13 Most Peaceful Small Towns In Virginia
Virginia’s charm lies in its unmatched diversity of natural landscapes, historical heritage, cultural traditions, and culinary offerings, making it one of the most exciting destinations in Southern America. Although better known for shiny cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach, the Old Dominion hides its true charm and character in the small towns that most tourists overlook.
These beautifully-kept secrets serve as the perfect escape from the city, rewarding vacationers with quiet cobblestone streets, lush Blue Ridge vistas, riverfront strolls, and genuine Southern hospitality. From the mountain calm of Wytheville to the riverfront serenity of Colonial Beach, these peaceful towns in Virginia invite you to slow down and savor a timeless experience, free from the distractions of rowdy crowds and urban noise.
Clifton Forge
Clifton Forge is a serene town nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, renowned for its rich railway heritage, vibrant arts scene, and tranquil natural surroundings. The community began as a railway station, a heritage that is extensively documented at the C&O Railway Heritage Center. Inside, you will notice a vast collection of steam engine cars, train memorabilia, and other exhibits highlighting the story of the C&O Railway.
The Historic Masonic Theatre showcases the town's artistic side by hosting different forms of performance art in one of Virginia's oldest continuously running theaters. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can experience Clifton Forge's pastoral beauty while playing golf at the Cliftondale Country Club. This peaceful 9-hole course is dramatically set against forested mountains, providing the ideal backdrop for your putting.
Luray
This charming village in the Shenandoah Valley lures tourists with its geological treasures, historical markers, and outdoor adventures. Luray is famous for housing the Luray Caverns, a mysterious series of underground caves with breathtaking natural formations. These invite exotic subterranean adventures, where tourists can witness stalactites, columns, mirrored pools, and stalagmites in what seems like an alternate universe.
The Shenandoah Heritage Village transports guests back to a bygone era in Luray. This reenacted complex features a cluster of 19th-century structures with artifacts depicting life at the time. Luray delivers unmissable thrills in the great outdoors courtesy of Bear Mountain Ziplines. Thrill seekers can take advantage of ziplines, aerial bridges, and climbing ropes across 50 forested acres of an aerial playground to have fun.
Bedford
This stunning mountain town in Bedford County stands out for its captivating history, antiquing opportunities, and natural beauty. It welcomes first-timers to visit the National D-Day Memorial and honor the memories of Allied forces who perished during the Normandy invasion in 1944. The World War II memorial features a grand arch with a reflecting pool surrounded by gardens.
Several antique shops in downtown Bedford compel tourists to leave with a piece of memento. You can stop by Liberty Antique Mall to browse a fine selection of coins, jewelry, furniture, cutlery, and other vintage finds. Elsewhere, Liberty Lake Park provides the perfect outdoor escape. This tranquil waterfront sanctuary features a 1.5-acre lake where people come to fish and boat, surrounded by grassy picnic areas for those who simply want to sit back and people-watch.
Clarksville
Popularly known as “Virginia's only lakeside town,” Clarksville is a popular summer escape for vacationers seeking fun in the water without the crowds. The town sits on the pristine shoreline of Buggs Island Lake, a year-round recreational playground that attracts boaters, anglers, paddlers, and picnickers. The lake is accessible at Occoneechee State Park, which spans over 2,500 acres and features 17 miles of trails.
Clarksville provides an insightful account of area history at the Clarksville Regional Museum. This showcases interesting displays that reflect the time of Native American occupation, tobacco farming, and other notable periods. Tourists can also unwind with delicious draft beers at Buggs Island Brewing Company while admiring the scene on the nearby lake.
Onancock
Onancock is a small waterfront town in Accomack County, renowned for its historical significance, buzzing art scene, and stunning natural surroundings. It has a historic downtown district stacked with vintage markers, including Ker Place. This conspicuous red brick building, featuring Federal-style architecture, preserves a rich Eastern Shore heritage through a diverse array of exhibits.
The North Street Playhouse is where art lovers converge to enjoy performance art productions on stage in an intimate community venue. A cruise on the Tangier-Onancock Ferry offers an excellent opportunity for vacationers to step outside and experience the town's natural allure from the water. The vessel takes passengers between Onancock and Tangier Island on the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Abingdon
Abingdon is a tight-knit community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, renowned for its exciting outdoor opportunities and vibrant art scene. It encourages travelers to embrace the outdoor lifestyle by hiking or biking the Virginia Creeper Trail. This 35-mile scenic route traverses a forested countryside between Abingdon and Whitetop, culminating in the perfect natural escape. Abingdon's town square harbors a collection of delightful cultural centers.
If you love performance, then visit the historic Barter Theatre and watch compelling presentations by professional artists inside a long-tenured venue. Abingdon is a welcoming town with friendly residents, and newcomers can confirm this from the genuine interactions with local farmers at the Abingdon Farmers Market. This weekly gathering displays agricultural produce, baked goods, and other products for potential buyers in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Radford
Radford is a picturesque college town in the mountains of Virginia, boasting rolling landscapes and acres of serene waterfront parks. It excites nature enthusiasts with recreational opportunities at Bisset Park. This 57-acre oasis, situated along the banks of the New River, offers a diverse range of amenities, including walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ball fields.
The Glencoe Mansion is an important historical landmark in Radford. Built in the 1870s, this historic building serves as a museum and art gallery, featuring interesting exhibits that showcase the community's history and culture. The town's residents maintain a rich culture of movie-watching; fans can watch the silver screen at the Radford Theatre, which showcases new and classic films in a vintage movie house.
Dublin
Dublin promises travelers the perfect reprieve from the hectic city life, thanks to its isolated rural setting and lake access, culminating in relaxing moments by the water. The town is home to Claytor Lake State Park, a 472-acre park offering access to the vast waters of Claytor Lake. The lake's 21-mile-long shoreline fuels a variety of recreational activities, including picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, and sport fishing. More family-friendly fun in the water awaits at Evelyn Alexander Waterpark.
This adorable amusement venue features an 8-lane pool with heated water, spray toys, a water slide, and fountains. A tour of the Wilderness Road Regional Museum exposes interesting local history. This rustic two-story building contains a catalog of paintings, documents, photographs, letters, and other records documenting life in southwest Virginia in the bygone eras.
Colonial Beach
This relaxed village on the banks of the Potomac River is one of the most peaceful small towns in Virginia, serving as a popular alternative to the hectic scene in the state's top cities. Colonial Beach offers the perfect atmosphere to unwind with access to sandy trails and a picturesque boardwalk at the Colonial Beach Municipal Pier. People come here to sit back and revel in the wonderful vistas of the winding river.
There is no better way to complement the soothing setting than with a pint of handcrafted beer from Colonial Beach Brewing. Meanwhile, rare presidential history lures visitors to explore the James Monroe Birthplace & Boyhood Home. This historical house tour offers an intimate glimpse into the life of President James Monroe, featuring personal memorabilia and exhibits that chronicle his life's journey and career legacy.
Cape Charles
Cape Charles is a lovable town on the Chesapeake Bay and a great spot for tourists visiting Virginia's Eastern Shore. It offers a mix of water sports, seafood, and historical lessons to entertain vacationers. Culinary enthusiasts yearning to try out the Chesapeake Bay cuisine can pop into The Shanty, known for serving sumptuous lobster, crab, and oyster dishes in a romantic waterfront setting.
The vast waters surrounding the town entice first-timers with unforgettable cruises, which you can access through Poseidon Watersports. This offers a unique way to explore the area by boat, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard. Cape Charles' historic downtown district takes newcomers on an intriguing journey through time with its collection of historic structures. Historians can visit the Cape Charles Museum to learn about the region's past as presented through a diverse artifact library.
Galax
Picturesque mountain peaks surround this southwestern Virginia municipality, which boasts a vibrant downtown scene with a rich cultural heritage in art and music. Several points of interest through the urban hub welcome visitors for a rich cultural experience, including the landmark Rex Theater. For decades, townsfolk have been convening inside the venue to enjoy live Bluegrass performances by regional musicians.
Elsewhere, history buffs can explore the past eras at the Matthews Living History Farm Museum. Dating back to the 1900s, this 21-acre property offers a glimpse into life in Galax during that era. However, there is plenty for ardent outdoorsmen to look forward to in the town. Thanks to local outfitters like New River Outdoor Adventures, guests can experience the thrill of navigating the New River's rapids and currents in a kayak or canoe.
Marion
Marion sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by exquisite natural landscapes that provide a playground for recreational activities throughout the year. The town is home to the vast Hungry Mother State Park. Spanning more than 3,000 acres, this adorable wilderness is an escape for hikers, climbers, campers, hunters, and picnickers.
Furthermore, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area ensures that there are no limits to the outdoor adventures in Marion. Seasoned hikers can climb to the summit of the state's highest point and take in the rugged landscapes throughout Marion. Beyond the outdoors, the area's arts community welcomes visitors to watch engaging performances at the historic Lincoln Theatre, which is among the few Mayan Revival theaters in the country.
Chincoteague
There is nothing more peaceful than escaping to an island and leaving behind the chaos of everyday life, and this is precisely what Chincoteague offers travelers. This heavenly oceanside enclave on Virginia's Eastern Shore boasts a laid-back vibe that invites you to unwind. Thanks to the 14,000-acre Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, there is no shortage of outdoor activities in the town. The sprawling space offers beaches, shoreline trails, sandy picnic areas, and ecological habitats thriving with native wildlife species.
Booking Daisey's Island Cruises is an excellent way to explore the town on the water, with a chance to spot swimming dolphins, flying eagles, and wild ponies grazing on the shore. Chincoteague offers an authentic glimpse into its history at the Captain Timothy Hill House. This rustic log house was constructed around 1800 and is the island's oldest structure.
From the picturesque peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Marion to the subtle waves of the Chesapeake Bay in Cape Charles, these peaceful small towns in Virginia take your mind off the rigors of city life and allow it to wander in freedom. Tourists enjoy the perks of small-town life, from breathing in fresh mountain air and listening to the lullaby of gentle waves to savoring the slower rhythm of life with no interruptions of the usual hubbub of the United States.
