Residents of Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia frequently travel to Shenandoah National Park for a mountain retreat. The park, which offers access to more than 200,000 acres of hiking, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and beautiful drives, is reachable from the capital of the country in about two hours. Skyline Drive, a picturesque route that winds around the entirety of the park, is highly beloved by visitors. There are many scenic viewpoints along the 105-mile road. There are more than 500 miles of hiking trails available for you to explore when you're ready to get some exercise. The 9.4-mile Old Rag Circuit is a challenging track with rock scrambles that climbs to a stunning summit with views of the park and is frequently hiked by experienced hikers.

Take a stroll along a section of the Appalachian Trail for a short trip. Visitors to Shenandoah National Park can take a 2-mile roundtrip journey along the well-known trail, which winds through the park. There are several hotels and vacation homes close to Shenandoah, or you may save money by pitching a tent at one of the campgrounds. However, keep in mind that during the late fall and winter, certain neighborhood restaurants might operate just during certain hours or not at all. Bring your own supplies if you intend to stay for a weekend during these times. The entrance price to Shenandoah National Park is $30 per vehicle, and passes are good for seven days. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted in the park.

Location: encompasses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that depicts life in the 1700s, has come to be associated with Williamsburg. It is one of the best things to do in Virginia. Visitors with a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket have access to attractions like the American Indian Encampment, which explores the interactions between Native Americans and colonists, and the Randolph Kitchen and Yard, which provides information on the lives of slaves at Peyton Randolph's house. (Randolph served as the Continental Congress's president twice.) The location also features a wide range of trade demonstrations, such as weaving, tinsmithing, silversmithing, and milling.

The costumed actors who were dispersed throughout the museum and gave fascinating history were very well-liked by visitors. Even though there are a few restaurants on-site, you might find that Merchants Square is a better option for lunch if you want anything else than typical pub food. Mellow Mushroom and Baskin-Robbins are two family-friendly hangouts in the retail mall alongside more premium options. Drive approximately 10 miles southwest to Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement to discover more about Virginia's Colonial life after a relaxing night at the acclaimed Williamsburg Inn or Kingsmill Resort.

Location: Bounded by Francis, Waller, Nicholson, N. England, Lafayette, and Nassau Sts., Williamsburg, Virginia

Website: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/

Google rating: 4.6/5.0

Everyone may find something to enjoy in Alexandria, especially in the Old Town area. It is one of the best things to do in Virginia. Its location along the Potomac River provides charming waterfront dining options, including the highly rated Vola's Dockside Grill and Chart House, as well as a water taxi service that takes guests from Alexandria to Georgetown in Washington, D.C. For the abundance of boutiques there, shoppers should stroll King Street. Everything is available, including specialist shops, thrift stores, and high-end clothing stores. Heritage enthusiasts may appreciate strolling up to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, taking a self-guided tour down Duke Street to learn about the city's black history, or exploring the African American Heritage Trail.

Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a group of studios where artists both create and sell their work, or plan your visit to coincide with an art festival, like Art on the Avenue in the Del Ray area in October, to fully experience the city's vibrant art scene. At a neighborhood bar like Port City Brewing Company, Aslin Beer Co., or Lost Boy Cider, you may round off your day with a drink. If you want to be close to the action, reserve a hotel at The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection on King Street, or stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town for convenient access to the D.C. Metro train system.

Location: in the northern region of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.0

A stroll along Virginia Beach's boardwalk, according to previous visitors, is unbeatable. Beachgoers loved the plentiful dining options and the several monuments along the road, despite the numerous hotels and limited shopping. The beach is undoubtedly the area's main draw. While the water appeals to surfers, wave jumpers, and boogie boarders, a broad stretch of golden sand provides plenty of area for sunbathing or exercise (seaside yoga, anyone?). There's no doubt that families will want to spend their days at the beach, but if the kids need a respite from the heat, take them to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Kids can engage with animals at the touch pool, view the oyster reef in the aquarium, and witness sharks and seals here.

Visit the Military Aviation Museum as an alternative. Aircraft from World Wars I and II, as well as Army and Navy vessels, are on display in the museum. Additionally, there is an outdoor dinosaur park with a variety of ancient sculptures. Atlantic Avenue will be your best bet if you need to rest or eat. This main thoroughfare passes by the city's Oceanfront District and is lined with hotels and eateries.

Location: on the southeastern coast of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Website: https://www.virginiabeach.com/

TripAdvisor rating: 3.0/5.0

Visitors who enjoy museums will enjoy a trip to Virginia's state capital. The renowned Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the Children's Museum of Richmond, the Science Museum of Virginia, and the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design are all located in the city's Museum District, which is located about 5 miles northwest of downtown. It is also one of the best things to do in Virginia. There are several museums close by if you choose to stay at the Jefferson Hotel or Quirk Hotel, both of which are found downtown. The Virginia Holocaust Museum, the Poe Museum, and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia are all accessible by foot from the hotels. Check out Richmond's food and beer scenes in between visits to the museums.

No matter where you travel, you can eat a variety of foods, from barbeque and comfort foods to Japanese and Italian food. Spend some time outside if you go in the spring or summer. Due to Richmond's proximity to the James River, kayaking and paddleboarding are well-liked pastimes. If you'd like to stay on land, Belle Isle's hiking and biking trails are a hidden gem, according to most tourists.

Location: the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Website: https://www.rva.gov/

Busch Gardens is one of the best things to do in Virginia. This theme park is conveniently located to be included in your Williamsburg itinerary as it is only 5 miles southeast of Colonial Williamsburg. Every area of the park is modeled after a nation in Europe. Take a wild journey over the park's river in Scotland on the Loch Ness Monster coaster. On Turkish Delight from Festa Italia, spin around in teacups. Try the Griffon in France, which drops passengers 205 feet at the beginning before accelerating to 75 mph along the rails. Attend a performance of Irish traditional dancing. When you're hungry, go to Das Festhaus (famous for its German cuisine and beer), where you may eat while enjoying live music.

Later, you'll encounter black-faced sheep, Clydesdales, and Highland cows in the Highland Stables. With the Escape from Pompeii water ride, you may cool yourself in Italy, or you can visit Water Country USA nearby for water slides, pools, and lazy rivers. Tickets start at $90 per person, as they do at most theme parks, but you can save money by buying a combo ticket that is good for both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

Location: Williamsburg, Virginia

Website: https://buschgardens.com/tampa/

TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0

Arlington National Cemetery must be visited during a visit to Virginia. More than 14,000 veterans, some of whom served in the Civil War, are laid to rest in the cemetery, which is located in Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. The rows of recognizable white headstones are everywhere, but previous visitors advised taking the time to locate President John F. Kennedy's burial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which contains the unidentified remains of a World War I soldier. You can witness the well-known changing of the guard at this mausoleum.

Arlington National Cemetery Tours offers both a paid guided bus tour and a free self-guided cemetery walk. Use the free ANC Explorer app to navigate to a specific gravesite if you'd like. Due to the site's immense size, visitors appreciated the trip but noticed that there was a lot of ground to cover (it spans more than 600 acres). You can't go past the cemetery in a car. Fortunately, the Blue Line of Metro has a station specifically for the cemetery. Remember that Arlington National Cemetery is a functioning graveyard. Considering that up to 30 graves can be performed each weekday and eight on Saturdays, it is crucial to show respect when you go.

Address: 1 Memorial Ave., Fort Myer, VA 22211

Website: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

You'll find superb wine in Virginia because, contrary to popular belief, it is a great state for cultivating grapes. The state, which is split into eight different American Viticultural Areas, has more than 4,000 acres of vineyards. There is a wide selection of sparkling wines, rosés, reds, and whites (think riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon). In Virginia, common varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Viognier (the state grape). Plan your wine excursions around one of Virginia's ten areas to make the most of your time. The website of Virginia Wine offers guides. Try the wines at The Winery at Bull Run if you're going to be in Alexandria or Washington, D.C., and try the wines at The Winery at Bull Run.

It consistently receives praise from the Virginia Governor's Cup, the premier winemaking competition in Virginia. Travelers recommend Bluestone Vineyard as a must-visit location in the Shenandoah Valley for delicious wines and breathtaking views. Don't like wine? No issue. Many cideries may be found in the Shenandoah Valley (Sage Bird Ciderworks and Old Hill Cider are two favorites) and in the area of Charlottesville thanks to the state's numerous apple orchards (try Bold Rock or Castle Hill Cider).

There is an island located about 55 miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, that is primarily known for horses. Each side of Assateague Island, which spans the Maryland-Virginia state line, is home to a herd of wild ponies. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company looks after Virginia's herd of 150 ponies, which are housed at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The Pony Swim, an annual event held in July, is the most popular time to view the ponies. The Saltwater Cowboys transport the herd from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island, where the town of Chincoteague is located, for the purpose of holding an auction for the foals. The herd's population is reduced through the auction; some of the sold foals are even put back into the herd to live in the wild.

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which provides veterinary care for the ponies, benefits from the event's proceeds. Former horse enthusiasts reported that the event is a fantastic (albeit hectic) time to visit the island. Try hiking the almost 2-mile Woodland Trail or strolling down the refuge's Service Road if you want to see ponies away from the throng (but don't worry, the Service Road is closed to automobiles). Hotels and camping are available on Chincoteague Island, which is across the canal from the wildlife reserve. There are restaurants all along Maddox Boulevard, but be aware that many of them only offer takeout and have outdoor picnic tables.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/see-the-wild-horses-in-the-virginia-district.htm

Visitors to Alexandria can easily access George Washington's Mount Vernon. About 10 miles south of Old Town, along the lovely George Washington Memorial Parkway, is where the president's estate is located. You can tour George and Martha Washington's mansion as well as the estate's grounds, which also contain stables, four gardens, enslaved people's former homes, and a number of specialty structures, including a smokehouse and a blacksmith shop. Additional Washington-related exhibits can be seen in the nearby museum and education facility. Additionally, you can go to the graves of George and Martha here.

Consider signing up for one of the themed excursions if you want more information. The lives of the slaves who were made to work on the estate and the filming locations for "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" are also covered during the tours. To see the grounds and take a guided tour of the estate, you will need to purchase separate tickets. Nevertheless, past guests recommended seeing the house and grounds. Others urged upcoming tourists to set aside a day to see it all because many of them spent longer than three hours wandering. Visit the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant before you leave to sample some delectable Southern delicacies like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles.

Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Website: https://www.mountvernon.org/

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Luray Caverns, which are roughly 60 miles north of Charlottesville, have been dubbed "amazing," "must-see," and "beautiful" by previous tourists, among other adjectives. The system includes pristine bodies of water (Dream Lake reflects like a mirror), a stunning assortment of limestone stalactites and stalagmites, and chambers up to 47 feet tall. The Great Stalacpipe Organ, which plays music by tapping the rock formations, allows you to hear the caverns. Through the system, the 1.25-mile paved path winds. The caves have a step-free entrance; however, people who have mobility issues might need help navigating the path's hills.

After your exploration of the earth's interior, visit some of the local museums, including the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction, all of which are free with your cave entrance. In addition, you have the option of using the on-site ropes course or visiting Gem Sluice to find your own gemstones (each for an additional fee). The village of Luray, where you may find a few stores and restaurants, is just down the road from the caverns. Visit Baby Moons for a treat before exploring the caverns, and Gathering Grounds for sandwiches, salads, and pie afterward.

Address: 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA 22835

Website: https://luraycaverns.com/

Google rating: 4.7/5.0

The Natural Bridge, a 215-foot limestone chasm that resembles a bridge, is the most notable landmark of this little hamlet in south central Virginia. There are 7 miles of hiking trails at the state park nearby. The Monacan Indian Village, a recreated site where visitors can learn about the traditions and history of the Monacan people, is located along the roughly mile-long Cedar Creek Trail that runs beneath the bridge. Both the half-mile Skyline Trail and the three-mile Blue Ridge Trail provide fantastic views of the nearby mountains. The park also has a Children's Discovery Area where kids may play while learning about the environment. The Natural Bridge Caverns, which are next to the Natural Bridge, provide 45-minute tours that descend visitors 34 floors below the ground.

Dinosaur Kingdom II and the Natural Bridge Zoo are both located about a mile north of the Natural Bridge (a sculpture park featuring Civil War soldiers doing battle with prehistoric beasts). Tickets are required for entry to the park, zoo, caves, and Dino Kingdom II. The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center offers packages that include stay and admission to attractions. However, previous visitors had concerns about the hotel's old rooms and subpar service. However, if you belong to Wyndham Rewards, you can save money by using your points to reserve a night at this hotel. Alternately, make reservations at Shirley's Bed and Breakfast, Curio Collection by Hilton, or The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Both are located in Roanoke, roughly 45 miles south of Natural Bridge.

Address: 6477 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Despite being a small town, Queen City is brimming with charm. The American Shakespeare Center is located here, and its Blackfriars Playhouse is an exact replica of the Blackfriars Playhouse in London, which burned down in 1666. Shakespeare's plays are performed all year round, and the playhouse is open for visits. History buffs may want to stop by the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum to discover more about President Woodrow Wilson or the Frontier Culture Museum to witness what life was like for European colonists. Fans of witchcraft and wizardry should plan a trip for late September when the city will hold Queen City Mischief & Magic, an event with a "Harry Potter" theme.

During the weekend celebration, neighborhood stores and eateries offer specialized goods, and there are a variety of events like magic lessons with Hogwarts professors, quiz competitions, and meet-and-greets with costumed performers. After a night out, unwind with a beer from a nearby brewery. Redbeard Brewing Company, a fan favorite, produces a variety of beers, including lagers, IPAs, and stouts. Spend some money on dinner at Zynodoa, where they provide delectable Southern food that is constantly praised. Make sure you pronounce Staunton properly when you visit; the locals say "STAN-tun."

Location: at the crossroads of Interstates 81 and 64 in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.

Website:https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/

For families that enjoy the great outdoors, Great Falls Park in northern Virginia is a well-liked destination. Three viewing locations where you may take in Mather Gorge's thundering Potomac River waterfalls are located close to the park's entrance. The majority of the routes are rated easy to moderate, making them excellent choices for beginning hikers. Some of them may even handle strollers. Try the well-liked River Trail for a greater challenge if you and the kids want it. The southbound route boasts fantastic river views as it reaches the gorge's brink. The trail is roughly 1.5 miles long one way, with several rock scrambles. Take the North River Trail instead to get to Riverbend County Park.

This 1.5-mile one-way trail similarly follows the Potomac to the north. At the visitor center, you'll find bathrooms and seasonal water fountains. There are also tables and grassy spaces where people can have a picnic. Great Falls is situated in McLean, which is roughly 25 miles northwest of Alexandria and 15 miles north of Arlington. On weekends, the parking lot frequently gets full by 10 a.m. The park entry closes when the lot is full, and no street parking is permitted. Previous hikers advised arriving as early as possible to get a site and stay away from crowds. A $20 per car entrance fee is required to enter the park. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted at the park.

Address: 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102

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

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

The 117-acre Wolf Trap is a well-liked entertainment location and is the only national park devoted to the performing arts. Past visitors, many of whom returned, praised the Filene Center's architecture as well as the brilliant performers who take the stage there. Up to 7,000 spectators can be accommodated in the Filene Center pavilion. There are opera, concerts, and dance performances. Renée Fleming, Lindsey Stirling, Darius Rucker, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and Collision of Rhythm were among the performers. Visit Tysons Corner for dinner before the show. There are eateries in this upscale region of northern Virginia, to the southeast of Wolf Trap, to satisfy every taste and price range. After your evening is through, return to Tysons and check into the Ritz-Carlton or the Hyatt Regency for the night.

If you're traveling with kids, think about going to Wolf Trap's Theatre-in-the-Woods. Throughout the summer, the program airs kid-targeted programming at 10:30 a.m. on a regular basis. The event includes both a show and activities that families will enjoy. There are fees associated with each performance of every production at Wolf Trap. Visitors can enter the park for free all year round, even though performances only take place from May through September. The park is traversed by two easy-to-moderate paths that are 1.5 and 2.5 kilometers long. In the off-season, park rangers also conduct Filene Center backstage tours (October to April).

Address: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182

Website: https://www.wolftrap.org/

Google rating: 4.8/5.0