With a golden shoreline spanning 110km, Virginia is a hot destination for visitors chasing sunshine. Every town has its own pleasant blend of southern hospitality and the historic attractions are second-to-none.
Take to the road to find the best places to relax, explore and absorb true natural beauty in the wild and wonderful Old Dominion state.
Historical wonders
Richmond is the state’s glorious capital, where some of the top historical exhibits are concentrated under bright city lights. There are beautiful bridges, leafy parks and a bustling museum district that will keep you busy whilst visiting.
Top attractions include the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. There are many state-specific exhibits where you can learn about the colonial history of Virginia, including the Valentine and the American Civil War Museum.
Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of many important historical figures, including several US Presidents. Many locals and visitors alike often come here to pay their respects to some of the country’s finest.
The City is also home to many great restaurants and some thriving retail centres. Carytown is a popular shopping district, famed for its vibrantly decorated independent stores.
Colonial Williamsburg
If you’re searching for wholesome family fun, Colonial Williamsburg is a great place to bond with the little ones.
Located between Richmond and Virginia Beach, Williamsburg has some of the best-preserved historic sites in Virginia – if not the entire US.
The area is a living history museum where you can travel back in time to experience 18th-century life. Immerse yourself in the roots of the story of America and learn from the nation’s past as you step through unchanged mansions and interact with the Nation Builders’ portrayal of key historical figures.
There’s action among the heritage – you can take a thrilling carriage ride or see the flames of historic trades in action. If you like to indulge your creative side, venture into the folk and decorative art museums. Fashionistas will have the chance to try out the bright colours of colonial fashion.
The Colonial Parkway connects Williamsburg to Jamestown, providing an easy route for a journey through bygone eras.
The great northern caverns
Some of Virginia’s most striking sites of natural beauty are located close to Alexandria in the north, including the magnificent Luray caverns. This National Landmark is filled with stalactites and stalagmites so large they look like huge golden columns as high as a 10-floor building.
The Skyline Caverns are located at the northern tip of Skyline Drive, so you can mix a scenic road trip with exciting experiences. The cave rock reflects a range of green and orange hues and the cavern floors are famous for Anthrodites – lotus-shaped rare rock formations. This location has become incredibly popular for weddings and features a dreamlike Fairyland Lake.
The beautiful Shenandoah mountains
Virginia’s rich national forests are filled with wonder, including relaxing spas and natural springs. The Shenandoah Valley is one of the most breathtaking spots, with sloping mountains and top places for adventure tourism.
The Massanutten Resort has a ski slope and waterpark, alongside golf courses. This makes it a top destination for mixing a peaceful vacation with rugged adventure.
Virginia Beach
From the beach and the boardwalk to the charming Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Beach is a destination filled with the usual and the unexpected.
The Virginia Aquarium is home to seals, Komodo dragons and a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre showcasing scientific films. There’s a National Wildlife Refuge and a military aviation museum set beside rolling golden sands. Sun worshippers flock here to relax beside the tropical Atlantic air whilst absorbing the experiences on offer.
Car rental in Virginia is a great way to explore the beautiful state. Reserve online now and you can enjoy a smooth journey from start to finish.
