If you’ve never been to Virginia, you’re missing out. This state has a little bit of everything and is a great vacation spot. All that said, planning your first visit to Virginia can be a little bit overwhelming, thanks to the number of things there are to see and do.
A Virginia bucket list will help you keep track of the things you want to experience most during your visit. It allows you to see all of your options quickly and easily, and will help you plan further trips to the same place.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Appomattox Court House is the location of the surrender that ended the Civil War. Visit this national historical park to learn more about the events leading up to and on that fateful day in 1865. Along with the courthouse, you can wander through a 19th-century village and see what life was like then.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Sandy beaches, salt marshes, forests, and bays are all found at the beautiful Assateague Island National Seashore. Explore these areas, see wildlife (including wild horses!) up close, and escape into the beauty of this amazing area.
Blue Ridge Parkway
No trip to the East Coast is complete without a drive along the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you visit during the green, green summer or choose to admire the fall foliage instead, you’re sure to enjoy the wonderful views along this famous road.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Born a slave, Booker T. Washington led an incredible life. After the Civil War, this man became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School, which we know today as Tuskegee University. Later in life, Washington became an advisor, author, and philosopher. Visit his birthplace at the Booker T. Washington National Monument to learn more.
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
Shenandoah Valley has a rich history. Learn about the Native Americans who first called the land home, the pioneers who settled here to farm, and the many wars and other events that took place in this place at the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.
Colonial National Historical Park
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the colonial era, the Colonial National Historical Park is the place for you. Here, you can explore historic sites such as Historic Jamestown and the Yorktown Battlefield to immerse yourself in history and learn more.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap is considered the first gateway to the West. This region was traversed by an enormous number of people and was known in colonial history for being a key passageway through the mountains for settlers headed west. Today, you can enjoy scenery and wildlife.
Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe has served a variety of purposes since it was first built. It was a destination for Native Americans, served as a stop for Captain John Smith, and saw the first arrival of enslaved Africans. It also served as a haven for those seeking freedom during the Civil War and has been a bastion of defense for the Chesapeake Bay.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
The battlefield where the Civil War roared to a climax, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and the surrounding towns have some tragic and important stories to tell. Visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park to learn about these incredible stories.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Visit the place where George Washington was born to learn more about his family, his upbringing, and his background at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. See the family’s home as well as the land and many outbuildings on the estate.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a wonderful place to visit for nature and history. See beautiful historic buildings, hike a nature trail, and have a great time exploring this part of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to the advancement of civil rights, She helped create economic empowerment and educational opportunities for African American women during the Jim Crow era. Visit the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site to learn more.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
The plains of Manassas saw two Civil War battles. In July of 1861, this was the location of the first battle of the war. Then, in August of 1862, the armies fought here again. Learn about both of these battles at Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Petersburg National Battlefield
Petersburg was the site of the longest siege in American warfare and the location of a series of battles between June of 1864 and March of 1865. The events that happened here changed the course of history. Learn about them at the Petersburg National Battlefield.
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Serving as the capital of the Confederate States of America for most of the Civil War, Richmond is home to all kinds of important historic sites. Explore 13 of these sites, including the center of Confederate manufacturing and one of the South’s largest hospitals, when you visit the Richmond National Battlefield Park.
Shenandoah National Park
One of the most beautiful places on the east side of the country, Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and explore nature. Enjoy beautiful hiking trails, admire beautiful views, and watch for local wildlife at this national park.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has multiple amphitheaters where you can see performances throughout the summer months. From musicals and dance performances to opera and jazz concerts, you’re sure to find a show that suits your taste.
National Trails
Virginia is also home to a large number of national trails. These have important stories to share and gorgeous views to offer:
- Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail
- Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
- Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is one of the best living history museums in the country. Here, you can wander through a town straight out of Colonial times, entering the various shops and homes and even chatting with the people who live and work in the town.
Time Travel at Historic Jamestowne
Another fantastic place where you can step back in time is Historic Jamestowne. This living history experience puts you in the Jamestown settlement in the early 1600s. Learn about the people who lived here and the events that helped shape America as we know it today.
Learn at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was an incredibly important one in American history. Visiting the battlefield itself is an excellent way to learn about these events, but you can also check out the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This attraction is part traditional museum (with some impressive and engaging exhibits) and part living history museum, and it makes learning about history fun.
Relax at Virginia Beach
No trip to a coastal state is complete without a visit to the beach. Virginia Beach has a sandy beach, salt marsh habitats, and the largest estuary in the U.S.
Explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
When you visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, you can tour Jefferson’s home, see the slaves’ quarters, wander the grounds, and learn more about this Founding Father with a complicated legacy.
See George Washington’s Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is another excellent place to dive into the past. This estate is well marked for visitors, and the audio tour of the grounds is superb. Visitors can also tour the house, and the guides for these tours are incredibly knowledgeable.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington House
Overlooking Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of a number of famous political and military figures. They include John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. You can also find the well-guarded Tomb of the Unknown Soldier here, as well as the Arlington House, a place that housed Confederate general Robert E. Lee and also served as a planned community for freed slaves.
Admire the Natural Bridge of Virginia
The Natural Bridge of Virginia is a fascinating natural limestone formation. It stands over 200 feet tall and is a full 90 feet wide. It is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the country and is now a part of a state park that is worth exploring while you’re visiting.
Get Your Thrills at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg has a number of excellent roller coasters, along with top-notch family rides and kiddie attractions. You could easily fill an entire day here and still find more to do the next time you visit.
Shop in Carytown
Some of the best shopping and dining in the state can be found in Richmond’s Carytown. Often named the “home of culture” in the city and even the state, this is a must-visit place if you’re a fan of food and cool shops.
Cross the Boulevard Bridge
Once known as the “Nickel Bridge” because of the 5-cent toll charged to cross it, the Boulevard Bridge offers some incredible views of Richmond’s skyline and the Rocky River that runs under it. The fee to cross is now 50 cents, but these views are worth much more than that.
Photograph Church Hill
More great views of Richmond can be found on the popular Church Hill. Drive to the top of the hill and look down to take in views of the downtown area. Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the area while you’re there.
Wander the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This museum is widely regarded as one of the best in the state, and since its opening, it has hosted works by many famous artists, including Picasso. The collection here is large and includes a variety of art styles from many different time periods.
Check Out the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
One of the best aquariums in the United States, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is home to an enormous number of fish and other sea animals, and offers awesome experiences like swimming with seals and feeding sea turtles.
Stroll Maymont Park
The 100-acre Maymont Park was once a private estate. These days, the grounds are open to the public, and the beautiful historic Maymont House is fully furnished and operates as a museum. Besides the house, the grounds are also home to an adorable little zoo and Italian and Japanese gardens.
Discover Luray Caverns
Discovered way back in 1878, the Luray Caverns are the largest caverns in the country. On top of that, the “Stalacpipe Organ” in the cavern museum is touted as the world’s largest musical instrument. It uses 37 stalactites that were selected and tuned to produce musical tones.
Learn at the Military Aviation Museum
At the Military Aviation Museum you can learn all about aviation – including military aviation – while viewing their collection of military aircraft. Some planes even date back to the First World War.
Look Up at the Cape Henry Lighthouse
The Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be federally funded and was completed in 1792. The lighthouse is one of the oldest in the US. It has played an important role in helping thousands of ships traveling to Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and snap photos of it.
Dive Deep at Nauticus
Nauticus is a marine museum with a focus on marine science. The attraction first opened in 1994 and is home to a number of exhibits that help visitors better understand the maritime history of Virginia.
Meander through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great spot for an afternoon stroll. It covers 50 acres of land so there are plenty of places to wander and explore. The gardens were recently voted some of the best in the US.
There’s no denying the fact that Virginia has plenty to see and do. A Virginia RV rental lets you see everything you want, while still sleeping in a comfortable bed each night.
