Exciting One-Day Outings to Immerse in Virginia Completely, Suggests Study
Underrated Day-Trips Offer Rich Experiences in Virginia
Virginia, the birthplace of the United States, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. While popular destinations like Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg often steal the spotlight, there are several underrated day-trip destinations that offer a diverse variety of activities and experiences.
Cape Charles, a charming fishing village on the Chesapeake Bay, boasts beautiful historic architecture and the Cape Charles Museum, showcasing local history. The Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve provides scenic natural walks, and the town offers a rich seafood dining scene and local craft beer.
Chincoteague Island and nearby Assateague Island offer unique coastal experiences, including boat tours, wildlife viewing (notably wild ponies), and sunset cruises, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor water activities.
McLean, just 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., is an underrated town with riverfront charm, abundant green spaces, and frequent community festivals. It also boasts historic connections and is suitable for combining nature, local culture, and a relaxed small-town atmosphere.
Abingdon and Bedford are small towns known for their authentic Southern hospitality, preserved historical sites, and cultural traditions, perfect for those interested in history and rural charm.
Stafford offers historical attractions such as George Washington's Ferry Farm and Gari Melchers Home & Studio, providing culturally rich experiences suitable for family weekend getaways close to the DC metro area.
Williamsburg, apart from its famous historical site, also offers museums, shopping, dining, farmers markets, seasonal ice skating, and historic theater shows, making it a destination that combines history with cultural activities.
Shenandoah National Park, a staple of the area since 1935, attracts a whopping 1.5 million people every year and offers stunning vista points through Skyline Drive. The park, which encompasses over 200,000 acres of land and has more than 500 miles of trails, has a $30 per-car entrance fee. Luray Caverns, 20 minutes from the park, is one of the largest cave systems in the U.S., 4 million centuries old, and features the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. Tickets for Luray Caverns are about $34 per adult and $18 per child, and are available every day of the year. The 1-acre Garden Maze at Luray Caverns features more than 1,500 evergreen hedges.
Virginia Beach, a seaside respite filled with natural beauty and manmade fun, is only 20 minutes from Norfolk. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk has earned 4.5 stars from about 8,000 reviews on Tripadvisor. Visitors at the Virginia Safari Park in Lexington can hand-feed giraffes at the Giraffe Tower, making it the only drive-through safari in the state of Virginia. The park features over 1,000 animals on a 3-mile drive and has admission of about $22 per child and $29 per adult.
Other notable destinations include Monticello, the former home of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers various tours, including the 45-minute family-friendly tour, the 45-minute highlights tour, and the 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour. Jamestown Settlement offers a sample of what Virginia was like in the 1600s. Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the final resting place for nearly half a million veterans, elected officials, and military personnel, including John F. Kennedy and John J. Pershing. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a highly esteemed site at Arlington National Cemetery.
These destinations stand out for blending history, nature, local food, and cultural events, allowing for varied and immersive day trips away from Virginia’s more crowded urban centers.
Travel guides should not miss mentioning the charming fishing village of Cape Charles on the Chesapeake Bay as an underrated day-trip destination, offering historic architecture, a museum, natural walks, and a vibrant seafood dining scene. For nature lovers and outdoor water activities, Travellers' luggage should include swimsuits and binoculars for Chincoteague Island and nearby Assateague Island, where visitors can enjoy boat tours, wildlife viewing, and sunset cruises.
