7 Most Underrated Towns in Virginia

Some of Virginia’s best small towns make the short list for weekend trips, because they offer exactly what travelers look for once they get off the highway. In the southwest, Abingdon and Damascus combine historic downtowns with immediate access to the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Mountains. On the Eastern Shore, Chincoteague remains quieter than most beach towns, with working harbors, wildlife refuges, and walkable streets close to Assateague Island. Luray sits at the edge of the Shenandoah Valley, where local shops and river access are minutes from national park trails and scenic drives. Farther east, Culpeper’s compact downtown anchors a region of wineries and preserved Civil War landscapes, while Coeburn and Lynchburg stay under the radar despite their riverfronts, forest access, and intact historic neighborhoods. These towns show a side of Virginia that rewards travelers who look past the obvious stops.

Abingdon

Abingdon is in southwestern Virginia, surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains and impeccable Virginia countryside. The town has a lot of history, and its Historic District is a testament to the town’s past, featuring 20 blocks of historic buildings, old architecture, museums, and art galleries. Some notable sites include the William King Museum of Art, the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum, Martha Washington Inn and Spa, and The Arts Depot, which is a restored railroad station originally from the 1870s.

Aside from the rich history, many visitors come to enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all common, and there are several major trails in the area for each activity. The Rails-to-Trail route is roughly 55 kilometers and runs through much of Virginia, including Abingdon at the Virginia Creeper Trail. Opportunities for adventure are endless.

Chincoteague

Chincoteague is Virginia's only resort island. The island town is special as it contains the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge which is home to a population of wild ponies. These ponies live on gorgeous sandy beaches, and visitors can take them in in their natural habitat—a truly amazing sight for any animal lover. Aside from the refuge, there are also public beaches that feature beautiful views, a local Assateague lighthouse, and gorgeous white sands. In town, local shops, boutiques, diners, and restaurants offer great places to slow down and take in the scenery. The charm is palpable here, and you cannot help but slow down and enjoy life in this sunny quiet town. There are also museums and attractions in the area including the Museum of Chincoteague which is full of local history, and the NANA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitors Centre which features exhibits and simulators from NASA.

Coeburn

Another wonderful and underrated town in Virginia is the town of Coeburn, located in the southwest part of the state. Similar to many of these towns, it is a wonderful place for those wishing to explore the natural beauty of Virginia. Coeburn is also near the beautiful Jefferson National Forest and has a number of excellent hiking trails and pathways, including the Guest River Gorge Trail, as well as the Spearhead trails. With a population of only around 1,500 people, Coeburn has a small, peaceful atmosphere. Its downtown area is ideal for walking tours and has brick sidewalks and footbridges to add to the ambiance of the trek. Enjoy the charm of this artistic town which is part of the Lonesome Pine Artisan Trail, or enjoy a meal in one of the excellent restaurants. The mixture of art, culture and natural beauty make it a perfect hidden gem within Virginia’s southwest.

Culpeper

Culpeper, a small town in Virginia often overlooked, offers a charming mix of history and scenic beauty that appeals to both visitors and residents. Recognized by Architectural Digest as the "prettiest town in Virginia," it features historic architecture set amid the stunning natural landscape of the state. Established in 1759, Culpeper has a rich history, from its revolutionary beginnings to the gold rush era. It was also the location of the Cedar Mountain Battlefield in 1862, where Confederate Major General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Union Major General Nathaniel Banks’ forces battled. Approximately 3,800 soldiers were killed or wounded, and Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, helped care for many of them afterward, drawing history enthusiasts to the area. The town exudes southern charm with its boutiques, gourmet restaurants, wineries, and small businesses.

Damascus

If you are looking for a beautiful outdoor escape with a charming small-town feel, Damascus is the perfect place to visit. This underrated city blends peaceful town life with an abundance of adventure opportunities, including a wide variety of trails, hiking paths, and biking routes. The town is so outdoors-friendly that people call it "Trail Town USA" because of the many walking, biking, and hiking trails that start or run through the town. The Blue Ridge Mountains make an impressive backdrop for town strolls and offer ample opportunities for exploring. You can find the Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, and Trans-America National Bicycle Trail here. The region also hosts the Appalachian Trail Days Festival in May, which brings tens of thousands of hikers to the area. Whether you are looking to slow down and take in the beauty of this great state or ready to take on the next hiking challenge, Damascus is an outdoor lover’s dream.

Luray

Luray, situated in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, is an ideal base for exploring the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park. This town is a lush haven of woods, trails, and wildlife, offering a peaceful retreat for those wanting to escape city life. Luray boasts a wide range of rental properties and cabins in various styles and luxury levels. Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, and rafting on the Shenandoah River or Lake Arrowhead. Visitors can also hike local trails, explore nearby national forests and parks, or visit the famous Luray Caverns, which feature mirrored pools, stalactites, columns, and stalagmites. This quiet, charming town is filled with endless natural wonders.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg, Virginia, is gradually gaining popularity among charming small towns across the United States. Its rich history and historic architecture give it a unique charm, complemented by friendly residents and five colleges and universities that create a vibrant atmosphere. The Blue Ridge Mountains and James River offer breathtaking scenery, with many ways to explore the area's natural beauty. Established in 1786, Lynchburg's history is deep, including ties to the Civil War as the site of The Battle of Lynchburg in 1864. While the culture has evolved over time, it still preserves its historical roots. The city hosts a well-known Bluegrass music festival and has a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Although more people are discovering Lynchburg, it remains an underrated gem worth visiting.

Whichever small town you choose to explore, Virginia is full of charm, warmth, and history. From the gorgeous landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Atlantic coastline, and the vast meadows and countrysides to historic landmarks and monuments, there is so much to see, do and discover in the small towns of Virginia.