Are you a long-time admirer of Virginia or is this your first rendezvous? Either way, you’ll surely enjoy seeing first-hand all the ways to fall in love with this state. Virginia is for lovers of variety. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole family there’s an itinerary for everyone. So stop waiting and make your plans to experience a place full of history, the outdoors, family fun, and plenty of more discoveries that await.  

Historical Sites 

Virginia is an American history icon. Our country began here in 1607, and it's no surprise that the Old Dominion has more than its share of historic and historical sites, exhibits, monuments and legendary personas. Virginia historical sites each have their own unique story, and nearly all have a friendly Virginia face to share their passion for the tale. 

From the rivers of John Smith's explorations to the wilderness of the early westward pioneers, you'll find interesting diversions across the state. And for the casual browser or the serious history buff, the lone seeker or the family of enthusiasts, visitors will likely never exhaust the historical experiences available in Virginia. 

 

Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, VA 

Once a vibrant plantation in the 18th century, George Washington's Mount Vernon estate is now one of the nation’s most visited historic sites. Were Washington's teeth really made out of wood? See the first president's dentures in person! Combining an authentically interpreted 18th century home, lush gardens and grounds, slave memorial, blacksmith shop, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, Washington’s Tomb, and first-rate dining and shopping, Mount Vernon is an incomparable national treasure. 
mountvernon.org  

 

Colonial Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA 

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most well-known historical sites in Virginia. The living-history museum has many restored and re-created homes and buildings from the Revolutionary War, allowing visitors to see what life was like in 18th century and where the dawn of America is captured in time. You’ll be moved and changed as you step back in time and meet the people who made it all possible. Bring the whole family and have fun becoming a part of the enduring American story.
colonialwilliamsburg.com 

 

Arlington National Cemetery – Arlington, VA 

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. Arlington National Cemetery conducts between 27 and 30 funeral services each week. The grounds Cemetery honor those who have served our nation by providing a sense of beauty and peace. Visitors can take an interpretative tour bus service through Arlington with stops at President John F. Kennedy gravesite, U.S. Coast Guard Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Arlington House (The Robert E. Lee Memorial). 
arlingtoncemetery.mil 

 

Outdoor Adventures  

Take one drive through the state and it is plain to see: Virginia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. To truly experience this natural beauty, you have to get out of the car and explore. If you’re chasing new adventures in the great outdoors, Virginia is the perfect place to be. Outdoor recreation options range widely from beaches to mountains and everything in between. Learn to surf on the coast and ski in the mountains.  

 

For the ambitious, you could even do these in the same trip with the state’s moderate climate for all four seasons. Discover soft adventure for families or high adventure for adrenaline junkies. From the leisurely bike rides on the Creeper Trail to the complex mountain biking trails found throughout the state, you can find an adventure that’s just your speed. 

 

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre – Lynchburg, VA 

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre specializes in year-round mountain activities! Blast down one of their three Neveplast tubing runs or ski/board in all four seasons on the Snowflex slopes. The centre has synthetic snow so visitors can try skiing, snowboarding, and tubing no matter the season. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level rider, LMSC has something for you. With lessons, coaching programs, and even camps, Snowflex is your destination for outdoor mountain fun. 
liberty.edu/snowflex 

 

Luray Caverns – Luray, VA 

Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern United States yet walking through feels more akin to an unearthly experience.  Welcome to Geology’s Hall of Fame. Baseball has one. So does rock and roll. And after millions of years, geologists have one, too. Discover it for yourself with guided tours along well-lighted, paved walkways that lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10-stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders at every turn. Visit Luray Caverns and discover a world unto itself. 
luraycaverns.com  

 

Yorktown Sailing Charters – Yorktown, VA 

Setting sail on the historic waters of Yorktown, Virginia is a magical experience. Let yourself fall into the rich surrounding history and the majestic ship you’re aboard while amongst family and friends – a fresh breeze pulling it all together. It’s the passion of Yorktown Sailing Charters to introduce you to the beauty of the waters they’ve been sailing for over 30 years, give you lifelong memories and keep you coming back for more. 
sailyorktown.com 

 

Family Fun 

Family-friendly isn't just a trendy buzzword in Virginia. The Commonwealth boasts truly wide-ranging family fun activities for moms, dads, kids, and everyone else to get together and spend quality vacation time. Thrill-seekers and the young-at-heart can get their fill of adventure at world-class, coaster-packed theme parks and fun centers.  

Visitors can find family activities for kids of all ages here. And for the more laid-back trip, relatives young and old can gather at a mountain resort, isolated beach house, or even a state-park cabin with a breathtaking view. There's no shortage of family things to do wherever you go in Virginia, find yours today. 

Kings Dominion – Doswell, VA 

Ready for your next grand adventure? Head to Kings Dominion – Virginia’s ultimate destination for family fun. They’ve got 400 acres packed with more than 60 rides, shows and attractions for all kinds of explorers. Thrill-seekers will get their adrenaline fix with one of the East Coast’s largest collection of breath-taking roller coasters – 13 in all -- including Intimidator 305™, which stretches 305 feet tall and screams at more than 90 miles per hour. 
kingsdominion.com 

 

Massanutten Resort- Massanutten, VA 

A breathtaking property, Massanutten Resort® features 6,000 acres of mountain fun at its very best. Unique in both its size, variety of amenities, and outstanding staff, Massanutten has secured its spot as one of the premier all-seasons destinations. Enjoy the Indoor/Outdoor WaterPark, Ski and Adventure Park area, two fantastic golf courses, farm-to-table dining experiences, and much more. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten is easily accessible from many major cities.
massresort.com 

 

Nauticus – Norfolk, VA 

Nauticus, a maritime science museum, celebrates the economic, naval, and natural power of the sea. It features hands-on exhibits, wide-screen high-definition films, theaters with live actors, shark touch, and national-caliber traveling exhibits. Nauticus is also home to the Battleship Wisconsin, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Sail Nauticus community sailing center, the harbor tour boat Victory Rover, and Virginia’s only passenger ship port—the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center. 
nauticus.org 

Virginia has it all: deep history, vibrant craft, traditional music, friendly people, charming towns, heart stopping scenic beauty, and opportunities for every kind of outdoor recreation. Plan a few days in the Old Dominion State and you will quickly find that a few days in Virginia is just not enough. 

 

Even More Virginia Variety

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Honor, Courage & Commitment…the National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines — past, present and future. Adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, the exhibits surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Follow in the footsteps of Marines: from boot camp to the boot prints left in the sands of the Pacific Islands and on Vietnam’s Hill 881.
usmcmuseum.com