had not known the significance of this location during the CSA's final days prior to this tour. 7700 killed or surrendered just 72 hours before Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Virginia is doing an excellent job preserving this site. There is plenty to see in the visitor center and they are doing plantings outside to make it look as it did during the Civil War. They nicely accommodated a group of 31 people.
