Virginia holidays
Holidays to Virginia are about soaking up US history. After all, the region was once home to iconic statesmen George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Their revolutionary spirit lives today in the cities of Richmond and Roanoke, where artists and chefs forge a new path. From the piney trails of the Appalachian Mountains to the sandy shores of the Chesapeake Bay, tell your own story in the birthplace of the United States.
Top destinations in Virginia
Norfolk
With its rich maritime history and world-class cultural scene, Virginia’s third-largest city deserves a spot on your tour of the US’ Atlantic coast.
Richmond
History is everywhere you look in Richmond. Step back in time at its Civil War landmarks and centuries-old battlefields, then refuel with classic Southern comfort food.
Charlottesville
Home to one of the most prestigious universities in the US, Charlottesville blends the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with college-town charm.
Virginia: fast facts
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
Virginia Beach - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)
High season
May – September; October
Low season
January – March
Virginia holiday highlights
Living history
Time travel is a reality in Virginia. Visit the historic colonial settlements of Jamestown and Williamsburg and stand on famous battle sites from the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers at Monticello and Mount Vernon, track down President Hoover’s ‘summer White House’ or visit JFK’s grave at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Outdoor adventures
Lace up your boots because hiking is one of the best things to do in Virginia, home to more than 885 kilometres of the epic Appalachian Trail. But there are plenty more ways to enjoy the state’s great outdoors. Explore Shenandoah National Park by bike or ATV, raft along the James River or saddle up on the many horse trails.
Country music
Virginia is the birthplace of country music. In Bristol, museums and festivals still celebrate the pioneering records made here. You’ll hear mountain ballads, fiery fiddles and buzzing banjos across the region. Hundreds of gigs take place along the Crooked Road trail, from clog dancing at country stores to the Carter Family Fold, where Johnny Cash used to perform.
Things to do in Virginia
Top attractions
Overlooking Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 169 kilometres. Pull-offs lead to sensational views and trailheads. At Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll experience life on the eve of the American Revolution. A visit to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, isn’t just for history buffs — tours highlight the estate’s Neoclassical architecture and beautiful grounds.
Beaches
Virginia Beach is the world’s longest pleasure beach, with 56 kilometres of golden sands stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Chesapeake Bay. Beyond the boardwalk, you’ll find a back-to-nature vibe at Sandbridge and year-round surfing at Croatan. Head to Virginia’s Eastern Shore region for retro seaside towns. Or check out Smith Mountain Lake for hundreds more kilometres of shoreline.
Nature
From its thundering waterfalls and dramatic gorges to the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia keeps you looking up. There’s much to marvel at below ground too, such as thermal springs and caves full of striking rock formations. Meet the wildlife at the state’s nature reserves, including Assateague Island’s wild horses and the bald eagles of Back Bay.
Cuisine
Virginia’s local dishes are steeped in tradition — like country ham smoked using Indigenous methods and Brunswick stew served from a cauldron. Oysters are big business here, as is the wine from Virginia’s 300-plus wineries. The fertile Shenandoah Valley is a foodie heaven, with some of the best restaurants in Virginia to be found in Charlottesville, while Roanoke is known for its craft breweries.
Culture and museums
You’ll be busy exploring the museums in Virginia. In Richmond alone, they cover everything from Indigenous culture and Black history to the American Civil War and the Holocaust. The capital is also a great literary city, with an Edgar Allan Poe museum at the writer’s former newspaper offices. And the Mariners Museum in Newport News is one of the largest maritime museums in the US.
Nightlife
Some of the best nightlife in Virginia comes with a view, whether it’s a rooftop bar overlooking the ocean or a microbrewery in the Shenandoah Valley. In Virginia Beach, Pacific Avenue buzzes with everything from casual pubs to upscale lounges, while Charlottesville sports bars fill with fans cheering on the UVA Cavaliers over beers and wings.
Find the best time to visit Virginia
Weather in Virginia through the year
March – May: With warm days that are perfect for wildflower hikes, spring is one of the best times to visit Virginia. Keep an eye out for Virginia bluebells and dogwoods, the state flower.
June – August: Prepare for summer heat and humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Head to the beach or the mountains to cool off. The Blue Ridge Mountains are often much cooler than the valleys below.
September – November: Autumn brings warm days, crisp evenings and clear skies. Planning on leaf peeping? The foliage is best in mid-October.
December – February: Though it can get frosty at night, daytime temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Still, expect at least a few days of snow every winter.
Events in Virginia
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival (April to May): The city of Winchester is decked out in pink, white and green for this spring festival featuring more than 50 events. Enjoy everything from a carnival and fireworks to the Miss Apple Blossom pageant.
Virginia Highlands Festival (July to August): Appalachian heritage and history take centre stage in the charming small town of Abington. Taste traditional cooking, shop for antiques, and enjoy loads of live music.
Capital Art and Craft Festivals (October, December and March): Held three times a year in Chantilly, this juried craft show features the work of some of Virginia’s best artisans. Shop for souvenirs and gifts, or pick up something for yourself, from bath salts to handmade furniture.
Know before you go
Getting around Virginia
Public transport
Buses: Virginia Breeze buses connect small towns and cities in Virginia to Dulles International Airport and Washington, D.C., along four major routes. Greyhound buses also provide intercity and national connections. Many municipalities offer regional service as well.
Trains: You can reach the beaches or mountains from Washington, D.C. on the Amtrak. D.C.’s Metrorail service extends into Alexandria and Arlington.
Boats: Ferries cross the James and Potomac rivers year-round. Or you can catch a seasonal ferry from Virginia’s Eastern Shore to Tangier Island.
Domestic flights
International travellers often fly into an airport in the Washington, D.C., area. Dulles International Airport is actually located in Virginia. Some budget airlines fly into Baltimore/Washington International Airport, but despite its name, the airport is almost an hour north of D.C. Make regional connections to airports in Richmond, Charlottesville and Norfolk.
Driving and car hire
Virginia has a vast network of scenic drives and byways. Look out over the Shenandoah Valley from Skyline Drive, or follow the trail of Civil War history along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground. A major north–south artery, I-95 runs up to D.C. through Richmond. Expect heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.
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