With contrasting landscapes, rich history and appealing cities, Virginia is an exceptional travel destination.
Virginia’s parks are among the top rated in the nation, providing visitors amazing outdoor activities including hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking and wildlife watching. First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is the Commonwealth’s most visited state park, offering an excellent day of exploration. Other popular state parks include Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston, Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson and Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, just to name a few.Â
The wondrous waterfalls and rock formations at Great Falls National Park, outside of Washington, D.C., are certainly a natural marvel. Virginia’s western region also has many bucket-list worthy natural attractions. Natural Bridge State Park’s 215-foot high, 90-foot wide stone arch, referred to as Natural Bridge, is surely a sight to see. For impressive overlooks, head west to the Roanoke area and check out McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs.
The Eastern Shore’s Assateague Island National Seashore, known for its diverse ecosystem and the wild horses that roam its shores, is a captivating location to consider when planning your next trip.
From swimming and surfing to paddling and boating, Coastal Virginia is a playground for water recreation thanks to its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay.
Lake Anna, in Central Virginia, is another popular vacation spot where visitors and residents enjoy a myriad of water activities. In Virginia’s southwestern region, the New River is a hot spot for rafting, tubing and kayaking.
Greater Williamsburg—also referred to as the Historic Triangle and includes Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown—is loaded with fun attractions for family members of all ages. This area boasts an amusement park with world-class rides plus waterparks, go-karts, ziplines and, of course, one of its top destinations, Colonial Williamsburg, where visitors get an up close look into our nation’s history dating back to the 18th century.
Each fall, visitors congregate on the Blue Ridge Parkway to soak in the area’s beautiful colors on scenic drives, as well as on nearby hiking trails. While in the Shenandoah Valley, take in breathtaking, panoramic views at Shenandoah National Park. Luray Caverns, the biggest caverns in the eastern United States, makes for a memorable experience for the whole family.
Consider the attractions that top your wish list and start planning your itinerary today.
Author: VisitVirginia
