There’s a lot to love about Virginia, from the Appalachians to the shores of the Atlantic. The landscape is magical, with plenty of scenic spots that’ll leave a lasting impression.
If Virginia is next on your bucket list, you definitely want to learn more about your destination. Find out things to do and places to go in to ensure you don’t miss out on a wonderful experience.
We share tips to make your Virginia vacation worth the excitement and preparation.
Preparing for the Trip
Your preparation for a Virginia getaway should start with an itinerary. Virginia Tourism Corporation has detailed travel guides you can use to draft your itinerary.
While creating your itinerary, don’t forget to jot down crucial information like these phone numbers, just in case.
- 911 for emergencies, including Police, Fire, EMS
- 757-385-5000 for towing inquiries and non-emergency calls
- 757-385-7873 (SURF) and 1-800-VA-BEACH (822-3224) – Visitor Information Center
When packing, consider the part of the state you’re visiting, as the weather varies.
You can bring prescription medications or vitamins with you. But you can’t cross state lines with marijuana. Still, you can apply for a 30-day medical marijuana license and access the drug as a visitor. Veriheal can walk you through the process.
Top Five Things to Do in Virginia
Once you land in The Old Dominion, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to do and what should come first. These top five things to do in Virginia will spur you into action.
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Visit Virginia Beach
You would think the most populous city in Virginia would be the state capital, Richmond, but that can’t happen with Virginia Beach in existence.
Everyone seems to find their way to Virginia Beach, nestled on the shores of the Atlantic. The scenic Chesapeake Bay, with the miles-long stretch of golden shores, is just as magical as the best beaches of California and Florida.
But there’s more to the seaside experience that makes Virginia Beach unique. The oceanfront is lined with food joints, resorts, and shopping stores to amplify your experience.
That’s not to forget the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which stretches for three miles and features all sorts of fun activities.
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Find Botanical Gardens
The beaches are lovely, but for some, the allure of plants is irresistible. If that’s you, make hunting down botanical gardens part of your VA itinerary.
Botanical gardens are stunning establishments that display a large variety of plants, including indigenous and rare species.
If you love parks, you’ll love botanical gardens even more. And don’t let the name deceive you. These are not just any other garden. They are spread across acres and dotted with beautiful features like streams, artificial falls, fountains, rocks, etc.
You don’t want to miss the Norfolk Botanical Garden, spread over 150 acres. Another must-see is the 95-acre Meadowlark Botanical Garden boasting ornamental segments and scenic trails taking you through tiny forests and lakes.
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Go on a Kayak Tour
Virginia is rich with lakes, rivers, and the ocean, all of which offer unique opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
Since kayaking is a popular activity in the state, you could try it at many of the established spots for these tours.
Try Dolphin kayak tours at Chesapeake Bay and glide alongside Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or explore the marshlands of Assateague Island on a guided tour.
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Learn Virginia’s History
Virginia has a rich history that will draw you in the second you show interest.
Learn about the Algonquian and Iroquoian Native Americans who occupied the region before it became a colony.
Places like Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello shouldn’t be missed if you’re into historical sightseeing.
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Hit the Mountain Trails
If you love going off the beaten track, the mountain trails of Virginia will suit you perfectly. Whether your interests lie in hiking or biking, you’ll find stunning places that cater to your needs in the Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are plenty of scenic panoramic views of waterfalls, woods, and fields in places like Shenandoah National Park, Sky Meadows State Park, and Grayson Highlands State Park.
Final Thoughts
Virginia is one of the top tourism destinations in the US, offering a satisfying experience for historical enthusiasts, backpackers, and hikers, among other adventure seekers.
Hopefully, our tips will help you turn your Virginia getaway into your most memorable experience yet.