The Top 20 Things To Do In Virginia

The Yorktown Battlefield is where an important battle happened during the American Revolutionary War in 1781. This battle led to the British surrender and marked the end of the war.

Now, it's a significant place in Virginia, part of the Colonial National Historical Park. You can see monuments, weapons, and other historical things there. The battlefield shows a crucial time in American history and has a visitor center with exhibits, restored earthworks, cannons, and landmarks like Moore House.

First Landing State Park is the most-visited state park in Virginia where the first English settlers landed in America. The park is huge, covering over 2,800 acres, with a 1.5-mile beach and about 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.

The park has a mix of environments like beaches, lagoons, marshes, forests, and swamps, creating a diverse ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy various activities in VA's park such as hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, and camping.

Learn about the first English town in the United States at Historic Jamestown. This town, originally called James Fort, was established in 1607 on Jamestown Island.

You can find out about the current digging happening there and see the old remains and lots of ancient objects that have been dug up until now. You can also take a 5-mile driving tour with signs that explain things in Virginia and provide views around the island.

Water Country USA, the biggest waterpark in Virginia, has over a dozen exciting rides and attractions. You'll find everything from thrilling waterslides to wave pools and safe areas for younger kids to splash around.

Situated in Williamsburg, this park has plenty of dining and shopping choices, making it a favorite spot for families on day trips. To make things easy, you can buy your tickets online before you go for a smooth experience.

Shenandoah National Park, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a place with lots of animals, beautiful scenery, and chances to do outdoor activities. There's a scenic road called Skyline Drive that's 105 miles long and goes through the park.

Many hiking trails, covering hundreds of miles, take you to amazing views, waterfalls, protected natural areas, and historical sites. If you're looking for more things to do Virginia, you can try horseback riding, camping, and picnicking in the park.

Blenheim Vineyards is a family-owned winery found along the Monticello Wine Trail in Virginia. They are committed to crafting top-notch wines that capture the essence of the nearby piedmont landscape.

The winery has two vineyard sites where they grow chardonnay, viognier, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and cabernet sauvignon grapes. You're welcome to visit the winery on your own, whether you're exploring multiple wineries in a day or enjoying apple picking at a nearby orchard before making a stop at Blenheim.

If you are planning to visit Christ Church then you will have a chance to sit in the very pews where historical figures like George Washington and Robert E. Lee once attended worship.

Established in 1767, the church serves as a tangible connection to American history. The site's cemetery is also significant, honoring 34 Confederate prisoners of war who died in prison camps during the Civil War. The church includes the main worship area, upper-level galleries, a tower, and a cemetery.

Hunt Club Farm is a fun place for families to visit. They have cool stuff like pony rides and seasonal festivals with a farm theme. Bring your kids to the petting zoo, and after that, check out the farm market.

You'll find handmade gifts, plants, and seasonal items there. If you book your visit ahead of time, you can also enjoy on-site attractions like the playground and the aviary, where you can feed the parakeets.

Colonial Williamsburg lets you step back into the time of the American Revolution. Check out 18th-century homes and gardens to get a feel for colonial life, all while staying in the present day.

You can choose from guided, self-guided, or evening ghost tours that are suitable for both kids and adults. With a 1-day or multi-day pass, you can explore not only Colonial Williamsburg but also nearby attractions like Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, and Yorktown Battlefield.

Have fun at Kings Dominion, a top-notch amusement park, covering a vast 400 acres with rides, games, and attractions. For those seeking thrills, there are dozens of roller coasters and other exciting rides.

Kids can have a blast at Planet Snoopy, and during the summer, everyone can cool off at Soak City Waterpark. Whether you're into roller coasters, looking for rides for the little ones, interested in shows, or just want to take a dip in the water park, Kings Dominion has something for every amusement park lover.

If you're tired of the usual quiet museum experience, head to the Virginia Living Museum for a livelier visit. It's more like a zoo, showcasing native animals and plants through interactive and educational displays.

Get up close to endangered wildlife, touch live marine creatures, and take a journey through the region's ancient past on the Dinosaur Discovery Trail. There are lots of things to see Virginia's Living Museum.

Perched on a hill with a view of Alexandria, the impressive George Washington Masonic National Memorial pays tribute to the first U.S. president and the history of the Freemasons.

This neoclassical, 9-story building, along with its museum, narrates the tale of George Washington and the significant contributions made by his Freemason fraternity to the United States. Explore this remarkable landmark dedicated to Washington and discover the role Freemasonry played in his life through a guided tour.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, also known as part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport, opened in 2003. It has about 760,000 square feet of space for displaying and storing items.

The museum showcases things from the main museum in Washington DC's National Mall. People who are interested in air and space exploration can visit and check out the cool collection, including the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar.

Old Town Alexandria sits by the Potomac River, featuring charming 18th-century vibes with modern comforts like brick sidewalks, historic buildings, restaurants, and boutiques.

It's a must-visit for anyone exploring the US capital. In Old Town, you can eat in the same places as George Washington and browse a farmers market where his family used to sell produce. King Street is filled with unique shops and delicious food spots, and there are also outdoor restaurants along the river.

In 1819, Thomas Jefferson established the University of Virginia to encourage discussion, collaboration, and enlightenment through advanced education.

Now recognized as a "public Ivy," the UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the top schools in the nation, hosting around 25,000 students. Throughout the year, free guided tours of the Lawn and the Rotunda provide insights into the early experiences of students and faculty, allowing visitors to grasp the university's historical atmosphere.

Explore the house where George Washington's mom, Mary Washington, lived for the last 17 years of her life. Dressed in period clothing, knowledgeable guides will welcome you to this 18th-century house.

Visit the original kitchen, the guest room where George Washington slept, and wander through the gardens to experience the history firsthand. It is part of the Washington Heritage Museums, and you can easily walk to other nearby sites, including the Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James' House.

Explore the nation's first hospital for people with mental health issues and discover how mental illness was treated in early American history at the Public Hospital of 1773. This building is in Colonial Williamsburg, and it has exhibition areas, galleries, and historical items.

The hospital started in 1773 and became a museum in 1985. On the first floor of the east wing, there are six exhibition areas that display the different treatments used throughout the years.

There are many things to do in Virginia State's American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Travel back to America's colonial times to discover the country's beginnings. This museum delves into the early history of the United States where the last significant battle of the American Revolutionary War took place.

The museum has two parts: one is a large exhibition space filled with artifacts and multimedia displays, and the other is an engaging living history area. Besides, it's a beautiful place to visit and learn about the American Revolution.

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, located in Colonial Williamsburg, is a National Historic Landmark. Originally built in 1674 and reconstructed in 1715, it's a well-preserved example of colonial religious architecture.

Explore it on a guided tour for historical insights or take a self-guided tour of the Bruton Parish Churchyard to see ancient tombs dating back to the 17th century. Don't miss the chance to enjoy concerts held in this active church.

Step into military and maritime history by boarding the USS Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships ever made. Having played a role in three wars, the "Wisky" now stands as a floating museum, stationed near the Nauticus Maritime Center in Norfolk.

Discover the ship's stories on the main and two upper decks, where you can explore Virginia things to see like massive gun turrets, the radio room, sailors' bunks, the surgery room, the brig, and more.