Not sure what to do on your next vacation? Check out this list of the top 8 activities in Virginia, USA that you won’t want to miss! From strolling around and exploring parks, all the way up through sightseeing tours and historical landmarks – we’ve got something for everyone. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
The Best Thing To Do in Virginia
Luray Caverns
- Address: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (18272)
- Phone: +1 540-743-6551
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 8 Things To Do Virginia, USA
Shenandoah National Park
- Address: Virginia, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (14479)
- Phone: +1 540-999-3500
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Incredibly beautiful. Not too crowded. Tons of scenic overlooks on the gorgeous skyline drive. Visitor centers are well equipped with clean restrooms, snacks, and dining options (inside & outside) all with stunning views! They also have gift shops. The park was lovely. We wanted to see a bear but settled for some deer, lots of birds, butterflies, and caterpillars.By Jaime Chanter (8 months ago)This is the first National Park I’ve been able to see with my own eyes. The views are breathtakingly beautiful. There are plenty of scenic viewing areas on the way up so that you can stop and take pictures or eat lunch. They also have picnic areas if you want to enjoy your lunch and let the children run around. There are tons of trails to explore on foot or horseback. Oh, did I mention the breathtaking views. This is a bucket list must see.By Sharon Dest (8 months ago)Our family had the best time here. The views are unbelievable. We stayed at a local resort but next time we will definitely stay in the park. You can just drive through and still see so much if you accessibility issues. However, most of the hikes are at least moderate with steep climbs.By Rebecca Ash (5 months ago)I LOVE Shenandoah national park so much! I could talk about how great it is for days. In my opinion, it’s one of the best national parks I’ve ever been to. Hiking through this park is a joy, and the views are stunning. Even just taking a drive through the park is a stunning adventure. The dramatic views that surround the park are a delight to be around. The viewpoints are beautiful and as a photographer, I really do love this place a lot. Below are some photos I took while I was in the park. I definitely do recommend stopping at the visitor’s centers throughout the park.By Grey Cat (a month ago)We drove up and down the north side of Shenandoah national Park skyline drive, it was amazing. We went to the top where the lodge was and actually did a 2/10 of a mile hike up a hill to a rock face area lookout for some incredible pictures. It’s best to see this all in person. You’ll want to take pictures also to trigger memories but seeing the views in person can’t be captured by just a camera.By Michael Del Prete (5 months ago)
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Address: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (12507)
- Phone: +1 757-385-3474
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
Lovely aquarium. $25 for ages 12+, $20 for ages 3-11.
Lots of parking in front lot, but there is a $5 fee (pay at muni-meter).
At this time, reservations are required. We were lucky enough to show up at around 12 pm on a Wednesday and get a 1 pm reservation…as we didn’t know and didn’t book in advance. Masks are NOT required throughout the aquarium.
The beginning portion of the aquarium did get very crowded as it is a narrow pathway through a few exhibits, including the glass aquarium tunnel…when you consider tons of kids and parents taking a gazillion photos, this stretch of the aquarium can get chaotic at times…even with the timed reservations.
After that area though…there is more than enough space to explore at your leisure. Lots of interesting and well-thought-out exhibits…be sure to look and read everything. There is so much to learn.
The entire aquarium is well-kept and maintained. All staff were very nice and helpful.
I highly recommend the aquarium to those of all ages.
By Jason Persaud (7 months ago)I found this to be a fun and educational aquarium well worth my time. I am a NC resident and decided to take a day trip to explore the Virginia Aquarium. The staff here was warm, friendly, and eager to share information to enhance my experience. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the boardwalk and learning about oyster beds and reefs and the efforts to restore and protect them. There are quite a few large tanks here, each with different offerings, and more than one touch tank. I did not take the whale watching boat tour but I will come back to participate in the experience. I spent more than two hours here and still did not take in all that the aquarium had to offer. I also really appreciated that the gift shop had a large selection of eco-friendly options and things made by local artists. This was a trip well worth my time, and I look forward to returning with friends.By Charles Nye (11 months ago)Such a beautiful place our 7 month old had an amazing time. Highly recommend this experience. Loved that it wasn’t crowded but did seem to be really busy when we were leaving so I recommend earlier times. Parking was also smooth too by being early (1130).By Shanell M (5 months ago)Fun, easy to navigate around. However, all staff need to tell patrons coming in that tickets can be purchased inside rather than waiting outside and purchasing online. One staff wouldn’t even help us and was on his phone. Come to find out, we could have gone inside to get the tickets and paid cash for since we did t want to pay with a card. Some staff just don’t want to do their jobs these days. All the other staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful.By Anthony Hinds (8 months ago)Lord of exhibits and talks to see! They have finished refurbishing and renovating most of the exhibits. The harbor seals out front start you with a fun time and it keeps up throughout. I’m a fully grown adult kid when wandering through the underwater tunnels! Admission is reasonable for what you get here and everyone left happy!By Eric Gorskie (2 months ago)
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center
- Address: 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (7260)
Maymont
- Address: 1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (6918)
Governor’s Palace
- Address: 300 Palace Green St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4165)
Shenandoah Caverns
- Address: 261 Caverns Rd, Quicksburg, VA 22847, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2314)
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
- Address: 2581 Purdum Mill Rd, Appomattox, VA 24522, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (122)
That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Virginia! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers too!
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Visited on a Thursday afternoon and it was decently crowded. My family of 3 was able to walk through the caverns in about an hour and it was spectacular. It is self-guided but you can pay for a guided tour. You are given a pamphlet with information as you walk through the caverns. Although it is definitely a tourist-y spot, I highly recommend checking this incredible place out as it is one of the great wonders of the east coast!
Went at the end of our spring break and it was really fun! It’s about 60-90 min to walk all the way through, depending on how long you stop for photos or listen to the organ. Many amazing sights and some parts of the caves are 7 million years old! Very interesting history and would recommend grabbing info pamphlet before you go through so you can follow along what each item is (they’re numbered). Tickets also include free admission to the toy museum and train/car museum next door. Really neat to see more historic items.
This cavern is truly one of the.most spectacular natural wonders I have seen in my life. The history of how this cave was found by accident about 150 years ago is amazing. The tour of the cavern was well planned and thought out and responsibly preserved. The tour takes about an hour to walk and a very good camera is highly recommended.
I suggest visiting during the off peak season so that you feel rushed through the cave.
There is a small Cafe, a gift shop and a few other shops.
I highly recommend this park to those who enjoy nature and for those who want to experience a once in a lifetime thrill.
Pictures do not do this cave justice.
It must seen in person to appreciate the beauty and amazement of this place.
Such a beautiful place!! They give you an informational pamphlet before you walk in and it let’s you know that there’s numbered markers along the way that coincidence with what you’re supposed to read. It’s not only beautiful, but you get to learn some cool facts about the caverns too! I also loved the lighting, it definitely makes you want to stop and take pictures when you get to each marker. My family and I had a wonderful time.
I heard from someone working at the front royal visitor’s center that Luray caverns was the best in the area. It was a good 45 minute drive but it definitely did not disappoint! It was beautiful!!
We went on a Monday evening and it was empty. They took our photos at the entrance and ended up being really cute souvenirs.
The caverns themselves were really big. We took our time and read through all 19 stops on the tour (they had self guided tours with a brochure) I liked that we were able to go at our own pace and be able to take photos/ videos without other people photo bombing. There were pretty little lakes and huge formations. Great trip!