Virginia is a state rich in history and nature. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or have lived here for years, this Virginia Bucket List will keep you busy for quite a while – and teach you a thing or two at the same time.
1. Edgar Allen Poe Museum – Get a look into early nineteenth century Richmond and see a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s manuscripts, first editions, personal belongings and more.
2. Virginia Creeper Trail – 34 miles of trail from Abingdonto the Whitetop Station near the NC state line. It’s open year round to hiking, biking and horseback riding.
3. Museum of Contemporary Art – Located in Virgina Beach, the museum features painting, sculpture, photography, and other visual media.
4. Natural Bridge Park – Situated between Lexington and Roanoke. The Natural Bridge is one of the oldest tourist destinations in the U.S.
5. Thomas Jefferson House – Explore the beautiful grounds of Monticello and learn more about Thomas Jefferson and slavery.
6. Gaol Public Jail Tour – Don’t miss the cells that once housed thieves, runaway slaves, debtors in Williamsburg.
7. American Civil War Museum – Exploration the American Civil War from the perspective of Union and Confederate solders, slaves, free African Americans and civilians.
8. Cape Henry Lighthouse – Located in Fort Story, see one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the U.S. It was completed in 1792!
9. Luray Caverns – Take a guided tour through the caverns and see stone formations and natural wonders.
10. White Oak Falls – An easy hike through Shenandoah National Park.
11. Colvin Run Mill – Head back to the early 19th century and tour the restored water-powered mill.
12. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens – More than 50 acres of gardens located in Richmond.
13. Skyline Drive – Drive the public road through Shenandoah National Park stopping at one of the 75 overlooks.
14. Hollywood Cemetery – Visit President James Monroe’s Tomb, President John Tyler’s monument, The Iron Dog and more located in Richmond.
15. Busch Gardens – You can’t go wrong with a day at the theme park!
16. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier – Located on 15th street and the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, it’s a nice place to fish or take in the views.
17. Ocean Breeze Water Park – During the summer, cool down at Ocean Breeze in Virginia Beach.
18. Virginia Aquarium – Located in Virginia Beach, see Harbor Seals, Tiger Sharks and more with over 300 species in the aquarium.
19. Living Museum – See animals native to Virginia in habitats, discovery centers and interactive exhibits during your visit to Newport News.
20. Arlington Cemetery – Discover Arlington’s rich history, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, John F. Kennedy’s Gravesite and more.
21. Colonial Williamsburg – Step back in time to the 18th century to see what life was like for the colonist through tours and reenactments.
22. Yorktown – See the site where the British surrendered and our Independence was won in 1781.
23. Jamestown – Visit the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
One thing I love about living in Virginia is that you can be in the mountains or at the beach within a couple of hours. Spend some time exploring this beautiful state and don’t forget about our vast Military bases as well.
What other places are on your Virginia Bucket List?
If visiting VA, here are a few city specific guides to help with your travel plans:
:: Things to Do with Kids in Norfolk
:: 13 Things to Do in Williamsburg
:: Activities for Families in Virginia Beach
First time traveling to that lo ation and am excited to see what i find. One question, to meet someone for the first time. Where will it be a nice place to keep memory. He is a man from the navy whom i have never met but have been speaking to him since 2015. We skype, call and text. But never met…
Nice list. I would add the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News and while in the valley, VMI parades are usually on Fridays.
Those are great additions. Thanks for sharing with us! It’s been forever since I’ve been to the Mariner’s Museum.
The war was won at Yorktown, not Jamestown. Jamestown was just an early settlement. Nice list otherwise.
How embarrassing! Thank you for the correction! I’m not sure how I did that! My history teachers would be disappointed in me.
Maybe I meant to put in both Jamestown and Yorktown to visit? It’s corrected now.