Written by Barbara Radcliffe RogersUpdated Jul 13, 2022
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History is in every single place in Virginia. Four of the primary 5 presidents had been born in the state, giving it a head begin on the report of eight, essentially the most of any state. Two of its high vacationer points of interest – Mount Vernon and Monticello – are houses of presidents. Virginia additionally claims essentially the most Civil War battlefields of any state and the locations the place each the Revolution and the Civil War ended.
The colonial capital of Williamsburg, now restored to its 18th-century look, was among the many hotbeds of the Revolution. But it isn’t simply historical past that brings vacationers right here. Visiting the state’s pure wonders, together with Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge, the barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague, and Shenandoah National Park, are a number of the high issues to do.
The mountains are prime locations to go to for mountain climbing and different outside sports activities, and the lengthy golden seashores are in style summer time locations. Plan your go to to this fascinating state with our listing of the highest points of interest in Virginia.
1. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive
In the middle of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park protects parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which vary in top between 2,000 and 4,000 toes. Along their crest and working the size of the park is the Skyline Drive, the northern continuation of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with stopping factors to benefit from the views and points of interest, together with President Hoover’s summer time residence and the previous Cave Cemetery beneath Dark Hollow Falls.
2. Colonial Williamsburg
Few locations can recreate a setting for the interval of the American Revolution in addition to Williamsburg, the place the unique 18th-century buildings are both nonetheless standing or have been faithfully reproduced on their unique foundations. Here, you’ll be able to stand the place Patrick Henry gave his stirring speech, stroll the identical streets as Thomas Jefferson, and savor a meal the place George Washington loved seafood dinners.
Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia from 1705 and all through the Revolution, and the ultimate battle of the conflict was fought close by, so it was a hotbed of the independence motion, together with being one of the vital affluent and politically lively colonial capitals.
3. Virginia Beach
Named for the extensive expanse of golden sand that stretches from simply east of Norfolk, Virginia Beach is a highly regarded and sometimes crowded resort city with the anticipated inns, amusements, and a lengthy boardwalk. If the Atlantic Ocean just isn’t heat sufficient for the youngsters, take them to the 19-acre Ocean Breeze Water Park, with Caribbean-themed waterslides, a wave pool, and water playground.
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum explores the local weather, sea ground, and fauna of the coast, with an 800,000-gallon aquarium, hands-on displays, and a contact tank. Outdoors is an aviary, nature path, marshlands to discover, and an journey park.
More than 9,000 acres of shoreline has been protected in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the place you will discover strolling and mountain climbing trails and picnic services on the customer middle. This is a favourite spot for birders, as greater than 10,000 birds go to yearly, together with snow geese, falcons, geese, and piping plovers.
The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum shows historic and modern waterfowl decoys. To go to the 1791 Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, which opened up the Chesapeake Bay space to secure navigation, and the close by New Lighthouse constructed in 1881, you have to to move by means of safety on the Fort Story Military Base.
4. Arlington National Cemetery
Spread throughout 600 acres overlooking Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is the place a number of the most well-known individuals in the United States are buried. The most visited are the grave of President John F. Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Kennedy’s grave is marked by a slate gravestone lined with Cape Cod fieldstone and comprises inscriptions of his 1960 inaugural deal with carved in marble, in addition to an everlasting flame.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is carved of white marble and watched over by an honor guard 24 hours a day, seven days per week, 12 months a yr. It comprises the stays of troopers from each World Wars, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War.
The third web site vacationers search for is the well-known Iwo Jima Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial depicting the Joseph Rosenthal picture of 5 marines and one sailor elevating the flag on Mount Suribachi. Other notable monuments embody the Seabees Memorial, sculpted by former Seabee Felix de Weldon who additionally created the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, a tribute to all ladies in the US army.
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Arlington House was constructed in the early 1800s by George Washington Parke Custis as a tribute to his step-grandfather, George Washington. However the home is most well-known for being the residence of Robert E. Lee and his spouse for 30 years till they deserted it throughout the Civil War.
Lee was commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia throughout the American Civil War. The home has been restored and now serves as a memorial to him. Near the mansion is the tomb of Pierre L’Enfant, who designed the town of Washington, D.C. His unique metropolis plan is etched in stone, and his burial spot instructions a gorgeous view of the town he deliberate.
5. Mount Vernon
George Washington’s dwelling from 1754 till his loss of life 45 years later, Mount Vernon was a piece in progress underneath Washington’s shut supervision, even whereas he was main the Continental Army throughout the Revolution. The architectural design, development, and even inside décor in every renovation and addition obtained his private consideration, ensuing in the gracious 21-room plantation home you see right this moment.
You could also be stunned on the vivid paint and wallpaper colours all through the home, however these shades had been in style in the late 18th century – the intense inexperienced partitions in the “New Room” had been Washington’s favourite. Unlike many historic houses, Mount Vernon is crammed with private reminders of George and Martha Washington: household portraits, crests, and the couple’s belongings.
The grounds and gardens overlooking views of the Potomac River had been a terrific delight of the primary president, and once more he took a private half in their planning and care. He selected a much less formal and extra pure plan than his predecessors, reshaping the lawns and paths and planting native species of bushes and shrubs.
6. Monticello and Charlottesville
One of the best nation homes in the United States and one of the vital visited presidential houses, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a Palladian-style mansion he designed himself, impressed by a villa exterior Vicenza, Italy. He continued altering and bettering it over a interval of forty years, from 1768 to 1809.
Throughout the home, you will see a number of of Jefferson’s innovations, which present one other side of the versatile man’s skills. To the rear of the home are the intensive historic gardens, additionally designed by Jefferson, and beneath is the household cemetery with an obelisk marking Jefferson’s grave.
An fascinating outside exhibit, Landscape of Slavery: Mulberry Row at Monticello, sheds gentle on the lives of the individuals who labored and lived on the 5,000-acre plantation. The Monticello Visitors Center has greater than 400 objects on show, an introductory movie, and hands-on actions for youngsters.
Jefferson based the University of Virginia in 1819 and in addition designed its red-brick buildings. Be positive to see the excellent Rotunda; followers of Edgar Allan Poe can see his room in the West Building. The college’s Art Museum has a everlasting assortment of American, European, and Asian artwork.
7. Jamestown and Yorktown
Colonial National Historic Park encompasses each Jamestown and Yorktown, the place the Revolution ended. Jamestown is the oldest British settlement on North American soil, established in 1607 by Captain John Smith.
Only the foundations of the 1639 church tower, the churchyard, and the outlines of some different buildings stay of the unique settlement, however you will discover a re-creation of a Powhatan village based mostly on modern drawings and archaeological finds, and replicas of the three ships that introduced the settlers from England: Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery.
Jamestown Settlement was constructed in 1957 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding. A museum and exhibition galleries deal with England’s colonization in the New World, the historical past and tradition of the Powhatans, and Jamestown’s first 100 years.
The statue of Pocahontas by William Ordway Partridge was erected in 1922 in reminiscence of her function in smoothing relations between the Native Americans and the settlers. The statue of John Smith by William Couper was erected in 1909.
Triangular James Fort is a re-creation of the one constructed by the colonists, with thatch-roofed constructions representing Jamestown’s earliest buildings. Although not one of the unique buildings are nonetheless standing, the foundations are nonetheless in place, and you’ll see them on a half-mile stroll by means of New Towne, a part of Colonial National Historical Park.
It was at Yorktown Battlefield that the English Army underneath Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the mixed American and French Armies, paving the way in which for American Independence. The occasions on the battlefield are properly documented and straightforward to grasp from the interpretive shows and dioramas. Park Ranges additionally information frequent excursions, and you’ll see the early 18th-century Moore House the place Cornwallis surrendered.
8. Maymont
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Walking by means of the landscaped and manicured gardens of Maymont, It is tough to think about this 100 acres because the pastures and fields of the dairy farm it was earlier than James and Sallie Dooley acquired it in 1886.
The opulent mansion was accomplished in 1893 and for the subsequent 30 years, Mrs. Dooley labored with a workforce of high panorama designers and horticulturalists to encompass it with gardens and an arboretum, turning right into a showpiece worthy of any Gilded Age millionaire.
9. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The greater than 22,000 works in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are largely centered on trendy and modern artwork, particularly European artwork after 1900, American artwork after 1950, and Twenty first-century artwork worldwide. Within that, a number of particular collections stand out.
The Ludwig and Rosy Fischer Collection of German Expressionist Art consists of works in all mediums – work, woodcuts, etchings, and lithographs – with a selected deal with the Die Brücke artists. The rising collections of works reflecting African American expertise and expression consists of works by African, African American, and African Diaspora artists.
A set of 5 galleries show the biggest public assortment of Fabergé and Russian ornamental arts held by an American museum, together with silver, enamels, and an distinctive group of 5 Fabergé easter eggs made for the final two Russian czars.
10. Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns include breathtaking examples of calcite formations inside an intensive underground system that typically feels extra like an alien panorama than a terrestrial pure landmark. Visitors can stroll by means of the caves and admire these limestone crystals, which have, over the centuries, fashioned a powerful panorama.
Among the highlights are Titania’s Veil; the enormous Double Column; inside lakes, which amplify the scene; and a one-of-a-kind musical instrument referred to as the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which creates music utilizing the stalactites themselves.
11. Busch Gardens
Taking Europe as its theme, this vigorous journey park evokes southern Germany in its leisure space with dirndl-costumed dancers and a standard Bavarian band, whereas rides and curler coasters themed to the Loch Ness Monster, the Alps, and the ruins of Pompeii present thrills for the entire household.
12. The Battleship Wisconsin & Nauticus
One of the biggest ever constructed by the U.S. Navy, the Battleship Wisconsin can also be one of many final launched in December of 1943 on the Philadelphia Navy Yard. World War II was at its top, and the Wisconsin was instantly deployed to the Pacific, into the midst of a number of the heaviest sea fight of the conflict, incomes 5 battle stars.
Mothballed after the conflict, the Wisconsin was recommissioned for the Korean War, and in 1951 grew to become the flagship of the Seventh Fleet in the Pacific. On a self-guided tour, you’ll be able to go to the deck, or discover additional on a tour guided by former Navy personnel.
13. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is an extension of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and is dwelling to hundreds of artifacts and plane which encourage awe in guests. Perhaps essentially the most spectacular of those is the Space Shuttle Discovery, the centerpiece of the area science displays.
Within two immense hangars, the middle homes all kinds of plane which signify each facet of aviation, from the earliest years of flight by means of trendy industrial craft, together with a Concorde on show.
Other plane embody examples of each U.S. and overseas army automobiles from the WWII period in addition to army craft and expertise from the Korean and Vietnam wars, the chilly conflict, and trendy army craft. The museum can also be a working restoration middle, and guests can watch employees from a mezzanine as they restore and protect extra artifacts and craft.
The middle can also be stuffed with interactive displays and demonstrations, together with the distinctive Discovery Stations which as cellular displays manned by employees who’re able to reply questions and interact youthful guests. The middle’s IMAX theater presents a spread of movies about aviation and area exploration, historical past, and nature.
14. Richmond
Among the skyscrapers of Virginia’s trendy capital metropolis are some reminders of Richmond’s nice previous as a middle of the American independence motion and capital of the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865. The imposing State Capitol was constructed in 1785-1788, designed by Thomas Jefferson, and to its south is the beginning of Canal Walk, which runs alongside the James River-Kanawha Canal, constructed on the suggestion of George Washington.
Read more: 17 Best Places To Visit In Virginia ( Unique Vacation Spots)
The Church Hill Historic Area preserves about 70 antebellum homes that give some impression of what Richmond was like earlier than the Civil War. The district is called after St. John’s Episcopal Church in which Patrick Henry made his well-known “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. The 1737 Old Stone House is the oldest constructing in Richmond, now housing the Edgar Allan Poe Museum (Poe lived in Richmond for a number of years).
Richmond National Battlefield Park illustrates greater than 5 years of campaigns to seize this key metropolis throughout the Civil War. That period can also be illustrated on the White House of the Confederacy, restored to its wartime look and displaying lots of of Civil War artifacts.
Several of the historic houses are of explicit curiosity: John Marshall House is without doubt one of the few remaining Federal houses constructed in this space and is crammed with the distinguished Supreme Court Justice’s household relics and furnishings.
15. Natural Bridge of Virginia
Towering greater than 215 toes excessive with a span of 90 toes, the Natural Bridge is one in every of America’s oldest vacationer points of interest and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the 18th and nineteenth centuries, it was one of many two hottest sights for European guests, rating with Niagara Falls.
It was fashioned by the collapse of a cavern by means of which the Cedar Creek flowed. The legend that George Washington surveyed the bridge for Lord Fairfax gained credence when a rock together with his initials and survey mark was found in 1927. Thomas Jefferson owned the land for a while, constructing a log cabin right here as a retreat.
In 2014, Natural Bridge grew to become a state park. Stroll alongside Cedar Creek Trail from Cascade Falls, underneath the bridge, and to Lace Falls, visiting an exhibit on the Monacans, the native Native American tribe, and a saltpeter mine used throughout the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. US Route 11 runs excessive of the bridge.
16. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
Assateague is a 38-mile-long barrier island to the east of Chincoteague Island, which it protects from the Atlantic Ocean. The complete island of Assateague, which is partly in Maryland and partly in Virginia, is protected as a wildlife sanctuary.
The southern finish of Chincoteague is protected by a National Wildlife Refuge with 14,000 acres of shoreline, recent and saltwater marshes, wetlands, and forest habitat for greater than 320 species of shorebirds and waterfowl.
But the 2 islands’ most well-known residents are the wild ponies. Partly due to these ponies and partly as a result of Assateague Island is lined by one of the vital lovely seashores on the complete Atlantic Coast, these islands get about one-and-a-half million guests every year.
17. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center supplies a variety of displays and actions for the complete household and is without doubt one of the hottest household points of interest in Virginia Beach.
Aquarium residents embody a number of kinds of turtle, together with Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Green Sea Turtles, water-dwelling reptiles like Komodo dragons and tomistoma, predators together with sandbar sharks, and entertaining mammals together with harbor seals and otters. The middle additionally has quite a lot of academic displays and actions for all ages, in addition to a six-story theater, which has common showings of 3-D nature movies.
18. Manassas National Battlefield
Two key battles in the Civil War had been fought close to Manassas, Virginia in 1861 and 1862. The web site has been preserved as Manassas National Battlefield and is described exceptionally properly, so guests can perceive and even image these battles.
The first battle, often known as the Battle of Bull Run, was the primary time the 2 armies clashed, and the second engagement on the plains of Manassas ended in a strong victory for the Confederates and marked the peak of their power in a conflict that will drag on for 3 extra years.
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