Best Places To Visit in Virginia
Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the southern United States, between the Atlantic coast and the Appalachian Mountains. Virginia places to visit always encourage travelers to extend their holiday for some more days as they will fall in love with tourist attractions of this amazing state.
Here is a list of top things to do and best places to visit in Virginia to make your tour memorable:
Abingdon
The Abingdon Town in southern West Virginia is the central hub for bars and theater. Being the longest-running professional theater in the US, it features a variety of performances all through the year. In addition to catching a show, travelers can sample local beer at will land explore the great outdoors since Abingdon is surrounded by the towering blue-rich mountains. No wonder it is one of the best places to see in Virginia all around the year.
Charlottesville
Home to the prestigious University of Virginia, Charlottesville is a fun getaway for wine lovers with rolling countryside and dozens of wineries and vineyards around the town. Travelers should also spend some time along the historic downtown mall and Thomas Jefferson’s warmer home. If you are searching for some of the unique places to visit in Virginia then come to Charlottesville.
Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague Island welcomes visitors with its scenic, serene and coastal beauty and its famous wild ponies. The Chincoteague national wildlife refuges the main attraction where you will spot waterfall in addition to the wild ponies. Other popular activities here include fishing and biking.
Jamestown
Outdoor events and historical attractions are the highlights of Jamestown. Jamestown Festival Park offers five miles of hiking and biking opportunities. While Jamestown settlement offers a look at seventeen sanctuaries in Virginia and the events that paved the way for the first permanent English settlements in America. Travelers should also pop into the town’s glass halls to see glass blowing demonstrations and pick up a glass-blown souvenir.
Mount Vernon
The iconic Mount Vernon is where you will find the plantation home of the first president of the United States George Washington. At Mount Vernon, you can walk to the mansion, enjoy a stroll through the gardens, stop in the museum and visit the family’s tomb. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Virginia where you can consider doing some natural photography.
Norfolk
A large naval base calls Norfolk home and as such the city pays homage to its military past and present. The science and technology museum is a well-known tourist attraction in Virginia among families and those who have a love for history. Another popular joint is its iconic exhibits and battleships where travelers can visit and see the bases massed with ships and aircraft.
Roanoke
Another city with the backdrop of the blue-rich mountain features cultural hotspots like art galleries, live music venues, museums and more. Chances are you will want to explore the scenery on a hike, on a bike, or from a water bike or a Kayak. If you prefer a long relax and drive, the blue-rich parkway allows you to view the landscape from the comfort of your vehicle.
Shenandoah National Park
An excellent place for a hike and picnic. Shenandoah National Park stretches across 200 thousand acres of protective land in northern Virginia. Skyline Drive is a popular way to see the fog. It’s next to the hills and valleys, offering beautiful vantage points and photography opportunities along the way from dozens of different overlooks. Visitors can also take part in ranger programs which cover everything from birds to meadows.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a historical and Family-friendly destination. Colonial Williamsburg transports travelers back in time to experience the 18thcentury’shistoric homes meanwhile the cities two amusement parks Busch Gardens and Water Country USA attracts families with kids looking for some outdoor fun. Williamsburg draws more than four million tourists every year.
Mt. TrashmorePark
This beautiful city park isn’t just named after trash, it is built out of trash. 640 thousand tons of trash to be exact. Up until 1971 the land that Mt. Trashmore sits on, was a city landfill that served local residents. Trash was funneled into an open trench at a cost of nearly 80 thousand dollars per year and the waste kept piling higher and higher so much so that the residents of Virginia Beach referred to the site as Mt. Trashmore. The government closed the landfill and converted into a city park the first of its kind on the east coast. Today Mt. Trashmore features two lakes, walking trails, a playground and a skate park. According to city officials, the park draws close to 900 thousand visitors per year.
The Grand Kugel
The Grand Kugel is situated at the Science museum of Virginia in Richmond. Kugel is the German word for ball or bullet, and a Kugel fountain typically features a granet sphere in the pedestal that is supported by a thin film of water. Pressurized water flowing between this sphere and socket allows the heavy sphere to be moved rather effortlessly. The grand kugel at the science museum of Virginia has held the genus world record of largest kugel since 2003.
The Markel Building
There is nothing particularly interesting about a commercial office building that is, unless its design was inspired by a baked potato wrapped in aluminum foil. ArchitectHaigh Jamgochian conceived the idea for the Markel building when he was served a baked potato at an American Institute of architect’s dinner. However, some people feel that the building has not aged well. In 2009 digital journal declared the Markel building to be one of the world’s ten ugliest buildings and many locals consider it an eyesore. It truly became one of a kind, after the only other building Jamgochian designed was demolished in 2005. The Markel building is now his single existing piece of work.
The ruins of Belle Isle
Just the name alone sounds adventurous. Belle Isle is a 540-acre island on the James River which was first explored by Captain John Smith in 1607. Walking around the island you will find the scattered remains of various industrial operations that took place between the 19th and 20th centuries. During the civil war, the island served as a prison camp for captured Union soldiers. The island has been a city park since 1973 and is now a popular recreational spot among local outdoor enthusiasts.
Virginia Zoo
The Virginia zoo is a shelter to more than 5700 exceptional animals representing over 100 fascinating species. It was founded in 1901. The zoo resides on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, and has demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world’s wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation actions at home and around the world. If you are looking for fun places to visit in Virginia with kids then come to Virgina Zoo.
Hermitage Museums and gardens
Established in 1764, the Hermitage Museum is the second-largest art museum in the world. The palace was built by Francesco BartolomeoRastrelli at the order of Catherine the Great. In 1771-87, Yuri Felten built the Great Hermitage. The Museum houses a collection of over 40 thousand items that spend 5 thousand years on the globe, the hermitage has been a museum for 75 years. Hermitage Museums ranked eighth among the most visited art museums in the world.
Valley falls state park
Valley falls state park is a 1,145-acre day-use facility cited along both banks of the Tygart valley river. The park is located at 720 valley falls road Fairmont and one of the best places to visit in West Virginia USA. It’s a great place for a family day. Peaceful area, serene mirror-smooth lake over the falls. There are many trails to hike which are well maintained.
Hawksbill Mountain
Hawksbill Mountain has an elevation of 4,050 ft. marking the border between Madison county and page county in Virginia. It is a great hike option for beginners with a stunning view thereby becoming one of the best tourist attractions of Virginia. The way up is pretty straight uphill so it may get tough but it is really short considering the view you get. It is the tallest peak in the Shenandoah National Park offering amazing views of spectacular landscapes.
What’s next waiting for you?
Whether you are looking for cool places to visit in Virginia beach or top places to visit near Virginia and Maryland, the above travel guide covers everything. Once you get to know what to do in Virginia, you can plan your journey with utmost enthusiasm. Check out our USA travel guide to know the best places to visit in the USA.
About Author: Feeba John is a proficient writer who shares her travel experiences through regular travel blogs.
