Known as the state where countless presidents were born, Virginia is shrouded in rich US history, stunning natural landscapes, and endless entertainment opportunities. Aside from that, it is also incredibly popular with thousands of tourists each year. And for good reason, too!
There’s so much to do in Virginia that planning a worthwhile visit can be slightly overwhelming at times. You don’t want to miss out on experiences or landmarks if you truly want to visit them.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top tips on experiences to have and places to visit to make your trip to Virginia worthwhile. These tips are easy to follow, and should help you to experience all the state has to offer!
1. Consider Your Budget
Arguably one of the most important things you need to do while in Virginia is to consider your overall budget. Having a set budget will help you to narrow down the activities you can do whilst in the area, and will also point you in the direction of hotels that you can afford.
2. Think About Transport
Some of the main destinations in Virginia are placed quite far apart, so transport is a crucial part of making your trip worthwhile. If you choose more remote areas it may be more difficult and more time-consuming to move between destinations. But if you choose to visit a more central location, there will be more public transport links available for you.
If you’re traveling by car you’ll need to ensure that parking is available at each place you visit.
3. Find a Great Place to Stay
Much like its array of attractions, Virginia also has many stunning hotels for you to stay at if you want to extend your visit. Finding a secure location that offers a great view is not difficult to come by in this state, but it is essential to make the most of your trip.
If you want to know more about the best hotels in Virginia within your budget, you can check out a detailed guide that has got you completely covered, here: https://hotelsneardcmetro.com/hotels-near-arlington-va-metro-stations.
4. Immerse Yourself into History
While in Virginia, you should take every opportunity to immerse yourself into the rich history of the state to make your trip worthwhile. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you should consider visiting Arlington National Cemetery.
Spanning over an impressive 600 acres it is a true sight to behold. A sea of nondescript marble headstones and a melancholic atmosphere capture the sacrifices made by over 400,000 veterans (and their loving family members). The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is another necessary within the cemetery as you can pay homage to thousands of unnamed veterans. In summary, these graves showcase the rich history of not only the single state of Virginia but the rest of the US, too.
In addition to esteemed veterans, there are many famous faces from throughout US history buried within these sacred grounds, including President John F. Kennedy. At his graveside, you can also visit the everlasting flame vigil requested by his beloved wife, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Visiting this immaculately kept cemetery is a surefire way to honor their lives.
5. Embrace Nature
In Virginia, we’d recommend taking on some of the state’s most beautiful hiking and driving trails like that of Whiteoak Canyon, located in Shenandoah National Park. You are granted the opportunity to view some of the most beautiful waterfalls – varying from 35 to 86 feet in height – while walking at your own pace. You could also oversee the National Park by accessing the historic 105-mile Skyline Drive. It is a National Scenic Byway that traverses the entire park, granting you views of the Blue Ridge itself, and a wide range of animals including the white-tailed deer.
6. Try New Things
Trying out new experiences is an essential part of visiting any new area. And in Virginia, there are many opportunities for you to do so.
We’d recommend paying the fee to visit the unearthly underground system at Luray Caverns. An impressive landscape of limestone crystal formations, ceilings that are over 10 stories high, and amazing natural wonders at every turn make this a must-visit.
You can also visit the Luray Valley Museum which will guide you through the detailed history of the Shenandoah Valley, the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum which gives you access to over 75 historic vehicles throughout history or visit Toy Town Junction which displays an impressive collection of antique trains and toys.
You could also pay to visit Busch Gardens, a renowned and noteworthy adventure park in Virginia. With thrills suited to all ages and preferences, it’ll be a great, worthwhile day out for you and your whole family.
Final Say
There are many more things you can do while visiting Virginia, but these are our top picks to experience the full extent of what the state has to offer. If you do choose to visit, we hope you enjoy immersing yourself in the stunning culture and visiting great destinations!