Virginia is my home state. Maybe I’m biased, but it is one of the most beautiful states filled with hidden gems! Wineries, horse country, historical sites, and endless hiking trails! It is filled with epic bucket list activities and unique photo ops! Here are the top 10 you need to try!
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is one of the unsung places of Virginia, but it absolutely needs to make your Virginia bucket list. There’s something to see in every season (although be wary of visiting in the winter due to weather and road closures!), and it’s hard to get bored. There are so many things to do, having a guide to Shenandoah National Park is extremely useful.
Arguably the most well-known thing to do in Shenandoah is Skyline Drive, the main road through the park. It’s 105-miles of trees, lookouts, and animals. In the fall, traffic backs up for miles so people can peep the leaves. However, there are dozens of beautiful wildflowers to see from spring through summer. At 35mph (the typical speed limit), there’s plenty of time to see deer and wild turkeys cross the road too!
If you want to do more than sight-see from your car and pull-out areas, Shenandoah National Park has that covered too with over 500 miles of hiking trails. The hike to Old Rag is a popular all-day hike (think eight hours) for avid outdoors people, but I prefer to do several smaller hikes on a one or two-day trip.
Some of the greatest hikes in Shenandoah are in the central district, and they include incredible waterfalls like Rose River, Dark Hollow, and Lewis Falls. You can also quickly summit the highest peak in the park, Hawksbill Summit. No matter which hike you choose, you’ll be well rewarded.
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Hiking In Shenandoah National Park
When planning your ultimate Virginia vacation, you can’t miss out on doing a multi-day hike in Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah is home to over 200,000 acres of protected lands, mountainous terrain, and gorgeous views. If you are up for a challenge, there are even many hiking options for people of any skill level. One famous multi-day hike in Shenandoah is the Big Meadows, Hawksbill Mountain, and Rose River trail. This trail connects beautiful overviews of the Shenandoah Valley with the highest peak in the National Park. After scaling the incredible Hawksbill Mountain, you descend into the beautiful Rose River area where you hike along the river and view multiple waterfalls in all of their beauty.
This is one of the most famous connection trails in the park. However, if a multi-day, multiple-mile hike isn’t your style, you can always do each of these trails individually. Each trail connects with Skyline Drive as has a start and stopping point on the road that will make it easy to complete each section as a day hike. If you are up for the challenge though, doing a multi-day hike in Shenandoah is a must-add for your Virginia bucket list.
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Great Falls National Park
Listen for the roar of the waterfalls as you park your car. You just discovered your “wild and wonderful” national park in suburban Virginia. The National Park Service (NPS) promotes Great Falls as a “destination for recreation.”
This 800-acre park is located just 15 minutes from Washington DC. Residents from nearby Northern Virginia counties make frequent visits. It costs $20 (per car) to park but you can buy a $35 Annual Pass.
You can do everything at Great Falls—kayaking, boating, rock climbing, running, and hiking. But swimming is not permitted. The Potomac River speeds up at Great Falls so water rushes over the huge rocks, eventually flowing into the Mather Gorge. Walk along with the ruins of the locks for the Patowmack Canal.
There are three overlooks at the park which provide premium views of the waterfalls. You can reach all three overlooks within a 10-minute walk from the Visitor Center. A short trail leads to Overlook 1, which is closest to the parking lot. But Overlook 2 puts you closest to the waterfalls.
Celebrate a big occasion at L’Auberge Chez Francois, which serves classic French dishes in a farmhouse setting. You can also buy takeout food at nearby restaurants for a picnic lunch in a woodland setting.
Across the Potomac River, you can see Maryland’s overlook. It is located within C&O Canal National Historical Park. You must drive to the Maryland side; there are no connecting bridges between the two parks.
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Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park is a hidden gem tucked away in southwestern Virginia that spans a whopping 4,822 acres. One of the best things about Grayson Highlands is that there’s something for everyone — it’s the perfect destination for families, couples, solo hikers, and so on. Whether you’re a hiking fanatic or simply want to get outside, you’ll find no shortage of things to do here.
Check out the Rhododendron Trail (an almost sure-fire way to see the park’s wild ponies) if you’re in the mood to hike. This trail ends at the Appalachian Trail, where you can loop back or choose to continue onwards towards Mount Rogers — the highest peak in VA. You really can’t go wrong no matter what trail you choose — just don’t forget to pack some hiking snacks!
Alternatively, you could park at Massey Gap, find a spot for a picnic, and soak in the breathtaking views. The park is open year-round but is subject to inclement weather closures during winter so make sure to research ahead of time if you’re planning a winter visit. Summer and fall are two of the best seasons to visit the park. You’ll see stunning wildflowers over the summer and fiery fall colors during peak foliage.
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Chincoteague Island
One of the best beach towns in the US is right in Virginia! The hidden gem, Chincoteague Island should be on your Virginia bucket list! Located about two hours north of Virginia Beach, Chincoteague is a more affordable and less crowded beach destination, making it a relaxing beach vacation in summer. You don’t have to worry about massive crowds of families or expensive bars along a boardwalk
There is plenty of nature to explore if you need a break from the beach. You can visit the Wildlife Loop Trail which is a great paved path for biking. You can see a variety of birds but also the Assateague Ponies. These ponies are unique to the island and are the stars of the annual festival – the Annual Pony Swim! This event is held in July to raise funds to take care of the herd.
One of the best things to do near Chincoteague is to visit the Assateague Lighthouse for incredible views of the area. Built in 1833, the lighthouse is an icon of the area. There is a short hike to the lighthouse, be sure to bring bug repellant depending on what time of the year you visit.
The best thing about visiting Chincoteague is the thirty-seven miles of beach! There are plenty of places to get away from the crowd – so enjoy your space! The sunrises over the water are breathtakingly magical – and worth the early rise. With so much to offer, Chincoteague should absolutely be on your Virginia bucket list.
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Virginia Beach
Where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet, you’ll find the resort city of Virginia Beach. Since it’s a top destination in Virginia, it’s easy to get to from anywhere on the East Coast. A bus ticket from New York to Virginia Beach can cost as low as $20, and its central location in the Mid-Atlantic region means many travelers choose Virginia Beach for a memorable beach vacation.
The most iconic part of Virginia Beach is the beach! The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a long stretch of sand with endless sea views. Alongside the oceanfront, the 3-mile long boardwalk is constantly bustling with cyclists and rollerbladers, as well as families strolling and stopping to enjoy the many attractions.
The boardwalk is also lined with restaurants and hotels, perfect for oceanfront views in the heart of the action. One of the best restaurants for fresh seafood is The Atlantic, right on the boardwalk, as well.
For a more educational stop, the First Landing State Park marks where the first colonists from Britain established Jamestown. Nowadays, the park is crisscrossed with hiking trails and includes opportunities to camp, swim, or fish. To learn more about the inhabitants of the ocean you’ve been swimming in, head to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
Even if you spend the whole trip lounging on the sand, you’re bound to remember the scenery, the energy, and the excellent attractions of Virginia Beach for years to come.
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Luray Caverns
Luray Virginia is home to the largest caverns in the eastern United States. While the caverns were known to the Indigenous People of this area, they were uncovered by five settlers in August of 1878. It didn’t take them long to find over 60 acres of underground caves!
Created millions of years ago by underground rivers, the natural rock formations are quite the sight to see. As you can imagine, word spread quickly. And thousands of visitors flock to the town to check out the Luray caverns every year!
Enjoy a guided tour as you learn more about how these natural wonders are created. Your guide will point out some of the more prominent features like The Shaggy Dog, Titania’s Veil, Pluto’s Ghost, and more! However, the star of the show has to be the “stalacpipe organ”.
Constructed in 1956, rubber-tipped plungers are placed next to 37 stalactites which create a sound when the organ is played. Making it the world’s largest natural instrument!
In order to visit the caverns, you have to pay an entrance fee. But your ticket also gives you entry to a number of attractions surrounding the caverns. This is just one of the many reasons you need to plan a visit to Luray!
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Charlottesville Virginia
For a great mix of food, culture, and history, Charlottesville, VA is a Virginia bucket list destination that can’t be missed. At the center of this small college town is the Downtown Charlottesville Mall, which is jam-packed with restaurants and unique, locally-owned shops. Charlottesville is also filled with great breweries downtown and dozens of wineries right outside of town.
Charlottesville (known to locals as C-Ville) has an amazing art scene. IX Art Park is one of the coolest art experiences around, and it’s one of the best things to do in Charlottesville, VA. The outdoor art park is filled with murals and sculptures and is home to a weekly farmer’s market. The Looking Glass is also on the property, and it’s one of the coolest immersive art experiences in the US.
Another highlight of visiting Charlottesville is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home and plantation. Monticello tells the story of Jefferson’s impact on US history, including the harsh realities of slavery. Visitors can tour Jefferson’s home and the plantation and take one of several tours available.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Charlottesville, VA, Quirk Hotel is an experience in itself. It’s a beautiful boutique art hotel that houses its own art gallery featuring local artists. The rooms are also beautifully decorated, and it has a fun rooftop bar with views of the Appalachian Mountains.
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Peaks of Otter
Peaks of Otter is a local gem tucked away in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The region is comprised of three mountain peaks: Sharp Top (3,875ft), Flat Top (4,004 ft.), and Harkening Hil (3,375). Nestled in the valley between them are the historic Peaks of Otter Lodge and Abbott Lake.
Sunrise on Sharp Top Mountain is perhaps one of the most spectacular views in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and valley below. For those who do not wish to hike the 1.5-mile trail, a shuttle is available to transport visitors to a drop-off point within a 15-minute walk from the peak.
The historically restored Johnson’s Farm and Orchards is located at the base of the mountain. The apples that are harvested are used not only to make fresh jams, relishes, and jellies, but also an assortment of fruit wines. The Peaks of Otter Winery boasts fun flavors like Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Cherry Bomb, and Kiss the Devil – the spiciest wine in Virginia!
What makes Peaks of Otter a bucket list destination is a natural beauty and remote nature of the area. Although it is less than an hour away from the larger communities of Roanoke and Lynchburg, the surrounding forest creates an element of seclusion making it a perfect getaway.
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Colonial Williamsburg
With its colonial-era architecture and history, Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most unique and interesting destinations for your Virginia bucket list. As the largest living history museum in the United States, it’s also one of the best places for people who love to interact with history, as it has many attractions in one small area.
Hundreds of renovated, historic buildings still stand from the colonial era of Williamsburg, Virginia, which served as the Commonwealth’s capital, and now houses the museum’s exhibits. Walk the grounds and learn about the past from historical reenactors who will teach you about the period firsthand.
Colonial Williamsburg also provides a variety of guided walking tours around its more than 300-acre property, each focusing on a different part of its heritage, as well as a few ghost tours. Although you can walk across the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, and the nearby College of William & Mary campus, for free, you will need to buy passes to access the majority of the historic buildings.
If you only have one day to enjoy the various things to do in Williamsburg, single-day tickets are available. Or, if you want to take your time wandering around all of the various stores and museums, you should consider a three-day pass. The Colonial Williamsburg website allows you to browse the different options as well as see their daily calendar of activities.
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Fort Monroe
One of the best unknown spots to visit in Virginia is Fort Monroe. It is located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and there is a ton to visit and see. First off, Fort Monroe is a National Monument.
If you are a history connoisseur, be sure to visit the old fort or the Casemate Museum. If not, no worries, you will find plenty of other activities including kayaking, wonderful beaches, picnic areas, campgrounds, and eateries. This place is definitely a hidden gem that is worth a visit.
Be sure to check out The Oozlefinch Beers and Blending, a wonderful brewery with fresh tasty beverages on tap. They have outdoor fire pits and regular food trucks. They also schedule live events.
Other foods and beverage establishments include The Paradise Ocean Club, which has plenty of fun outdoor activities to engage in. Grab a lounger by the ocean and have an adult beverage or join in a game of beach volleyball. The Deadrise is a favorite seafood restaurant for people who visit Fort Monroe and it is a can’t miss.
Fort Monroe hosts a regular Ghost Walk every October which books up quickly due to its popularity. This historical area has a ton of history which makes it a very interesting place to listen to tales of a ghostly manner. For more information about the haunted history of Fort Monroe check out this article.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most beautiful stretch of mountains near the east coast. When you look at the mountains from a distance, they actually appear blue, this happens from the isoprene gas released into the atmosphere which creates a haze making them look blue. You could drive the whole distance from the southern end of the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park but be warned it is 469 miles. The entire drive is filled with overlooks of the most amazing views, and some of the best hiking you can get in the area. If you don’t have time for the whole enchilada, visit the Peaks of Otter (near Bedford Virginia), and get some history and hiking on. Get to The Peaks of Otter Lodge early, and get your breakfast on.
The Mascarpone cheese stuffed French toast is to die for. The lodge is only open seasonally, so in winter it is closed, but during the spring and summer, it is a great start to your day. After you have gotten your fill, the visitor center is a great place to get an overview of the park and the history of the settlements dating back to 1766. There are 6 hiking trails, and all are worth the hike for some amazing views. Sharp Top Trail is only 3 miles round trip and is the most popular trail because the views at the top are simply amazing. Other hiking options are Elk Run Loop, Harkening Hill Loop Trail, Johnson Farm Trails, Flat Top Trail (1,600 ft elevation change), and finally Abbott Lake Trail.
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