7 Best Attractions To Visit In Virginia
Virginia is a state where mountains, history, and waterways create unforgettable journeys. In Shenandoah National Park, sweeping Blue Ridge vistas and winding Skyline Drive set the stage for outdoor adventures. Step into another era in Colonial Williamsburg, where cobblestone streets and costumed interpreters bring the 18th century alive. For those drawn to lakeside escapes, Smith Mountain Lake State Park delivers serene shores and endless recreation. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, here are Virginia’s top attractions worth having on your bucket list.
Shenandoah National Park
Just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park stretches across Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with 200,000 acres of waterfalls, overlooks, and forested hollows. Its crown jewel is Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road tracing the ridgeline with panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont. At every turn, wildflowers, quartz outcrops, and wildlife—deer, black bear, and songbirds—remind visitors why this sanctuary has captivated generations since its dedication in 1936.
Beyond the overlooks lies a wilderness that rewards those who hike into its depths. Trails like Hawksbill Summit and Blackrock Loop reveal sweeping vistas, while cascades thunder along the Falls Loop from Browns Gap. History lingers, too, where remnants of pioneer farms stand among old-growth trees spared by logging.
Luray Caverns
Discovered in 1878, Luray Caverns is a subterranean wonder tucked beneath Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Visitors descend into cathedral-sized chambers adorned with towering stalactites, mirrored pools, and travertine draperies that sparkle under soft lighting. The highlight is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest natural instrument, which produces haunting, symphonic tones by striking stone formations. Walking the pathway reveals remarkable sights like Dream Lake and the Saracen’s Tent, with ceilings soaring as high as ten stories.
Above ground, the experience continues with the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, showcasing historic vehicles dating back to the 18th century, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village, a recreated 19th-century farming community. Families can also navigate the Garden Maze, one of the largest hedge mazes in the Mid-Atlantic.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg brings the American Revolution to life in a way no textbook ever could. Walking its historic streets means following in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson, Martha Washington, and countless others who shaped the nation. Guests can dine in George Washington’s favorite tavern, explore one of the country’s earliest schools for Black children, or admire the artistry of working trade shops. From the seats of government to lush gardens, every corner echoes with the ideas of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
As the largest living history museum in the world, Colonial Williamsburg invites visitors into an immersive experience. History interpreters and Nation Builders like George Washington and Gowan Pamphlet share powerful stories, while horse-drawn carriage rides and seasonal ghost tours add memorable touches. The Art Museums showcase everything from whimsical folk creations to elegant decorative pieces, ensuring fresh discoveries for every generation.
Monticello
Set high above the Piedmont countryside, Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s architectural and personal masterpiece. For more than forty years, Jefferson reshaped his beloved mountaintop home, making it the most accurate reflection of his ideas and character. Its gardens were more than ornamental—they served as a food source and a living laboratory where plants from around the world were cultivated and studied. Today, Monticello holds the distinction of being the only home in the United States recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guests can explore the estate through guided house tours available year-round, while April through October brings opportunities to join outdoor garden and plantation tours. Families are welcome, with children under five admitted free. Before heading up the mountain, visitors can stop at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center, where engaging exhibits provide context for Jefferson’s enduring legacy.
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park is one of Virginia’s most striking landmarks, a 215-foot limestone arch carved by Cedar Creek and long admired for its sheer scale and beauty. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, it became the Commonwealth’s 37th state park in 2016 and holds designation as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors begin at the park’s center, where the soaring bridge sits amid lush forests, rolling meadows, and sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River Valley.
Beyond the bridge itself, more than six miles of trails invite exploration. The Cedar Creek Trail leads directly under the arch to the reconstructed Monacan Indian Village and continues to Lace Falls, where water tumbles thirty feet into a rocky gorge. Living history programs enrich the experience, while the Visitor Center provides exhibits, a gift shop, and a shuttle for those preferring to skip the stairway descent.
Carter Mountain Orchard
Perched high above Charlottesville and only minutes from Monticello and Michie Tavern, Carter Mountain Orchard combines sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and Piedmont with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. This family-run orchard has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike, welcoming guests to pick their own peaches in summer and apples in fall. The mountaintop setting makes every visit memorable, whether you are enjoying fresh mountain air or strolling through rows of sunlit trees.
Seasonal traditions are part of the experience. Guests line up for the orchard’s famous apple cider donuts, along with pies, cookies, and ice cream from the bakery. The Country Store is filled with apple butter, jams, jellies, and local crafts, while wine and hard cider tastings add to the fun. From live music and fall festivals to school tours and family events, Carter Mountain Orchard is a year-round highlight in Virginia’s countryside.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Set along the shores of Bedford County’s scenic reservoir, Smith Mountain Lake State Park spans 1,148 acres and offers endless outdoor recreation. Visitors enjoy boating, kayaking, tubing, and swimming in the clear waters, while land-based activities include camping, picnicking, and hiking through wooded trails. The Visitor Center and Discovery Center host engaging ecological programs, and concerts organized by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake Park add to the lively atmosphere. With boat rentals, sandy beaches, and family-friendly facilities, this lakeside retreat is a favorite for both relaxation and adventure.
The park’s history is tied to the creation of Smith Mountain Lake itself. The reservoir was formed after Appalachian Power built a dam across the Roanoke River, completed in 1966. Land donations began in 1967, and the park opened to the public in 1983 with the support of conservation advocate A. Victor Thomas.
Discover Virginia’s Timeless Treasures
Virginia’s treasures span from the wild beauty of Shenandoah National Park to the towering wonder of Natural Bridge and the inviting waters of Smith Mountain Lake. Each destination reflects the state’s rich blend of natural splendor and historic depth, offering experiences that inspire adventure and reflection alike. Whether tracing mountaintop trails, exploring limestone wonders, or enjoying lakeside recreation, these attractions showcase why Virginia continues to captivate travelers seeking both timeless landscapes and unforgettable stories.
