13 Small Towns In Virginia To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
Everybody needs a break sometimes to let their body rest and mind heal, especially for those who reside in a busy urban environment. When the stresses of everyday life seem to have taken a toll, a brief sojourn to relax and rejuvenate could be the antidote you need. The Commonwealth of Virginia understands this well, and that is why it offers plenty of idyllic rural destinations where you can spend an easygoing weekend away from the crowds and chaos.
Between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west, the Old Dominion is full of charming small towns bursting with history, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality. Whether you crave a cozy mountain retreat in Big Stone Gap or an uninterrupted island escape in Chincoteague, this is the 2025 list for the best small towns in Virginia to visit for a weekend getaway.
Culpeper
Culpeper offers a reprieve from the bustling hubs of Baltimore and DC, inviting vacationers to learn its captivating history, sample its tasty wines, and have fun on its lake. It has a quaint and walkable downtown district dotted with historical landmarks. Interested parties can visit the Museum of Culpeper History to learn about the community's history since its founding in the 1750s. Meanwhile, a glass of fine wine at Mountain Run Winery promises to get you in the holiday mood. This family-run farm also crafts beers and ciders in a rustic, natural setting.
Ready access to Lake Culpeper allows visitors to indulge in fun water activities, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. While Culpeper provides numerous B&Bs, the Red Roof Inn is a worthwhile choice for those traveling on a budget.
Charlottesville
History, arts, and outdoor adventure collide in this vibrant college town to guarantee vacationers a fun-packed weekend stopover. Charlottesville is steeped in history and harbors multiple homes of former US presidents. Monticello is a must-visit for first-timers, where they can learn interesting facts about one of the Founding Fathers. This former plantation home of Thomas Jefferson boasts 43 rooms with period artifacts and rare personal memorabilia. Art is big in the community, with townsfolk constantly converging at the Paramount Theater to watch professional stage productions. This is an awesome stop if you enjoy musicals, comedies, dramas, and film screenings.
Elsewhere, the Saunders-Monticello Trail beckons adventurers to discover the calm outdoors along a 2-mile route, ideal for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Later, you can call it a night at the cozy DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
Chincoteague
Chincoteague is a dream weekend getaway destination on a paradisiacal island on Virginia's Eastern Shore with untouched natural beauty and thin crowds. There is much to see and do on the island, but newcomers can start by exploring its rich history at the Museum of Chincoteague Island. This resourceful center displays fossils, shipwrecks, and other interactive exhibits documenting the people, culture, and heritage of Chincoteague since its first inhabitants. Foodies can try out the town's delectable seafood scene at Captain Zack's Seafood. This casual diner serves mouth-watering dishes and is famous for its crab cakes.
However, one of the best adventures in Chincoteague involves escaping to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. This 14,000-acre nature space presents a serene environment with pristine beaches, isolated nature trails, and abundant wildlife, especially the adorable wild ponies that roam its territory. Finally, the Chincoteague Inn is a convenient lodging option just over 2 miles from the popular wildlife sanctuary.
Great Falls
This nature lover's paradise in Fairfax County beckons tourists who plan to spend much of the weekend exploring the great outdoors. Great Falls is surrounded by exquisite natural treasures, which adventurers can discover by visiting Seneca Regional Park. Spanning nearly 500 acres, this beautiful playground lies along the Potomac River and features winding trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as additional opportunities for campers and anglers. Historians can find an interesting treasure at the Colvin Run Mill. Built in the early 19th century, this rustic structure provides a vivid idea of Victorian-era engineering and technology.
Oenophiles can look forward to remarkable wine tastings at Great Falls Wine Outlet from a careful selection of homegrown wines. Meanwhile, the Quality Inn Tysons Corner is about a 10-minute drive away, whenever you feel like calling it a day.
Luray
Luray is a pretty gem in the Shenandoah Valley and home to a vast array of geological treasures that cultivate unique outdoor adventures. The town is most associated with the Luray Caverns, which invite tourists to explore the largest cavern system on the East Coast. This underground trek leads you to discover extraordinary stalactites, columns, mirrored pools, and stalagmites. Families on vacation will have a blast at the Luray Zoo. This small but intimate sanctuary harbors a variety of cute species, including monkeys and reptiles, which guests can pet to show them genuine TLC.
The Shenandoah Heritage Village captures the region's deep historical heritage. This vintage complex features a cluster of 19th-century structures with relics and artifacts documenting life during the period. Finally, downtown Luray has no shortage of accommodations; you can conveniently stay at Mimslyn Inn along Main Street.
Smithfield
Smithfield is a historic Wight County municipality known for its landmark-filled old downtown district and thriving meat-processing industries. Founded in the mid-18th century, the town has a rich and dynamic backstory, which guests can learn about at the Isle of Wight County Museum. This showcases interactive exhibits about the people and their stories dating back to the early days. Downtown Smithfield hosts the Smithfield Farmers Market every Saturday, where dozens of regional vendors display their produce and crafts for potential buyers.
Outdoor lovers can find a relaxing spot at Windsor Castle Park, home to lush woodland trails, a fishing pier, and a boat launch. The property's focal point is a colonial-era manor with elaborate Greek Revival features. Also, a comfortable stay in Smithfield is readily accessible at the Smithfield Station Hotel, overlooking the Pagan River.
Onancock
This lovely waterfront village in eastern Virginia charms newcomers with its lively art scene, unique historical markers, and a delicious local cuisine. Onancock's quaint downtown district is lined with galleries and performance centers, promising tourists an enriching cultural experience. You can browse intimate creations by local artists inside Red Queen Gallery or watch engaging theatrical presentations at the North Street Playhouse to connect with the arts. Meanwhile, a tour of Ker Place offers a glimpse of Eastern Shore history inside a Federal-style mansion built in the 19th century.
Whenever you work up an appetite, Mallards At the Wharf is the place to go, known for serving scrumptious seafood dishes like crab cake salad and crab cake sandwich. Finally, book a room early at the Inn at Onancock for a relaxing night's rest.
Cape Charles
Cape Charles offers a rich history, thriving arts, and stunning outdoors, making it one of the best towns in Virginia to visit for a weekend getaway. This Chesapeake Bay community welcomes vacationers to savor coastal charm at the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve. People escape the crowds to relax on beaches, walk on dunes, and hike maritime forest trails in this tranquil outdoor space. The Cape Charles Museum tells a compelling story of the community's past using a curated collection of photos, archives, and artifacts.
Elsewhere, art lovers can gauge the local art scene with a visit to Ellen Moore Gallery, which displays jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and drawings by homegrown, regional, and national artists. For accommodation, you can stay in the heart of downtown at the Hotel Cape Charles.
Staunton
Between its historical significance, cultural vibrancy, and outdoor adventure, Staunton delivers an all-encompassing weekend getaway for tourists in western Virginia. This small town chronicles the early life of President Woodrow Wilson at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, where you can tour his birthplace and explore numerous personal memorabilia. The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse captivates guests with thought-provoking classical performances inside a well-recreated Shakespearean indoor theater.
Staunton further presents outdoor opportunities throughout the 214-acre Gypsy Hill Park. The space has a wealth of amenities, from a skate park and fishing pond to a golf course and picnic areas, serving as the ideal family getaway. Lastly, Hotel 24 South is one of the many places to spend the night around historic downtown Staunton.
Front Royal
A gateway to Shenandoah National Park, Front Royal is a popular jumping-off base for tourists seeking to visit Virginia's most famous national park. However, the town has adequate attractions to spark your weekend retreat, starting with the gorgeous Skyline Caverns. This natural wonder features otherworldly crystalline formations that leave first-timers in awe during a once-in-a-lifetime underground hike. Front Royal hosts a historic downtown district with noteworthy historical sites. At the Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, guests can peruse exclusive memorabilia of famous Confederate heroes, including Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee.
Meanwhile, tourists with a taste for beer can try out refreshing local brews at Vibrissa Beer. The establishment crafts classic German-style beers and serves them alongside upscale pub food. After a hearty meal and refreshing drink, you can wrap up the day at Hampton Inn Front Royal.
Abingdon
Abingdon is a small town in southwest Virginia, housing a close-knit community that takes pride in its thriving arts and cultural heritage. It promises vacationers visual and performance art encounters, with a chance to explore a vibrant collection of classic and contemporary art inside the William King Museum of Art. On the other hand, the historic Barter Theatre focuses on entertaining the community with professional theatrical productions in the country's longest-tenured theater. The weekly Abingdon Farmers Market offers an opportunity to not only shop for fresh produce but also experience the warmth of local growers through intimate interactions.
Those who fancy a history lesson can tour the Historical Society of Washington County for a glimpse of the old days in Abingdon. At the same time, the Martha Washington Inn & Spa ensures you have a comfortable place to lay your head at night.
Williamsburg
A deep dive into Virginia's colonial history awaits visitors to this historic village on the state's eastern side. Williamsburg was famously the capital of Colonial Virginia and provides a vivid look into the early days with the well-preserved Colonial Williamsburg. This 18th-century living history museum features a collection of old buildings, shops, homes, and other landmarks across a 300-acre property. Noteworthy among these is the majestic Governor's Palace. This gorgeous mansion was completed in 1722 as the official residence of 7 British royal governors and two elected Virginia governors.
After the immersive history lesson, guests can let loose through family-friendly thrills at Busch Gardens. This 422-acre amusement park offers at least 50 rides to provide vacationers with world-class entertainment. Lastly, you can find excellent lodging at the Williamsburg Inn, conveniently within the historic district.
Big Stone Gap
This small town in southwest Virginia promises a combination of historical experiences and adventure opportunities for your weekend retreat. Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Big Stone Gap is surrounded by immense natural beauty and encourages tourists to soak it all in from the Powell Valley Overlook. Also, Frog Level Park presents a nice escape for those who simply want to enjoy the open spaces through relaxed picnics and strolls.
An immersive journey back in time beckons travelers at the Southwest Virginia Museum. Housed inside a 19th-century mansion, the venue holds at least 60,000 historical exhibits chronicling the past years. Finally, remember to secure a room at Quality Inn & Suites for tour nights.
A brief escape to the chill countryside of the Old Dominion could prove essential every once in a blue moon for city dwellers. Whether drawn to the captivating historical experiences in Williamsburg or the bountiful adventure opportunities in Front Royal, these small towns in Virginia to visit for a weekend getaway offer the perfect blend of tranquility and charm in 2025. Each retreat promises a refreshing change of pace in the United States, allowing you to unwind, explore, and reconnect with life’s simple pleasures amid Virginia’s timeless beauty.
