Five Amazing Day Trips: Virginia

The state of Virginia is full of amazing destinations to visit, from sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay to the Shenandoah Valley and Appalachian Mountains. The state has a perfect mix of small and large towns to spend long weekends visiting world-class museums, participating in outdoor activities, tasting local wines, or just enjoying the amenities of a luxury resort. Many of the neighborhoods and historic downtowns feature boutique stores and galleries, outdoor cafés, top-notch restaurants, and excellent performing arts and entertainment. There is no shortage of scenic drives across the state, none better than a weekend exploring Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Each of the travel regions has major historic sites and attractions, including living history museums, presidential sites, and historic battlefields. Our day trip recommendations start in Richmond and highlight some of the best destinations in the state.

Here are five great day trips across The Old Dominion:

Charlottesville (Museums & Attractions)

The city of Charlottesville is the former home of two presidents and the location of a diverse range of world-class museums, historic and cultural sites, award-winning wineries, and a historic downtown lined with boutique stores and excellent restaurants. Located about 70 miles northwest of Richmond, this day trip takes you to Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, author of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the University of Virginia. Monticello offers visitors a range of tours that showcase the home, farm, and gardens. To enhance your visit, choose a behind-the-scenes or specialty tour for a glimpse into the day-to-day life on the estate or the beautiful gardens. Coordinate your visit to Monticello with a stop at the nearby University of Virginia’s Academical Village and check-off one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States.

Norfolk (Tours & Experiences)

The largest naval base in the world is in Norfolk, located 90 miles southeast of Richmond in the Coastal Virginia-Hamptons Roads travel region. One of the best ways to see the massive Naval Station Norfolk is on a boat tour offered by Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises. The 2-hour narrated Naval Base Cruise leaves from the downtown waterfront and provides an amazing vantage point of the Navy’s fleet of aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers, cruisers, frigates, and nuclear submarines. Continue this maritime day trip at the Nauticus, National Maritime Center. The main attraction is the Battleship Wisconsin, an Iowa-class battleship that was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and launched into service on December 7, 1943. Today, visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the massive battleship. Spend the remainder of the day along the Norfolk Waterside District, with cafés, restaurants, and outdoor gathering places to enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfront.

Staunton (Museums & Attractions)

Located about 100 miles northwest of Richmond, Staunton is the perfect gateway to explore Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This day trip takes you to the Frontier Culture Museum, a living history museum that showcases the lives of early American immigrants that journeyed from across the Atlantic Ocean. The impressive permanent exhibits include examples of traditional rural buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, West Africa, and America. During your visit, walk through an English Farm from the 1600s, West African Farm from the 1700s, a Native American Farm from the 1700s, and an American Farm from the 1850s, to name a few. The museum is organized into two sections: The Old World and America. After getting caught up on over 400 years of culture and heritage, explore Staunton’s charming downtown scene. The historic district has a wide range of restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops to enjoy hours before leaving town.

Virginia Beach (The Outdoors)

Nicknamed “America’s First Region”, Virginia Beach is one of the most popular destinations on the Atlantic coast during the summer months. The city is located about 110 miles southeast of Richmond and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest pleasure beach in the world. With something for everyone in Virginia Beach, this day trip explores the activities across the seven beach districts. From sunbathing and swimming to jogging and rollerblading, the beachfront is perfect for an active beach getaway. Just a short distance away is Atlantic Avenue, the main drag filled with outdoor cafés, local restaurants, unique shops, and live entertainment. Other area activities include paddling a kayak through narrow marshes, deep sea fishing, visiting unique museums, and seeing the latest shows at premier performing arts venues. Virginia Beach hosts many festivals and concerts, so it’s worth timing your trip to join the celebration.

Williamsburg (Museums & Attractions)

The former capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia, Williamsburg is located 50 miles southeast of Richmond. The historic small city is home to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the best living history museums in the United States. The Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center is the ideal starting point for this day trip— choose a ticket option and get a map before stepping back in time. We advise making Bassett Hall (one of the 88 original surviving buildings and former home of Abby and John Rockefeller) your first stop of the day. The guided tour provides insight into the history of the area as well as the vision and restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Then it’s time to explore the 301 acres of historic sites, gardens, and points of interest at your leisure. Have lunch at one of the nearby historic taverns: King’s Arms Tavern, Josia Chowing’s Tavern, or Christiana Campbells Tavern. Additional dining options are located a short walk away at the Shoppes at Colonial Williamsburg. The shopping area also has a nice mix of independent and chain retail stores. End your day trip on one of the local ghost tours. Whether you’re a believer or not, the stories are interesting and fun.