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Virginia’s Top 7 Summer Road Trip Spots

Virginia, USA

Hours vary by location.

$$

local-highlights, road-trips

Outdoor adventures abound in the heart of the East Coast.

 

Shenandoah National Park 

Skyline Drive runs its length along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a vast network of trails includes a section of the Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, the park features wetlands, waterfalls, and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Shenandoah is home to an impressive array of wildlife, hikes for all levels, and natural wonders such as Luray Caverns

There are opportunities for tubing and water sports on the James River and countless charming little towns nearby (Luray and Crozet are favorites). The lovely city of Charlottesville is closeby and there are hiking trails, horseback riding stables, picnic areas, orchards and vineyards sprinkled throughout the Valley. 

 

Virginia Beach & Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

This region is entrenched in US Military history, and the area’s deep national pride attracts history and military enthusiasts, and the three-mile boardwalk that runs along the massive, beautiful beach also makes it a huge tourist destination. 

There are many areas slightly off the beaten path to explore, so consider skipping the heart of Virginia Beach (during COVID) and head to the beach entry points past 40th Street, or the Sandbridge area which is just south of the boardwalk. Lovely homes are available for rent in these areas.

Head a little further south for an unbelievable flat water experience on paddleboards or kayaks at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (3 miles) or False Cape State Park (4.5 miles). 

 

DC and Northern Virginia Parks 

With an abundance of protected land from parks, wildlife areas, national historic places, and lands carved out for monuments and memorials, the DC area is blessed with ample space to wander. With the Georgetown Waterfront Park, National Arboretum, Rock Creek Park, The Mount Vernon Estate and Trail, Theodore Roosevelt Island, The National Mall, Great Falls, and countless other parks and hiking trails in the area, it is an adventurer's dream.

Come with a picnic and outdoor monument scavenger hunt, or rent a paddleboard to take in the city’s majestic beauty from the water. 

 

Colonial Williamsburg & York River State Park

For history buffs, consider the largest outdoor museum in the world. The living history museum at Colonial Williamsburg brings the 18th Century to life! 

In addition to the historic sites around Williamsburg (including Jamestowne - the first permanent English settlement in America), there are many places to explore nature. There are miles of hiking at Freedom Park, which is one of the first free black settlements in America, and the home of Treetop Adventure Course and Ziplining! 

An outdoor adventure also awaits at York River State Park, about ten miles north. There is no camping there, but camping, glamping, cabin rentals or home rentals are available in the area.

Assateague/Chincoteague Islands (National Park)

Known for tranquility and untouched beauty, getting away for a quick escape to Chincoteague and Assateague provides a true escape, with miles of beaches to explore.

Home rentals are only available on Chincoteague (development is not permitted on Assateague) and the Chincoteague rentals are reasonable, particularly on the bayside. 

If you are camping enthusiasts, Assateague is perfect for your family. You can camp on the bay or the ocean sides with daily opportunities to watch wild ponies that roam free, so pack up your RV - and remember bug spray!!

There are nature trails and hiking, boating, and non-motorized watercraft rentals, and arguably the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Coastline. Assateague is a National Wildlife Refuge and is completely undisturbed so its wildlife is unreal and there are 37 miles of pristine beaches to wander. 

 

Natural Bridge State Park/Blue Ridge Parkway

For a journey steeped in history, nature, beauty and a healthy dose of fun, Natural Bridge is an unexpected treat! In addition to the geological history of the natural bridge itself, it is the believed site of a Native American tribal face-off centuries before the arrival of European explorers. Also, Thomas Jefferson once owned the land.

The land officially became a state park in 2016 and features beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. The Caverns at Natural Bridge are nearby and the Virginia Safari Park is just fifteen minutes away.

For a safe, interactive experience, the Virginia Safari Park features a Drive-Thru Safari. The outdoor walking portion of the park is also now open. There are a large variety of exotic animals and many opportunities to get close to them, and in many cases feed and pet them. 

If you are lucky enough to travel there on the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive” it is as much about the journey as the destination.

 

Lake Anna

Swimming, boating, and fishing are welcome on the third largest lake in Virginia. It is a peaceful retreat with many areas available to spread out. Private homes, cabins, and yurts are available for rent on and near Lake Anna, and they are reasonably priced.

Lake Anna State Park is a great adventure in itself, with a variety of cabin, camping and glamping options available. The hiking in and around the state park is gorgeous and there are 250 miles of shoreline around the massive lake, so you could spend days exploring the lake by paddleboard or kayak. If you happen to have a Civil War history buff in your family, there are also many historic sites nearby. 

Features

Beach Horse Riding Historic Area Boating Lake Camping Paddle Boarding
Thoughtfully captured by:
The happyly team

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