10 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
Virginia is a state in the southeast of the United States with a long Atlantic coastline that stretches from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains. One of the original 13 colonies, it is home to famous historical sites like Thomas Jefferson’s Charlottesville plantation, Monticello. You can experience the recreated Colonial and Revolutionary-era life including the Jamestown settlement and Colonial Williamsburg at the museums of this place.
Top 10 best Places to Visit in Virginia
Virginia is a site to explore and is the most tourist destination in the entire United States. It was the first state to be colonized in 1607, during the American Revolution, Civil War, and the Civil Rights movement. As a result, you can find monuments, memorials, and museums practically anywhere you walk.
Several colonial cities among Virginia’s top tourist destinations are Charlottesville and Williamsburg, and the state also has stupendous scenery to enjoy with a rich history.
Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive
#1 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
Nestled in the attractive Shenandoah National Park in the north of the state, sure to please nature and outdoor lovers alike. Home to stunning scenery with nature, it is a joy to explore with epic hiking and ideas.
Its extensive forests cover part of the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains, glimpsing over both the Shenandoah Valley and the winding river protected and preserved since 1935.
Winding along the drift of the narrow garden is the lovely Skyline Drive, stretching 169 kilometers in altitude and featuring some amazing views.
The scenic park also has picturesque trails to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride, the Appalachian Trail being the most well-known of the lot, and excellent fishing, camping, and wildlife watching also on offer. This Shenandoah national park is one of the best in the country.
Colonial Williamsburg
#2 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
For such a historical town, Williamsburg is new in Virginia. It wasn’t until the 20th century. Now you can walk the exact steps that our Founding Fathers earlier accepted. Here, you can stand where Patrick Henry presented his inspirational speech, step the same lanes as Thomas Jefferson, and savor a feed where George Washington appreciated seafood dinners.
In Williamsburg, see yourself hiking alongside talented, costumed interpreters acting out their parts of some guys. The place is amazing though as some places like Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are living memorials to some of the best-known sculptures of our colonial history. Patrick Henry, George Washington, John Smith, Pocahontas, and more accept their due.
Williamsburg was Virginia’s capital from 1705 throughout the Revolution, and the last battle of the war was fought nearby, so it was a cradle of the independence movement, along with being one of the most successful and politically engaged colonial capitals.
Costumed interpreters show what life was the gentry, the farmers, and the slaves that lived and worked here, and frequent re-enactments add color and movement and make Williamsburg a fun place to visit for every age. For more stays, you can be viewed the inhabitants and ornamental craftworks, and dozens of authentically recreated colonial parks.
Virginia Beach
#3 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
With nearly 60 kilometers of sandy beaches with sunshine, Virginia Beach is no surprise to be a well-liked vacation spot. The scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline is at the chops of Chesapeake Bay, where you will get an incredible variety of attractions in addition to an expansive range of water activities.
Hotels and motels, as well as a seaside boardwalk studded with gift stores and seafood eateries, along the long, lovely beach. It features mini-golf, arcades, amusement rides, live entertainment, and a fantastic location for a stroll, bike ride, or skate. Ocean Breeze Waterpark and the Virginia Aquarium are also nearby.
The majority of visitors come for the beach or to go kayaking, surfing, or whale watching, even though it has some fantastic museums and galleries with beautiful hikes and nature at the nearby Black Bay National Wildlife Refuge, to all ages and interests.
Arlington National Cemetery
#4 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
The most famous Americans are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, which spans 600 acres. The Tomb of the Unidentified Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s burial receive the most visitors. Kennedy’s entombment is considerable by a slate gravestone wrapped in Cape Cod fieldstone, which also features an everlasting flame and carvings from his 1960 inaugural speech.
The white marble Tomb is guarded round-the-clock by an honor guard during the year for the Unidentified Soldier. Soldiers’ remains from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and World Wars are present.
The Marine Corps War Memorial at Iwo Jima, which features the Joseph Rosenthal photograph of five marines and one sailor presenting the flag on Mount Suribachi, is the third attraction tourists search for. Other noteworthy monuments include the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, an homage to all women serving in the US military, and the Seabees Memorial, which was sculpted by former Seabee Felix de Weldon who also made the Iwo Jima Memorial.
George Washington Parke Custis pitched Arlington cemetery in the earlier 1800s as a remembrance of his step-grandfather, George Washington. The house’s most notable claim to fame is that Robert E. Lee and his wife lived there for 30 years before leaving it during the Civil War.
During the American Civil War, Lee commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Now that it has been restored, the mansion serves as a memorial to him. The mausoleum of Pierre L’Enfant, who created Washington, D.C., is located close to the mansion. His original city plan is indelibly engraved in stone, and the location of his grave offers a stunning perspective of the city he designed.
The Battleship Maine’s mast is part of a monument honoring those who passed when the ship sank in Havana Harbor in 1898, sparking the Spanish-American War.
#5 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
With its picturesque, tranquil coastal scenery and renowned wild ponies, Chincoteague Island warmly welcomes guests. As the name implies, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is the main draw. In addition to the horses on the island, you may see birds and waterfowl here.
Avoid approaching, feeding, or touching these lovely creatures even if they may appear docile because they are still wild animals. The sports of fishing, boating, and riding are also very popular in Chincoteague.
Alexandria
#6 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
The metropolis of Alexandria discovered just south of Arlington and Washington, DC, is the residence of one of the best-preserved historic neighborhoods in the country. It was specified in 1749 on the western drift of the Potomac River and features scenic cobblestone lanes.
The Old Town’s stunning structures not only showcase early American architecture but also host boutiques and antique stores. There are numerous attractive old homes to see, as well as cafes and restaurants, scattered around its charming core. Among the most well-known are the majestic George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the ages-old Christ Church, both of which are National Historic Landmarks.
Alexandria is currently a very charming and enjoyable destination to visit, yet it was formerly the United States’ second-largest slave market. Both the Freedom House Museum and the Alexandria Black History Museum feature excellent exhibits on the history of the city, and visitors can learn more about this there.
Mount Vernon
#7 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
Mount Vernon served as George Washington’s home from 1754 until his death 45 years after it was always under construction with his control, even as he ruled the Continental Army throughout the Revolution. He paid close attention to the architectural layout, construction, and even the interior design of each restoration and expansion, culminating in the elegant 21-room plantation mansion you see today.
You might be shocked by the vibrant paint and wallpaper colors found throughout the home, but these hues were common in the late 18th century. Washington’s favorite was the bright green walls in the “New Room.” Unlike many historic residences, Mount Vernon is brimming with objects that belonged to George and Martha Washington, including family photos, crests, and furniture.
The first president took a personal interest in the planning and upkeep of the grounds and gardens that overlooked the vistas of the Potomac River. Compared to his predecessors, he made a less formal and more organic scheme, redesigning the lawns and walks and adding native trees and bushes.
You can frequently see protests of the various skills operated on the farm, including blacksmithing, plowing, sheep shearing, weaving, and even crushing seed at the water-powered gristmill. The facilities have been mended or reconstructed.
Richmond
#8 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
Since 1780, one of the oldest American cities has been the state capital of Virginia. It is replete with intriguing historical sites, many of which are associated with the American Civil War.
Along its charming alleys, which run along the banks of the James River, you can see the magnificent antebellum architecture, as well as the magnificent monuments, museums, and memorials that dot the region. Must-see sites include the beautiful St. John’s Church and the State Capitol. Patrick Henry famously made his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech here during the Revolutionary War.
Along with visiting one of the many American Civil War locations, visitors can also stop by one of the area’s artisan breweries or live music venues. Stunning riverfront walks and even white water rafting on the James River show that Richmond is unquestionably not stuck in the past. There is a tonne of fun and intriguing stuff you can see and do there
Monticello and Charlottesville
#9 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
Thomas Jefferson designed his Palladian palace, Monticello, after seeing a villa in Vicenza, Italy. It is one of the best and most well-liked presidential mansions in the United States. He labored to improve it between 1768 and 1809.
Several of Jefferson’s inventions are displayed throughout the house, showcasing yet another element of the complex man’s skills. The wide historic parks behind the residence place were also planned by Jefferson and are consigned to the grave in the household graveyard below that, under a monument.
The Landscape of Slavery: Mulberry Row at Monticello, a fascinating outdoor exhibit, provides insight into the lives of those who toiled and lived on the 5,000-acre plantation. More than 400 items are on exhibit at the Monticello Visitors Center, along with a preliminary movie and kid-friendly interactives.
An interesting outdoor exhibit called The Landscape of Slavery: Mulberry Row at Monticello gives insight into the lives of those who toiled and lived on the 5,000-acre plantation. The Monticello Visitors Center has more than 400 antiques on display, as well as an introduction film and kid-friendly interactives.
Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819 and built the red-brick campus buildings. Fans of Edgar Allan Poe can go to his room in the West Building but don’t forget to Observe the stunning Rotunda. The university’s art museum is home to a permanent collection of American, European, and Asian works of art.
Monticello is not far from Highland, the rural home of President James Monroe’s exquisite period gardens. The Michie Tavern, built during Jefferson’s presidency, offers meals in an environment reminiscent of the 18th century.
Norfolk
#10 Best Places to Visit in Virginia
The city of Norfolk is most known for housing the biggest naval installation in the world, but it is much more than that. Along its winding shoreline are renowned museums and lovely parks. Located in the southeast of the state, it is encircled by the cities of Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach and sits at the center of a sizable metropolis.
The city’s history has been shaped by the waters situated on the banks of the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay. It was a boisterous and unmanageable port city, but it now has several gleaming, cutting-edge museums. There are also some performing arts venues offering thrilling entertainment alternatives.
Conclusion
In the world, you will find a lot of places to visit and can explore the different natural sites and human-made things that are unbelievable. These are the best places to visit in Virginia and if you want to know about the best places in western Virginia then make sure to visit our official page and remember to share your views on this topic.
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