Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah National Park holds a special place in our hearts. Just two hours from where we live, we have spent more time here than any other national park in the United States. Shenandoah contains 500 miles of hiking trails with ranging difficulties. You can choose between short summit hikes, gorgeous walks to waterfalls, or you can tackle challenging climbs up the tallest mountains. You also have the option to walk a few miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail.

Hike Old Rag in Shenandoah. Old Rag is the toughest but the most rewarding hike in Shenandoah National Park. Some people say it’s the best hike in the mid-Atlantic region.

Blue Ridge Parkway. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive along the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive is rated one of America’s most beautiful drives. Along the Parkway there are spots to hike, bike, camp, and fish in the gorgeous mountains.

Hike McAfee Knob. McAfee Knob is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia. It’s also the most photographed spot along the Appalachian Trail. For hikers, this is a great one to add your list.

Roanoke. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is a charming city that bustles with outdoor enthusiasts. There are great places to hike, bike, and rock-climb in the mountains that lay just outside your door. Nearby lays Smith Mountain Lake which is a popular spot to go fishing, boating, and water-sporting.

Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg was once one of the most politically active cities that fought for American independence. Patrick Henry gave his famous speech here, and many Founding Fathers walked the city streets. Today, 18th century buildings have been restored and actors play roles of farmers and slaves to portray what life was like at the time of the Revolution.

Arlington National Cemetery. The Arlington National Cemetery holds over 600 acres of land in which the fallen soldiers of the nation’s conflicts are buried. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands in this cemetery, and the tomb contains the remains of unidentifiable soldiers from both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The grave of President John F. Kennedy also lays in the Arlington National Cemetery.

Alexandria. Alexandria is an idyllic city with preserved colonial architecture and much history to experience. Stroll through the Old Town, shop at boutiques, and dine on the waterfront. Neighboring Alexandria is Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate.

Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon was George Washington’s home from 1754 to 1799. Walk the grounds of the historic home and come inside to see portraits, family belongings, and Washington’s vivid design choices. You can also see George Washington and his family’s tomb at his Mount Vernon estate.

Virginia Beach. Come relax at Virginia Beach, a 14-mile golden expanse bustling with families, friends, and excited kids. Amusement parks, mini golf, seafood restaurants, creameries, and shopping centers line the beach. Additionally, you can visit neighboring parks and natural areas to go hiking and kayaking.

Richmond. Visit Virginia’s capital, a bustling hub for history and the arts. Drive Monument Avenue, tour the American Civil War Museum, take a haunted ghost tour, and bar-hop Richmond’s acclaimed pubs.

Manassas National Battlefield. Manassas was the site of the first major land battle in the Civil War. 13 months later, an even bloodier battle was fought here. Taking a tour of the battlefield and learning about the history of these two battles is an eye-opening experience and a must-see for anyone interested in American History.

Luray Caverns. Enter the eastern United States’ largest cave system. Walk along layers of platforms past dripping stalactites, rising stalagmites, and vibrant rock formations. You can hear the world’s only Stalactite Organ create its symphonic music as you travel through the deep caverns.

Natural Bridge State Park. Virginia’s Natural Bridge is a massive 215-foot limestone archway carved out by Cedar Creek. You can walk along a flat trail beneath the towering bridge and continue onwards a short way to reach a Monacan Indian Exhibition.

Chincoteague Island. Home to the famous Chincoteague ponies that roam free on the beach, Chincoteague Island is a beautiful and fun get-away destination. The island offers biking, kayaking, surfing, and swimming locations. You can also cross over to Assateague which is on the Maryland side of the island.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. This 17.6-mile-long bridge connects the Virginia mainland with the Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The bridge even goes underwater in two spots, making this bridge an engineering marvel.