2025's 9 Best Small Towns To Visit In Virginia
Virginia, as a state, is shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, the James and Potomac Rivers, and the long Atlantic coastline stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to the Eastern Shore. That geographic variety is exactly what defines its small towns in 2025. In Damascus, where the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail intersect, visitors can cycle past mountain streams or hike into the rolling ridges of the Blue Ridge. Bedford, framed by the Peaks of Otter, carries both natural beauty and history with the National D-Day Memorial.
Together, towns like these highlight how Virginia’s mountains, rivers, and shores create communities with their own stories. This diversity is what makes them some of the best small towns to visit in Virginia, and among the most distinctive destinations in the United States.
Damascus
In Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands, Damascus has earned the nickname “Trail Town USA” for good reason. Several long-distance routes all cross through this small community, making it a natural hub for hikers and cyclists. The Virginia Creeper Trail is the town’s biggest draw, a 34-mile rail-to-trail recreational path that runs from Whitetop Station down to Abingdon. While the upper portion of the trail was heavily damaged in 2024's Hurricane Helene, the route from Damascus to Abingdon remains popular. Many visitors rent bikes in Damascus and enjoy the downhill ride through forests, streams, and wooden trestle bridges. The Appalachian Trail is another highlight, and you don’t need to be a thru-hiker to enjoy it. Short, manageable day hikes start right from town and give visitors a taste of the larger journey, while still being close to cafés and outfitters.
Meanwhile, the Old Mill Restaurant is the place for a memorable dining experience. Set inside a 19th-century grist mill beside Laurel Creek, it pairs mountain views with hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere. The Damascus Brewery also has a loyal following, with craft beers, trivia nights, and live music that bring the community together.
Bedford
Bedford is tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smith Mountain Lake. The town is best known for the National D-Day Memorial, a powerful site that honors the Allied forces of World War II. The sculptures, fountains, and plaques tell the story of June 6, 1944, in a way that is both educational and moving. It’s a place of reflection and a central reason many visitors come to Bedford. Another layer of history is found at the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. This small but significant museum shares the personal stories of local soldiers who were killed as part of the first wave on Omaha Beach. The exhibits are intimate and give names and faces to the memorial you see outside.
It takes 30 minutes to get to Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The lake offers swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing spots. It’s one of Virginia’s largest lakes and makes Bedford a base for both relaxation and adventure. Meanwhile, Bedford’s downtown has small shops and artisan spots worth browsing. Emerson Creek Pottery boasts handmade ceramics, while Bell Treasures carries antiques and collectibles. For wine or cider, the Bedford Wine Trail includes a handful of stops nearby, making it easy to sample local flavors from places like Peaks of Otter Winery and Hickory Hill Vineyards.
Elkton
About 40 miles northwest of Charlottesville, Elkton is a Shenandoah Valley town and a great base for hiking, river access, and fresh mountain air. The Swift Run Gap Entrance Station gives you quick access to Shenandoah National Park, and a short trip brings you to First Mountain State Forest, featuring quiet trails among woods joining national forests. You can also paddle or fish on the nearby South Fork of the Shenandoah River, right through town.
In town, the Miller-Kite House Museum stands out for its ties to the Civil War; General Stonewall Jackson used it as his headquarters prior to the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, and now it displays local artifacts that once belonged to him. You can also browse town shops like the Elkton Emporium, full of antiques and consignment treasures, and if you’re visiting in July, Elkton Field Day brings rides, bluegrass music, and fun for the whole family.
Galax
Another Blue Ridge Highlands town, Music defines Galax. It’s the “World Capital of Old-Time Mountain Music,” and home to the legendary Old Fiddlers’ Convention every August. The Blue Ridge Music Center offers seasonal daily performances and a visitor center dedicated to roots music, plus hiking trails nearby. Downtown, Barr’s Fiddle Shop sells handmade instruments, and the Rex Theater presents a weekly live radio show, “Blue Ridge Backroads Live,” and hosts a wide range of touring musical acts.
Outdoor options enrich the itinerary. New River Trail State Park starts in Galax and offers biking, hiking, kayaking, and even horseback riding along the river, while Matthews State Forest boasts more than 500 acres of wilderness for walking, biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Occoquan
90 minutes north of Richmond, Occoquan sits along the beautiful river for which it is named. In the heart of town, the Mill House Museum is found in the former mill administrator’s home, and shares details about the town’s origins and colonial past through displays of artifacts, photos, and stories.
Just steps away, River Mill Park invites picnics, events, and reflection by a small waterfall. A paved trail and event pavilion make it ideal for casual strolls. Nearby, the public boat dock gives free access for kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to get out on the water and explore the town from a different vantage point. Art galleries and boutiques line Mill Street, displaying handcrafted jewelry, local artwork, antiques, and treats. NazBro Chocolates is a crowd-pleaser, famous for its fudge and unique candy creations.
Purcellville
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Purcellville Historic District boasts nearly 500 structures, from Victorian homes to early-20th-century churches and banks. Music, food, and craft converge to give the town a unique vibe and flavor. Breaux Vineyards, a Cajun-owned estate just outside Purcellville, is open seven days a week. Their Viognier and Nebbiolo have earned national praise, and the vineyard’s peaceful setting makes tastings feel like a mini-escape in the hills.
In town, the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink buzzes with energy. This historic building, built in 1903, now hosts public roller skating, teen nights, and private events, making it a fun, community-minded stop that connects past and present. Meanwhile, the 45-mile Washington and Old Dominion Trail borders the historic district. It’s a smooth, multi-use rail-to-trail perfect for biking or walking amid trees and small-town scenery.
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge invites you to admire the spot where Cedar Creek carved a towering 215-foot limestone arch that still draws gasps today. Within Natural Bridge State Park, the Cedar Creek Trail leads under the arch and winds toward Lace Falls’ 50-foot cascade.
Meanwhile, Dinosaur Kingdom II reimagines the Civil War with dinosaur statues and a bit of Appalachian whimsy. Meanwhile, Virginia Safari Park sits just beyond. This 180-acre drive-through animal world lets you feed free-roaming bison, antelope, and wildebeest, and more from your vehicle. A walk-through section also lets you get close to friendlier creatures, such as goats and penguins.
Dublin
Dublin overlooks the broad sweep of Claytor Lake, and boating, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, and lakeside hiking are all within easy reach at Claytor Lake State Park. The park includes a sandy swimming beach, marina, trails, a visitor center, campsites, and shoreline cabins. The Haven B. Howe House, an Italianate historic home within the park, now serves as a nature exhibit that shares the story of local flora and fauna.
The Wilderness Road Regional Museum in town showcases pioneer tales and Civil War artifacts, and D.C. Wysor Observatory hosts Friday-night stargazing and rocks-and-minerals exhibits for the scientifically inclined.
Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach straddles the Potomac River and Monroe Bay, boasting Virginia’s second-largest sand beach and wide water horizons. Watching golden sunrises and pink-hued sunsets is a ritual here. The Colonial Beach shoreline allows for swimming, sunning, fishing from the municipal pier, kayaking, paddleboarding, or exploring calm coves from a boat ramp or marina.
History blends seamlessly into town. The James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum features an exact replica of the home where the founding father and fifth president grew up, and George Washington’s Birthplace is also nearby, with walking trails and a peek into earlier Virginia life. For local bites and sips, head to Colonial Beach Brewing or Ice House Marina.
A vacation to the best small towns in Virginia delivers a side of the state that often escapes those who stick to busy highways and big cities. From the mountain trails of Damascus and Bedford to the riverside charm of Occoquan and Colonial Beach, these communities are not just stopovers. They remind us that Virginia’s story is best understood not only in its capitals and historic battlefields, but also in its quieter corners. For anyone planning a trip across the United States in 2025, making space for these destinations ensures a travel experience that leaves a lasting impression.
