7 Ideal Virginia Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025

Though the state motto, "Virginia is for Lovers," may be subjective, the vivid scenery, history, and other cultural nuances are inspirational. Virginia's Blue Ridge, lush forests, and river valleys, like canvases, come alive with color along the ridges, gorges, and more natural accents.

Lexington, the heart of the forever beautiful Shenandoah Valley, can easily highlight the entire year. In contrast, a shopping spree through the waterfront district in Occoquan will get you into the holiday mindset. These nostalgic towns promise a scenic three-day weekend.

Charlottesville

From first-rate museums and galleries to global restaurants and antiquarian bookstores, this town of roughly 45,000 delivers on a weekend escape in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia. Charlottesville is alive with history, shopping, and wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail. Historic buildings are a hallmark, like the iconic rotunda building, designed as part of the University of Virginia (UVA) by Thomas Jefferson, known for its Palladian-style architecture.

Minutes south, Monticello is his stately 1769 mansion and former slave plantation, with tours, a museum, a cafe, and the 1784 Michie Tavern around the corner. Stay nearby at Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, an ideal retreat from the lively downtown. Spending a day between the Downtown Mall and IX Art Park, an inspiring, artsy outdoor market space with murals alongside a farmers market and brewery, is easy. Escape the shoptastic nirvana along the Rivanna River, lacing northeast.

Haysi

Tucked behind Breaks Interstate Park along the border with Kentucky, this pretty town is made for long outdoor weekends. Ridden in foliage, the 4,600-acre lush parkland features a 5-mile borderline gorge, with hiking, camping, and rafting to suit every activity level. Though the outdoors can get the best of you, be sure to check out the French Quarter-style café, Main Street Country Kitchen, built in 1911 by Paris Charles, before the town was incorporated in 1936.

Charming like its name, Haysi inspires a carefree escape for scenery chasers in western Virginia. With easy access to aquatic ops along the Russell Fork River and relaxation along the banks, Haysi offers woodland hikes, serene fishing spots, and ATV trails in pristine landscape views. Its heartwarming hospitality completes every getaway. Pick between the park's lakeside cabins or the Chafin Lodge, just a stroll to the State Line Lookout and 15 minutes south to Haysi Downtown.

Lexington

Picturesque vibes, boutique shopping, and farm-to-table dining make this beautiful Shenandoah Valley town. Drop by the 1800s Stonewall Jackson House of a famous Confederate general, with period furnishings, and score your own top-rated stay at Abigail Inn with access to foliage drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Surrounded by national forests, the Maury River flows north, giving way to fields with beautiful mountain vistas.

Offering a lively student feel and quieter summers, the collegiate vibe extends into an arts scene at the University Chapel & Galleries. This historic venue invites you to events and exhibits at the 19th-century campus auditorium. Meanwhile, Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden is ideal to escape for dog- and kid-friendly adventures, with a rustic feel along the walking trails and watery features, including turtles in the pond and a cool boardwalk over a swamp.

Mount Vernon

This small town neighboring Alexandria packs a punch in presidential history. In addition to the Washington Family Tomb, the legendary George Washington's Mount Vernon, the vast estate, is open for tours, furnished with period pieces and his belongings, plus the beautiful river behind. Strolling along the wharf and a pier, visitors enjoy scenic views of Maryland across the Potomac and ferry departures to the National Harbor. Hop for a breezy ferry ride to Alexandria, with open-air decks.

Many enjoy George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill, reconstructed in the late 18th-century style, with tours and exhibits behind the whisky that follows Washington's days' method, plus a beautiful green lawn outside. Score a flask of the liquid gold to uncork at home or at one of the hotels lining the highway, like Best Western Plus. Switch gears the next day at the Mount Vernon Trail Trailhead, which is ideal for a bike ride or long walk, with benches and riverbanks to relax.

Natural Bridge

This unincorporated community is the site of the 215-ft. bridge-shaped gorge, which inspired the surrounding state park. In addition to the limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek, beautiful forests and open, rolling meadows showcase the area’s terrain, ripe to explore on a hike. After stopping at the visitor center, with exhibits and a gift shop, Cedar Creek Trail leads you under the bridge to Lace Falls for a lengthy walk, mostly shaded, on a casual day outing to the 30-foot cascade.

Known for its rugged allure, you can stay with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the fantastic Natural Bridge Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, a beautiful, stately red brick hotel adjacent to the Natural Bridge historic landmark, once owned by Thomas Jefferson. A weekend full of beautiful foliage and stargazing, plus a kids' discovery area with courses, you'll be left reinvigorated by the surrounding mountains and the James River valley's natural splendor.

Occoquan

Just 20 miles south of Alexandria, Occoquan is a favorite getaway, a perfect pit stop, and a great new town to discover for first-timers in the state, revealing an intimate side of Virginia along the storied Occoquan River. River Mill Park is ideal for relaxing after a filling meal with a trail, a footbridge over the river, a waterfall to the side, and a Virginia LOVE sign for a selfie. Wedged into the Occoquan Riverfront, the historic district is littered with shops and galleries like Art A La Carte Gallery.

After you "Paint Your Heart Out Inc.," be sure to check out the quaint Secret Garden Cafe, in a clapboard 1840 home with a garden patio. It serves modern American fare with global twists, like Spanish breakfast, Greek chicken, and Mediterranean mezza spread. In addition to easy access through Occoquan Regional Park's boat launch, Hampton Inn Potomac Mills/Woodbridge is a walk from the town's marina, should you wish to set sail into Belmont Bay and the Potomac River.

Winchester

From battlefields to BBQ, this dynamic Shenandoah Valley town of under 30,000 boasts an over 250-year-old marketplace at its heart. Winchester's Old Town makes it easy to while away the weekend alongside antiquated facades with enticements for shoppers and architecture fans alike. Moreover, home to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, no visit is ever complete without a whole afternoon between the Winchester founder's 1794 Glen Burnie House and seven acres of formal gardens.

After a thorough exploration, including art galleries, let it all sink in along three miles of walking trails across the museum’s 90 acres, year-round. From books to mountain gear and homemade ice cream through Old Town’s Loudoun Street Pedestrian Mall, be sure to stop by Cork Street Tavern for tasty lunch fare in a historic 1830s building. After a tasting flight of craft at Winchester Brew Works, the 1924 Georgian-Revival George Washington Hotel completes the most memorable stay in 2025.

So yes, "Virginia is for Lovers," but it is also for family time, falltime vibes, and crunching leaves through its idyllic towns and exciting cultural scenes. The state intertwines profound historical landmarks with rustic nature, like the moody river views behind Washington's Mount Vernon.

Whether you're a couple or a soul searcher, find what you seek in the persisting fall weather along the forest paths, or if harvest, wine trails, and scenic drives are more your speed and style. The Old Dominion welcomes you with the rolling views of the Blue Ridge to the horizon.