A state full of experiences, Virginia has it right from hiking at the Shenandoah National Park gnarled mountain tops down to Virginia Beach’s glittering shores. Also, journey through time at accommodation sites in Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, engage with modern culture and the arts scene in Richmond, or meet nature at the state-of-the-art Virginia Living Museum.
Called the state for lovers, Virginia will be, for each history buff, nature reveler, or even the finest wine lover. Let’s delve into the top 15 activities to do in Virginia in 2024.
15 Must-Do Activities in Virginia in 2024:
1. Hike the Appalachian Trial in Shenandoah National Park:
The Blue Ridge Mountains will lodge a hiker’s paradise. With over 500 miles of trails, this portion of the Appalachian Trail winds through some of the most beautiful parts—with ample views, cascading waterfalls, and various wildlife greeting visitors as they wander through this wonderland.
2. Colonial Williamsburg: Take a walk down the historic lane.
Journey into the 18th century with Colonial Williamsburg, featuring the re-created early American days, costumed interpreters, and historic buildings. It provides for activity-based hands-on learning on the daily activities of a colonist and the events that shaped the nation.
3. Unwind on Virginia Beach’s Beaches:
One can spend days soaking up the sun, swimming in the Atlantic, or just dining on the beach. It is only expected that nestled inside the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is such an attraction for visitors with an interest in life in the ocean.
4. Jamestown History:
Visit the first permanent English settlement established in America at Jamestown. At Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, model ships, interactive exhibits, and artifacts from archaeological sites give visitors a glimpse of life in the colony’s early years.
5. Behold the Gardens at Monticello:
In addition to the historic house, there are exquisite gardens and grounds that the home maintains, as beautiful as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Take a self-guided tour of the mansion, and stroll around the beautifully landscaped grounds to review how very creative Jefferson was in his methods of farming.
6. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Known also as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway undulates for 469 miles through natural beauty redolent in Virginia and North Carolina. Take in the views at scenic overlooks, viewpoints one after the other, and a plethora of hiking trails off this iconic road.
7. Sample Richmond’s Arts Scene:
The state capital, Richmond, is hanging everything on modern culture and the arts. Slide tour the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, explore street art in the Arts District and take a show at the Altria Theater. Catch the First Fridays Art Walk, when galleries open their doors for evening exhibitions.
8. Virginia’s Wine Country:
Virginia’s wine country combines the ultimate scenarios of beautifully wonderful vineyards and award-winning wines. Wine Country would entitle customers to a wine-related excursion in the Shenandoah Valley, Charlottesville, and Loudoun County that gives them vineyard tours with wine tastings or vineyard tours while enjoying the countryside view of the place.
9. Explore Luray Caverns:
Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Luray Caverns comprises the largest caverns in the Eastern United States. Be amazed by awesome formations, underground lakes, and the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which plays music from the stalactites of the cavern.
10. Visit Mount Vernon:
Tour Mount Vernon Estate, the residence of George Washington, for an inside look into the life of America’s first president. The mansion can be toured; there are landscaped gardens that one can walk around, and an interactive museum and education center will introduce you to Washington’s continuing legacy.
11. Fun in the Great Outdoors at Smith Mountain Lake:
Smith Mountain Lake has activities available on-site for boating, fishing, and water sports. Other outdoor activities in the area include hiking trails, golf courses, and small lakeside towns to explore.
12. Observe the Chincoteague Pony Swim:
One of the July activities is the Chincoteague Pony Swim, where wild ponies can be witnessed swimming over the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. When it comes to Chincoteague Island Pony Penning and Auction, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime scenario and such a beauty against your eyes.
13. Hike the Virginia Creeper Trail:
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile multi-use trail from Abingdon, Va., to Whitetop Station. With a smooth trail surface, this forms an ideal place for biking, hiking, or horseback riding with nice scenery and scenic trestle bridges. The path goes through several small towns along its length.
14. Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery:
Pay respects at Arlington National Cemetery, the hallowed ground of American service members. Changing the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sobering and emotional experience.
15. Attend the Virginia State Fair:
Well, such heritage will be celebrated annually at the Virginia State Fair at The Meadow Event Park. It is a family-friendly event equipped with a wide array of carnival rides, live music, agricultural exhibits, and good fair food.
Final Words:
Virginia is a state for all things. Be it making history, fun outdoors, or living life to the fullest—making memories is all in the making. Here are the top 15 must-experience activities to make 2024 the year of experiences in Virginia.
So what are you guys waiting for? Go and explore Virginia like never before. For more such helpful travel tips like this, do follow us on Travels and Tours.