30 Best Things To Do In Virginia, USA - Updated 2024

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 13 min read

Virginia is a stunning US state that features a long breathtaking Atlantic coastline. Its geographical reach stretches from the Chesapeake Bay to as far as the Appalachian Mountains. It is a modern paradise with historic roots, marvelous landmarks, and fascinating attractions. Some of the most iconic sites in Virginia are Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown settlement, and many others. While in Virginia, be sure to visit the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park, and marvel at the beauty of nature. If you are a certified sea lover, you will surely enjoy your time at Virginia Beach. If you want to know more about the state’s interesting history, visit the Virginia State Capitol. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of fantastic things to do in Virginia, USA. Feel free to browse below.

1. Pay a visit to the beautifully preserved national cemetery (from USD 55.0)

Virginia is a charming state with a rich heritage and a vibrant culture. If you are interested in learning about its history, you might like to book this fantastic Arlington Cemetery guided walking tour. You will get to witness the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns in the site and be toured to the different parts of the cemetery that are significant to Virginia’s heritage. Some of the areas in the Arlington Cemetery are dedicated to the USS Maine, John F. Kennedy, Audie Murphy, and others.

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Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

1740 reviews

2. Watch the sun set over Chesapeake Bay (from USD 68.0)

One of the many stunning natural wonders you can find in Virginia is the Chesapeake Bay. It is a paradise for sea lovers and people who like swimming in the pristine waters, basking in the warmth of the sun, and spending a day building sandcastles with their loved ones. Not to mention, the sunset at the Chesapeake Bay will take your breath away. Join this exciting tour and experience kayaking the coast of Virginia Beach and spot friendly bottlenose dolphins on the journey. You will also get to see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the iconic Cape Henry Lighthouse.

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Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours

Duration: 2 hours

329 reviews

3. Step back in time at the American Revolution Museum (from USD 28.0)

Situated within a short drive from the Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement is one of the most fascinating heritage sites in Virginia that you should check out when you come to the state. For a more convenient adventure, you might be interested in booking this Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum seven day pass which gives you access to this historic area in Virginia. This place features films that show the history of the area, exhibits and galleries, colonial spaces, and has interpreters that are pleased to be of assistance.

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Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum 7-Day Pass

Duration: 1 to 7 days

153 reviews

4. Get your adrenaline pumping at iFLY (from USD 83.0)

If you like extreme sports and you ever wonder how does it feel to fly up in the air, this exciting activity can show you how’s it like to fly. Give your adrenaline rush that extra as you book this fun package. This activity is ideal for everyone who is interested. It doesn’t require experience as it is guided by professional trainers. All you have to do is get into a wind tunnel and that’s it. Glide and fly to your heart’s content.

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Virginia Beach Indoor Skydiving with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

178 reviews

5. Take a walking food tour of Roanoke (from USD 70.0)

If you have never been to Roanoke, booking this tour package is the best way to explore the city’s vibrant culture and offerings. This tour package lasts for three hours. During this time, you will be toured to some of the city’s top restaurant and fantastic food shops. Some of them are Texas Tavern, Cedars Lebanese Restaurant, Hotel Roanoke, and others. Also, you will get to visit iconic landmarks and other hidden gems of the city.

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Roanoke Downtown Food and Cultural Tour

Duration: 3 hours

67 reviews

6. Explore animal exhibits and a dinosaur trail (from USD 22.0)

When you visit Williamsburg, you might like spending some quality time with your family at the Virginia Living Museum. This fascinating museum features charming animal exhibits in an indoor and outdoor setting. It houses more than 250 living animal species from birds to reptiles, mammals, fishes, and invertebrates. You can also find some endangered species here like red wolves and bald eagles. Plus, be sure to check out the outdoor Dinosaur Discovery Trail where you can see life-size dinosaur models and fossils.

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Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket

Duration: 2 to 6 hours

28 reviews

7. Hang out with friends at CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar


If you are thinking of a fantastic place to bring your friends for some bonding, dining, and drinking, you should start your engine and drive to Virginia Beach. Try CP Shuckers Cafe and Raw Bar. It is a charming seafood restaurant that is popular to tourists who like to try the city’s mouthwatering dishes. Plus, its laid back atmosphere is another reason to stay and enjoy the dining experience. Food in CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar is guaranteed fresh, flavorful, and is served in generous portions without emptying your wallet.

CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar

Address: 2407 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA

Website: CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 2am

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8. Plan a camping trip to Shenandoah National Park

2016-10-25 13 56 01 "North Entrance - Shenandoah National Park"
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Famartin used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Thinking of taking a break from the city tours and museum visits? For a change, you might want to try something that is not touristy. If you agree with the idea, why don’t you reconnect with nature, and invite your friends to a camping activity at the Shenandoah National Park? Located in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a fantastic place to go to if you wish to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax for a while. It features breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, serene forestry, and other delightful natural wonders. It also has safe hiking routes that you might like to try.

Shenandoah National Park

Address: Virginia, USA

Website: Shenandoah National Park

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9. Check out the fascinating history of Richmond National Battlefield Park


If you find yourself driving to Richmond, you might like to stop for a while and visit Richmond National Battlefields Park. It was a significant site during the revolutionary era. It has a fascinating history to tell. If you are interested in the culture and heritage of the cities that you visit, you will acquire important information and interesting facts about them at Richmond National Battlefield Park.

Richmond National Battlefield Parks

Address: 470 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA

Website: Richmond National Battlefield Parks

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)

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10. Put on your dancing shoes at Peabody's Nightclub


Do you like parties? Do you consider yourself a certified social butterfly and the life of the party? If so, Peabody’s Nightclub is an excellent party destination that you should not miss when you visit Virginia Beach. Featuring live music that will make you dance to the beat, Peabody’s Nightclub serves excellent food, premium drinks, and a fantastic night that you will never forget.

Peabody's Nightclub

Address: 209 21st St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA

Website: Peabody’s Nightclub

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 7pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Wed)

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11. Indulge in a pamper sesh at Spa World


Do you feel your body starting to take a toll on you after days of city walks and sightseeing? Pause for a while and give yourself a treat of relaxation at Spa World in Centreville. This stunning, tastefully furnished spa offers services that will make your body rejuvenated and your heart cries happy tears. From Shiatsu and reflexology massages to facial cares, waxing, and other services, you will be getting your much-needed rest in Spa World.

Spa World

Address: 13830 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20121, USA

Website: Spa World

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Tip from Trip101 local expert

John

John
Virginia

If you are feeling sore and are in the mood to treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience, then Spa World in Centreville is the perfect location to relax and ease your sore muscles. When you visit you will head into a gender-specific changing room before heading into one of the massive spaces with extensive hot tubs with water features and pressurized water jets to begin to loosen your sore muscles. Once you are done relaxing in the hot pool, you can head into one of the multiple saunas, hot rock, or freezer rooms so continue to ease your muscles. When I am feeling extra sore, I also book a massage and head up into one of the private rooms for the perfect massage. A visit to Spa World will definitely make you feel renewed and being open 24/7, you can visit as early or late as you wish!

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12. Catch a flick at AMC Hoffman Center 22


Been waiting for the next Marvel movie or a Nicholas Sparks novel turned movie? Check out the AMC Hoffman Center 22 and see the list of movies that they are showing. They feature updated and in-demand movies that you will surely enjoy in a comfortable and convenient setting. The place is clean, the movies are great, and snacks are available. So, visit now and enjoy watching your favorite movie at AMC Hoffman Center 22.

AMC Hoffman Center 22

Address: 206 Swamp Fox Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

Website: AMC Hoffman Center 22

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13. Window shop at Tysons Corner Center


Thinking of a place to relax and have fun one boring afternoon in Tysons? Visit the Tysons Corner Center. It is a massive modern city mall within a short drive from Washington DC. Featuring global retail brands, you might break your bank by shopping for yourself and for your family. It also has lots of excellent restaurants that you can choose from. Aside from that, it has recreational areas for the whole family to enjoy.

Tysons Corner Center

Address: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA 22102, USA

Website: Tysons Corner Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

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14. Visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg (from USD 107.0)

Been dreaming of visiting the Busch Garden Williamsburg but don’t want to experience the long queue? If so, you might like to check out this Busch Gardens Williamsburg admission ticket. Through this purchase online, you will get to skip the long line and have quick access to the fantastic theme park and get to enjoy as many thrilling rides as you can. Surprise your family with tickets, and together make lasting memories at the Busch Garden Williamsburg. This is a delightful vacation experience after days of sightseeing and city walks.

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 day

15. Face the ghosts of Williamsburg’s past (from USD 30.0)

If you have a certain fascination for ghost stories and scary stuff does not bother you at all, test your self by booking this thrilling hour-long ghost tour of Williamsburg, Virginia. You will get to visit and explore the allegedly haunted College of William and Mary campus and other centuries-old sites in Colonial Williamsburg while a professional guide narrates real-life horror stories that take place in these spots. Plus, the tour is during the night which makes it even scarier. This is an activity that is not for the faint-hearted.

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Colonial Ghosts Tour By US Ghost Adventures

Duration: 1 hour

414 reviews

16. Enjoy a family day out at Water Country USA (from USD 60.0)

If you want to take a break from days of museum visits and city tours, you might treat your family a wonderful day at the Water Country USA. The Water Country USA is a vast waterpark in Virginia that kids and kids at heart will surely love. It features thrilling rides and marvelous rides that vary from easy to extreme. Play in the water all day, take lots of pictures, and enjoy a wonderful family day at the Water Country USA. Your kids will surely be thanking you for this treat afterward.

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Water Country USA Water Park in Williamsburg, Virginia

Duration: 4 hours

82 reviews

17. Listen to the tales of the 1880's historic Tobacco Warehouse District (from USD 45.0)

Interested in a city tour where you can learn about Virginia’s culture and rich heritage. If so, you might want to check out this fantastic historic Warehouse District tour. You will be taught and showed the ropes of the tobacco industry through a training session at a tobacco site. Also, you will be brought to an iconic 1880s historic Tobacco Warehouse where you can take lots of souvenir pictures and learn more knowledge about the city’s tobacco industry.

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Tobacco, Textiles & Trains - Historic Warehouse District Tour

Duration: 2 hours

18. Check out the popular historical landmarks on a city tour (from USD 38.0)

If you want to go on a city tour and visit some of the most iconic landmarks in Richmond but are clueless about getting around the state, this convenient historic landmark trolley tour might pique your interest. Along with other tourists, explore this charming old city in Virginia and get to see some of its most significant sites in history including the Monument Avenue, the State Capitol, the St. John Church, and more. This tour package lasts for two hours. A professional tour guide, a driver, and a comfortable service vehicle are included in the tour package for a more delightful experience.

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Richmond Historic Landmark Trolley 2-Hour Tour

Duration: 2 hours

19 reviews

19. Get to know Williamsburg’s craft alcohol scene (from USD 81.0)

If you love learning about the culture and heritage of the cities you visit, this fantastic Williamsburg craft alcohol tasting tour package might pique your interest. It lets you have a glimpse of Virginia’s craft alcohol scene, which is one of its many thriving industries. Through this tour package, you will get to visit top distilleries, breweries, a meadery, and other charming sites. This tour package lasts for three and a half hours and perfect for big beer and alcoholic beverages lovers. Guests will get to meet local brewers and get a chance to ask them about their craft. You might learn a lot through this tour package, especially if you are interested in the brewing industry.

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Williamsburg Craft Alcohol Tasting Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

20. Experience a horse and carriage ride at Fredericksburg (from USD 18.0)

experience a horse and carriage ride at fredericksburg
Source: www.viator.com

Do you find horses the friendliest of animals on the planet? Do you like horseback riding? If so, you might enjoy this historical horse and carriage tour package of Fredricksburg, Virginia. This tour package lets you explore the historIc Fredericksburg while on a charming carriage. You will get to visit iconic landmarks such as Rising Sun Tavern and Market Square. Plus, accompanied by a professional guide, you will get to know important facts about the city’s rich heritage and fascinating culture.

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Public Group Carriage Tour

Duration: 45 minutes

21. Take a tour of some of Charlottesville’s best restaurants (from USD 62.0)

Are you done with the sights and the sounds of Virginia? Well, you might want to move into its eats. If you like the idea, check out this exciting Charlottesville food tour. This three-hour tour package will bring you to some of the most visited-restaurants in Charlottesville. You will be spending time gorging on delicious and flavorful dishes from chicken and salmon dishes to cheese and dairy products to beers and ciders, and a lot more. Not only that, but you will also be acquiring knowledge of the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the city that you could use when you go back to it in the future.

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Taste of Charlottesville Food Tour

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

22. Visit the family-friendly Hunt Club Petting Farm (from USD 7.0)

Thinking of a fun thing to do with your family? If so, why don’t you enjoy a day at the Hunt Club Farm Petting Farm? It is a fantastic destination that is popular to tourists traveling with their family. Watch your kids as they try to pet-friendly animals such as chickens, goats, pigs, llamas, donkeys, and other domesticated animals. This is a fun-filled place for the kids and kids at heart. Plus, there is a farm market where you can buy snacks and drinks for when you get hungry from all the petting and fun.

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Skip the Line: Hunt Club Farm Petting Farm Ticket

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

23. Discover central Virginia’s Civil War past on this tour (from USD 114.0)

Whether you are a regular Tom or a scholar interested in Virginia’s history, especially during the war era, you might be interested in spending half a day on a private Civil War history tour through this fantastic tour package. This tour is facilitated by Rick Brittin, an acclaimed historian that has received numerous awards in his field of work. Some of the places that you will get to visit during the tour are Rio Hill, Albemarle County, Charlottesville General Hospital, University of Virginia, and other historic sites.

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Charlottesville Civil War History Private Half-Day Tour

Duration: 3 hours

2 reviews

24. Zip through the treetop canopy at Empower Adventures Middleburg (from USD 149.0)

zip through the treetop canopy at empower adventures middleburg
Source: www.viator.com

Do you enjoy extreme sports and you like team-building activities? If so, you might enjoy a day at the Empower Adventures Middleburg. This is like a huge playground surrounded by lush greeneries and adorned with lovely natural views. This is a fun event for families or a group of friends. Conquer your fear of heights through the ziplines. Experience flying while marveling at the beauty of the surroundings at this delightful attraction.

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Treetop Zip Tour

Duration: 2 hours

25. Embark on an educational cruise

embark on an educational cruise
Source: www.viator.com

If you’re Norfolk bound for your Virginia adventure, you might like to join this fantastic two-hour Victory Rover naval cruise. Through this tour package, you will have a glimpse of the history of the naval fleet of Virginia. You will get to pass by the stunning Elizabeth River and Hamptons Road Harbor. You will be able to marvel at the beauty of the sights and natural wonders while acquiring interesting facts and knowledge of Virginia’s heritage. Plus, you can take as many souvenir pictures of the Atlantic Fleet destroyers, guided missile cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers, and other fascinating war-craft.

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2-Hour Victory Rover Naval Cruise

26. Solve the mysteries at The British Are Coming Escape Room (from USD 25.0)

solve the mysteries at the british are coming escape room
Source: www.viator.com

Traveling to Virginia with your friends? If you want a fantastic activity that you will all get to enjoy, and have your minds exercised, you might be interested in visiting the British Are Coming Escape Room. Featuring different themed rooms, travel back in time and search for clues and solve riddles to escape a challenging room. This is a fun activity for team building or reunions.

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"The British Are Coming" Escape Room

27. Book a ticket to Mary Washington House

Have you been following the story of the life of George Washington? If so, you might be interested in visiting the place where his mother lived during his final days on earth. Located in Fredericksburg, this 17th-century home was gifted by the late president for his mother. In the house, you will see rooms, preserved photographs, and other objects that once belonged to Mrs. Washington and her family.

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Mary Washington House General Admission Ticket

Duration: 30 minutes

28. Learn about the historic tavern built by George Washington’s brother (from USD 7.0)

If you want to visit the historic tavern built by George Washington’s brother in Fredericksburg, purchase this fantastic package. You will get to witness a charming 18th-century tavern with vintage furniture, old photographs, and valuable documents. Through booking online, you will be able to skip the long queues. Plus, you can pick the best schedule for your visit.

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Rising Sun Tavern General Admission Ticket

Duration: 30 minutes

29. Enjoy the immersive experience and period costumes (from USD 7.0)

Another fun way to discover’s vibrant culture and charming past, buy this Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop general admission ticket. Featuring a fascinating colonial-inspired pre-revolutionary building, this fantastic attraction is a museum and shop that houses galleries, exhibits, and valuable objects that are related to colonial medical history. Learn about the past and know how the locals used to treat some of the most severe illnesses and injuries through this tour.

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Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop General Admission Ticket

Duration: 30 minutes

30. Sail along the scenic Elizabeth River on a dinner cruise (from USD 105.0)

If you like scenic tours, amp up the experience by having a city tour while on a charming cruise ship. Marvel at the beauty of Elizabeth River and its views and enjoy three hours of socialization, making friends, and partying. This tour package lasts for three hours. Included in the package are a fantastic dinner, entertainment onboard, and a memorable experience, in general. Expect lots of games and dancing throughout the night. Book this tour package alone or with your best friend and experience a delightful party like no other.

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Spirit of Norfolk Signature Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River

Duration: 2 hours

154 reviews

Stunning Virginia

Virginia is a fascinating US state that is popular among tourists. Its rich heritage and vibrant culture make it an ideal vacation spot. It is a modern state with a perfect balance of skyscrapers and natural wonders. It also has lots of interesting museums, marvelous landmarks, and well-visited attractions. If you are planning a vacation to this side of the United States any time soon, book a charming cabin rental stay, find the best things to do in Virginia, and plan a suitable itinerary. May you have a delightful adventure ahead!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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