22 Things To Do In Virginia For First-time Visitors

Virginia is often called the birthplace of America—and for good reason. From the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown to the rolling battlefields of the Civil War, the state holds some of the nation’s most pivotal stories. But beyond its historical landmarks, Virginia is a place of immense variety. Mountains, coastline, small towns, and major cities all collide here, offering a surprisingly wide range of things to see and do.

You can hike the Blue Ridge Mountains in the morning, stroll cobblestone streets in Colonial Williamsburg by afternoon, and end your day with fresh oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park, the urban energy of Richmond and Norfolk, or the Atlantic calm of Virginia Beach, there's no shortage of ways to experience the state.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Virginia—covering iconic sites, outdoor adventures, local food, cultural events, and hidden gems that make the Commonwealth so uniquely American.

1. George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Few places capture Virginia’s layered history as vividly as George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Overlooking the Potomac, the estate was shaped directly by Washington from his youth until his death in 1799. The mansion’s elegant Palladian façade and sweeping river views reflected his ambition to stand among the gentry of Virginia, while the surrounding 8,000 acres revealed the complexities of plantation life. Mount Vernon was both a working farm, dependent on enslaved labor, and a stage for Washington’s vision of leadership, where guests encountered the man who became the nation’s first president. Rescued from decline in the mid-19th century by the pioneering Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, it remains a preserved window into the contradictions and ideals of America’s founding era.

Just a short drive away, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport brings history into the modern age. Opened in 2003, this vast Smithsonian facility houses iconic aircraft and spacecraft too large for Washington’s Mall museum. From the supersonic SR-71 Blackbird to the space shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay, its collection embodies both technological triumph and the moral weight of human innovation. Towering hangars and observation decks make it not only a museum but a living celebration of flight.

2. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located next to Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, is one of the world’s premier aviation and space museums. Opened in 2003 as an extension of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, it was named after Hungarian-American businessman Steven Udvar-Hazy, whose philanthropy made the project possible. The center is designed like a colossal hangar, providing space for aircraft and spacecraft too large to fit in the Smithsonian’s Mall building.

Visitors encounter marvels of innovation, from the sleek SR-71 Blackbird, which set records as the fastest jet ever built, to the space shuttle Discovery, symbol of NASA’s shuttle era. Among the most sobering exhibits is the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, an artifact that invites reflection as much as admiration. The center also houses hundreds of historic planes, helicopters, gliders, and experimental craft, as well as engines, rockets, and artifacts tracing the evolution of flight. Observation decks offer views of Dulles runways, tying history to the living rhythm of modern aviation. By blending technological achievement with human stories, the Udvar-Hazy Center showcases both the triumphs and responsibilities of humanity’s journey into the skies and beyond

3. Luray Caverns

Discovered in 1878 beneath the Shenandoah Valley, Luray Caverns remains one of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in the eastern United States. Early explorers who stumbled upon its gaping entrance were awestruck by its cathedral-like chambers and towering stone columns formed over millions of years. Today, visitors descend into a world of natural artistry: stalactites dripping like frozen chandeliers, stalagmites rising from the floor like ancient sentinels, and mirrored pools reflecting crystal formations with dreamlike symmetry. Among its highlights is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a unique instrument that taps the cavern’s rock formations to produce resonant musical tones, turning geology into melody.

The caverns are also part of a broader complex that includes the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum and the Luray Valley Museum, connecting natural history with human ingenuity. For generations, Luray has been more than a geological wonder — it has been a tourist pilgrimage site, drawing travelers with its combination of science, spectacle, and wonder. Its preservation underscores the importance of protecting subterranean ecosystems, while its dramatic beauty continues to inspire awe. Luray Caverns remains both a natural cathedral and a stage where Earth’s deep history meets human imagination.

4. Monticello

Perched on a hill near Charlottesville, Monticello is the architectural masterpiece and plantation estate of Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. Construction began in 1768, when Jefferson, still in his twenties, set out to design a home that blended Palladian symmetry with his Enlightenment ideals. Over decades, he refined Monticello into a neoclassical villa filled with innovations: skylights, revolving serving doors, and octagonal rooms that reflected both beauty and efficiency.

Yet Monticello was also a working plantation, sustained by the forced labor of enslaved men, women, and children, whose contributions and hardships are now central to its interpretation. Jefferson’s intellectual world flourished here: he cultivated extensive gardens, experimented with crops, and amassed a library that influenced his wide-ranging pursuits. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Monticello today serves as both a monument to Jefferson’s genius and a reminder of America’s contradictions — liberty declared but denied to many. Visitors can tour the mansion, gardens, and reconstructed slave quarters, encountering stories of both Jefferson’s legacy and the lives entwined with his. Monticello remains a vital place for reflection on democracy, innovation, and the moral complexities of the nation’s founding.

5. Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living-history museum in the United States, transporting visitors back to the 18th century when Virginia stood at the heart of colonial politics, commerce, and culture. Once the capital of the Virginia Colony, Williamsburg was where debates over liberty, governance, and independence played out in taverns, courthouses, and assembly halls. In the early 20th century, philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife Abby spearheaded its restoration, rescuing over 80 original buildings and reconstructing others to create an immersive townscape.

Today, horse-drawn carriages clatter down Duke of Gloucester Street, blacksmiths hammer iron in forges, and interpreters in period dress engage visitors in the daily life of colonists. Highlights include the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, and Bruton Parish Church, where Washington, Jefferson, and Patrick Henry once worshipped. The site also acknowledges the presence of enslaved Africans and Native peoples, weaving a more complete story of the era. Colonial Williamsburg is more than a museum; it is a stage where America’s founding ideals and contradictions come alive. By blending scholarship with performance, it offers a tangible connection to the debates and struggles that shaped a nation on the eve of revolution.

6. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the premier art museums in the United States, notable not only for the breadth of its collections but also for its commitment to accessibility — admission has always been free since its opening in 1936. Funded by state support and private philanthropy, the VMFA reflects Virginia’s ambition to place culture at the center of civic life. Its collections span continents and centuries, with particular strengths in Fabergé eggs, Art Nouveau, and African and South Asian art. The museum’s Russian imperial collection, anchored by jeweled Fabergé masterpieces, is the largest outside of Russia and remains a signature draw.

Modern and contemporary works by artists such as Picasso, Rothko, and Kehinde Wiley anchor its reputation as a forward-looking institution. Architecturally, the museum blends classical façades with sleek modern expansions, including the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Wing, which opened in 2010. Surrounding sculpture gardens and public installations further extend its reach beyond gallery walls. The VMFA stands as both a cultural landmark and a living community space, offering rotating exhibitions, lectures, and performances that connect Virginians to global artistry while underscoring Richmond’s role as a center of creativity.

7. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery, located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., is one of the most hallowed grounds in the United States. Established in 1864 during the Civil War, the cemetery occupies land once owned by the family of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, seized by the Union as both a military necessity and symbolic act. Today, more than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families are buried here, representing conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Iconic landmarks include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded with solemn precision since 1926, and the eternal flame marking the grave of President John F. Kennedy. Monuments honor the sacrifices of soldiers, astronauts, and nurses, weaving together narratives of courage, service, and national memory. The cemetery is not static but a living institution, with daily burials reminding visitors of the ongoing cost of freedom. Its hillsides and memorials inspire both reverence and reflection, connecting personal loss with collective history. More than a resting place, Arlington embodies the nation’s ideals of honor and duty, ensuring that generations understand the human price of the liberties they inherit.

8. Shenandoah National Park

Stretching over 200,000 acres along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers both natural splendor and historical depth. Established in 1935, the park was carved from farmlands and homesteads, some of which still leave traces in old stone walls and cabins hidden among forests. At its heart runs Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic highway built during the New Deal, offering panoramic overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the rolling Piedmont to the east.

The park preserves one of the largest tracts of wilderness in the eastern United States, home to black bears, white-tailed deer, and over 200 species of birds. Waterfalls such as Dark Hollow and Overall Falls cascade through deep hollows, while more than 500 miles of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, draw hikers from around the world. Beyond its beauty, Shenandoah reflects stories of resilience: the displacement of mountain families during its creation, the segregation of facilities until the 1950s, and the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps that shaped its infrastructure. Today, the park stands as both a refuge of biodiversity and a reminder of America’s evolving relationship with its landscapes — a place where nature, history, and memory intertwine

9. Maymont

In the heart of Richmond lies Maymont, a 100-acre estate that beautifully blends history, horticulture, and community. Built in the 1890s as the Gilded Age home of financier James Dooley and his wife Sallie, the mansion reflects both opulence and taste, with richly decorated interiors that still display Tiffany stained glass, carved woodwork, and lavish furnishings. The Dooleys left Maymont to the city in 1925, and it quickly became a beloved public treasure. The grounds showcase elaborate Italian and Japanese gardens, rolling meadows, and a carriage collection that evokes the grandeur of a bygone era.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Maymont has always served as a place of education and reflection. Its wildlife habitats, including rescued black bears and raptors, connect visitors to Virginia’s natural heritage, while exhibits on the estate’s African American staff highlight the often-overlooked labor that sustained such households. Free to enter, Maymont functions as both park and museum, hosting weddings, festivals, and quiet strolls alike. It is a place where Richmonders and travelers encounter not just beauty but a layered history of wealth, work, and generosity — a reminder that even private estates can, with vision, become enduring civic gifts.

10. Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement, near Williamsburg, tells the story of the first permanent English colony in North America, founded in 1607. Created as part of Virginia’s 350th anniversary in 1957, this living-history museum reconstructs the daily realities of colonists, soldiers, and Native peoples at the dawn of America. Visitors can explore full-scale re-creations of the settlers’ fort, Powhatan dwellings, and the three ships — Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery — that brought England’s adventurers across the Atlantic. Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, cooking, and crop cultivation, bringing to life the fragile beginnings of a community that nearly collapsed under disease, famine, and conflict with the Powhatan Confederacy.

Exhibits inside the museum trace the broader Atlantic World of the 1600s, emphasizing the meeting of cultures — English, Native American, and African — whose intertwined destinies shaped early Virginia. While often romanticized, Jamestown was also a site of struggle and coercion, including the arrival of the first Africans in 1619. The settlement today offers not only a tactile glimpse into the 17th century but also a place for grappling with the complex origins of the United States. It is both educational experience and national memory, where survival, ambition, and collision defined a new world

11. Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk

Stretching three miles along the Atlantic, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk has been a magnet for leisure and culture since the late 19th century. Originally built of wood in 1888, the boardwalk was expanded and modernized into today’s wide concrete promenade, lined with hotels, restaurants, and public art. It symbolizes Virginia’s transformation from an agrarian society into a tourism hub, where the seaside became both playground and economic engine. Cyclists, runners, and families share the path with festivals, concerts, and seasonal celebrations, making it a year-round gathering spot.

The bronze statue of King Neptune, towering 34 feet at the boardwalk’s center, has become an iconic landmark representing both maritime heritage and civic pride. During World War II, this beach was frequented by servicemen training nearby, blending history with holiday. Today, the boardwalk serves as both living postcard and cultural stage, hosting events like the East Coast Surfing Championships and Neptune Festival. Its combination of ocean vistas and bustling activity embodies the spirit of a modern coastal city that has managed to retain its welcoming charm. To walk the boardwalk is to step into more than a beach resort — it is to witness Virginia’s evolving love affair with the sea

12. Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Since its opening in 1975, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been one of Virginia’s premier theme parks, blending Old World charm with modern thrills. Originally conceived by Anheuser-Busch as both an amusement park and cultural showcase, it was nicknamed “The Old Country” for its immersive European themes. Each section of the park reflects a different nation — from the cobblestoned streets of England and the Alpine flair of Germany to the festive rhythms of Italy and France — combining rides with food, music, and architecture.

Roller coasters like Loch Ness Monster, the world’s first interlocking loop coaster, established the park’s reputation for innovation, while later additions such as Griffon and Pantheon continue to push adrenaline to new heights. Yet Busch Gardens has always emphasized atmosphere as much as excitement, weaving gardens, landscaping, and performances into the visitor experience. Seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town attract millions annually, turning the park into a year-round destination. Closed during winter for maintenance and preparation, its reopening each spring signals the start of Virginia’s tourism season. For nearly five decades, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has stood as both a family tradition and a reflection of how leisure, history, and storytelling can come together in one vibrant setting.

13. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Since its opening in 1986, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has served as both an attraction and a research hub along Virginia Beach’s Rudee Inlet. Originally known as the Virginia Marine Science Museum, it began with a focus on the local Chesapeake Bay ecosystem but soon expanded into a world-class facility housing over 10,000 animals from across the globe. Its immersive exhibits span multiple aquatic environments — from coastal marshes and deep-sea habitats to tropical jungles — creating a journey that highlights the connections between oceans and human life.

Beyond the galleries, the aquarium is deeply committed to conservation. Its Stranding Response Program has become a cornerstone of marine animal rescue on the Atlantic Coast, aiding stranded dolphins, seals, and sea turtles. Visitors can also participate in outdoor experiences such as dolphin- and whale-watching boat tours, kayaking, and the Adventure Park ropes course. Educational programs for students and families underscore its mission of stewardship, ensuring the center remains as much a classroom as it is an entertainment venue. Affordable, accessible, and deeply tied to Virginia’s maritime identity, the aquarium blends recreation with responsibility, inspiring each visitor to value and protect the fragile ecosystems on which coastal communities depend.

14. Great Falls Park

Perched along the Potomac River just outside Washington, D.C., Great Falls Park offers one of Virginia’s most dramatic natural spectacles. Here, the river plunges nearly 80 feet in less than a mile through a series of jagged rocks and roaring cascades, framed by rugged cliffs. Long before it became a protected park, the area was central to the lives of Indigenous peoples who used the river for fishing and trade. In the late 18th century, George Washington spearheaded the construction of the Patowmack Canal to bypass the treacherous falls, an ambitious project that reflected America’s early drive for commerce and westward expansion.

Though the canal ultimately failed, its remains can still be seen today, offering visitors a tangible link to the nation’s early infrastructure experiments. Established as a national park site in 1966, Great Falls now balances recreation with preservation. It attracts hikers, rock climbers, kayakers, and families who come for its trails, overlooks, and historic canal ruins. The thundering water and panoramic vistas remind visitors of both the raw power of nature and the enduring human impulse to shape it. Just minutes from the capital, Great Falls Park stands as a natural escape steeped in history and awe.

15. National Museum of the Marine Corps

Rising from the landscape of Triangle, Virginia, near the Marine Corps Base Quantico, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is both a striking architectural landmark and a living memorial to the U.S. Marines. Opened in 2006, its soaring glass and steel design evokes the iconic image of Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima, immediately setting the tone for what lies within. The museum traces Marine history from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts through immersive galleries that combine artifacts, personal accounts, and multimedia storytelling. Historic aircraft, tanks, and uniforms stand alongside letters and oral histories, bridging the human and military aspects of service.

Unlike traditional museums, it offers visceral experiences such as walking through a simulated Korean War winter battle or stepping into a Vietnam-era helicopter. Admission is free, underscoring its mission as an educational and commemorative space open to all. It also functions as a gathering place for Marines, veterans, and families, with ceremonies and memorial services regularly held on its grounds. More than a repository of objects, the museum preserves the ethos of honor, courage, and commitment that defines the Corps, ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made in defense of the nation.

16. Natural Bridge State Park

One of Virginia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Natural Bridge State Park has captivated visitors for centuries. Towering 215 feet above Cedar Creek, the limestone arch was carved by the relentless forces of water over millions of years. For the Monacan people, it held deep spiritual significance long before Europeans arrived. Later, it became a symbol of America’s natural grandeur, admired by figures such as George Washington, who surveyed the site in 1750, and Thomas Jefferson, who purchased it from King George III’s land grant in 1774.

Throughout the 19th century, it became a major tourist attraction, drawing writers, artists, and travelers who compared it to Europe’s most famous landmarks. Today, as a designated state park, it blends geology, history, and recreation. Trails wind along Cedar Creek, leading visitors to Monacan interpretive sites, the Saltpeter Cave, and Lace Falls, while ranger programs highlight both natural science and Indigenous heritage. Night sky events and seasonal festivals broaden its appeal. Beyond its beauty, the bridge is a reminder of Virginia’s layered past — a natural monument celebrated by presidents, revered by Native peoples, and preserved as part of the state’s cultural and environmental legacy

17. Military Aviation Museum

Set amid the fields of Virginia Beach, the Military Aviation Museum is one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II aircraft in the world. Founded by Jerry Yagen in the early 2000s, the museum is unique not only for its scale but also for the condition of its planes: most are fully restored to flying capability. The collection spans biplanes, fighters, and bombers from multiple nations, offering a panoramic view of 20th-century aviation history. Visitors can see a German Fokker Dr.I triplane reminiscent of the Red Baron, a British Spitfire, and American icons like the P-51 Mustang and B-25 Mitchell.

The museum is more than static displays; its airshows bring history to life, with rare aircraft taking to the skies to recreate the sights and sounds of combat aviation. Buildings themselves enhance the experience, including hangars imported from wartime England and a replica 1930s German Luftwaffe hangar. Educational programs and veterans’ stories tie the collection to human experiences of courage and sacrifice. The museum stands as both a tribute to aviation’s golden age and a reminder of the global conflicts that defined the 20th century, preserved through living history in the skies above Virginia.

18. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Located at Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of America’s most solemn memorials. Established in 1921 after World War I, it was created to honor an unidentified American soldier and, by extension, all service members who gave their lives without their remains being identified. Later, unknowns from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were also interred, though the Vietnam remains were later identified and reburied, leaving the crypt vacant. The monument itself is a massive white marble sarcophagus, inscribed with the words: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Beyond its physical presence, the Tomb is renowned for the meticulous, unbroken guard maintained by the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” Since 1937, sentinels have kept watch 24/7, regardless of weather or circumstance, performing precise, ritualized steps of honor. For visitors, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is both moving and unforgettable. More than a grave, the Tomb is a living symbol of sacrifice, anonymity, and respect, a national site of mourning and reflection that continues to embody America’s promise never to forget its fallen.

19. Manassas National Battlefield Park

The fields of Manassas, just outside Washington, D.C., witnessed the opening shots of the American Civil War. On July 21, 1861, Union and Confederate forces clashed here in the First Battle of Bull Run, a confrontation that shattered illusions of a quick war. A second major battle followed in August 1862, again resulting in Confederate victory under General Robert E. Lee. Together, these engagements cemented Manassas as one of the conflict’s most pivotal sites, shaping the course of the war and American history. Today, Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves more than 5,000 acres of rolling fields, woodlands, and historic structures, allowing visitors to trace troop movements and stand at places where soldiers and civilians alike experienced the shock of modern war.

The Henry Hill Visitor Center offers exhibits, artifacts, and an orientation film that bring the battles to life, while monuments scattered across the park honor regiments and commanders from both sides. Walking the trails, one encounters landscapes largely unchanged since the 1860s, making it possible to imagine the chaos and resolve of those fateful days. Manassas is both a preserved battlefield and a classroom of democracy, reminding us of the immense cost of disunion and the enduring challenge of reconciliation

20. Virginia State Capitol

Completed in 1788, the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond stands as one of America’s most influential public buildings. Designed by Thomas Jefferson with inspiration from the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple in Nîmes, France, it was the first American statehouse to break from the British colonial style and embrace classical republican ideals. Its austere white columns and neoclassical form set the model for countless courthouses and government buildings across the United States. Inside, the building houses the oldest continuously operating legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia General Assembly, which first met in Jamestown in 1619.

The Capitol has borne witness to critical events, from debates over independence and states’ rights to the turmoil of the Civil War, when Richmond became the Confederate capital. Today, visitors can tour restored chambers, view Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous statue of George Washington, and walk through grounds filled with monuments to Virginia’s leaders. The Capitol’s long history is layered with contradictions — the advancement of democratic ideals alongside the legacy of slavery and segregation. Still, it remains a living symbol of both Virginia’s central role in America’s founding and its ongoing dialogue about liberty, governance, and civic identity.

21. Norfolk Botanical Garden

Spread across 175 acres near Norfolk International Airport, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is both a horticultural showcase and a living memorial to resilience. Established in 1938 during the Great Depression, the garden owes its beginnings to a Works Progress Administration project that employed more than 200 African American women and 20 men. With little more than hand tools, they cleared swampy terrain and planted thousands of azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, laying the foundation for one of the largest botanical collections on the East Coast.

Today, the garden features more than 60 themed landscapes, including a renowned rose garden, butterfly house, Japanese garden, and children’s adventure garden. It also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, particularly migratory birds that frequent its waterways and woodlands. Beyond beauty, the garden represents a layered history: stories of labor, segregation, and eventual recognition of the workers who built it. Annual festivals, educational programs, and seasonal light displays continue to draw visitors year-round. In every bloom and shaded path, Norfolk Botanical Garden embodies both nature’s artistry and the human determination to create lasting beauty from adversity.

22. US Marine Corps War Memorial

The US Marine Corps War Memorial, often called the Iwo Jima Memorial, rises dramatically in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. Dedicated in 1954, it was inspired by Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of six Marines raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. Sculptor Felix de Weldon transformed the iconic image into a massive bronze monument standing 32 feet tall, with a 60-foot flagpole reaching skyward.

While the statue immortalizes one specific moment, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in service since 1775. Its base is inscribed with the names and dates of every major Marine Corps battle. Each year, the site hosts solemn ceremonies, including the Marine Corps’ birthday observance and summer sunset parades performed by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Surrounded by open lawns, the memorial also offers sweeping views of the National Mall and monuments beyond. It is both a work of art and a national symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unity, reminding all who visit of the enduring spirit of the Corps and the cost of freedom.

Conclusion

Virginia offers more than a checklist of attractions—it gives you a sense of place. You can stand in the exact fields where history turned, walk through streets that haven’t changed in centuries, or lose track of time on a quiet mountain trail or sandy stretch of coastline. Each region has its own rhythm, but they all reflect the state’s layered identity.

This isn’t a state that needs to shout to impress. It invites you to explore, to slow down, and to notice the details: the smell of woodsmoke in the mountains, the sound of waves near old shipyards, the way stories are still passed around dinner tables and town squares.

Traveling through Virginia means moving through time and landscape with equal weight. The things you do here—big or small—leave an imprint. So go, see, and stay open. Virginia has shaped a lot of history, and if you let it, it just might shape your experience too.

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Interactive Map

Where to Eat in Virginia

Restaurant	Region / City	Address	Contact	Notable Dish / Specialty
L’Opossum	Richmond	626 China Street, Richmond, VA 23220	Phone: (804) 918-6028	Contemporary American / French-inspired fine dining; whimsical starters & creative entrées
Redemption BBQ & Market	Henrico (Richmond area)	3420 Lauderdale Drive, Henrico, VA 23233	Phone: (804) 716-2456	Authentic Virginia-style smoked meats: brisket & burnt ends
Maude & The Bear	Staunton / Shenandoah Valley	1106 N. Augusta St., Staunton, VA 24401	Phone: (540) 688-1660	Seasonal tasting menus in a vintage house setting
The Inn at Little Washington	Northern Virginia / Rural VA	Middle & Main Streets, Washington, VA 22747	Phone: (540) 675-3800	High-end, artful fine dining; 3-Michelin-star tasting menu
Lehja	Richmond (Short Pump area)	Short Pump Town Center, Richmond, VA	Contact via restaurant site	Modern Indian cuisine; award-winning chef
Kathy’s Restaurant	Staunton / Shenandoah Valley	705 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 22401	Phone: (540) 885-4331, Email: kathysrestaurantva@gmail.com	All-day breakfast & hearty American comfort food
Tupelo Honey	Virginia Beach	4501 Main St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462	Phone: (757) 264-4808	Southern restaurant & bar: shrimp & grits, biscuits, cocktails
Region’s 117 at Lake Frederick	Shenandoah Valley / Lake Frederick	180 Bald Eagle Drive, Lake Frederick, VA 22630	Phone: (540) 699-3234	Fine dining with beautiful setting; praised pizzas & curated food & drinks
Freemason Abbey Restaurant	Downtown Norfolk / Tidewater	209 W Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510	Phone: (757) 622-3966	Elegant dining, refined food & wine experiences
Saltine	Downtown Norfolk / Tidewater	100 E Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510	Phone: (757) 763-6280	Seafood & seasonal shellfish in a chic, airy modern space

Virginia vs Other Neighboring States

Category	Virginia	North Carolina	Maryland	West Virginia
Population (2023 est.)	~8.7 million	~10.8 million	~6.2 million	~1.77 million
Median Household Income	$87,249	$74,072	$98,461	$55,217
Per Capita Income	$46,700	$39,500	$52,600	$30,700
Median Home Value	$372,000	$320,000	$421,000	$155,000
Cost of Living Index (US=100)	104 (slightly above US avg)	92 (below avg)	118 (high, esp. DC suburbs)	85 (well below avg)
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)	~20.5	~25.3	~23.1	~18.9
Top Industries	Defense, tech, government, agriculture, shipbuilding	Banking, tech, healthcare, agriculture, energy	Biotech, finance, government, shipping, defense	Energy (coal, natural gas), tourism, manufacturing
Population Growth (2010–2023)	+8%	+11%	+5%	-3%
Vibe & Lifestyle	Blend of historic cities, military hubs, mountains & beaches	Southern charm, fast-growing metros, coastal & mountain mix	High-income, DC proximity, Chesapeake Bay culture	Rural, outdoorsy, slower pace with Appalachian character

How to Get to virginia

By Air

Virginia is served by multiple airports:

• Washington Dulles International (IAD) – Major hub for international and domestic flights; located in Northern Virginia, ~26 miles from Washington DC.
• Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) – Convenient for domestic flights; sits just across the Potomac from DC, ideal for Northern VA.
• Richmond International (RIC) – Central Virginia hub, good for reaching Richmond, Williamsburg, and coastal areas.
• Norfolk International (ORF) – Serves Hampton Roads region, including Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
• Smaller Airports – Roanoke-Blacksburg (ROA) for Southwest VA, Charlottesville-Albemarle (CHO) for central/northern VA.

By Train

• Amtrak Northeast Corridor – Connects Virginia (Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk) with Washington DC, New York, Boston, and beyond.
• Amtrak Crescent – Runs from New York through Virginia to Atlanta and New Orleans, with stops in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Danville.
• Amtrak Cardinal – Scenic line through Virginia’s mountains, connecting Washington DC and Chicago.

By Bus

• Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus all operate into Virginia’s major cities like Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville, and Arlington.
• Regional services such as Virginia Breeze connect rural areas to hubs like Washington DC and Richmond.

By Car

• From Washington DC / Maryland: I-95 South or I-66 West.
• From North Carolina: I-85 or I-95 North.
• From West Virginia: I-64 East into the Shenandoah Valley.
• From Tennessee / Kentucky: I-81 North into Southwest Virginia.
• Virginia’s interstates (I-95, I-64, I-81, I-85, I-66) provide direct routes from most directions.

By Ferry

• Jamestown-Scotland Ferry – Free car and passenger ferry across the James River, connecting Surry County to Jamestown.
• Tangier Ferry – Passenger service to Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, accessible from Reedville, VA or Crisfield, MD.

FAQ

1. What is Virginia best known for?

Virginia is best known as the birthplace of America. Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement. It’s also home to many U.S. presidents, Civil War battlefields, and historic landmarks like Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello. Beyond history, Virginia is famous for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and coastal attractions like Virginia Beach. Its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it unique.

2. Is Virginia expensive to live in?

Virginia’s cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average, but it varies widely by region. Northern Virginia (near Washington DC) has some of the highest housing costs in the state, while cities like Richmond, Roanoke, and Norfolk are more affordable. Property taxes are lower than the national average, but housing and transportation can be expensive in urban centers. Overall, Virginia offers a balance of high incomes and moderate living costs compared to nearby states like Maryland.

3. What is the weather like in Virginia?

Virginia has a diverse climate due to its geography. Coastal areas like Virginia Beach enjoy mild winters and hot, humid summers. The Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains are cooler year-round, with snowy winters. Central Virginia, including Richmond, has a humid subtropical climate, experiencing four distinct seasons. Summers average in the 80s °F, while winters are generally mild except in higher elevations. The state also sees occasional hurricanes or tropical storms along the coast.

4. How do people usually travel around Virginia?

Most Virginians rely on cars, with interstates like I-95, I-64, and I-81 connecting major cities. Public transportation is available in Northern Virginia, with Metro links to Washington DC, plus Amtrak trains serving Richmond, Charlottesville, and Norfolk. Buses like Greyhound and Virginia Breeze connect smaller towns. For short distances, biking and walking are common in college towns like Charlottesville. Travelers often mix driving with Amtrak or Metro for regional convenience.

5. What are the best times to visit Virginia?

The best times to visit Virginia are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). In spring, flowers bloom at sites like Colonial Williamsburg and Shenandoah. Fall is stunning with mountain foliage along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Summers are popular for Virginia Beach and outdoor festivals, though hot and humid. Winters are mild in most areas, but mountain regions attract skiers and hikers. These seasonal options make Virginia a year-round destination.

6. Is Virginia a good place for families?

Yes, Virginia is considered one of the most family-friendly states on the East Coast. It offers excellent schools, safe suburban communities, and abundant parks and outdoor activities. Areas like Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Virginia Beach are especially popular with families for their amenities and strong job markets. Historical and cultural attractions also make Virginia educational and enriching for children. The variety of settings—urban, suburban, and rural—provides options for different lifestyles.

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