The Most Popular Virginia Vacation Destinations

Virginia residents don’t have to travel far to reach some of the most popular and exciting tourist destinations in the United States. The state tourism slogan may be “Virginia is for Lovers,” but the Old Dominion state is home to attractions that singles and families can enjoy just as much as couples. About 101 million people visited Virginia in 2021, and it's one of the country's most popular vacation destinations.

Many people travel to the state to visit historic sites like Mount Vernon, Williamsburg, and Monticello, but destinations worth visiting don’t stop there. Virginia is filled with natural wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains, Luray Caverns, and Shenandoah National Park, and there are also theme parks, amazing dining and shopping options, and miles and miles of pristine sandy beaches.

If you live in Virginia and are planning a vacation, you will be able to find everything you are looking for without leaving your home state. Whether you want to soak up history, relax on a beach, or hike through unspoiled natural wonders, Virginia has you covered.

Virginia's long and rich history

It’s difficult to visit Virginia and not be impressed by the state’s history. Four of America’s first five presidents were born in the state, and two of their homes are among the state’s most popular tourist destinations. The National Cemetery in Arlington is the country's most hallowed ground, and Virginia has more Civil War battlefields than any other state.

Colonial Williamsburg

The nation’s largest and most famous living history museum transports visitors back to the 18th century. Actors portraying historical figures and craftsmen practicing skills that have been lost to time bring Colonial Williamsburg to life, and there are two famous amusement parks nearby if you feel like enjoying a few thrills after soaking up some history.

Jamestown

Before English settlers built homes in Jamestown, the area was populated by the Powhatans. When the settlement was rebuilt in 1957, museums were constructed to celebrate both cultures. There are statues of John Smith and Pocahontas, and there is a glasshouse where you can watch glass blowing demonstrations and purchase handmade glass souvenirs.

Monticello

President Thomas Jefferson designed his Palladian-style mansion himself after being inspired by an Italian villa. Monticello is one of the most popular presidential residences in the United States, and its former owner is buried in its historic gardens. Monticello is also home to the Landscape of Slavery display that provides a glimpse into the lives of the approximately 5,000 people who worked on the estate’s 5,000 acres.

Mount Vernon

George Washington moved into Mount Vernon in 1754, and he continued to manage the plantation home’s construction and expansion even while he led the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The impressive home is full of items once used by George and Martha Washington, but the beautiful gardens are what America’s first president missed the most when duty called him away.

Virginia's natural wonders

Those lucky enough to call Virginia home are surrounded by natural beauty. The Old Dominion may be best known for historic cities with cobblestone streets, but these Virginia tourism hotspots are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the United States has to offer. There are majestic mountains, scenic hiking trails, and labyrinthine caverns, and they attract visitors from all over the world.

Shenandoah National Park

Located in the center of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is 200,000 acres of Mother Nature at its best. If you can only spare a day to experience the park, Skyline Drive will take you to dozens of picturesque overlooks as it winds its way through hills and valleys. The park looks particularly impressive in October when autumn colors abound.

Chincoteague Island

You won’t find any boardwalks or traffic jams on Chincoteague Island but you will find a serene oasis of coastal beauty and hundreds of wild ponies. You can fish, boat, hike, or bike on Chincoteague Island, but you should enjoy the ponies from afar. They are wild animals, so approaching, touching, or feeding them is discouraged.

The Luray Caverns

The Luray Caverns have been called Geology’s Hall of Fame and for good reason. The Luray Caverns are the largest cave system on the Eastern Seaboard, featuring stunning rock formations and underground lakes in spaces as big as a cathedral. If you visit the caverns, there are illuminated and paved walkways.

Family fun in Virginia

Not everybody wants to hike through national parks or soak up history when they take a break from the daily grind. If you are looking for a more traditional vacation experience, Virginia can provide it. You could visit a water park, experience thrills at a theme park, or spend your time relaxing on a beach, and some of the country’s best shopping and dining establishments will be just a short drive away.

Virginia amusement parks

Virginia is home to some of the most popular amusement parks and waterparks in the country. The largest of them are the 400-acre Kings Dominion and the 100-acre Busch Gardens. Kings Dominion is known for roller coasters that reach speeds of up to 90 mph, and Busch Gardens has won the coveted “World’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park” award for 32 consecutive years.

Virginia beaches

Virginia’s relatively modest 112 miles of coastline is packed with incredible beaches. The most popular beach destinations in the Old Dominion state are in the Virginia Beach area, but there are equally beautiful stretches of sand and sea waiting to be discovered in Chesapeake Bay. If you would prefer to relax in unspoiled surroundings with wild horses for company, Assateague Island has a beach that is calling your name.

Peace of mind while you're away from home in Virginia

It’s not easy to enjoy a vacation when you’re worried about what could be happening at home while you’re away. You can put those fears to rest if you equip your home with the latest security, monitoring, and smart control equipment from Vivint.

You can view your Doorbell Camera Pro’s live or recorded footage from anywhere and at any time, and you will know what is happening even if it’s dark thanks to our infrared technology. You can use your cellphone to control our Smart Locks, and you will receive an automatic notification whenever one of your doors is opened.

If you want total peace of mind while you enjoy a Virginia vacation, you can get complete protection and save some money by choosing our home security packages. Talk to one of our Smart Home Professionals today at 855.822.1220 to find out how Vivint can make your Virginia home safer and more secure.