Virginia

United States of America
Charlottesville which includes a sunset, hiking or walking and mountains
History comes to life in the Old Dominion of Virginia, where colonial and revolutionary sites lie scattered across a beautiful coastline and mountainous landscapes.

Travel through America’s past in Virginia. Native American museums and heritage sites, colonial towns and presidential houses throughout the state tell the story of the nation. Enjoy modern Virginia on the family-friendly coast or leave all civilization behind while escaping to stunning national parks and forests.

American history awaits in every corner of the state. Virginia’s nicknames, the “Old Dominion” and the “Mother of States,” hint at its importance in early America. Explore the Colonial National Historic Park to visit Jamestown, the site of the first permanent European settlement, as well as a replica Powhatan village. The park also includes Yorktown, where the final battle of the American Revolution took place.

Wander around Colonial Williamsburg, where all the buildings have been restored to their 18th-century glory. Head to Richmond to tour the State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, or to visit the American Civil War Museum.

Follow in the footsteps of presidents in their historic houses. Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello both offer tours and insights into the lives of the founding fathers.

Escape to the wilderness of inland Virginia. Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles (805 kilometers) of hiking trails through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Seek out hidden waterfalls or go underground at the dramatic Luray Caverns.

Virginia Beach is a fun, child-friendly town in the south of the state. Meet weird and wonderful creatures in the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum and have fun on the flumes and slides of Ocean Breeze Waterpark.

Virginia is one of the most prolific wine producing states in the nation. Follow routes such as the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail to find tasting sessions and cellar tours in over 250 vineyards.

International airports in Norfolk, Williamsburg and Washington make Virginia easily accessible from around the world. Experience a variety of climates across different regions. In winter, you can ski in the mountains or find warmth in the milder valley regions. Come in fall to enjoy the state’s famously colorful foliage.

Popular cities in Virginia

Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Known for Beaches, Sea and Walking
Inspect the historic monuments, hike through the maze-like trails of the parks and relax on the long and sandy beach.

Reasons to visit

  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk
  • Virginia Beach Town Center
  • Naval Air Station Oceana
Norfolk
Norfolk
Known for Beaches, Family-friendly and Theaters

Reasons to visit

  • Old Dominion University
  • Harrison Opera House
  • Waterside Festival Marketplace
Williamsburg featuring heritage architecture, sailing and a bay or harbor
Williamsburg
Known for Gardens, Historical and Sports
This historic town is filled with scenic hiking and biking trails, but is best known as the home of Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living museum in America.

Reasons to visit

  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Jamestown Settlement
  • College of William and Mary
Charlottesville featuring fall colors, a house and forest scenes
Charlottesville
Known for Universities, Sports and Wineries
Experience the Virginian wilderness surrounding this enchanting university town. Join a walking tour to see historic colonial architecture.

Reasons to visit

  • University of Virginia
  • Monticello
  • Downtown Mall
Roanoke which includes street scenes and heritage elements
Roanoke
Known for Mountains, Universities and Live music
The Star City of the South, named after one of its most popular attractions, is surrounded by scenic mountains and offers great museums, theaters and art galleries.

Reasons to visit

  • Center in the Square
  • Virginia Museum of Transportation
  • Mill Mountain Star
Richmond featuring a river or creek, a city and a bridge
Richmond
Known for Historical, Sports and Rivers
History, art, culture and, above all, fun come together in this charming city.

Reasons to visit

  • Broad Street
  • University of Richmond