These Virginia Towns Have The Best Views In The State

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is filled with towns offering incredible views. Whether you're hiking a mountain summit or relaxing by the water, the state's natural beauty is always in sight. Some towns, like Catawba with its rugged peaks or Natural Bridge with its stunning rock formation and surrounding trails, are ideally positioned as gateways to Virginia’s best panoramas.

This guide highlights the top towns for breathtaking views, featuring must-see spots from famous overlooks to hidden gems. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a peaceful sunset, you’ll find plenty of options. Discover the towns that bring Virginia’s stunning landscapes to life!

Buchanan

Buchanan is a great starting point for anyone wanting to see the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town's proximity to the Purgatory Mountain Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a major draw. From this vantage point, you can take in wide-ranging perspectives of Purgatory Mountain, the James River, and the town itself. The name "Purgatory" comes from the difficult early roads that made travel in the area feel like a trial. Today, the journey is much easier, and the reward is a fantastic photo opportunity. For a different perspective, the historic Buchanan Swinging Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge, gives you a fun, slightly swaying walk over the James River.

For those who prefer to be on the water, the Upper James River Water Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the landscape from a canoe or kayak. Paddling along the river provides an intimate glimpse of the surrounding mountains and forests. After a day of taking in the sights, you can head to the Foot of the Mountain Cafe, a local spot where you can grab a burger and fries.

Chincoteague

Chincoteague is a destination known for its natural setting and wildlife. Start your trip at Downtown Waterfront Park on Chincoteague Bay, a spot to relax and take in the views. For a closer look at the bay and its island-dwelling wild ponies, hop aboard the Pony Express Nature Cruise. This fascinating nature cruise takes you up close and personal to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and its wildlife. At the Refuge, birding enthusiasts will adore Snow Goose Pool along the Wildlife Loop. This prime bird-watching location is filled with flocks of snow geese, creating a truly unforgettable sight.

One of Chincoteague’s most beloved traditions is the Chincoteague Pony Swim in July, where local “Saltwater Cowboys” guide wild ponies across the water from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. This event draws people from all over and is a highlight of the summer.

Catawba

The small community of Catawba is surrounded by some of the most iconic hiking destinations in the state of Virginia. It’s best known as the home of McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. The hike to the top is challenging, but the panoramic view from the rocky outcrop is well worth the effort. Another demanding but rewarding trek is the Dragon's Tooth Trail, which leads to a massive quartzite rock formation that juts into the sky. Both of these hikes provide some of the most dramatic mountain views you can find in the state.

If you're looking for a day trip, Carvins Cove Reservoir is a short drive away. With more than 60 miles of trails and a large reservoir, it's a popular spot for mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and boating. For a different kind of view, you can visit the Teaberry Alpaca Farm to see some furry friends up close.

Luray

Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Luray serves as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park and its numerous overlooks. One of the highest points in the park, the Thorofare Mountain Overlook offers a sweeping view of Thorofare Mountain and the surrounding landscape. But the opinions in Luray aren't just above ground. The town is famous for the Luray Caverns, a massive underground cave system discovered in 1878. Inside, you'll find incredible formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and mirrored pools that create an entirely different kind of visual spectacle.

Back in town, the Hawksbill Greenway is a paved trail that follows Hawksbill Creek, allowing you to take a leisurely walk through a more urban setting while still being surrounded by nature. When it's time for dinner, the Skyland Resort, located within the national park, features a restaurant where you can dine while taking in the stunning views of the valley.

Natural Bridge

The town of Natural Bridge is, unsurprisingly, home to Natural Bridge State Park. The main attraction is the massive limestone arch that gives the park its name. Walking the Cedar Creek Trail takes you directly under the 215-foot-high bridge, giving you an impressive upward view. The trail also leads to other sights, including a waterfall, making it an excellent walk for all ages. For a more strenuous activity, the nearby Devil's Marbleyard in the George Washington National Forest presents a vast field of granite boulders. Scrambling over these rocks is a tough but fun challenge that leads to incredible formations and wide-open views of the surrounding area.

After a day of hiking and sightseeing, you can relax at the Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery. This spot is well-regarded by locals for its quality drinks and the pleasant scenery of the property.

Cape Charles

For those who prefer coastal sights, Cape Charles on Virginia's Eastern Shore is the place to be. The town is renowned for its breathtaking Chesapeake Bay sunsets, which can be viewed from several vantage points. The Cape Charles Harbor is a lively area where you can watch boats come and go as the sun goes down. For a more natural setting, the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve has a boardwalk that takes you through a maritime forest to a bluff that overlooks the Bay. It's an excellent spot for bird-watching and taking in the expansive view of the water.

A key part of the area's identity is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17.6-mile engineering marvel that connects the Eastern Shore to the Virginia mainland. Driving across it provides a one-of-a-kind perspective of the bay. For a meal with a view, The Shanty is a casual eatery right on the water, serving local seafood with live music and a waterfront patio.

Virginia’s towns are as diverse as its landscapes, each offering a unique glimpse into the state's natural beauty. Whether you're standing on a mountain peak in Buchanan or watching a sunset over the Chesapeake Bay in Cape Charles, there's no shortage of memorable sights. These towns are integral parts of the areas they inhabit, shaped by the surrounding mountains and waterways. They provide the access and amenities needed to make seeing Virginia's best views both convenient and enjoyable.

So, the next time you're planning a trip in Virginia, consider the view you want to see. Do you want to hike to a rugged summit or walk along a sandy shore? From the Blue Ridge to the Eastern Shore, there’s a town ideally suited for your plans. These communities are ready to be your home base as you explore the remarkable landscapes that make Virginia a truly special place to visit.