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Virginia
Virginia is steeped in history and tradition. It's the birthplace of the United States, and has played a lead role in nearly every major American drama, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights movement.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Northern Virginia
One of America's most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington.
Northern Virginia
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
Shenandoah Valley
One of the most spectacular national parks in the country, Shenandoah is a showcase of natural color and beauty: in spring and summer the wildflowers…
Richmond
Richmond is a cultured city, and this splendid art museum is the cornerstone of the local arts scene. Highlights of its eclectic, world-class collection…
The Piedmont
The house at Monticello is an architectural masterpiece designed and inhabited by Thomas Jefferson, founding father and third US president, who spent 40…
The Piedmont
Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia, and designed what he called an 'Academical Village' embodying the spirit of communal living and…
Virginia
Run by the NPS, this fascinating place is the original Jamestown site, established in 1607 and home of the first permanent English settlement in North…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Northern Virginia
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
Northern Virginia
South of Arlington Cemetery is the Pentagon, the largest office building in the world and the headquarters of the US Department of Defense, the Army, Navy…
Northern Virginia
Just outside of Arlington National Cemetery is the Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. It pays tribute to the six soldiers…
Northern Virginia
Part of the George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Lady Bird Johnson Park commemorates the First Lady who tried to beautify the capital via greenery-planting…
Northern Virginia
At this tranquil memorial, 184 illuminated benches honor each man, woman and child killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon,…
Northern Virginia
Overlooking the Pentagon and adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, three graceful stainless-steel arcs soar 270ft into the air. This shimmering…
Northern Virginia
Set on a hill overlooking the cemetery, this 1802 Greek Revival–style mansion is the former home of Confederate General Robert E Lee and his wife Mary…
Women in Military Service for America Memorial
Northern Virginia
This memorial is an impressive-looking, semi-circular structure that honors the 2.5 million women who have served in America's armed forces. Inside is a…
Northern Virginia
The propaganda is served up with nary a chuckle at this heavy-handed museum brought to you by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Exhibits cover the last…
11 of the best free things to do in Virginia: experience the Old Dominion for nothing
Curated by Barbara Noe Kennedy
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia
This lush preserve has hiking trails where you can look for wild horses. There's also beachfront and a lighthouse. The 3¼-mile Wildlife Loop is open to…
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
This seriously beautiful area is well worth a visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike, fish or cross-country ski among ancient hardwood trees and the state's…
Northern Virginia
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
Northern Virginia
Just outside of Arlington National Cemetery is the Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. It pays tribute to the six soldiers…
Alexandria
If you have time for just one historic house tour in Alexandria, make it this one. The house dates from 1753 when merchant and city founder, John Carlyle,…
Alexandria
Once a real tavern (operated by John Gadsby from 1796 to 1808), this building now houses a museum demonstrating the prominent role of the tavern in…
Northern Virginia
The National Air and Space Museum in the Mall is so awesome they made an attic for it: the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. It’s three times…
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
One of the most photographed buildings in the state, the mill nests in such a gloriously green vale you'll think you've entered the opening chapter of a…
Appomattox Court House National Historic Park
The Piedmont
At the McLean House in the town of Appomattox Court House, General Robert E Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S Grant, in…
Richmond
By 1864, Union general Ulysses Grant was ready to take the battle into Virginia. His subsequent invasion, dubbed the Overland (or Wilderness) Campaign,…
Shenandoah Valley
One of the most spectacular national parks in the country, Shenandoah is a showcase of natural color and beauty: in spring and summer the wildflowers…
Roanoke Star & Mill Mountain Park
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
Mill Mountain Park has walking trails, a discovery center, a zoo (adult $9, child aged three to 11 years $7) and grand views of Roanoke. It's also home to…
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
This is the region's best-known historic hotel, a handsome Victorian-era hulk set amid formal gardens. The rocking chairs on the front porch are a…
Northern Virginia
Set on a hill overlooking the cemetery, this 1802 Greek Revival–style mansion is the former home of Confederate General Robert E Lee and his wife Mary…
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Richmond
The dozen Civil War sites and four visitor centers that comprise this park can be visited on an 80-mile driving tour around Richmond. The best place to…
Petersburg National Battlefield Park
The Piedmont
Several miles east of town, Petersburg National Battlefield is where Union soldiers planted explosives underneath a Confederate breastwork, leading to the…
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Northern Virginia
More than 13,000 Americans were killed during the Civil War in four battles fought in a 17-mile radius covered by this park: Fredericksburg,…
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Northern Virginia
The site of two major Confederate victories early in the Civil War, Manassas National Battlefield Park today is a curving green hillscape, sectioned into…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Free Things to Do
Virginia presents a wealth of things to see and do, and many of them are free. Here's our guide to the very best.
Read articleBest Road Trips
From majestic tours of the Blue Ridge Mountains to easy getaways in the DC area and beyond, we’ve compiled a list of the best road trips in Virginia.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Virginia
Filter by interest:
ActivitiesYou’ve probably never been to Bath County, Virginia. Here’s why you shouldMay 21, 2023 • 7 min read
ActivitiesFrom beginner to badass: how my adventure mistakes made me fall in love with the outdoorsAug 22, 2022 • 15 min read
Activities11 of the best free things to do in Virginia: experience the Old Dominion for nothingApr 23, 2022 • 13 min read
BeachesThe top things to do in Virginia include historical sites, beaches and much moreApr 18, 2022 • 6 min read
Road TripsExplore the Old Dominion by car with these top Virginia road tripsApr 17, 2022 • 5 min read
BeachesVirginia's top 8 beaches for sunbathing, birdwatching, partying and moreApr 16, 2022 • 6 min read
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