So you're wondering what is there to do in Virginia? Let me tell you right off - this isn't some generic list copied from tourism brochures. I've lived here fifteen years and still discover new spots every month. Last fall, my family accidentally found this tiny cider mill near Charlottesville that became our favorite weekend haunt. That's Virginia for you - full of surprises beyond the usual history stuff.
Why Virginia Should Be Your Next Destination
Honestly? People sleep on Virginia. They think it's just colonial Williamsburg and DC suburbs. Big mistake. Where else can you hike mountain trails at sunrise and eat fresh oysters by the ocean at sunset? The variety shocks first-timers. My cousin visited from Colorado and couldn't believe we have legit vineyards rivaling California's.
The Lay of the Land
Virginia splits into five distinct regions, each with its own personality:
| Region | Vibe | Must-See | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal/Tidewater | Beach relaxation meets maritime history | Virginia Beach boardwalk, Chincoteague wild ponies | Seafood lovers, families |
| Piedmont | Rolling hills & vineyard country | Monticello, Barboursville Vineyards | Wine tours, history buffs |
| Northern VA | Urban energy meets suburban charm | Great Falls Park, Udvar-Hazy Center | Museum hoppers, foodies |
| Blue Ridge Highlands | Mountain wilderness | McAfee Knob, Grayson Highlands | Hikers, stargazers |
| Southern VA | Small-town Americana | Smith Mountain Lake, NASCAR Museum | Road trippers, lake lovers |
Seriously, skip those "Top 10 Virginia Attractions" lists. Half those places are overcrowded. Instead, let's dig into real insider picks.
Outdoor Adventures: Beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway
Sure, everyone knows about Shenandoah National Park (and yes, Skyline Drive is gorgeous). But parking there on fall weekends? Nightmare. Try these alternatives:
Hiking Hidden Gems
- Devil's Marbleyard (Natural Bridge Station) - Scramble over massive boulders with 360° views. Free entry, moderate difficulty.
- Crab Tree Falls (Montebello) - Tallest waterfall in Virginia. The 1.5-mile hike feels like walking through a rainforest. $5 parking.
- False Cape State Park (Virginia Beach) - Reachable only by bike or kayak. Wild beaches with zero development. Kayak rentals $35/day.
I did the Marbleyard hike last spring - bring gloves! Those quartzite boulders get slippery. Worth every scratch though.
Water Activities Worth Getting Wet For
Virginia's rivers and coast are wildly underrated:
| Spot | Activity | Cost | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| James River (Richmond) | Class III-IV whitewater rafting | $75-95 per person | Riverside Outfitters offers downtown urban rafting |
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel | Saltwater fishing charters | $400/half-day for 4 people | Book with "Reel Fun Charters" for flounder runs |
| New River Gorge | Stand-up paddleboarding near Claytor Lake | $25/hour rental | Morning sessions have glassy water conditions |
Warning about Virginia Beach surfing though - waves are inconsistent. I've driven down at 5am only to find flat water. Check SurfChex app first.
History That Doesn't Feel Like Homework
Look, I'll be real - some historic sites make you feel like you're back in 8th grade history class. These won't:
Living History Experiences
- Colonial Williamsburg After Dark - Regular daytime admission ($46) gets boring. Pay extra for ghost tours or tavern tastings where actors stay in character.
- Manassas Battlefield Moonlight Hike - Rangers lead 2-mile walks recounting Civil War stories. Free, but limited spots.
- Jamestown Settlement - Skip the textbook stuff. Their "Foods & Feasts" event lets you taste 17th-century recipes ($32 entry).
My hot take? Monticello is overpriced at $32 unless you're a hardcore Jefferson fan. The gardens are free to stroll though.
Food & Drink: Virginia's Secret Weapons
Forget California - Virginia's wine scene is exploding. And our seafood? Don't get me started.
Must-Try Culinary Experiences
| Category | Where to Go | What to Try | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine | Early Mountain Vineyards (Madison) | Octagon red blend with charcuterie board | $15 tasting, $28/board |
| Cider | Blue Toad Hard Cider (Roseland) | Virginia Hopped dry cider with mountain views | $8 flights |
| Seafood | Chics Oyster Bar (Virginia Beach) | Rappahannock oysters raw + oyster stew | $18/dozen, $9 stew |
| BBQ | Pierce's Pitt (Williamsburg) | Brunswick stew + chopped pork sandwich | $12 combo plate |
That cider place near Wintergreen? Found it when my car overheated. Best breakdown ever. Their apple-cherry blend tastes like summer.
City Vibes Beyond the Obvious
Richmond is having a moment. Seriously, skip the museums and hit these spots:
- VMFA Sculpture Garden - Free outdoor art with craft beer garden ($7 pints)
- Belle Isle - Urban island with cliff jumping (safe spots!) and Civil War ruins
- Scott's Addition District - Craft brewery crawl: Veil Brewing, Three Notch'd, Ardent (tasters $2-3)
Norfolk's Chrysler Museum has free admission and the best glassblowing demos I've seen outside Venice. Wednesdays at noon.
Kid Stuff That Won't Make You Miserable
As a dad of two hyper boys, I've tested every "family attraction" in this state. Winners:
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Yes it's pricey ($110/adult) but the food festival events make it worth it. Kids eat free Tuesdays.
- Luray Caverns - Otherworldly rock formations plus vintage toy museum ($32/adult, kids free under 6).
- Virginia Safari Park (Natural Bridge) - Drive-thru zoo where emus stick heads in your car ($25/car). Buy extra feed bags!
Pro tip: Avoid Virginia Beach aquarium on rainy summer days. You'll be packed in like sardines.
Seasonal Secrets Only Locals Know
Timing changes everything in Virginia:
Best Bets by Season
| Season | What to Do | Where | Local Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Cherry Blossom Kayaking | Tidal Basin (DC adjacent) | Rent from Thompson Boat Center at 6am to avoid crowds |
| Summer | Outdoor Movies | Capitol Square (Richmond) | Free films Wed nights - bring picnic blanket |
| Fall | Apple Picking + Cider Donuts | Carter Mountain Orchard | Go weekday mornings to skip 2-hour lines |
| Winter | Light Show Drive-Throughs | McAdenville Christmas Town | Buy timed tickets online or wait 3+ hours |
That orchard near Charlottesville? Their apple cider donuts ruined me for life. Nothing else compares.
Maximizing Your Virginia Experience
Want to avoid tourist traps? Follow these rules:
- Transportation - Rent a car. Public transit outside DC/Richmond is hopeless. I learned this hitchhiking near Roanoke in 2010.
- Budget Hacks - State parks have $7 entry fees vs. national parks' $30. Many museums offer free admission days.
- Timing - Coastal areas jam-packed July-August. Mountains best September-October. Wine country perfect May-June.
Seriously reconsider visiting Colonial Williamsburg on summer weekends. Saw a kid have a heatstroke meltdown near the blacksmith shop. Not worth it.
Answers to Your Burning Virginia Questions
What is there to do in Virginia for free?
- Hike Old Rag Mountain (parking fee waived off-season)
- Tour Richmond's street murals in Carytown
- Watch ship arrivals at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard viewing area
What unique things to do in Virginia?
- Dig for megalodon teeth at Chippokes Plantation ($5 entry)
- Take a Segway tour through Mount Vernon's trails ($75)
- Attend a oyster roast at Merroir tasting room (seasonal, $45)
What is there to do in Virginia with kids on rainy days?
- Science Museum of Virginia (Richmond, $16)
- Nauticus Battleship Museum (Norfolk, $17)
- Indoor skydiving at iFly (Virginia Beach, $70)
What romantic things to do in Virginia for couples?
- Hot air balloon over Loudoun County vineyards ($250/person)
- Couples massage at Salamander Resort spa (Middleburg, $400+)
- Private sunset cruise on the Potomac ($300/charter)
Still wondering what is there to do in Virginia after dark? Northern Virginia has speakeasies like Captain Gregory's behind a donut shop. Richmond has rooftop movies at the Hofheimer Building. Honestly, the nightlife here surprises visitors constantly.
Making It Happen: Sample Itineraries
Based on my family's trips and visitor feedback:
Weekend Warrior (2 days)
- Day 1: Shenandoah sunrise hike → Luray Caverns → Dinner at Blue Mountain Barrel House
- Day 2: Monticello gardens → Carter Mountain apple picking → Richmond murals
Deep Dive (5 days)
- Days 1-2: Virginia Beach boardwalk → Kayak False Cape → Chincoteague ponies
- Day 3: Colonial Williamsburg ghost tour → Jamestown Settlement tasting
- Days 4-5: Charlottesville vineyards → Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks → Natural Bridge
Tried that 5-day route last fall. Only regret? Not budgeting enough time for vineyard hopping.
The Real Deal on Virginia Travel
After years of exploring, here's my unfiltered advice: Virginia rewards slow travel. Rushing from attraction to attraction misses the point. Some of my best memories? Getting lost on backroads near Lexington, stumbling upon a bluegrass jam at a gas station. Or that tiny steamed crab shack in Reedville not even on Google Maps.
What is there to do in Virginia that's truly special? Talk to locals at farmers markets. Ask vineyard staff about their favorite hidden overlooks. Follow country roads just to see where they end. The magic isn't in checking off famous sites - it's in the salted marsh air at dawn, the way Blue Ridge fog clings to valleys, the unexpected kindness at small-town diners.
Still planning? Shoot me questions @VirginiaInsider on Twitter. I'll give you the truth - hype-free.