Shenandoah National Park · NPS Photo / Neal Lewis · Public domain (US federal government)

Road Trip Guide:
Virginia

Explore Virginia

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel measures 17.6 miles shore to shore, and its road goes underwater in two places, through one-mile tunnels.

Around 16 breweries sit near the stops we cover in Virginia. 3 of them are brewpubs with a kitchen, which off the motorway is often the useful part. The kitchen figure is a floor: the source lists some full restaurants as production sites.

Brewpub locations from Open Brewery DB (MIT)

Around 4 public campgrounds sit near the stops we cover in Virginia. All of them take reservations. Public campgrounds run by federal agencies. State-park and private campgrounds are not included.

Outdoors

Public land, water and snow — the places that are the reason for the drive.

National parks and federal sites in Virginia

33 National Park Service sites in Virginia, including 1 designated National Park. We have written guides to only a few of these — the rest are here so you can see what is in the state.

*Check before you go. Entrance fees, seasonal road closures, timed-entry reservations and whether a site suits your family are set by each park and change through the year. Follow the link and check with the park itself.

Park register from the National Park Service (public domain)

State parks in Virginia

45 state parks we know of in Virginia. We have not visited these and have no guide to them — this is a list of what exists, so you can look one up.

See all 45

Bear Creek Lake State Park
Belle Isle State Park
Biscuit Run State Park
Breaks Interstate Park
Caledon State Park
Chippokes State Park
Claytor Lake State Park
Douthat State Park
Fairy Stone State Park
False Cape State Park
First Landing State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Hayfields State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
James River State Park
Kiptopeke State Park
Lake Anna State Park
Leesylvania State Park
Longdale Recreation Area
Machicomico State Park
Machicomoco State Park
Mason Neck State Park
Mayo River State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park
New River Trail State Park
North Landing River Natural Area Preserve
Occoneechee State Park
Pocahontas State Park
Powhatan State Park
Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park
Seven Bends State Park
Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park
Shot Tower Historical State Park
Sky Meadows State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Staunton River State Park
Twin Lakes State Park
Westmoreland State Park
Widewater State Park
Wilderness Road State Park
York River State Park

*Check before you go. Opening hours, entry fees, campsite availability and whether a park suits your family are not in this data and change with the season. Several of these are day-use only. Please confirm with the park before setting out.

State park locations from Wikidata (CC0)

Lakes in Virginia

11 lakes in Virginia that we have checked. These are the ones from our research that we could check against an official page — not every lake there is. We have not been to these; this is what the official pages say, so you can look one up.

Burke Lake
near Fairfax Station (DC area) · 888 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes (fishing pier)
- Boatinggasoline motors prohibited
- Rentals & marinayes; boat rentals at marina
- Campingcampground (reservations via FCPA)
- Entrynon-county residents pay vehicle fee on weekends Apr–Oct (Wikipedia)
- Seasonpark sunrise–sunset
two playgrounds closed for renovation into Dec 2026/Feb 2027
Run by Fairfax County Park Authority
Claytor Lake
near Radford; Pulaski; Blacksburg · 4,472 acres · reservoir (Claytor Dam)
- Fishingyes; bass, catfish, muskie, walleye, striped & hybrid bass
- Boatingmotorboats permitted; SP ramp
- Rentals & marinayes; full-service SP marina (fuel, slips); private rentals from April
- Swimmingguarded beach Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day 10–6, fee; no pets
- CampingSP campgrounds first Fri Mar–first Mon Dec; cabins; yurts Apr 1–Oct 31
- EntrySP parking fee always required
annual ~2-week November drawdown may prevent launching; beach lot repaving from Nov 2 2026; no climbing shale cliffs
Run by Appalachian Power Company; Claytor Lake State Park
John H. Kerr Reservoir (Kerr Lake / Buggs Island Lake)
near Henderson NC; Clarksville VA · 50,000 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes; striped & largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, walleye, white perch (Occoneechee list)
- Boatingmotorized; most ramps currently closed by low water
- Rentals & marinayes; Satterwhite Point & Hibernia marinas (Hibernia rents boats, paddleboards, kayaks); Clarksville, Rudds Creek (VA); Occoneechee slips
- Swimminglake beach accesses at NC SRA; Occoneechee: no designated area, unguarded shoreline swimming
- CampingNC SRA: 7 campgrounds (several close for season); Occoneechee SP: cabins, lodges, yurts, ~45–48 sites (first Fri Mar–first Mon Dec); USACE campgrounds
- EntryNC SRA vehicle fee seasonal (weekends Apr/May/Sep, daily Memorial–Labor Day); Occoneechee daily parking fee
LOW WATER: NC SRA reports most ramps closed (only Kimball Point and NCWRC Hibernia ramp open); Occoneechee SP reports all ramps and fuel dock closed
Run by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; NC State Parks (Kerr Lake SRA); Virginia DCR (Occoneechee SP)
Lake Accotink
near North Springfield / Springfield (DC area) · 48.1 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - Virginia fishing license required
- BoatingLaunch ramp for paddle craft; no gas motors or sailboats
- Rentals & marinayes - canoe and kayak rentals at the marina
- Entry$8 boat launch fee; $60 annual launch pass
County feasibility study on preserving a smaller 20-40 acre lake
Run by Fairfax County Park Authority
Lake Anna
near Fredericksburg/Richmond/Charlottesville region (Louisa/Spotsylvania/Orange) · 13,000 acres · reservoir (North Anna Dam, 1972)
- Fishingyes; largemouth bass, crappie, bream, striped & hybrid bass, catfish, white perch; invasive northern snakehead
- Boatingpublic side has marinas & launches; private 'hot side' limited to owners
- Rentals & marinayes; marinas on public side; SP kayak rentals (app/kiosk)
- SwimmingSP beach unguarded, open year-round, designated area only
- CampingSP: 23 standard + 23 electric/water sites (Mar-Dec); cabins and lodges year round; yurts run from the first Friday in March to the first Sunday in December; reservevaparks.com
- EntrySP daily parking fee (amount on fees page)
SP closed Nov 2–3 2026; low lake levels may prevent ramp/dock use; private side ~14°F warmer near discharge
Run by Dominion (power-plant cooling lake; owner not stated); Lake Anna State Park
Lake Chesdin
near Chesterfield/Dinwiddie/Amelia Cos. · 3,100 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, white perch; walleye, striped bass stocked
- BoatingPublic boat ramp open 24 hours; 45 mph limit; no-wake zones
- Rentals & marinaThree private marinas with rental boats
- CampingPrivate marinas offer camping
No boating or recreation within 500 ft of the dam
Run by Appomattox River Water Authority (reservoir and dam); Virginia DWR oversees fishing and boating
Lake Drummond
near Suffolk; Chesapeake · 3,142 acres · natural (Great Dismal Swamp)
- Fishingyes; crappie, bowfin, longnose gar
access rules not found on refuge landing page
Run by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Great Dismal Swamp NWR)
Lake Gaston
near Littleton NC; Roanoke Rapids NC; Bracey VA; South Hill VA · 20,000 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - largemouth and striped bass, walleye, catfish, chain pickerel, bluegill
- BoatingSeven public boat landings on Lake Gaston
- SwimmingDominion day-use areas include swimming areas
Run by Dominion Energy (FERC licensee); NCWRC (NC boat landings); VA DWR (VA waters, boat landings)
Philpott Lake
near Franklin/Patrick/Henry Cos. · 2,900 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye, catfish; trout below dam
- Boating10 public boat ramps; motor and paddle boats allowed
- Swimmingyes - six designated swim beaches
- Camping4 campgrounds with hookups, hot showers; Deer Island primitive, water access only
- SeasonRecreation season Apr 1-Oct 31; most campgrounds seasonal
Smith River below dam rises and turns swift during power generation
Run by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District
Smith Mountain Lake
near Moneta; Huddleston · 20,600 acres · reservoir (1963, Roanoke River)
- Fishingyes; striped, largemouth & smallmouth bass, catfish
- Boatingmotorized; SP launch fee for day users
- Rentals & marinayes; ~dozen private marinas; SP rentals Memorial–Labor Day (tritoons, ski boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards)
- SwimmingSP beach Memorial Day–Labor Day, guarded hours, fee
- CampingSP: 50-site campground (first Fri Mar–first Mon Dec), cabins year-round; reservevaparks.com / 1-800-933-PARK
- EntrySP parking fee (amount on fees page); launch fee
SP closed Nov 2–3 and Nov 9–10 2026 for managed deer hunts
Run by Appalachian Power/AEP (FERC license); Smith Mountain Lake State Park
South Holston Lake
near Abingdon VA; Bristol VA/TN · 7,580 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - wild brown trout in tailwater below dam
- Boatingyes - listed for TVA's upper Virginia portion
- Swimmingyes - listed for TVA's upper Virginia portion
- Campingcamping listed for TVA's upper Virginia portion
Run by Tennessee Valley Authority

*Check before you go. Every lake here links to the official page we checked it against. 6 of these state a price we read off that page on the date we checked. Fees, seasons, water levels, algal advisories and ramp closures change without notice and belong to the agency that runs the water. A blank is something we did not confirm, not something the lake lacks. Never assume a lifeguard. Whether a beach is staffed turns on the season, the day, and which agency runs that particular beach — two beaches on one lake can differ. If that matters to your family, confirm it with the agency before you set out.

Atlantic Coast

1 in Virginia that we have checked against the agency that runs them, by town.

First Landing State Park – Chesapeake BeachChesapeake BayVirginia Beach
Parking
Paid
Getting to the sand
Lot at beach
Restrooms
Yes
Step-free access
Mobility mats; Beach wheelchairs
Camping
On site
Shore
Golden sand
Best season
Jun–Sep
1.5-mile bay beach in Virginia's most visited state park
Run by State park/beach

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. We add the safety information we can confirm, and not every beach publishes it: a blank here is something we could not confirm, never a “no”. Never assume a lifeguard. We could not confirm lifeguard cover for any of these — that means we did not find it, not that nobody is on duty. Whether a beach is staffed turns on the season, the day and the agency that runs it, so ask them before you plan a swim. Fees, dog rules, closures and water-quality advisories change without notice and belong to the agency that runs the beach — every name above links to its own page.

Skiing and Snowboarding

4 in this state.

Bryce ResortSummer bike parkBasye
Small Shenandoah Valley resort with bike park
The Omni Homestead ResortHot Springs
Historic resort hotel with small ski slope
Massanutten ResortSummer bike parkMcGaheysville
Shenandoah Valley resort with waterpark
Wintergreen ResortWintergreen
Blue Ridge resort community near Charlottesville

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. We do not list rentals: our source marked every ski area in the country “likely” to have them and confirmed none, so there was nothing to publish. Most hills do rent gear — ring ahead rather than take that from us. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Lift-Served Bike Parks

2 in this state.

Bryce ResortAlso a ski resortLift-servedBasye
Short, fun Shenandoah Valley jump and flow park
Massanutten ResortAlso a ski resortLift-servedMcGaheysville
Two lifts and 1,000+ ft of vertical

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Long Bike Trails

4 in this state.

New River Trail State Park
Length
57 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
End to end
Pulaski VA – Galax VA
Follows one of the world's oldest rivers
Virginia Capital Trail
Length
51.7 miles
Surface
Paved
End to end
Richmond VA – Jamestown VA
Plantation country between two colonial capitals
Virginia Creeper Trail
Length
34 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
End to end
Abingdon VA – Whitetop Station VA
Shuttle-and-coast downhill; upper section closed after Helene damage
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
Length
45 miles
Surface
Paved
End to end
Arlington VA – Purcellville VA
Suburban corridor out to Loudoun wineries and breweries

Historic Mountain Lodges

1 in this state.

Omni Homestead ResortNational Historic Landmark
Designated
National Historic Landmark, 17 July 1991 as “The Homestead” — Hot Springs, Bath County
Historic Allegheny spa resort with hot springs pools

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. Each of these is a working hotel and is listed here because the building itself is a designated National Historic Landmark, with the date beside it. Several stand inside national parks and can be walked into and looked at without staying. We are not recommending anywhere to sleep and we earn nothing from them. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Days out with the family

Gated attractions with a front door, a ticket and a car park.

Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

12 across Virginia, by town.

Leesburg Animal Park — some details below are unconfirmedLeesburg
Pumpkin Village fall event Sep 19-Nov 8, 2026.
* We could not confirm: hours/admission not captured. Check their site before you go.
Luray ZooLuray
Hours
10am-5pm (late Oct 2026)
Fort Chiswell Animal ParkMax Meadows (Fort Chiswell)
Hours
weekends 10am-5pm; weekdays (May-Labor Day) 10am-4pm
Season
seasonal: Apr and Labor Day-Nov Fri-Sun; daily May 1-Labor Day
Admission
Adult $20 · Child $15 (3-12); 2 and under free
Safari bus tours; last bus 1 hr before close.
Metro Richmond ZooMoseley
Hours
Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm; closed Sun; last entry 4:15pm
Season
year-round
Wikipedia lists city as Richmond; ZAA lists Moseley.
Virginia Safari ParkNatural Bridge
Hours
9am-4pm (current); last car out 5:30pm
Season
seasonal (2026 season ends Nov 30)
Reservations
Not required (advance purchase recommended)
Virginia Living MuseumAZA-accreditedNewport News
Hours
9am-5pm daily; closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24-25, Jan 1
Season
year-round
Admission
Adult from $21.95 · Child $16.95; 2 and under free
Living museum with native animals and aquariums; site has a timed-tickets page.
Virginia ZooAZA-accreditedNorfolk
Hours
9:30am-4pm daily
Season
year-round
Official name Virginia Zoological Park.
MaymontRichmond
Hours
10am-4pm daily (through Nov 8); 10am-5pm Nov 9-Mar 13; closed Dec 25
Season
year-round
Admission
Free · Child free (Virginia Wildlife Trail)
Historic estate with native-wildlife trail, farm and nature center; some tours and events ticketed.

See the other 4

Mill Mountain ZooRoanoke
Hours
10am-5pm daily; last admission 4pm
Season
year-round
NOVA WildVienna
Hours
10am-5pm daily (site also cites 10am-6pm weekends)
Season
year-round
Formerly Roer's Zoofari; on Hunter Mill Rd near Reston; includes drive-through safari.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science CenterAZA-accreditedVirginia Beach
Hours
9am-5pm daily; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Season
year-round
Reservations
Not required (advance purchase advised)
Busch Gardens Williamsburg — some details below are unconfirmedWilliamsburg
Season
seasonal events; see park calendar
Admission
Adult from $31.99 (promo)
Parking
fee (add-on)
Theme park with animal habitats and encounters (Clydesdales, eagles, wolves).
* We could not confirm: hours on separate calendar. Check their site before you go.

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. 3 of these carry an accreditation we confirmed against the accrediting body’s own register. Where there is no badge we did not confirm one — that is not a judgement on the place, and a good many municipal, state and university sites belong to no register we check. 2 entries are marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, prices and seasons change without notice, so check the operator’s own site — every name above links to it.

Amusement and Water Parks

9 across Virginia, by town.

Kings Dominionamusement park and water parkDoswell
Seasonal; includes Soak City water park; fall events
Splash Down WaterparkSeasonalwater parkManassas
Prince William County seasonal water park
Massanutten Indoor WaterParkwater parkMcGaheysville
Resort water park at Massanutten Resort
Lake Fairfax ParkReston
Fairfax County park; its Water Mine family swimmin' hole operates seasonally
Atlantic Fun ParkSeasonalamusement parkVirginia Beach
Oceanfront boardwalk ride park; URL not verified live
Ocean Breeze WaterparkSeasonalwater parkVirginia Beach
Seasonal water park; URL not verified live
Busch Gardens Williamsburgtheme parkWilliamsburg
European-themed park; seasonal schedule with fall/holiday events
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburgwater parkWilliamsburg
Indoor water park resort (guests); URL path not verified

See the other 1

Water Country USASeasonalwater parkWilliamsburg
Seasonal water park, sister park to Busch Gardens Williamsburg

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. 4 of these run a season rather than opening year round. Opening and closing dates move every year and we hold none of them, so check the park’s own calendar before you build a day around it. Prices, hours and ride closures change without notice — every name above links to the park’s own site.

Wineries, Distilleries and Cideries in Virginia

16 producers in Virginia that we have checked. These are the ones from our research we could check against their own site — not every producer there is. We have not been to these; this is what their own sites say, so you can look one up.

Veritas Vineyard & Winery
winery · Afton, VA · Nelson County (Route 151 corridor)
Family-run winery with an on-site restaurant (The Farmhouse) and a terrace food service.
- HoursDaily 11-5
- Reservationsrecommended
- Foodyes
- Phone540-456-8000
- ChildrenChildren under 18 welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
151 Veritas Lane, Afton, VA 22920
George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill
distillery · Alexandria, VA · Mount Vernon area (Fairfax County)
Working reconstruction of the whiskey distillery Washington operated; it produced nearly 11,000 gallons in 1799.
- HoursWeekends, April-October
- Toursyes - seasonal; included with Mount Vernon admission or sold separately
- Phone703-780-2000
5513 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309
Barboursville Vineyards
winery · Barboursville, VA · Monticello Wine Trail (Orange County) · founded 1976
Founded by Gianni Zonin of Italy's Zonin wine family; estate also has Palladio Restaurant and the 1804 Inn.
- HoursDiscovery Tasting Room Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5; Library 1821 room closed Tue
- Toursyes - tour & tasting offered
- Foodyes
- Phone540-832-3824
17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923
Jefferson Vineyards
winery · Charlottesville, VA
Grows grapes on land where Thomas Jefferson and Philip Mazzei planted vines in the 1770s.
- HoursDaily 11-5
- Phone434-977-3042
1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902
King Family Vineyards
winery · Crozet, VA · Charlottesville area (Albemarle County) · founded 1998
Family farm winery that hosts seasonal polo matches on its grounds.
- HoursMon/Tue/Thu 10-6:30, Wed 10-8:30, Fri-Sun 10-5:30
- Toursyes - Carriage House tour listed (no details)
- Phone434-823-7800
6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932
Chateau Morrisette
winery · Floyd, VA · founded 1978
Family winery near the Blue Ridge Parkway; first vines planted in 1978.
- Foodyes
- Phone540-593-2865
- ChildrenSite says parents are welcome to bring kids; many events described as family-friendly.
291 Winery Road SW, Floyd, VA 24091
A. Smith Bowman Distillery
distillery · Fredericksburg, VA · founded 1935
Bourbon distillery founded after Prohibition; relocated to Fredericksburg in 1988.
- HoursMon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5
- Toursyes - complimentary tours hourly (Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4)
- Phone540-373-4555
1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Horton Vineyards
winery · Gordonsville, VA · Orange County · founded 1989
Early grower of Viognier and Norton in Virginia's modern wine era.
- HoursDaily 10-5
- Phone540-832-7440
6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Virginia Distillery Company
distillery · Lovingston, VA · Nelson County (Route 151 corridor)
Single malt whisky distillery in Nelson County with a visitors center.
- Toursyes - tours and tastings bookable
- Phone434-285-2900
299 Eades Lane, Lovingston, VA 22949
Chrysalis Vineyards
winery · Middleburg, VA · Loudoun County (DC's Wine Country)
Tasting room shares a site with a farmstead cheese maker and a bakehouse serving pizza.
- HoursMon-Thu 12-6, Fri-Sat 12-8, Sun 12-7
- Foodyes
- Phone540-687-8222
- ChildrenChildren welcome outdoors and on main floor under direct adult supervision; upper floor and deck are 21+.
39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg, VA 20117

See the other 6

Bold Rock Nellysford
winery and distillery · Nellysford, VA · Nelson County (Route 151 corridor) · founded 2012
Flagship cidery of a company founded in 2012, with a distillery bar (Barrel Barn) on the same property.
- HoursCider Barn Mon-Thu 12-8, Fri-Sat 11-9, Sun 11-7; Barrel Barn distillery Fri-Sat 12-9, Sun 12-7
- Toursno formal tour listed - production facility on site
- Foodyes
- Phone434-361-1030
1020 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford, VA 22958
Albemarle CiderWorks
cidery · North Garden, VA · Charlottesville area (Albemarle County)
Cidery tied to an orchard and heritage-apple nursery (Vintage Virginia Apples).
- HoursDec-Aug Fri-Mon 12-5; Sep-Nov daily 12-5
- Toursyes - orchard-to-bottle tour & tasting listed (no details)
- Phone434-297-2326
2545 Rural Ridge Lane, North Garden, VA 22959
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
winery · North Garden, VA · Charlottesville area (Albemarle County)
Winery built around a kitchen garden with garden-to-table dining and a cooking school.
- Toursyes - Estate Tour & Tasting
- Reservationsrecommended
- Foodyes
- Phone434-202-8063
5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959
Breaux Vineyards
winery · Purcellville, VA · Loudoun County (DC's Wine Country)
Loudoun County estate winery offering tastings and tours.
- HoursDaily 11-6
- Toursyes - tasting and tour options offered (no details)
- Reservationsrequired
- Foodyes
- Phone540-668-6299
- ChildrenChildren welcome in all areas except the covered patio (Vidal).
36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln, Purcellville, VA 20132
Copper Fox Distillery
distillery · Sperryville, VA · Rappahannock County · founded 2005
Makes American single malt, malting its own barley and smoking it over fruitwood; housed in a former apple cider plant.
- HoursSun-Wed 12-6, Thu-Sat 12-8
- Toursyes - ~45 min, $10, children 12 and under free; Friday tours free
- Foodyes
- Phone540-987-8554
- ChildrenAll ages welcome on tours; described as family-friendly.
9 River Lane, Sperryville, VA 22740
Williamsburg Winery
winery · Williamsburg, VA · Historic Triangle
Winery on the Wessex Hundred farm with a tavern; also runs a wine bar in Merchants Square.
- HoursDaily 11:30-7:30
- Toursyes - tours and reserve tastings listed (no details)
- Foodyes
- Phone757-229-0999
5800 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, VA 23185

*Check before you go. Every producer here links to its own site, which is where we read these details on the date we checked. Opening hours, tour times, tasting fees and who may come in change without notice and belong to the producer. A blank is something we did not confirm, not something they lack. 5 of these say something about children, in their own words above. Where there is no Children line, we did not find a policy — that is not the same as children being welcome, and several tasting rooms are 21 and over.

Roadside oddities in Virginia

Giant Roller SkateGiant statue / World's largestBealeton
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
US-17
Huge roller skate outside a skating rink
Read on the page we checked
Coffee Pot HouseOdd building / architectureLexington
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
US-60
Two-story metal building shaped like a coffee pot
Read on the page we checked
Dinosaur Kingdom IIRoadside attraction / tourist stopNatural Bridge
Cost to see it
Costs something — we did not find the price published
When you can see it
Seasonal — not open all year
Nearest road
I-81 exit 175 / US-11
Dinosaurs battle Civil War soldiers in a wooded trail
- Open seasonally, not all year
Read on the page we checked
American Celebration on ParadeQuirky museumQuicksburg
Cost to see it
Costs something — we did not find the price published
When you can see it
Only while it is open, and we did not find its hours published
Nearest road
I-81 exit 269
Warehouse of giant parade floats and political props
Read on the page we checked
Roanoke StarGiant statue / World's largestRoanoke
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
I-581 / Blue Ridge Pkwy
Huge neon star glowing over the city since 1949
Read on the page we checked
Mount Trashmore ParkOffbeat landmarkVirginia Beach
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Only while it is open, and we did not find its hours published
Nearest road
I-264
Park built on top of a former landfill
Read on the page we checked

These are things you can go and look at, not a recommendation of any of them. Oddities move, get sold and quietly disappear more than anything else we list, so check anything you are driving a long way for. Where this list says we did not find a price or opening times published, that is exactly what we mean. A blank is not “free” and not “always open”. Some sit on private land and can only be seen from the road — please do not go onto anyone’s property. Every entry links the page we read it off.

Venues and Annual Events

21 across Virginia, by town.

Where to see something

The BirchmereclubAlexandria
Hours
Bar area opens 5pm (show days)
Capacity
500
Began in Arlington's Shirlington area; moved to Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, in 1997.
Birthplace of Country Music Museumstudio-museumBristol
Address
101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA 24201
Phone
423-573-1927
Interprets the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings, which included the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
Jefferson TheatertheaterCharlottesville
Phone
434-245-4980
On the downtown Mall.
FloydFest FestivalParkfestival groundsCheck
Hours
Event days only
Address
5826 Floyd Hwy N, Check, VA
FloydFest's site since 2024, about a dozen miles northeast of Floyd.
Floyd Country StoreFloyd
Hours
Tue 11-7; Wed 11-3; Thu 11-9; Fri 11-10; Sat 10-9; Sun 11-6; Mon closed
Address
206 S Locust St, Floyd, VA
Phone
540-745-4563
Hosts a weekly Friday Night Jamboree of old-time and bluegrass music.
Blue Ridge Music CenteramphitheaterGalax (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Hours
Open May through October
Music venue, museum and visitor center run by the National Park Service with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

See the other 3

Carter Family FoldHiltons
Hours
Saturday evening shows, Feb-Nov (7:30-10pm)
Address
A. P. Carter Highway, Hiltons, VA 24258
Capacity
842
Founded by Janette Carter; Johnny Cash played his last concert there on July 5, 2003.
The NorVaclubNorfolk
Address
317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510
The NationaltheaterRichmond
Address
708 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone
804-612-1900

What is on, and when

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunionmusic festivalBristol
Usually
September, over several days
Held at
Downtown Bristol VA/TN (State Street area)
Since
2001
Chesterfield County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairChesterfield
Usually
Late August
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Frederick County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairClear Brook
Usually
August
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
State Fair of Virginia — some details below are unconfirmedfairDoswell
Usually
Late September–early October, over several days
Held at
Meadow Event Park
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Augusta County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairFishersville
Usually
July, over several days
Held at
Augusta Expo
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Old Fiddlers' Conventionmusic festivalGalax
Usually
August, over several days
Since
90th annual in 2026

See the other 6

Rockingham County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairHarrisonburg
Usually
August, over several days
Held at
Rockingham County Fair Grounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Loudoun County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairLeesburg
Usually
July, over several days
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Page Valley Agricultural & Industrial Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairLuray
Usually
August
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Richmond Folk Festivalmusic festivalRichmond
Usually
October, over several days
Held at
Downtown riverfront (Brown's Island)
Since
2008 (successor to National Folk Festival held in Richmond 2005-2007)
Salem Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairSalem
Usually
Late June–early July
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Fauquier County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairWarrenton
Usually
July
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. Events are listed by the month they usually fall in, because that is what we hold — we do not publish dates, and a month is not a promise. Check the organiser before you plan around one. 9 entries are marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, line-ups and ticketing change without notice, so check the venue’s or organiser’s own site — every name above links to it.

On the road

Before you set off.

Scenic roads through Virginia

Federally designated scenic byways and All-American Roads, with the places we publish along each one in the order you meet them.

Blue Ridge Parkway2 states · 17 places we publish George Washington Memorial ParkwayVirginia · 7 places we publish Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway2 states · 6 places we publish Colonial ParkwayVirginia · 4 places we publish Skyline DriveVirginia · 4 places we publish

What to wear in Virginia

Illustrated outfit board for Virginia: four seasonal panels of clothing with average temperatures.

Spring 67°/43°F (19°/6°C)

Spring has warming days, rain, and cool mountain mornings.

Wear: Start with a long-sleeve tee, stretch pants, and a fleece or sweater. Add a rain shell when the wind or showers pick up.
Shoes: Water-resistant walking shoes with grip; boots for muddy stops.
Pack: fleece or sweater
rain shell
light beanie
spare dry socks

Summer 84°/63°F (29°/17°C)

Summer is hot and humid in lowlands, with cooler higher-elevation stops.

Wear: Choose a loose, breathable tee or shirt with quick-drying shorts, lightweight pants, or an airy dress. Carry a thin layer for chilly indoor stops.
Shoes: Breathable walking sneakers; secure sandals for casual paved stops.
Pack: sun hat
sunglasses
light indoor layer
light rain shell
spare tee

Fall 68°/46°F (20°/8°C)

Fall shifts from warm afternoons to chilly mornings.

Wear: Build around a long-sleeve tee, comfortable pants, and a sweater or fleece. Add a wind-resistant jacket for breezy overlooks.
Shoes: Walking shoes with grip; water-resistant boots for wet or muddy routes.
Pack: sweater or fleece
wind and rain shell
beanie
light gloves
spare socks

Winter 48°/28°F (9°/-2°C)

Winter is cool near the coast and colder, sometimes snowy, in the mountains.

Wear: Wear a tee or long-sleeve top with pants and a sweater. Add a medium-weight jacket on colder days and a rain shell for wet stops.
Shoes: Closed-toe walking shoes; water-resistant shoes when showers are forecast.
Pack: sweater
medium-weight jacket
rain shell
warm socks
light gloves for cold spells

Adjust for your route. Blue Ridge and western mountain routes need warmer layers than Tidewater. Add an insulated coat, thermals, and snow-ready boots for cold winter mountain visits.

Climate background: NOAA State Climate Summary

See what to wear in every state →

Keep exploring

See It in the Book

Explore Virginia

Locations in Virginia

Richmond

Shenandoah Country

National parks and federal sites in Virginia

State parks in Virginia

Lakes in Virginia

Atlantic Coast

First Landing State Park – Chesapeake BeachChesapeake BayVirginia Beach

Skiing and Snowboarding

Bryce ResortSummer bike parkBasye

The Omni Homestead ResortHot Springs

Massanutten ResortSummer bike parkMcGaheysville

Wintergreen ResortWintergreen

Lift-Served Bike Parks

Bryce ResortAlso a ski resortLift-servedBasye

Massanutten ResortAlso a ski resortLift-servedMcGaheysville

Long Bike Trails

Historic Mountain Lodges

Omni Homestead ResortNational Historic Landmark

Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Leesburg Animal Park* — some details below are unconfirmedLeesburg

Luray ZooLuray

Fort Chiswell Animal ParkMax Meadows (Fort Chiswell)

Metro Richmond ZooMoseley

Virginia Safari ParkNatural Bridge

Virginia Living MuseumAZA-accreditedNewport News

Virginia ZooAZA-accreditedNorfolk

MaymontRichmond

Mill Mountain ZooRoanoke

NOVA WildVienna

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science CenterAZA-accreditedVirginia Beach

Busch Gardens Williamsburg* — some details below are unconfirmedWilliamsburg

Amusement and Water Parks

Kings Dominionamusement park and water parkDoswell

Splash Down WaterparkSeasonalwater parkManassas

Massanutten Indoor WaterParkwater parkMcGaheysville

Lake Fairfax ParkReston

Atlantic Fun ParkSeasonalamusement parkVirginia Beach

Ocean Breeze WaterparkSeasonalwater parkVirginia Beach

Busch Gardens Williamsburgtheme parkWilliamsburg

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburgwater parkWilliamsburg

Water Country USASeasonalwater parkWilliamsburg

Wineries, Distilleries and Cideries in Virginia

Roadside oddities in Virginia

Giant Roller SkateGiant statue / World's largestBealeton

Coffee Pot HouseOdd building / architectureLexington

Dinosaur Kingdom IIRoadside attraction / tourist stopNatural Bridge

American Celebration on ParadeQuirky museumQuicksburg

Roanoke StarGiant statue / World's largestRoanoke

Mount Trashmore ParkOffbeat landmarkVirginia Beach

Venues and Annual Events

Where to see something

The BirchmereclubAlexandria

Birthplace of Country Music Museumstudio-museumBristol

Jefferson TheatertheaterCharlottesville

FloydFest FestivalParkfestival groundsCheck

Floyd Country StoreFloyd

Blue Ridge Music CenteramphitheaterGalax (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Carter Family FoldHiltons

The NorVaclubNorfolk

The NationaltheaterRichmond

What is on, and when

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunionmusic festivalBristol

Chesterfield County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairChesterfield

Frederick County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairClear Brook

State Fair of Virginia* — some details below are unconfirmedfairDoswell

Augusta County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairFishersville

Old Fiddlers' Conventionmusic festivalGalax

Rockingham County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairHarrisonburg

Loudoun County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairLeesburg

Page Valley Agricultural & Industrial Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairLuray

Richmond Folk Festivalmusic festivalRichmond

Salem Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairSalem

Fauquier County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairWarrenton

Scenic roads through Virginia

What to wear in Virginia

Spring 67°/43°F (19°/6°C)

Summer 84°/63°F (29°/17°C)

Fall 68°/46°F (20°/8°C)

Leesburg Animal Park — some details below are unconfirmedLeesburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg — some details below are unconfirmedWilliamsburg

Chesterfield County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairChesterfield

Frederick County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairClear Brook

State Fair of Virginia — some details below are unconfirmedfairDoswell

Augusta County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairFishersville

Rockingham County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairHarrisonburg

Loudoun County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairLeesburg

Page Valley Agricultural & Industrial Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairLuray

Salem Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairSalem

Fauquier County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairWarrenton