I've compiled a comprehensive list of things to do in Virginia. We’ve got all areas of the state covered too from Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, and the Virginia Mountains to Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore. We’ve got outdoor activities and indoor activities. Fun and educational experiences for kids and adults alike. So, get ready to plan your Virginia vacation!

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My First Time Living in Virginia

As you may have guessed these are all personal recommendations from my time living in Virginia and visiting Virginia. There are a couple of places that I didn't get the chance to see, but they are too good to pass up, so I’ve listed those as well. If you read my About page, then you know I moved to Florida when I was young. As such we traveled back and forth between New York and Florida often. One of our stopping places in that long drive was Fredericksburg, Virginia. Later, during pharmacy school, one of my rotations was with the American Pharmacists Association in Washington, DC. Friends of mine found me a place near them in Centreville, Virginia and I drove to the Vienna metro station every day to make my way to the city. My childhood dreams of working in the city came true. 

My Second Time Living in Virginia

Not too long after Michael and I got married, we felt the Lord directing us to move. As we looked at the US map, to figure where we would go next, we narrowed down a few places we liked and then we waited. Sure enough, the Lord opened the door for us to move to Hampton, Virginia. As I mentioned in my About page, we weren’t there long (about 1½ years), before we knew the Lord was directing us back to Florida. We loved living in Virginia though. In that time, we focused on exploring all the local history and there is so much to be found. And bonus we got to experience ALL four seasons!

Best Time to Visit Virginia

• Fall Season

Best Places to Visit in Virginia

• Shenandoah Valley

Coming from Florida, the season I miss the most is fall. So, all these Virginia attractions give me the perfect dose of fall I need to get me through the year. We here in Florida get about 9 months of summer, 1 month of winter (if that), and 2 months of spring. There have been many years wearing shorts for Christmas. The one thing that drew me to Virginia when we were looking to move out of state, was the promise of a long and beautiful fall season. And Virginia did not disappoint. While there are so many different areas of the state to explore, the western part of the state (Shenandoah Valley area) has so much to offer during the fall season. So, if you need your dose of fall colors that would be the best time to visit and one of the best places to visit in Virginia.

Best Virginia Hotel

• Massanutten Resort

Massanutten Resort is a one-stop destination near Shenandoah National Park. You don’t even have to leave the property. Everything is here right at your fingertips. Massanutten is considered an all-season resort. That’s because there are fun things to do on property for every season of the year. While Massanutten Resort is a time share, they do allow stays for non-time-share owners. This is great for families and those with food allergies (like me) since you can find many of the rooms or suites come with a full kitchen. Read about how I choose hotels to accommodate my allergies in my Montreal blog post. You can read more about Massanutten Resort specifically in my Massanutten Resort Review blog post (coming soon).

Things to Do in Virginia with Kids and/or Teens

Fun Things to Do in Virginia

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Things to Do in Massanutten

1. Zip Lining Virginia [Massanutten Resort Canopy Tour]

- Cost: $45 per person

- Only open April to October. Dates and times change each season, and reservations are required in advance, so check their website. They are also weather dependent. Depending on how many people are with you and how long you take to go through the course, it could be 2 hours or more.

- Requirements: You will need to sign a release form beforehand. Ages 14 and 15 require adult supervision. Ages 16 and up do not. There are no height requirements, but there is a weight range to participate which is between 70 to 250 pounds.

- What to Wear: You must have closed toe shoes. With all the gear you will have on, you may want to wear something that is comfortable and won’t allow for chaffing like athleisure wear. Bug spray and sunscreen depending on the weather and season you choose to go.

One of the first things to do in Virginia is zip lining. The fall season is all about enjoying the great outdoors with cool weather. And what better way to do that then to head to the woods. There are 2 Massanutten Ziplines, one called the mega zip, which is an extra-long and super-fast zip line ($17). The other which is what we opted for was the more scenic canopy tour. This included not just multiple zip lines high in the trees above, but also incorporated somewhat of an obstacle course. Still nothing pushed the limits on my fear of heights, fear of natural predators (like alligators), or my physical capabilities, like the Treetop Trek at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida. I’ll be writing a blog post on that soon. As the canopy tour at Massanutten Resort was my first-time zip-lining, it was challenging, but also very enjoyable. You can read more about all the activities that Massanutten has to offer in my Massanutten Resort Review blog post (coming soon).

Things to Do in Luray, VA

2. Luray Caverns

All information regarding cost, dates, times, hours, and other specific information can be found directly on the Luray Caverns website. They are also now accessible to everyone by being step free with all paved walkways throughout. Also included in your Luray Cavern ticket is admission to:

• The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum
• Shenandoah Heritage Village
• Toy Town Junction

Next door to Shenandoah National Park is the Luray Caverns which is probably one of the most unique places to visit in Virginia. Follow along the path to see one of the largest caverns in the United States. With stalactites and stalagmites on all sides you will be in wonder. Don’t miss the lakes with water so still it’s an optical illusion. You may think there are stalactites on the bottom, but really, it’s the clearest reflection on the water of what’s above. At the end of your walk, you come to one of the most intricate inventions, an organ that plays music by the vibrations of the stalactites. There is seriously nothing like it. It’s such a peaceful and humbling feeling hearing it play.

3. Get Lost (or Found) in the Garden Maze

- Cost: Adults $10, Children (6-12) $7, Under 6 are free

- Open daily except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Weekdays from 12pm to 5pm and Weekends from 11am to 6pm. Always dependent on weather. The Garden Maze is both wheelchair and baby stroller accessible

Things to See in Virginia in the Fall

4. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Blue Ridge Mountains

Starting from the Shenandoah National Park in Afton, Virginia and ending at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina is the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the most amazing and scenic things to do in Virginia in the fall.  It even brings you past the Highlands of North Carolina where Michael and I got engaged. I’ll be writing a blog post on that soon too. Along Blue Ridge Parkway, there is a music center, art center, hiking trails, biking trails, or just plain walking trails if you’re like me. There are also beautiful waterfalls and rivers that you can stop to do some fishing or kayaking in. And with multiple visitors’ centers set up along the way, you can learn all about local history or about the history of the parkway itself. 

5. Explore and Experience Shenandoah National Park

- Cost: $30 (for one car), $25 (for one motorcycle), $15 (for walk up or bike). You can also purchase an annual pass or an American the Beautiful pass if you intend on seeing a lot of different national parks in your travels. There are also discounts available for veterans, seniors, school aged children, those with disabilities, and on certain special holidays, so check out the website when you are planning your visit.

Within Shenandoah National Park, there are also lots of things to do like hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and more. Another scenic drive is located within Shenandoah National Park and that is Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive takes you through the entire national park and drops you off at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway for an extension to a beautiful fall road trip. So, don’t miss all the outdoor adventures to be had in this beautiful part of Virginia.

Things to Do in Harrisonburg, VA

6. Take a Selfie in front of the Virginia is for Lovers Sign

These Love signs are synonymous with Virginia and can be found all over the state. You can find a map of all of them here. So, don’t miss this photo opportunity while in Harrisonburg. Or check out the map to see if there are any Love signs in any of the other cities around Virginia you may be visiting during your travels.

7. Bike Harrisonburg, VA

Harrisonburg, Virginia isn’t only known for having the infamous Love signs. It’s also well known for being a bicycling community. Book a bike tour with a local company to experience even more outdoor adventures in the Shenandoah Valley. Growing up my mom watched a lot of The Andy Griffith Show, which always showed this small-town country life. If you ever wanted to be transported to a town to experience that kind of life, then make sure Harrisonburg is on your list. Harrisonburg won the “Great American Main Street” award and is the epitome of that all-American hometown feel. Yet, Harrisonburg is also a hub for modern cuisine, a thriving art and culture scene, and local historical sites and museums, so there is something for everyone to experience.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Things to Do in Northern Virginia

8. Great Falls Park

- Cost: $20 (one car), $15 (one motorcycle), $10 (walk up or bike). Passes are good for 7 days. You can also purchase an annual pass or national park pass as mentioned before. Be sure to also check closure dates on their website.

Overlooking the Potomac River on the Virginia and Maryland border, just northwest of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia is Great Falls Park. Great Falls Park has three different overlooks available to see the beautiful Great Falls waterfalls. All overlooks are walking distance from the visitor centers, but only two are stroller accessible. Each overlook gives you a slightly different perspective. Another one of the beautiful and fun things to do in Virginia in the fall. At the visitor center, there is a touchable children’s area as well as an exhibit of the history of Great Falls. There is also a junior ranger’s program. Download the form. The kids will answer questions specific to Great Falls Park, when done send it to a park ranger, then wait for your special patch and certificate. A fun memory.

Things to Do in Arlington, VA

9. Arlington National Cemetery

- Cost: Free or Tram Tour $15pp, Walking Tour $73pp, or DC Bus Tour $44pp

- Open daily from 8am to 5pm

10. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Arlington National Cemetery is both a beautiful and solemn place of American history. A place not to be missed when visiting Virginia or the surrounding Washington, DC. Within Arlington National Cemetery there a few places you don’t want to miss such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Changing of the Guard, and some specific monuments and gravesites located throughout the property. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a beautiful memorial on a hilltop overlooking Washington, DC. It’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifice our military men and women make. John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (NKJV)

11. Changing of the Guard

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24/7, and that means exactly that. If there is a hurricane coming, they guard, a pandemic, they still guard. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is an extension of the ongoing watch of the tomb. The Changing of the Guard happens every hour on the hour (or half hour for a couple months out of the year) and is another demonstration of the dedication of our military members. As the men and women who guard the tomb are a special sector of the U.S. Army and undergo rigorous qualifications to be given this honor. There is a moment of silence during this ceremony, so keep that in mind when visiting with small children.

12. Monuments and Gravesites

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for close to four hundred thousand veterans. Located throughout the property, there are several different monuments and memorials for all the different wars throughout history. Among those are also the gravesites of notable figures of American history, such as the eternal flame burning for the late President John F. Kennedy. As a child, we traveled to many different historical places throughout the US and it always helped bring that history to life. Places like Arlington National Cemetery give you a glimpse into that rich history as well as an appreciation for the ongoing efforts of those keeping our country safe.

Things to Do in Fredericksburg, VA

13. Kings Dominion

- Cost: $35 (single ticket) + $17 (parking) which includes admission to King’s Dominions waterpark, Soak City. You can also purchase (for an additional cost) a dining plan, drink plan, and photo plan as well.

- Check their website for hours and additional information

Located between Fredericksburg and Richmond is one of Virginia’s theme parks, King’s Dominion. I visited this fun theme park back when I was in my teens. And it is still going strong today with fun rides, shows, and a water park. For those of you who are thrill seekers, then definitely add this to your list of fun things to do in Virginia. There are plenty of major roller coaster rides to keep you busy, a full waterpark which is included in your admission, and a fun kids’ play area with all your favorite Peanut characters. Compared to the theme parks I’m used to in Florida, you are getting more bang for your buck here with so much to do and at a very reasonable cost.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Things to do in Charlottesville, VA

14. Apple Picking at Carter Mountain Orchard

- Cost: There is no parking or entrance fee. You only pay for what fruit you are picking or going to pick. The rest depends on how much you want to spend in the gift shop for goodies to bring home.

- Open year-round. During active picking season, they are usually open daily, but the hours may differ depending on the day. I would always check the website before going to be sure. On the off season (winter), the days and hours may be limited to weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and afternoons.

- What to Wear: You will be walking quite a bit row after row looking for apples, taking pictures, and soaking up the scenery, so wear comfortable shoes. The orchard is hilly and depending on weather it could be dusty or muddy, so wear something you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. Bug spray is always a must with any kind of fruit picking. Sunscreen too depending on the weather. Since its fall, long pants would be preferred for both the weather and protection from bugs and poisonous plants that could be nearby.

One of my favorite fall activities is apple picking. We love pumpkin picking too. I would even go as far as saying, is it even fall if we haven’t picked apples? But in all honesty, this is one of the best things to do in Virginia for kids. Carter Mountain Orchard really caters to kids and there is so much to do to make this a fun weekend activity. In places like Carter Mountain Orchard, that are so large, there are typically maps and dates to correlate with each specific type of apple (for all you apple connoisseurs). They also have hayrides that take you over the property and give you sweeping views of the beautiful Virginia fall colors. Be sure to stop into their gift shop for all your apple specialty items. For all my non-gluten free folks, they have apple cider donuts, and apple pies. For my fellow gluten free folks there are apple ciders, apple butters, and more. 

Here in Florida, we love fruit picking like strawberry picking, blueberry picking, blackberry picking. If you are in Virginia in a different season, then be sure to check out their other locations for more fun fruit picking. 

- Peach Picking at Chiles Peach Orchard in the Spring

- Cherry Picking at Spring Valley in the Summer

Things to Do in Richmond, VA

15. Virginia Museum of History and Culture

- Cost: Adults: $10, Seniors and Military: $8, Youth (6 – 17): $5

During my time living in Virginia, The Dressing Downton Exhibition from the TV show and movie, Downton Abbey came through to stay for a period at the Virginia Historical Society – Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond, Virginia. As such a huge fan of the show and movie, it was such a fun experience. And the show also put Highclere Castle on my future travel list for when I finally get to visit England. But in the meantime, the exhibit was amazing! I took my mom with me and we loved seeing all the details they put into each article of clothing to show the authenticity of the materials and designs of that time in history. The exhibit had quite a large collection and we spent most of the day in it. Afterwards, we explored the rest of the museum which had a large collection of Virginian history. You can always check out their website prior to coming to see what exhibitions are on display.

16. Eat at Carytown or Church Hill Neighborhoods

Afterwards, we headed to nearby Carytown to eat. Carytown is an eclectic little neighborhood within Richmond, Virginia. With small local shops and restaurants, this is fun place to visit when you are nearby. You can even visit nearby Church Hill to take a food tour. Although, it appears that these tours tend to be more vegetarian and vegan friendly than gluten free friendly.

17. Science Museum of Richmond

- Cost: Adults $15.50, Seniors and Youth (6-12) $13.50, Preschool (3-5) $10, Under 2 years free. Add $5 to admission for a dome ticket.

- Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm

One of the best things about museums is the insanely large movie screens they have in order to bring wildlife, the ocean, sky, and space to life. And at the Science Museum of Richmond, their dome is where you’ll find the largest screen in all of Virginia. Aside from that, there are also numerous exhibits that cater to both adults and kids. Workshops that allow you to experience hands-on learning as well as different demonstrations to watch and learn.

18. Children’s Museum of Richmond

- Cost: Adults $9, Children $9, Seniors and Military $8, and under 12 months free

- Open Thursday to Sunday. Check their website for times and reservations.

Right next door to the Science Museum of Richmond is the Children’s Museum of Richmond. This is a great place to let the kids roam free because it’s all touchable and hands-on learning. With tons of fun and interactive areas, this place will keep kids busy all day.

VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS

Things to Do in Roanoke, VA

19. Roanoke Virginia Museum of Transportation

- Cost: Adults and Students $8, Seniors and Youth $6, Children $4, Under 3 are free

- Open Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm, Sunday: 1pm to 5pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday during winter.

While I was only in Roanoke briefly and didn’t get to sightsee, the one thing I missed was visiting the Virginia Museum of Transportation. They have an extensive train collection. And, in case you missed it, I love my trains. And now, my son Roman loves trains too, as you can see from my Instagram post when we celebrated his birthday. Full blog post on that coming soon. In the meantime, I have multiple blog posts featuring all different types of train excursions from our next state neighbors Georgia to Alaska to Australia even The Polar Express. More to be added soon too. So, for the kids who love trains, this type of museum is both fun and educational.

20. Roanoke Star

Similar to the LOVE signs located throughout Virginia, the Roanoke Star is the emblem of the Blue Ridge region of Virginia. It lights up Mill Mountain every night. There is an overlook at the star where you can see the city of Roanoke below. It’s one of the largest illuminated stars in the world, so make sure you get a glimpse or photo of this engineered beauty.  

21. Black Dog Salvage

- Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5 pm; Sunday 11 am to 4 pm

For those of you that follow and watch the television show Salvage Dawgs, you’ll recognize this place. While many of their items are sold online, there is a rotating array of items you’ll only find in their physical store and showroom. Even though this is a store and not a museum, in a way it’s allowing you to still explore a piece of Virginia’s architectural history. There is a similar place I visited while living in the nearby Hampton area, the Williamsburg Antique Mall. You could get lost in there and be transported to another era by seeing all the items they used to live life.

HAMPTON ROADS

We moved to Hampton, Virginia the summer of 2014 and were there till the beginning of 2016. At the time, we didn’t know we would only be living there for a season. But early on, we decided that before we did any traveling too far away, that we would explore our new home state. It wasn’t hard to find things to do in Virginia with our time off. There is so much history all around. A few of the places we liked so much, we went back to repeatedly, while others you could fully experience in just a day. Here are some of those nearby places to explore.  

Things to Do in Hampton, VA

22. Virginia Air and Space Science Center

- Cost: Adult $20, Seniors $18, Active Military/NASA $17, Children $16.50, Under age 3 is free. Admission includes an IMAX film. Or you can purchase the IMAX movie alone for $9.25 (adults), $8.25 (seniors and active military/NASA), or $7.25 (children).

- Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sundays 12pm to 5pm

Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton, Virginia is an official visitor center for the NASA Langley Research Center. As such, authentic items from NASA and its’ shuttle missions are on display here. Numerous planes and spacecrafts are also on display for all the aviation enthusiasts. For an additional cost, you can even fly using the flight simulator. And with multiple exhibits and hands-on activities, there is plenty to see and enjoy here. With the largest screen in the area, don’t forget to check out the newest IMAX movie which is included in your admission ticket.

23. Emancipation Oak

If you are visiting the Hampton area, then make sure to pass by this historic tree, known as the Emancipation Oak. Located at the front of the Hampton University campus, this tree is approximately 200 years old. It’s over 100 feet wide and is the location for the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation from President Abraham Lincoln. Between the University and the nearby medical center, this area can be very busy at peak commuting times (7-8am and 4-6pm), so keep that in mind if you are driving past to see it.

Things to Do in Newport News, VA

24. Virginia Living Museum

- Cost: Adults $20, Children (3-12) $15, Under 3 are free. Add $4 to catch a show in the planetarium. Evening shows add $6.

- Open daily from 9am to 5pm

We had an annual pass to the Virginia Living Museum when we lived here, because there was so much to see and do and ongoing events that were so interesting. The Virginia Living Museum is a mix between a zoo and a science center. You’ll get to see all the animals outside in their natural sanctuaries like the fox, bobcat, and even the beavers working hard.  Inside the museum, you’ll get to be hands-on in the touch tank as well as see some local inhabitants of Virginia’s waterways. There are multiple exhibits to see inside the museum or you can purchase some behind the scenes tours to get up close to some of the animals that call this place home. The planetarium has shows that rotate throughout the year and sometimes there is free stargazing on top of the observatory in the evening depending on the day you visit. Don’t forget to add this to your list of things to do in Virginia, it should not be missed.

25. The Mariner’s Museum and Park

- Cost: All ages $1 and Under 3 are free. Add $6 for 3D movie for adults and $2 for under 3.

- Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours may change depending on the season, so always check the website for details. The park and trail on property are open daily from 6am to 6pm and are free. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day as well.

The Mariner’s Museum and Park was like stepping into a Disney movie, but this time we went under the sea to relive The Little Mermaid. For one dollar admission, you really get your money’s worth and then some. With exhibits of miniature replicas of ships, ships on display from around the world, and areas to learn about naval history and sea life, there is so much to keep you busy here all day. During our visit, we were also able to check out their warehouse which houses an insane number of nautical artifacts. There is also a film available to watch which rotates throughout the year.

Things to Do in Jamestown, VA

Known as Virginia’s Historic Triangle, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg are the heart of the history of Virginia. Jamestown, Virginia dates back to the 1600’s when the first of the colonists landed here. Historic Jamestowne continues to preserve that original history.

26. Historic Jamestowne

- Cost: Adults (16+) $25: Children (15 and under) are free. The tickets are good for 7 days. Admission includes James Fort Site, New Towne, the Archaearium Museum, the Glasshouse, Island Loop Drive, and Yorktown Battlefield (not located on the property).

- Open daily with hours varying depending on the exhibit, ranging from 8:30-9:30am to 4:30-5pm. Check out their website for specific details.

- Historic Jamestowne also participates in the Junior Rangers program and can earn your kids a badge and certificate for answering questions relating to the history of Jamestown during their visit.

Within Historic Jamestowne, there is so much to see and do. As a Disney fan, this is the movie Pocahontas coming to life. You can see the statues of the real John Smith and Pocahontas on display here, as well as see sweeping views of the James River. There are still active archeological dig sites all over the property and ongoing programs put on for you to experience them during your visit. Remnants of the original 17^th century church still lie preserved for you to see. They lie below the reconstructed replica from the late 1890’s, which is already over 100 years old itself. You can also see the layout of the original James Fort and how life was lived at the time. The Archaearium Museum houses an extensive number of artifacts found during the excavations of Jamestowne. Including items used by the early settlers as well as those used by the American Indians like Pocahontas.

27. Island Loop Drive

Aside from all there is to do in Historic Jamestowne, there is still also Island Drive which takes you past 5 miles of land similar to that of the original landing party. With plenty of wildlife all around to see, there are also stops along the way indicating special views and historic ruins. Even without all this, it’s just a beautiful scenic drive and at the edge of the island is another panoramic view of James River.

28. Jamestown Settlement

- Cost: Adults $18, Children $9, Under 6 are free. You can also purchase a combination ticket for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for a discounted rate or see what other specials are being offered directly on the website.

- Open daily (except Christmas and New Year’s) from 9am to 5pm. Outdoor area hours are from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

As America’s first permanent English colony, Jamestown Settlement is now an immersive experience into the life of the early settlers. Part of that immersion is that many of the employees are in period piece costumes. And they both explain and demonstrate by different hands-on activities what early colonial life was like. You can walk through the recreation of the original fort from the 1600s as well as one of the early American Indian towns. No visit is complete without climbing onboard one of the three recreated original ships. These ships show sea life for those crossing the Atlantic in the early 1600’s. Jamestown Settlement has so much to offer and is an amazing place for history to come alive. Don’t forget to add this to your growing list of things to do in Virginia.

Things to Do in Yorktown, VA

As yet another corner of the Virginia Historical Triangle, Yorktown, Virginia is another can’t miss spot for history. You can either purchase tickets to Yorktown Battlefield as part of your Historic Jamestowne admission or separately as noted below. And you can purchase tickets to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown as a combination ticket with Jamestown Settlement or as a separate admission as noted below.

29. Yorktown Battlefield Park

- Cost: Adults $15, Under 15 is free. Tickets are good for 7 days and include: Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center Museum, Battlefield Tour Roads, Jamestown Visitor Center, Glasshouse, and Island Drive Tour Road.

- For hours and daily operating schedules, check out their website.

Within Yorktown Battlefield Park, there are several places to see and visit. The main visitor center has a video of the history of Yorktown as well as a museum area to visit. There are sometimes tours offered as well. Not far from the visitor center is Historic Yorktown and some historic buildings that can be visited. Yorktown Battlefield also has 16 miles of roads to explore using a special app to navigate the history. The app is free, but there is a fee to drive the roads which can be purchased at the visitor center. Once you are all done visiting Yorktown Battlefield Park, you can hop on the free trolley to take you to the other historical hotspots of Yorktown (trolley runs all seasons except winter).

30. Fifes and Drums of Yorktown

While we were living in Virginia, we visited Yorktown Battlefield Park. During our visit, we were able to hear the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown. This traveling group of teens plays the music of early America. While they aren’t a regular part of Yorktown Park, they are a regular part of the Yorktown community. So, if you have an opportunity to see them locally, it is well worth it. You can check out their Facebook page to see if they have a performance during your visit.

31. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

- Cost: Adults $16, Youth $8, Under 6 are free or purchase a combination ticket

- Open daily (except Christmas and New Year’s) from 9am to 5pm. Outdoor area hours are from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

In another immersive experience into history, this time the American Revolution Museum takes you to war. In the outdoor area of the museum, you can experience the life of a soldier, with live demonstrations and hands-on activities. Including the firing of a real musket. Within the museum, there are numerous artifacts on display, from the days of George Washington. While you are here, don’t miss watching one of the films on their panoramic screen to see the battle that played out here in Yorktown.

Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA

Where to Stay in Williamsburg, VA

In the last point of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, we visit Williamsburg, Virginia which has so much to offer and not just for the history enthusiast. There are opportunities for golf, tennis, food tours (although may not be gluten or dairy free friendly), and even a relaxing day at the spa. While living in Virginia, I was able to head over to The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg for a treatment. It was such a relaxing time. Across the street is the Williamsburg Lodge, which is a great place to stay if you are visiting the area. It’s within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg, and located in the heart of all there is to do here.

32. Colonial Williamsburg

- Cost: Single day ticket: Adults $35.99, Youth (6-12) $19.99, Under 6 are free. Multiday tickets are available for 3 days in a row and is cheaper than purchasing a single day ticket each day. Cost: Adults $45.99, Youth $23.99. There are numerous other types of ticket deals sometimes offered in combination with hotel or resort packages. Check out the Colonial Williamsburg website for more information.

- Your ticket includes admission to both art museums, stage performances, guided tours of the Palace, Capitol, and Courthouse as well visits to the different trade sites, to watch and talk to the tradespeople practicing their 18^th century craft.

- Open 365 days a year from 9-9:30am to 4:30-5pm depending on the historic area. Art Museums are also open daily from 10am to 6pm.

- What to Wear and Bring - You will be doing a lot of walking around Colonial Williamsburg, so wear comfortable shoes. If you get too tired, there is a free shuttle bus that makes stops through the property. Don’t forget to download the Colonial Williamsburg app, which will give you map and descriptions of all the historical areas to visit.

Colonial Williamsburg is an amazing place. One I remember visiting with fond memories as a child and now visiting as an adult, it still has the same historic wonder. There is so much to see and do here, that like a Disney park, it’s hard to do it all in one day. If your itinerary allows, the multiday ticket would probably be the best way to go to make sure you’ve seen it all. Among the different trades you can visit, there are metal and wood working, gardening and cooking, fashion, my personal favorite apothecary, and many more. There are active archeological excavations taking place that you can watch as well as visit the many beautiful historic gardens. You can also see the fifes and drums play here too or take a horse and carriage ride around the city. Depending on the time of year you go, there are also seasonal events and special events for different holidays. Check the website for these dates and time.

33. Busch Gardens Williamsburg

- Cost: Adults $39.99 Under 3 is free. Preschool passes (free annual pass) are available for kids between age 3-5. There are also numerous passes to check out to see which is most cost effective for you and your family like the fun pass, annual pass, or multi-park (Busch Gardens + Water Country USA) pass. Dining and Beverage purchases are available for purchase too.

We have Busch Gardens Tampa Bay here in Florida, but Busch Gardens Williamsburg isn’t just an identical park in a different location. They are two completely different experiences. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme is Africa, so there are numerous native African animal exhibits in addition to thrilling roller coasters. Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme is Europe, so the areas throughout the park are visually similar to the countries they mimic in Europe. The animals in the exhibits are those native to Europe. You will even find some old-fashioned wooden roller coasters here too adding another thrill level. There are shows to see daily as well as festivals and special events held throughout the year in the park, so check out the website for those too.

34. Water Country USA

- Cost: Adults $46.99 (online) and Under 3 are free. You can also purchase combination tickets with Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Dining and Beverage purchases are available for purchase too.

- Open only during the summer months (end of May to beginning of September), so check out the website directly for dates and times.

Just a few miles away from Busch Gardens Williamsburg is their water park, Water Country USA. With numerous water rides to choose from as well as lazy rivers and kids splash areas, there is something here for every age. It’s a great way to stay cool during those summer months visiting Virginia.

Things to Do in Surry, VA

35. Smith’s Fort Plantation Surry, VA

- Cost: Adults $10; Seniors, Military, AAA $9, Students $8, Under 6 are free. You can also tour the outside grounds for $5 per person or $10 per car.

- Open Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Open on Mondays from June to September. Check their website for closures or any changes in dates and hours.

Located right across the James River from Historic Jamestowne is John Smith’s Fort. John Smith tried to build a fort on this very land in the 1600s, but was never able to complete it due to the starving time of Jamestowne (which you will learn about in Historic Jamestowne). Years later, the land was given to John Rolfe in his marriage to Pocahontas by her father Chief Powhatan. In the 1700s, the brick home there now was built by a local merchant. Now over 400 years later, the original dig out borders can still be seen on the property. You can also access this gem of history via the Jamestown-Scotland ferry which is free and runs 24/7 365 days a year and takes about 20 minutes to cross. Check out their website for the ferry schedule.

Things to Do in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, Virginia has it's own botanical garden, zoo, as well as multiple museums. And a great way to see all that this city has to offer is by taking a bike tour past all these great sights. But one of my favorite things to do in Norfolk, VA is going to the theater. 

36. Virginia Symphony Orchestra

- Check out their website for performances, pricing, dates, and times

Things to Do in Chesapeake, VA

37. Peach picking at Mount Pleasant Farms Orchard and Country Store

- Cost: Free. You only pay for what you pick. Check out their website or Facebook page to see what fruit is in season as well as the dates and times to pick. 

- What to Wear and Bring - Wear clothes that can get dirty because they will. I wore rain boots which helped. Bug spray! I got eaten up, so apply liberally.

Mount Pleasant Farms Orchard has so much more than just peach picking. In fact, they have seasonal pickings of strawberries, blackberries, apples, nectarines, and pumpkins. On the property, there is a kids’ play area as well as a place to meet and pet the farm animals that call this place home. They have the cutest little country store to buy locally sourced food as well as handmade home goods like candles and soap. We’ve done a lot of different fruit pickings before, but peach picking was new. It turned out to be a fun and memorable day!

Things to Do in Virginia Beach

38. Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel

- Cost: Tolls are based on the number of axle vehicle, the day of the week, and the time of year you are crossing. For one car, it’s either $14 or $18. If you have E-Z Pass that can be used here too.

- Open 24/7 365 days a year. It is only closed during bad weather. You can find out if there are any closures by following them on twitter @FollowTheGulls or calling at (757)331-2960.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel is an engineering wonder at 20 miles long. The Bridge and Tunnel cross the Chesapeake Bay with only two of those miles as two separate tunnels. On the bridge there is a scenic overlook to stop at as well as a rest area with restrooms and vending machines. There was a restaurant, fishing pier, and another scenic overlook that are currently closed for tunnel renovations but may be re-opening in 2024. You can check out updates and more information directly on their website.

39. Virginia Beach

It may seem self-explanatory, but make sure you visit Virginia Beach while in the Virginia Beach area. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pocahontas Pancake House as featured on The Food Network. Bonus, they do have gluten free and/or dairy free options on the menu. They are only open for breakfast and lunch though and stay extremely busy, so be prepared to wait for a table. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Or you can take a walk or a bike ride along the almost 3 miles of boardwalk lining the ocean. Along the way, you can make stops to see some amazing statues and monuments, like the one at Neptune Park which I like to think of as King Triton (from The Little Mermaid). There are also playgrounds, parks, shops, and small museums that line this boardwalk area making it a fun and even educational destination.

EASTERN SHORE

Things to Do in Chincoteague

40. Chincoteague Ponies

41. Assateague Lighthouse

- Cost: $10 per car

- Open daily from 5am to 10pm May through September, 6am to 8pm April and October and 6am to 6pm from November through March.

- What to Wear and Bring - Bug spray! I list this often with these types of outdoor activities. Long sleeve shirts and long pants for protection from ticks, poisonous plants and wild animals. Always check yourself when you get home to make sure nothing got stuck on you.

Located on the north side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel close to the Maryland border is Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island. Chincoteague is on the Virginia side and Assateague is on the Maryland side. While called Assateague Lighthouse this is actually located on Chincoteague Island and is one of the many things to do here. There are also beautiful beaches, trails and tons of wildlife. But the main reason to visit this island is the PONIES! This is one experience I regret missing before we moved back to Florida. So, I’m going to have to come back again. You can see these beautiful ponies grazing wildly or get up close at the Chincoteague Pony Centre. There you will learn about the history of these horses as well as have opportunities for rides, demonstrations, and pet these and other animals. This is an experience not to be missed! Another interesting horseback ride was the one we took in Charleston that took us over the rice plantation. 

Thank you all so much for reading my full guide of things to do in Virginia. While Florida is my home, I do miss Virginia. The beautiful changing seasons, the history, and the mountains. There is something here for all ages and all families. If you included any of my recommendations above in your travels, please let me know in the comments below.

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