Why Everyone Should Visit Virginia at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Nestled just under two hours southwest of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers a breath of fresh mountain air that feels worlds apart from the urban bustle. Skyline Drive, the park’s famed 105-mile scenic roadway, threads through the Blue Ridge Mountains and delivers sweeping overlooks like Hawksbill Summit, where a short but steep trail rewards hikers with panoramic views stretching over 100 miles on clear days. The park is a haven for wildlife watchers who might glimpse black bears or white-tailed deer among the dense hardwood forests. Autumn is especially stunning here when the dense canopy bursts into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds, turning a simple hike into a seasonally spectacular affair.
About an hour east of Richmond, historic Williamsburg transports visitors back to colonial America with remarkable authenticity. Colonial Williamsburg’s meticulously restored streets and buildings place you right in the footsteps of figures like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Costumed interpreters reenact daily life and trades, from blacksmithing to printing, all nestled around the Capitol and Governor’s Palace. The town’s charm lies in its immersive storytelling and the way it captures the revolutionary spirit that helped shape the nation. Visiting during the spring or fall means milder weather and fewer crowds, perfect for leisurely exploration of taverns, gardens, and artisan shops.
Traveling south from Richmond for roughly two hours brings you to the coastal town of Virginia Beach, where the Atlantic Ocean’s waves meet a lively boardwalk scene. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a three-mile stretch of sand, shops, and eateries, but the nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers a peaceful contrast. This refuge shelters dunes, marshes, and pocosins teeming with migratory birds and wild ponies. Kayaking the refuge’s calm waters or wandering its trails at dawn offers a serene experience distinct from the lively oceanfront. Summer is peak season here, but early morning visits reward birders and nature lovers with quieter paths and vibrant sunrises over the marshes.
Westward, about two and a half hours from Charlottesville, lies the town of Roanoke, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains’ heart. The Roanoke Star, perched atop Mill Mountain, is the world’s largest illuminated man-made star and offers a vantage point to gaze over the city and rolling hills beyond. A hike or drive up to Mill Mountain Park reveals not only this iconic symbol but also scenic overlooks and the Mill Mountain Zoo. Roanoke’s blend of urban amenities and outdoor escapes makes it a unique Appalachian gateway, especially vivid during the fall when trails like the Mill Mountain Trail come alive with color.
Near the northern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, just under two hours from Norfolk, Chincoteague Island beckons with its wild ponies and salt marshes. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge sprawls over barrier islands, offering peaceful hikes and birdwatching opportunities along trails like the Assateague Channel Trail. The island’s pony herd, famously celebrated in Marguerite Henry’s children’s books, roams freely, embodying a rare blend of wildlife and community tradition. Spring and early summer are ideal for witnessing migratory birds and the young ponies beginning their year, making it a magical time for families and nature lovers alike.
Southwest of Richmond by about an hour, the James River Park System in Richmond itself offers an urban escape along one of Virginia’s most storied waterways. The park’s trails, particularly along the 7-mile James River Loop, include views of the falls at Great Falls Park, which features impressive tidal rapids and rugged cliffs. Kayakers and fishermen frequent the river here, while hikers enjoy the mix of forest and river vistas. Visiting in the cooler months brings crisp air and often fewer visitors, allowing more solitude amidst the city’s green heart and a chance to experience Richmond’s vibrant river culture firsthand.
In the far west, near the Virginia-West Virginia border and about two hours from Roanoke, is Grayson Highlands State Park, a standout for its wild ponies, rugged peaks, and striking vistas. The Rhododendron Trail, a moderate 1.4-mile loop, leads to Hogback Overlook, where the Black Mountains and Mount Rogers—the state’s highest point—dominate the skyline. The park’s unique blend of high-elevation meadows and ancient forests creates an almost alpine feel rare in the region. Summer wildflower blooms and crisp fall air draw hikers and photographers alike, but winter’s snow transforms the park into a quiet, frosted wonderland for the adventurous.
Down in Norfolk, roughly two hours east of Richmond, the Chrysler Museum of Art provides a cultural anchor amid a bustling port city. Its collection spans centuries and continents, but the museum is particularly renowned for its glass art, featuring works by Dale Chihuly and other masters. Exhibits highlight the region’s ties to maritime history through paintings and artifacts, connecting visitors to Virginia’s naval heritage. Exploring the museum on a weekday morning often allows a quiet, contemplative experience before the afternoon buzz of public programs and tours begins, making it an enriching stop for art lovers seeking a blend of local and global perspectives.
Each of these places reveals a distinct facet of Virginia’s rich tapestry—from mountainous wilderness and colonial reenactment to coastal wildlife refuges and urban greenways. The state’s diversity of landscapes and histories invites visitors to experience the past and present in tangible ways, whether through the rustle of leaves on a mountain trail or the echo of horse hooves along a sandy island shore. No matter the season or interest, Virginia offers vivid, place-based stories ready to be explored and savored.