The Assateague Island National Seashore is a protected region on a long barrier island off Maryland and Virginia's coasts. It is well-known for its Atlantic beaches as well as trails that wind through marshland, dunes, and pine woodland. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in the south is home to wild Chincoteague horses, bald eagles, and migrating seabirds.

Consider visiting Assateague Island National Seashore if you're seeking for family-friendly Virginia day outings. Assateague Island is a National Park that is located in both Maryland and Virginia. If you want to make this a longer excursion and camp at Assateague, you must visit the Maryland side of the park. Assateague Island is well renowned for the large number of wild horses that wander the park.

If you're just looking for a fun day at the National Seashore, the Virginia side of the park has enough to offer. If you plan on visiting during the summer, you can expect to encounter wild foals as well as wild horses. Swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are also options. When visiting the seashore during the winter months, you will still be able to view wild horses and may even be able to participate in some watersports. There are also hiking and bike trails, as well as walks along the beach. It is without a doubt one of the top day trips in Virginia for families.

Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, United States

Phone: +1 443-614-3547

Opening hours: open 24 hours

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 8,560 Google reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm

Monticello is one of the best day trips from Virginia. It's also one of the top day trips from Virginia for history aficionados. For those who are unfamiliar, Monticello was Thomas Jefferson's principal home and plantation, which he began designing at the age of 26 after inheriting land from his father. Thomas Jefferson was both a founding father and the third President of the United States. When visiting Monticello, keep in mind that it was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved people working on the property. If you go on a tour of the house, please be respectful of its past.

When you visit Monticello, you will notice that they make no attempt to conceal the plantation's tragic history. Instead, you will learn about slavery at the time and how Jefferson benefited greatly from this heinous institution. As you explore Monticello, you will be reminded that it was erected on the backs of enslaved peoples.

This is placed against the backdrop of learning about Jefferson and his family life while living in the house. It is frequently an eye-opening way to examine the history of one of the Founding Fathers. You'll learn how that history has shaped the United States of America as a whole.

Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

Phone: +1 434-984-9800

Opening hours: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 7,756 Google reviews

Website: https://www.monticello.org/

Luray Caverns, formerly known as Luray Cave, is a cave located just west of Luray, Virginia, in the United States. Visit Luray Caverns if you're seeking for one of the top day trips from Richmond. Since the cave system was discovered in 1878, the Luray Caverns have been a famous tourist attraction in Virginia. It is now one of Virginia's most popular attractions for those who desire to walk down into the depths of the state's underground cave systems. Speleothems such as columns, mud flows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools embellish the cavern system. Because it is so popular, you should plan ahead of time to purchase tickets, or have a flexible schedule so you can get tickets for whatever time slots are still available on the day of your visit.

The prices of the tickets vary depending on your age. The caverns also provide a variety of deals. The Luray Caverns are the largest in the Eastern United States, with some very beautiful underground rock formations. The walkways on the route are entirely paved and well-lit. You'll pass through a cavern room with a ten-story-high ceiling, optical illusion rooms, and layers of folded rock. It's named the Geologist Hall of Fame, and once you step inside, you'll understand why.

Address: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835, United States

Phone: +1 540-743-6551

Opening hours: 9AM–7PM

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 17,315 Google reviews

Website: http://www.luraycaverns.com/

Williamsburg, Virginia, was the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 and played an important part in the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg is one of Virginia's most interesting historical sites. It's also a great day excursion from Virginia Beach. A quick excursion to Colonial Williamsburg is a great way to get away from the sandy beaches. The World's Largest Living History Museum is located in Colonial Williamsburg. As you stroll around the Colonial town, you'll see reenactors dressed as individuals who once lived there.

It is a full-scale working village featuring a blacksmith, potter, baker, brickmaker, farms, and other stores typical of a Colonial town. Each one has a professional reenactor on hand to explain you about the process of making their goods and crafts during the Colonial period. There are other places where you may buy things that are created locally in town. There are also restaurants serving great period-appropriate cuisine, guided walking tours, and even guided ghost tours. It's one of the most interesting destinations to see in Virginia in a single day and a great day trip from Virginia Beach. It can be seen as one of the best day trips from Virginia.

Address: 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4565, Canada
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Rating: 4.5/5.0, 12,541 Tripadvisor reviews
Website: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/

Edgar Allan Poe lived in a few Southern places, one of which was Richmond, Virginia. The Poe Museum in Richmond can tell you more about Poe's life in Virginia. Poe began his literary career there, and he spent much of his time there writing. Although he moved to Baltimore near the end of his life before his strange death, Richmond was where he spent the most time.

The Richmond Poe Museum is one of numerous Poe Museums in the United States. The collection is what distinguishes it as one of the most interesting Virginia day trips. The Poe Museum in Richmond houses the world's biggest collection of Poe artifacts. Poe's boyhood bed, various articles of his clothing, and personal correspondence can all be found there. The Cornwell Daguerreotype, a renowned photograph of Poe, is also on display. A lock of Poe's hair can even be seen! The museum celebrates Poe's life and work by commemorating his accomplishments via photographs, antiques, and verse, with a focus on his many years in Richmond. It's one of the best day trips from Richmond and a fascinating way to learn about one of America's most famous authors.

Address: 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223, United States

Phone: +1 804-648-5523

Opening hours: 10AM–5PM

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 1,736 Google reviews

Website: https://poemuseum.org/

Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia among the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Skyline Drive traverses the length of the park, and a wide network of trails includes a piece of the Appalachian Trail. The park is mostly forested, including marshes, waterfalls, and steep peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. The Shenandoah Valley is home to several bird species, as well as deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear.

One of the best day trips from Northern Virginia is to Shenandoah National Park. You'll also be close to Charlottesville, making it an excellent option for day trips from there. It has one of the most magnificent settings in Virginia, with waterfalls, famous mountains, and gorgeous fields of wildflowers and grasses. Take Skyline Drive if you don't have much time on your Virginia day excursion. The Skyline Drive winds over Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, passing through Shenandoah National Park before meeting the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Skyline Drive allows you to stop in lovely Virginia tiny towns, admire the scenery at picturesque overlooks, and perhaps go hiking. It's one of Virginia's greatest National Parks. It easily welcomes millions of visitors throughout the year to experience its breathtaking views and scenery. Peak Season is one of the greatest seasons to visit. This is the time of year when the Shenandoah Valley's fall foliage is at its greatest. It's a gorgeous time to visit, but it may also be very crowded. So keep that in mind as you plan your travel through Shenandoah National Park.

Address: Virginia, United States

Phone: +1 540-999-3500

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 13,970 Google reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a 422-acre amusement park in James City County, Virginia, near Williamsburg. The park, which is about 60 miles northwest of Virginia Beach, was designed by Anheuser-Busch and is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Busch Gardens is a great day excursion from Richmond for families and adrenaline seekers alike. For those who are unfamiliar, Busch Gardens is a popular amusement park. Busch Gardens is also an excellent day trip option from Williamsburg.

There are a few Busch Gardens parks in the United States, one of which is in Virginia and has a European feel. As you walk from ride to ride, you'll feel as though you're in a beautiful European village. Many of the food sellers and souvenir businesses have European influences as well.

It is also one of Virginia's greatest day outings for families. The park has a variety of rides and exciting activities for children. There is also a waterpark, a petting zoo, and animal exhibitions around the park during the day. There is also enough to do for grownups. The amusement park throws an amazing Oktoberfest celebration every year.

It is also one of the few amusement parks in the United States where you may buy alcohol all day, every day of the year. Because Anheuser-Busch, the beer bottling corporation, owns the park. Busch Gardens is one of the top sites to see in Virginia in one day, regardless of your age.

Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States

Phone: +1 757-229-4386

Opening hours: 10AM–10PM

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 31,232 Google reviews

Website: https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, known for its beautiful splendor. The parkway, America's longest linear park, extends for 469 miles across 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If you live near Charlottesville and want to do something exciting, consider driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a road that runs from Virginia into North Carolina. It follows the Appalachian Mountains, namely the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Appalachian Mountain range. If you want to see some beautiful views, this is one of the best day trips from Charlottesville.

It's also a terrific spot to add to your list of day trips from Roanoke, depending on where you get on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are gorgeous overlooks, easy to challenging hiking paths, flowing waterfalls, and so much more along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Depending on how much time you have, you can even travel to North Carolina and drive the parkway before returning to Richmond. If you're not up for a more adventurous day excursion in Virginia, you can stop in some lovely tiny towns while driving the parkway.

Address: Virginia, United States

Phone: +1 828-348-3400

Rating: 4.9/5.0, 1,288 Facebook reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm

The Mill Mountain Star is one of Roanoke's most well-known sights. The Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, was built in 1949 at the summit of Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia, and is the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. It may be seen from 60 miles away and is located 1,045 feet above Roanoke. The Mill Mountain Star is located in Mill Mountain Park and is unquestionably one of the top things to do in Roanoke when visiting. It's also one of the best day trips from Virginia because it's not necessarily in the city core.

Because the Mill Mountain Star is located in a public park, there are other things to do nearby. You can go hiking in the park, and you'll need to do some hiking if you want to get up close to the Star. There is also a zoo, a playground, a Discovery Center, and a natural wildflower garden. It's one of the greatest day trips in Virginia for families, but it's also enjoyable for people of all ages.

Address: 2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24014, United States
Phone: +1 540-853-2000
Opening hours: 7AM–11PM
Rating: 4.8/5.0, 3,451 Google reviews
Website: https://www.playroanoke.com/parks-facilities/mill-mountain-park/

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are an administrative entity that combines two United States National Forests into one of the most extensive regions of public land in the Eastern United States. The woods cover 1.8 million acres of land in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains.

The George Washington National Forest is one of Virginia's greatest National Parks. It is also one of the greatest day trip alternatives from Richmond if you want to get away from the city. It's a favorite camping weekend retreat in Virginia, but it's also a great day trip in Virginia. Because of its proximity to Richmond, it is one of Virginia's most visited National Parks, so keep that in mind while planning your day trip. Depending on the season, there may be more people.

There are miles of hiking and bike paths throughout the park, as well as lakes and rivers. Swimming, kayaking, and boating are popular watersports in lakes and rivers throughout the summer months. Horseback riding is also permitted on select trails. Hang gliding is one of the most exciting activities to do in the National Forest. It's ideal for thrill seekers searching for a little extra shock of pleasure at the George Washington National Forest. Of course, the forest is beautiful in the fall, and you can still enjoy a variety of activities in the winter and spring.

Address: Millboro, VA 24460, United States

Phone: +1 540-265-5100

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 2,642 Google reviews

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/

Barboursville was once one of Virginia's finest and largest private estates. However, on Christmas Day 1884, a terrible fire blasted through the house, nearly destroying it. Barboursville has been preserved as ruins since that day in 1884 and is one of the top day trips from Charlottesville. What makes it unique is that it is the only known construction planned by Thomas Jefferson in Orange County, where it is located. Before and after his presidency, Thomas Jefferson was a renowned member of Virginia society.

The ruins are designated as National Historic Landmarks and are popular day getaways in Virginia for couples. That's because the ruins are now home to one of Virginia's top wineries. The Barboursville Winery was founded in 1976 and has since become a well-known winery among wine enthusiasts. The tasting room and tourist center are just a few feet away from the Barboursville Ruins.

On the grounds, you'll also discover a restaurant, which is ideal for one of Virginia's most romantic day outings. You and your spouse can spend the day visiting the historic gardens, tasting award-winning wines, and dining on delectable cuisine. You can also see 'Shakespeare in the Ruins' during the summer. The ruins of Barboursville serve as a platform for a local Shakespeare performance troupe. The play changes every year, so you can return for a new experience each year. The Barboursville ruins are without a doubt one of the best day trips in Virginia for couples, as well as one of the most romantic day trips in Virginia.

Address: Mansion Rd, Barboursville, VA 22923, United States

Phone: +1 540-832-3824

Opening hours: 10AM–5:30PM

Rating: 4.6/5.0, 207 Google reviews

Website: https://www.bbvwine.com/heritage

You must include a visit to Historic Jamestown and Yorktown on your itinerary of day trips from Williamsburg. You can drive about 30 minutes outside of Williamsburg and end up in Historic Jamestown or Yorktown, all of which are part of Virginia's 'Historic Triangle.' Because they are all so near together, we recommend making this a day trip from Williamsburg. Begin at Historic Jamestown, which was founded by European immigrants in 1607.

For those traveling from various European countries, Jamestown was the first permanent settlement in America. A living history museum, comparable to Colonial Williamsburg, but on a smaller size, can be found. There's also a rebuilt Native American village next to a Colonial fort where you can observe how Native Americans and European immigrants lived in the early 1600s.

Another similar site can be seen at Yorktown. Yorktown, on the other hand, was not founded until 1691, more than 80 years later. There will be some similarities, but also many differences, as generations learnt what worked and didn't work in the area. The town is most famous for being the site of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. The surrender of English General Cornwallis is supposed to have brought the American Revolution to a close. While in Yorktown, you can see the battlefield and the American Revolution Museum. One of the best day trips from Virginia is a tour to the two historic cities.

Address: 1368 Colonial Nat'l Historical Pkwy, Jamestown, VA 23081, United States

Phone: +1 757-856-1250

Opening hours: 9AM–4:30PM

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 3,239 Google reviews

Website: https://historicjamestowne.org/

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, formerly known as Harpers Ferry National Monument, spans three states: West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Depending on your interests, the various states provide a variety of experiences. The hiking paths and magnificent views along the Potomac River dominate the Maryland section. The park's area with some extremely cool old buildings is shared by West Virginia and Virginia. It's a wonderful option for day trips from Northern Virginia due to its proximity.

The National Historic Park, like so many other destinations to visit in Virginia in a single day, is rich in history. You'll see a historic village with 19th-century architecture and learn about life in a port town. There are living historical events, local artists, and other attractions. There are also hiking and bike routes, as well as watersports such as swimming, kayaking, and boating.

Keep in mind that when planning your journey, you may discover that the trailheads or places you have in mind are in either Maryland or West Virginia. In any case, it's still one of the most enjoyable day trips in Virginia.

Address: 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

Phone: +1 304-535-6029

Opening hours: 9AM–6PM

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 9,823 Google reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm

Consider a day at the Mariners' Museum and Park if you're seeking for intriguing day trips in Virginia for families. It's close to Virginia Beach, making it one of the greatest day trips from there. The Mariners' Museum is located in Newport News, just an hour inland, so you won't have to travel far to learn about Virginia's fascinating nautical heritage.

Throughout the museum, there are exhibits that will appeal to both the youngest and oldest members of the family. On certain days of the week, children can enjoy a maritime-themed storytime. They can also participate in hands-on exhibits, crafts, and other activities while learning about Virginia's maritime history.

There are also lots of more in-depth displays for the family's older members. The exhibition of Ship Models, which displays popular ship designs throughout the centuries, is one of the coolest parts of the museum. Mariners Park is a magnificent wooded paradise that is open to the public for free. Within the park, you can take a stroll along the famed Nolan Trail, appreciate wildlife, or have a picnic lunch at the Lions Bridge. The Mariners' Museum and Park are without a doubt one of the top family day outings in Virginia!

Address: 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606, United States

Phone: +1 757-596-2222

Opening hours: 9AM–5PM

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 2,431 Google reviews

Website: https://www.marinersmuseum.org/

The Cape Henry Lighthouses are a pair of lighthouses located at Cape Henry, a landform in Virginia that marks the southern entrance to Chesapeake Bay. The location has historically been significant for the vast volume of ocean-going shipping traffic for the harbors, rivers, and cargo to bay ports.

Lighthouses have acquired an almost romantic iconic image along the sandy coastlines of any coastal resort, thanks to popular novels. You and your sweetheart can spend the day exploring the historic lighthouse at Cape Henry if you're looking for some romantic day adventures in Virginia. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is only 15 minutes away from Virginia Beach, making it one of the greatest day trips from Virginia Beach for you and your spouse.

You can take a tour of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, climb to the top, and explore the grounds surrounding the lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country, having been commissioned by George Washington and built under the supervision of Alexander Hamilton. It was constructed at the site where European settlers first arrived before establishing the Jamestown colony. If you're looking for day vacations in Virginia for couples who enjoy history and the ocean, look no further. It's also one of the best day trips from Virginia.

Address: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459, United States

Phone: +1 757-422-9421

Opening hours: 10AM–5PM

Rating: 4.4/5.0, 1,519 Google reviews

Website: https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/cape-henry-lighthouse/