15 Day Trips in Virginia • Kath Eats

I’ve been calling Virginia my home for the last fifteen years (has it really been that long?), and I do feel it is one of the best places to live! It has everything from the mountains to the ocean, and not to mention the four very distinct seasons. Whenever I travel to other places, no matter how beautiful, I always come home to the sweet scent of Virginia. (If you haven’t smelled the air here, it’s lovely – I’m not kidding!)

What I love most about Virginia is its rich history and true versatility. From romping through historical sites to spending the day at an amusement park, tourists and locals alike can explore the state and never run out of things to do. That’s probably why it’s one of the most interesting (and popular!) tourist attractions in the country, especially those visiting Washington DC looking for a countryside escape.

Maybe you’re planning a vacation for the family, or maybe you’re coming to visit on a romantic getaway. No matter the reason, the state is full of adventures and activities that solo travelers, couples, and families can enjoy all the same. Here is a roundup of the best day trip opportunities Virginia offers—some of which I’ve experienced and some that are still on my own bucket list!

15 Day Trips in Virginia

Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive

Shenandoah National Park makes for the perfect day trip. With more than 200,000 acres of protected land, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. It’s perfect whether you’re up for a long trek or an easier hike with the kids. And don’t miss Skyline Drive. This scenic drive alone is worth the trip for the mountain views – especially at peak foliage.

The season you visit can definitely impact your plans. It’s a beautiful spot for camping (or glamping, to each their own!), but you want to make sure to check out their site before planning. The daytime temperatures are wonderful, the nighttime can drop pretty low.

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Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns, discovered just back in 1989, feels like an adventure that both kids and adults can marvel at. They’re the largest caverns in the Eastern US, and they are truly as spectacular as the pictures make them look. Inside, you can view stalactites, stalagmites, mud flows, glassy pools, and even the Great Stalacpipe Organ (Yes, it’s a real thing!). 

Your ticket isn’t just for exploring underground, though. Head above ground to enjoy a Garden Maze, a Rope Adventure Mark, Toy Town Junction, and the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum. It’s one of those destinations that you and your family can spend all day enjoying. I’m pretty sure I went with my parents when I was in high school, but we have to take the boys soon!

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Colonial Williamsburg

As one of the most well-known historical sites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is an excellent day trip for history buffs. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly interested in history, this place has a story to tell. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you’ll realize just how immersive of an experience it is. You don’t actually need to buy tickets to go inside to see a lot of the sights, but of course you should for the full experience.

With everything from historical reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s a great place to step back in time while taking kids out for a day full of 18th century-themed fun. You can check out my post, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my trip went when I took baby Mazen! The tours do vary throughout the year, so make sure to visit their website before planning your day trip.

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Virginia Beach

Fun fact: when we moved to Charlottesville, we were actually trying to move to the beach! But somehow we ended up in the mountains. While we tend to go to the Outer Banks for longer trips, Virginia Beach is the closest beach to us and the main beach in our state.

There are plenty of fun restaurants and little boutiques along the main Boardwalk stretch, which is 3 miles long. There are lots of kids activities at Grommet Island Park.

If you’re not into crowds, spring and fall are the best times to visit. The weather’s still beautiful, but it’s a little quieter. It’s a good time of year to rent bikes too. May, early June, and September are sweet spots if you want to swim without navigating big summer crowds. 

If you’re curious, here’s a peek at a trip I took to Virginia Beach back when I was pregnant with Mazen!

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Mount Vernon

Virginia is home to many presidents (eight to be exact!), and you can visit the home of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Mount Vernon is located 22 miles outside of Washington, D.C., not too far from the capitol. It’s one of those historic sites that you have to visit at least once.

The mansion itself is beautiful, and the working farm in the summer is such a unique experience. If you plan on visiting with kids, grab an adventure map! It’s an immersive way to transform the grounds into a treasure hunt. If you plan on visiting, it must be by guided tour—so make sure to book tickets in advance.

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Old Town Alexandria

Flashback to when Emily lived in Old Town!

Old Town Alexandria has that perfect small-city feel with cobblestone streets, colorful row houses, and tons of little shops and restaurants. It’s just minutes from D.C., but it feels like a major city of its own. You can stroll King Street Mile and take in the history. And don’t miss Spite House, the skinniest house in America! 

If the weather’s nice, you can hop on a sightseeing cruise and check out the city from the water. Honestly, though, Alexandria is a good one any time of year. I especially love visiting around the holidays when everything’s decorated and extra festive. But warm weather days are hard to beat for walking around, window shopping, and soaking up all of its charm.

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Chincoteague Island

If you’re a horse lover—or just want a totally unique beach day—Chincoteague Island needs to be on your list. It’s famous for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the area. And yes, you really might spot them while relaxing on the beach. My friend Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a unique place it is. (I have a memory of going with my parents in high school and getting 1,000 mosquito bites. That’s probably not selling it!)

But Chincoteague isn’t just about the ponies. This little 7-mile-long island has plenty more to offer. You can spend the day biking, hiking, or taking boat tours to explore the water. And don’t skip a visit to neighboring Assateague Island, where there are even more beaches and wild ponies. 

If you’re wondering when to go, my vote is September. The weather is still warm but not as sticky as peak summer. And crowds thin out after August. It’s just the right mix of peaceful and lively.

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Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is one of those spots that feels just as cool today as it must have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They both made note of it back in the day! The star of the show is a massive limestone arch (215 feet tall!) carved out by Cedar Creek over time. 

You can take the 137-step staircase down (don’t worry, there’s a shuttle if needed) and walk the paved Cedar Creek Trail right underneath the bridge. The trail keeps going past things like the recreated Monacan Village, Saltpeter Cave, and Lace Falls. It’s part history lesson, part nature walk, and totally worth it. 

I’d say spring through fall is the best time to visit—not too hot, not too cold, and plenty of extra things going on. You can go on stargazing nights and colorful fall walks. It’s definitely a great day trip if you want a mix of fresh air and some local Virginia history.

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Richmond Historic District

Richmond is one of those cities that has a little something for everyone. And it’s full of fun things to do to fill an entire day trip. Whether you’re all about history, art, or just good food and drinks, you’ll find it in Virginia’s capital.

If museums are your thing, start with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It’s such a beautiful space with everything from classic to contemporary art. For my fellow book lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is worth a stop. And if you’re into history, definitely check out the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil War Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy during the Civil War, there’s no shortage of history to explore.

But Richmond isn’t just museums and monuments. There are so many great restaurants along with breweries and distilleries. It’s the kind of city where you can walk from spot to spot and really make a day of it. Grab brunch, visit a museum, and finish with a drink or two. Check out my blog post about an overnight we did there.

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Charlottesville & Monticello

I’ve got to give my town, Charlottesville, a little love here! It’s not just a college town with the University of Virginia right in the middle of things. Charlottesville has such a great mix of history, food, and small-city charm. You’ll find some truly amazing restaurants and local breweries all within walking distance of the historic Downtown.

While you’re at it, don’t miss a visit to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home. It took him over 40 years to design (and redesign!) the mansion. You can take guided tours or self-guided strolls through the grounds. It’s important to note that the property was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved people. With exhibits on the lives of the slaves, this history is not discarded or glossed over. Monticello also holds several festivals throughout the year, so plan accordingly if it’s something you want to experience!

Blog posts:

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Leesburg

For both locals and tourists, Leesburg has that true Virginia charm—old historical significance but a lively atmosphere. When downtown, you can enjoy small-town boutiques and local art galleries, many of which are located in original 1800s buildings. If you’re up for a little history exploration, you can visit Dodona Manor, home to George C. Marshall once upon a time. 

If you’re headed out with your kids, you absolutely have to visit Leesburg Animal Park. It’s a park that’s spread out over 21 acres, housing both domestic and exotic animals. Aside from viewing, kids can also enjoy jungle gyms, giant slides, and an arts and crafts room. This little town is such a charming day trip spot!

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Fredericksburg

Head down to Fredericksberg, a town full of American Revolution and Civil War history. It was previously both a colonial trading hub and a spot where Civil War battles frequently took place. You can now visit the once-battle field, now a National Cemetery that you can tour if you’d like.

Aside from the cemetery, you can also view civil war landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s a lot of history packed into this small town. Once you’re done touring, make sure to visit Main Street for a little shopping and snacking. A friend recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been around since the 1940s, and is a favorite spot!

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Jamestown

If you’re up for a little history mixed with fresh air and some hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is definitely worth adding to your Virginia day trip list. It’s the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America—way back in 1607! While the scenery looks a little different these days, so much of the colony has been preserved.

One of the coolest parts? The live reenactments. You can wander through Powhatan Village and get a real feel for how life was back then. Then move on to the English settlement area, where you can see what was on the menu back in the day—things like apple pie, pork, and goat milk butter.

You have to check out the ships while you’re down there. It’s an incredibly realistic recreation of what life was like for those traveling from England to America. Not only that, but the tour explores, what they call “the first threads of tapestry we call America.” Beautifully stated and incredibly captivating.

Blog post: Supper at the Settlement

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Virginia Museum of Transportation 

If you’ve got a train lover or a car enthusiast in your house (like my boys), put the Virginia Museum of Transportation on your list. It’s right in downtown Roanoke and makes for a really fun outing for kids.

The museum is in an old Norfolk & Western freight station, which already gives it an authentic historic feel. And inside you’ll find everything from antique cars and vintage buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my friend’s recommendation, they’ve made it super family-friendly with interactive exhibits and a big playroom just for the kids. There’s also a huge model-train setup and an outdoor railyard where kids can actually get up close to real engines. 

It’s open Tuesday through Sunday. Since it’s right downtown, you can easily pair your visit with a stroll through Roanoke’s City Market or pop into another nearby museum. It’s the perfect mix of fun, learning, and a little nostalgia. 

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Wintergreen Ski Resort

If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like a ski day at Wintergreen Resort once winter rolls around. A few years back, Mazen and I even played hooky for a mom-and-son ski day, and we try to go every winter.

If you’re planning a weekend trip, definitely aim to get there early. And by early, I mean pulling into the lot before 9 a.m. The later you go, the longer the lift lines get. Learned that one the hard way. 

Wintergreen offers ski lessons for beginners, which Birch did last year! Heads-up—those spots fill up fast. And once you hit the slopes, stick to what feels good for your skill level. East Coast skiing definitely has a different vibe than what you’ll find out west—think narrower trails and icier snow. (And it could hit 60 degrees!)

After a full day of skiing, you can either pack a lunch (we’ve done that plenty of times) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery on your way home for dinner. It’s such a cozy spot with great food and local brews. Winter sports not your thing? It’s still worth a visit in the summer months. There’s a pool, tennis, golf—you name it. It really is a fun spot year-round. 

Definitely check out my full post with Wintergreen ski tips before you go! 

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How to Plan a Day Trip in Virginia

Choose a destination with lots to do.

When you’re picking a spot for a day trip in Virginia, I always say to look for places that offer a little bit of everything. After all, you’ve got a whole day to fill! Check the map and see if you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.

I always think the best trips have a good balance of museums/activities and active/rest/eating time. A little history or museum time paired with something more active, like a walk, some shopping, or grabbing a good meal. That way, everyone in the family gets a little something they enjoy. Bonus points if there’s a coffee stop or a cute local shop involved. Variety keeps the day feeling fun instead of dragging on! 

Plan for driving time. 

Virginia’s a bigger state than most people realize. When you’re planning a day trip, don’t forget to factor in the drive. Generally there isn’t too much traffic unless you’re up in Northern Virginia.

A little planning makes the whole day feel a lot more relaxed and fun! If you’re visiting Virginia via roadtrip, make sure to check out my post, Road Trip Tips for Families.

Balance activity and relaxation.

Everyone needs a little breather on a day trip—kids and grown-ups alike. You can’t go full speed from morning ‘til night without feeling wiped out. I always like to build in a little downtime between activities. Maybe that’s grabbing ice cream, sitting by the water, or mapping a playground where the kids will get steam out.

Have a backup plan. 

Virginia weather likes to keep us on our toes—sunshine one minute, rain clouds the next. That’s why I always recommend having a backup plan in your pocket. If your outdoor plans get rained out, it’s smart to know where the local museums or indoor spots are. You can still make the most out of your day without getting soaked. 

Explore Virginia’s treasures with firsthand tips from a local!

After living in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve definitely picked up a few favorites when it comes to exploring Virginia. From historic towns to gorgeous national parks and scenic drives, there’s always something new to discover. And now you’ve got a solid list of Virginia day trips to help you start checking a few must-see spots off your bucket list!

If you’re looking for even more local ideas, here are a few more Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the blog: