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
Top 10 Nature & 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. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,050 reviews
Uncrowded wildlife refuge managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Reviewed By LouPerti81662
Rode our bikes through the park enjoy the loop through the wildlife area once the lighthouse got some nice pictures of the lighthouse Road bikes back towards the beach and really enjoyed the cleanliness of the beach area. Highly recommend
2. The Mariners' Museum & Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 911 reviews
The Mariners' Museum, America's National Maritime Museum, includes the USS Monitor Center, home to the Civil War Ironclad's iconic gun turret. The Museum has over 35,000 maritime artifacts, including ship models, paintings and small craft. Located on a 550-acre park, they also feature a 5-mile hiking trail and paddleboat rentals. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Museum galleries are temporarily closed but we remain committed to bringing you fascinating stories from our Collection. Many favorite lecture series and family-friendly programs are being offered virtually for free, and we invite you to connect online with us. In addition, our Park and the Noland Trail are open and free to the public. We apologize for any inconvenience, and wish you good health until we can safely reopen our galleries.
Reviewed By TravelNut12309 - Newport News, United States
There is more to see here than than can fit in a day. The Monitor-Merrimack exhibit is top-notch, with Monitor wreck artifacts dredged up off the North Carolina coast undergoing restoration and, when ready, being installed inside the building in the equivalent location as a parallel outdoor mockup of the exterior. The international small craft building is fascinating, the intricate ship models can occupy you for hours, plus there is a full-scale, many-room exhibit of the history of mankind’s endeavors in the world’s seas. This is a must-see complement to the other maritime sights of Tidewater Virginia, like the Hampton Roads boat tours. Special thanks to the gentle, informative, highly-motivated volunteer docents who enliven the Monitor-Merrimack exhibition.
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. Monticello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,916 reviews
Monticello and its many historical rooms, gadgets, furniture, buildings, and artifacts tell us a lot about Thomas Jefferson, the president who built it and lived there.
Reviewed By jayrandall24 - Westerville, United States
My wife and I were more than pleasantly surprised by our visit here today. It was more than just a tour of a big house! It was a whole lesson on a life of a man, his passions, his family, his successes and his failures. It was a lesson on slavery and racism. We were amazed by the tour guides there, including Don, Lou and the woman who did the slavery tour (can’t remember her name) :( They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and friendly! It was a real eye opener and more than worth the time! We recommend it highly!!
7. 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.
8. Oatlands Historic House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
A historic garden property administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We are currently closed for our off season, but will reopen to the public on April 18, 2019.
9. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,589 reviews
With something for all ages and interests, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a place to learn about plants, to marvel at nature, to relax in a beautiful setting, to take gardening classes, or to have a wedding or a business meeting. A wide variety of experiences are offered through its diverse gardens and facilities. No wonder Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is consistently one of the most-visited attractions in the Richmond, Va., area.
Reviewed By Wendybeth16 - Washington DC, United States
...and magic is in the garden during the holiday light festival. The garden is ablaze with lights during the holiday event. This is truly an event all ages can enjoy, For the children: a special garden, a lighted maze, hot chocolate, a fireplace for making s'mores, a train exhibit (look for the visiting alien space ship.) and pigs that fly. The youngsters were having a blast! The paths winding through the garden lead to lovely views whether lights reflected in the waterways or looking down on the decorations from elevated viewing spots (think a tree house of sorts for exploration) or lighted sculptures. Birds, balloons, space exploration, and, yes, even flying pigs bring the "magic in the air" theme to life. Don't forget to visit the library - home to the train exhibit, theme trees and on my visit, a holiday bell/carol program. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera. Good photo opportunities abound. There is a cafe (as well as the tea house restaurant) and hot drinks and snacks in the children:s garden - and an impressive gift shop. Trails are stroller and wheelchair friendly. Lights are on from 5 to 10 pm.There is a fee; ample parking. The garden was voted the #2 holiday light display of its kind in the nation and rightly so. A magnificent display. Highly recommended - this is a holiday event the whole family will enjoy and likely will want to make a yearly tradition. Don't miss it!
10. Luray Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,625 reviews
Discover Eastern America’s largest and most popular caverns. 4,000,000 centuries in the making, this “must see” U.S. Natural Landmark is noted for the profuse variety of formations and unsurpassed natural color. One hour tours from well-lighted, paved walkways lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. Enormous chambers are filled with towering stone columns, shimmering draperies and crystal-clear pools. Also in this subterranean wonderland, “hear rocks sing” as you experience the haunting sounds of the world’s largest musical instrument, The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Completely unique are the beautiful tones created by this one-of-a-kind instrument, which makes music of concert quality from the surrounding stalactite formations covering more than three acres.
Reviewed By drcrawford240 - Tuckerton, United States
My best friend was there 30 years ago with her parents and couldn't wait to bring her son and me and my daughter there to see it and as soon as we went down the steps into the cavern, I was in awe of the beauty that this natural wonder is. Our tour guide, Phillip, was a very knowledgeable and friendly young man that answered every question we asked and even have us some great ideas for where to hike in Shenandoah Valley when we asked him. The food concessions were very reasonably priced and tasty and the prices in the gift shop were surprisingly reasonable as well. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
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