What is a Landmark?
From historic sites dating back to the Revolutionary War to awe inspiring vistas of forested mountains, Virginia has a wide variety of popular landmarks. An RV trip through Virginia is a great way to see some of these famous places, and we’ve got 10 great landmarks for you to explore!
What are Some Famous Landmarks in Virginia?
- Shenandoah National Park
2. Mount Vernon
3. Arlington National Cemetery
4. Colonial Williamsburg
5. Luray Caverns
6. Booker T. Washington Monument
7. Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
8. Manassas National Battlefield
9. First Landing State Park
10. Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement
Virginia Landmarks
We’re not even scratching the surface with all the fantastic Virginia landmarks you can visit. But here are 10 famous landmarks to start with!
1. Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is one of the great natural landmarks in Virginia. Running along the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park offers adventurers over 500 miles of trails, including over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can spend their days hiking, biking, and exploring the beautiful scenery of the park such as waterfalls, forests, and mountains peaks. Be sure to check out Skyline Drive, which runs through the park and shows off some of the best vistas.
Things to do near Shenandoah National Park: Washington DC is only a few hours away. If you’d rather stay outdoors, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is nearby. We’ve got plenty of nearby RVshare rentals for you to explore with.
2. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is the historic home of the first president of the United States, George Washington. Visitors can tour the home and grounds of George and Martha and learn about their lives. Situated on the Potomac River, Mount Vernon has all sorts of exhibits that visitors can explore besides the home itself. This includes a museum and education center, the Slave Memorial, the burial site of George and Martha, and a working farm complete with costumed reenactors.
Things to do near Mount Vernon: You’re just south of Alexandria, Virginia and across the river from Maryland, where you can visit Fort Washington Park. Washington DC is also a short drive away.
3. Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is the largest cavern in the eastern U.S. and is quite a sight to see! The caverns are full of incredible mud flows, stalactites, and stalagmites for visitors to view. It’s known for the famous Dream Lake, The Saracen’s Tent, and The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Visitors can take the lighted, paved pathways underground to see the caves and stone formations, then head back above ground to visit the Car & Carriage Museum and the Shenandoah Heritage Village.
Things to do near Luray Caverns: Be sure to stop by Shenandoah National Park and visit the Blue Ridge Parkway, both which are nearby. And we’ve got you covered with RV rentals in the area.
4. Arlington National Cemetery
Just across the Potomac River from Washington DC lies the famous military cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery was established during the Civil War, and U.S. service members have been buried here ever since, along with reinterred dead from earlier conflicts and wars. Arlington National Cemetery includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument for the deceased U.S. service members whose remains haven’t been identified. You can watch the changing of the guard at the monument throughout the day while the cemetery is open.
Things to do near Arlington National Cemetery: Washington DC is across the Arlington Memorial Bridge, and both Mount Vernon and the Pentagon are nearby, making this a great stop for anyone interested in military history.
5. Colonial Williamsburg
Want to know what life in America was like during the 1700s? Stop by Colonial Williamsburg, which is the world’s largest living history museum. This historic learning experience provides visitors over 300 acres of recreated or restored historic buildings and costumed reenactors that give tours and demonstrations of life during the 18th century. It’s the perfect place to take kids and make learning fun and interactive.
Things to do near Colonial Williamsburg: Explore the non-historic part of the city of Williamsburg with our local’s guide. You can also visit Virginia Beach which is only about an hour away, and head over to Washington DC or Shenandoah National Park.
6. Booker T. Washington Monument
The Booker T. Washington Monument is a national monument located in Franklin County, and the birthplace of Booker T. Washington – renowned educator, author, and Black American leader. This national monument is located on the farm where Booker T. Washington was born a slave and lived until after the Civil War, where he went on to found Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The park provides education on slavery during the 1850s and teaches visitors about Dr. Washington’s life, historical contributions, and achievements.
Things to do near Booker T. Washington Monument: This national monument is close to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. It’s also not far from Roanoke and a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
7. Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
The Cumberland Gap is a pass through the Cumberland Mountains and was an important passageway to the western United States in early America. Used for years by Native Americans and later by Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone, the Cumberland Gap was the gateway to the west. Visitors can drive the 4-mile long road to Pinnacle Overlook or hike the 85 miles of trails through the forested park. There are also guided ranger tours and hikes.
Things to do near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park: There’s plenty to do in the park itself, and Daniel Boone National Forest is nearby. The closest city is Knoxville, Tennessee. Here are some great RV rentals in the area.
8. Manassas National Battlefield
History buffs can check out Manassas National Battlefield, the first major land battle of the Civil War. This national battlefield actually preserves the site of two major Civil War battles: the First Battle of Bull Run, also called the First Battle of Manassas, and the Second Battle of Bull Run or Second Battle of Manassas. Visitors can take walking tours of the park on the nature trails and visit the historic sites and visitor’s center to learn more about the battles.
Things to do near Manassas National Battlefield: History and military fans can head over to Arlington National Cemetery and Washington DC, which are both located just to the east of Manassas National Battlefield. You’re also not far from the Potomac River and Mount Vernon.
9. First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is the landing site of the English settlers who arrived in America in 1607 before heading to Jamestown. It’s Virginia’s oldest and most popular park, with over 19 miles of hiking trails and 1.5 miles of sandy beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. The park also has lagoons, cypress swamps, and maritime forests for outdoor lovers to explore. There are plenty of activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming to keep visitors active.
Things to do near First Landing State Park: You’re right outside Virginia Beach, which offers plenty to see and do. You can also visit Norfolk and Chesapeake, and it’s not too far from Williamsburg. You can check out our Virginia local guides for ideas on the best things to explore.
10. Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement
Visiting Jamestown in Virginia gives people two options to explore. You can walk through Historic Jamestowne which preserves the actual site of the Jamestown settlement and take archeology tours to see the ruins of the original town. Or head down the road and visit Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum with buildings recreated to replicate the original settlement and reenactors sharing how life was during the 1600s. You can also explore recreations of the 3 ships that brought the colonists to America.
Things to do near Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement: Aside from these two sites, you can easily explore Jamestown Island. Colonial Williamsburg is also nearby if you want to experience how life was like in the following century after Jamestown. Here are some local RV rentals for you to check out nearby.
Planning an RV Trip to Virginia
Virginia is full of historic U.S. landmarks, so be sure to pack a camera! If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with guides to some of the best state parks in Virginia, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
