For exciting adventures, you have come to the right place! Virginia’s varied landscapes and natural attractions make it an exceptional destination for outdoor recreation. Virginia welcomes visitors of all ages and skill levels to get outside and explore.
Virginia’s parks are among the top rated in the nation, boasting hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking and wildlife watching. With 20 miles of nature trails, First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is the Commonwealth’s most visited state park. 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.
Natural attractions abound throughout Virginia. Natural Bridge State Park’s 215-foot high, 90-foot wide stone arch, referred to as Natural Bridge, is definitely a sight to see. In the Roanoke region, McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs, known as Virginia’s Triple Crown, all offer impressive scenic overlooks and marvelous photo opportunities. The wondrous waterfalls and rock formations at Great Falls National Park, outside of Washington, D.C., are equally itinerary worthy!
The Eastern Shore’s Assateague Island National Seashore, known for its diverse ecosystem and the wild horses that roam Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, is a nature-rich location filled with trails for exploring the barrier island. From swimming and surfing to paddling and boating, Coastal Virginia is a playground for water recreation, particularly family-friendly Virginia Beach, thanks to its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Lake Anna, in Central Virginia, is another popular vacation spot perfect for water activities. The New River, in the state’s southwestern region, is a hot spot for rafting, tubing and kayaking.
Greater Williamsburg—also referred to as the Historic Triangle and includes Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown—draws all types of visitors year-round. Colonial Williamsburg is a top destination, providing interesting ways of stepping back into our nation’s history. The area is also home to a world-class amusement park, waterparks, ziplines and other fun thrills.
Each fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite stretch for soaking in the region’s beautiful colors on scenic drives, as well as on nearby hiking trails. In the Shenandoah Valley, experience panoramic views at Shenandoah National Park, whether driving along Sky Line Drive or trekking on the park’s numerous trails. Also not to be missed, Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States, is another special experience the whole family will treasure for a lifetime.
Whatever adventures are calling, get curious and try something new while visiting Virginia!
Author: VisitVirginia
