Discover Virginia: 20 Unforgettable Places Recommended by Locals

As someone who called Virginia home for over twenty years, I can tell you that this state offers a seemingly endless array of experiences. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, where I spent countless childhood days camping, to the serene James River, where I explored by canoe, Virginia has it all. And now, as a resident of Charlottesville, I'm perfectly situated to explore both Shenandoah National Park and the renowned Virginia Wine Country.

With insights from local experts, this guide highlights 20 of the best places to visit in Virginia. Whether you're seeking breathtaking natural beauty, charming small towns, culturally rich cities, or unforgettable sights, you'll find it here. Here are some quick recommendations to get you started: * **Best Tourist Destination:** Shenandoah National Park * **Underrated Hidden Gem:** Wytheville * **Best for Families:** Williamsburg * **Best for Couples:** Monticello Wine Trail * **Best for Solo Travelers:** Richmond Read on to discover the perfect destination for your travel style and budget.

Exploring Virginia's Natural Wonders

Shenandoah National Park Matilda Reuter Engle, a hospitality expert, describes Shenandoah National Park as offering "picturesque hiking." With over 500 miles of trails, hikers can discover stunning waterfalls, scenic vistas, and echoes of pioneer life. A popular but challenging route is the 9.4-mile Old Rag loop. This "very strenuous" hike requires some rock scrambling, but the reward is truly breathtaking views. Remember to secure a day-use ticket online in advance if hiking between March 1 and November 30.

Natural Bridge Travelers of all ages will be captivated by Natural Bridge. Just a short drive south of Lexington, this area boasts both Natural Bridge State Park and the Caverns at Natural Bridge. The State Park, a National Historic Landmark, is famous for its towering 200-foot-tall natural stone archway. At the caverns, visitors can descend over 34 stories underground to marvel at impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique subterranean formations.

Blue Ridge Parkway For a scenic drive, Reuter Engle recommends the Blue Ridge Parkway as a beautiful route to Shenandoah National Park. Before you set off, download the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner app (available for both iOS and Android) to explore the diverse offerings of each region and section of the parkway.

Smith Mountain Lake Often compared to "the Lake Tahoe of the East," Smith Mountain Lake possesses a distinct charm. This reservoir, Virginia's second-largest freshwater lake, features 500 miles of shoreline and 25 islands. It's an ideal location for water activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Boat and water-sports rentals are readily available during the summer months.

Virginia's Towns and Cities: History and Culture

Williamsburg A short drive from Richmond, you'll find Colonial Williamsburg, the world's largest living history museum. Engage with historians, archaeologists, tradespeople, and actors portraying historical figures, as you learn about 18th-century life in Virginia. Afterwards, relax at one of Colonial Williamsburg's golf courses or indulge in spa treatments and fine dining at the nearby resort complex. If you're travelling with younger family members, consider spending some time at Busch Gardens, a family-friendly theme park.

Richmond Virginia's capital city provides something for everyone, from history enthusiasts and art lovers to foodies and outdoor adventurers. George Hodson, CEO of Veritas Vineyard and Winery, recommends exploring the Scott's Addition neighborhood for its unique beverage scene. This area is filled with renovated factories and warehouses that now house taprooms, cideries, distilleries, and hotels.

Alexandria Located just a short trip across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is steeped in history. Ride the free King Street Trolley along Old Town's main street, then explore the area on foot. Discover the city's Black history through guided tours with Manumission Tour Company or by exploring the African American Heritage Trails. Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, or dine at Gadsby's Tavern, open since 1770, for an authentic colonial experience.

Middleburg Reuter Engle, whose family has lived in Middleburg for generations, highlights the town's year-round appeal. Her "must-experience" list includes the Christmas in Middleburg parade, the Middleburg Film Festival, Historic Garden Week, and the various equestrian events held in the spring and fall. Middleburg is also located in Loudoun County, known as Washington, D.C.'s wine country, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts.

Wytheville In Southwest Virginia, Wytheville offers a welcoming atmosphere, old-school charm, and diverse attractions for a day trip or weekend getaway. Stroll through the historic downtown, visit the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, and catch a show at The Millwald Theatre. Explore the surrounding countryside with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Big Walker Lookout, or head to New River Trail State Park for hiking, fishing, or kayaking.

Unique Virginia Experiences

Monticello Wine Trail George Hodson describes the Monticello Wine Trail as "a world-class wine region with so many great winery experiences," all conveniently located within a 30-minute drive of Charlottesville. This trail features over 40 vineyards, each offering wine tastings accompanied by stunning Virginia scenery.

Bristol Bristol's growing foodie scene includes everything from classic diners to trendy cafes and noodle bars. It's home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, where the famous Bristol Sessions were recorded in 1927. Country music fans can also visit the Carter Family Fold to hear live music where legends like Johnny Cash once performed.

Jamestown Jamestown provides an engaging educational experience, particularly for families with children. Begin at Historic Jamestowne to learn about the colony's first settlers in 1607, the displacement of the Indigenous population, and the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619. Next door, the Jamestown Settlement features replicas of a 17th-century Indigenous village, James Fort, and the colonists' ships.

Lexington Lexington, known for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington & Lee University, also features the unique Lime Kiln Theater. Housed in a former limestone quarry, this outdoor venue hosts bluegrass, folk, and other music genres under the stars.

Virginia Beach Hodson shares that the ViBe Creative District in Virginia Beach, known for its "great coffee shops and restaurants," is especially notable. He recommends stopping by Three Ships Coffee Roasters and The Pink Dinghy.

Water Adventures

The James River The James River, Virginia's largest, begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows 340 miles to Chesapeake Bay. Hodson highly recommends experiencing the river with James River Runners in Scottsville, offering kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and rafting opportunities.

The Shenandoah River "For the water sports enthusiast seeking an exhilarating experience, the Shenandoah River is a must-visit destination," says Reuter Engle. She suggests the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center in Purcellville for rafting, tubing, and kayaking.

Rural Escapes

Crozet Crozet, "still a quiet little Virginia town, but [it’s] on the rise," according to Hodson, makes a great day trip from Charlottesville. He suggests grabbing coffee and a bagel at Praha Bohemian Bakery, hiking to the Blue Hole swimming hole from the Sugar Hollow reservoir, and then enjoying a sauna and cold plunge at Reset Crozet, followed by dinner at Fardowners Restaurant.

Ashby Gap and Sky Meadows State Park Reuter Engle suggests that these two spots, located on either side of Paris, Virginia, offer "perfect for experiencing the natural beauty of our state with a good hike or walk outside." Sky Meadows State Park is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.

Bath County Inspired by Bath in England, Bath County, Virginia, offers natural healing waters at the Warm Springs Pools at The Omni Homestead Resort. Visitors can also explore Apple Horse Farm, a sustainable farm with a rental cabin.