The Commonwealth of Virginia played an essential role in the founding of the modern United States as it was the site of the first European settlement in North America, as well as the birthplace of several presidents.Visiting Virginia usually means getting a massive dose of American history presented via historical reenactments and beautifully preserved colonial homes. The state is also a stone’s throw away from the nation’s capital, Washington DC, boasts a beautiful coastline and offers plenty of opportunities for peaceful escapes.Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Virginia and the information you need for a great Virginia trip.
Virginia
State in United States, North AmericaUpdated
- Overall8/10
- Best forCouples
- PeakJan–Apr
- CurrencyUSD
Colonial history, Blue Ridge trails, and a coastline most visitors overlook — Virginia rewards the curious traveler who looks past the DC day-trip narrative.
At a glance
Currency$ USDCode: USD
Time zoneEastern Time (ET)
Languages
- English
Setting
- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Chesapeake Bay
- Shenandoah Valley
- Colonial towns
Known for
- History & Heritage
- National Parks
- Road Trips
- Family Travel.
Population8.8M8,811,000 residents
VisaDocuments: For domestic U.S. air travel, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted ID such as a valid passport
How Virginia scores
8/10OverallExcellent
Weather7/10
Value for money7/10
Food & cuisine3/10
Culture & arts6/10
Cultural experience8/10
Nature & outdoors4/10
Adventure4/10
Nightlife6/10
Shopping7/10
Family friendly5/10
Romance10/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall78/100Moderate rating
Women travellers80/100
LGBTQ+ travellers80/100
Theft65/100
Medical care85/100
Physical harm78/100
Political freedom82/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
- January: -1 to 7.9 degrees Celsius, 82.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- February: 1.5 to 11.7 degrees Celsius, 102.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- March: 4.4 to 15.7 degrees Celsius, 77.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- April: 8.8 to 21 degrees Celsius, 81.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 14 to 24.7 degrees Celsius, 108.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 18.3 to 29.7 degrees Celsius, 84.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- July: 21.4 to 32.5 degrees Celsius, 91.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- August: 20.1 to 30.3 degrees Celsius, 88 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- September: 17.1 to 27.1 degrees Celsius, 98.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 11.2 to 21.5 degrees Celsius, 85.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 4.5 to 14.8 degrees Celsius, 67.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- December: 0.9 to 10 degrees Celsius, 88.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cold, some rain January in Virginia: cold winter weather makes a broad Virginia itinerary less balanced. Crowds: January in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- February
- Cool to mild, some rain February in Virginia: cold winter weather makes a broad Virginia itinerary less balanced. Crowds: February in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- March
- Cool to mild, some rain March in Virginia: early spring, summer, or late fall can work with heat, humidity, or layers planned in. Crowds: March in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Mild to warm, some rain April in Virginia: Blue Ridge drives, historic towns, beaches, wine country, cities, and fall color balance weather and access. Crowds: April in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Mild to warm, some rain May in Virginia: Blue Ridge drives, historic towns, beaches, wine country, cities, and fall color balance weather and access. Crowds: May in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Warm to hot, some rain June in Virginia: Blue Ridge drives, historic towns, beaches, wine country, cities, and fall color balance weather and access. Crowds: June in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- July
- Warm to hot, some rain July in Virginia: early spring, summer, or late fall can work with heat, humidity, or layers planned in. Crowds: July in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- August
- Warm to hot, some rain August in Virginia: early spring, summer, or late fall can work with heat, humidity, or layers planned in. Crowds: August in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- September
- Warm to hot, some rain September in Virginia: Blue Ridge drives, historic towns, beaches, wine country, cities, and fall color balance weather and access. Crowds: September in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- October
- Mild to warm, some rain October in Virginia: Blue Ridge drives, historic towns, beaches, wine country, cities, and fall color balance weather and access. Crowds: October in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Cool to mild, occasional rain November in Virginia: early spring, summer, or late fall can work with heat, humidity, or layers planned in. Crowds: November in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- December
- Cold, some rain December in Virginia: early winter is usable but less flexible for outdoor-heavy trips. Crowds: December in Virginia is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Peak season
- March
- February
- January
- April
Off-peak
- September
- August
- July
- June
Know before you go
About
The Commonwealth of Virginia played an essential role in the founding of the modern United States as it was the site of the first European settlement in North America, as well as the birthplace of several presidents.Visiting Virginia usually means getting a massive dose of American history presented via historical reenactments and beautifully preserved colonial homes. The state is also a stone’s throw away from the nation’s capital, Washington DC, boasts a beautiful coastline and offers plenty of opportunities for peaceful escapes.Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Virginia and the information you need for a great Virginia trip.
Best time to visit
April to June, September to October
Season by season
Spring brings blooming dogwoods and mild weather; Summer is hot and very humid, especially near the coast; Fall is the most spectacular time for mountain foliage; Winter is mild to moderately cold.
Crowds
Moderate (High in autumn for foliage viewing)
Getting there and around
Getting there
Fly into Washington Dulles (IAD), Ronald Reagan (DCA), or Richmond (RIC) depending on your destination. I-95 runs through the state north to south. Amtrak serves major cities including Alexandria, Richmond, and Williamsburg.
Top experiences in Virginia
Shenandoah National Park
A long, narrow park along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive dominates it (105 miles of views). It is famous for its fall foliage and black bears. The Appalachian Trail runs through it. It is a hiker’s paradise.
Colonial Williamsburg
THE living history museum. It is a restored 18th-century capital city. Actors in period costume bring it to life (blacksmiths, politicians, tavern keepers). It is immersive and educational. Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street is time travel.
Blue Ridge Parkway
A 3-mile concrete boardwalk stretching along the oceanfront. It is lined with hotels, restaurants, and statues (like King Neptune). It is the hub of activity—biking, rollerblading, and festivals. It is classic Americana.
Arlington National Cemetery
The final resting place for over 400,000 active duty service members and veterans. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard are solemn and moving. The rows of white headstones are a powerful sight.
Monticello
The plantation home of Thomas Jefferson near Charlottesville. It is an architectural masterpiece designed by Jefferson himself. The tours address both his genius and the reality of slavery on the estate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Where to stay
Williamsburg Inn
101 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
A historic Beaux-Arts hotel in Richmond. It is breathtakingly grand. The rotunda lobby with its Tiffany stained glass is iconic. It has hosted presidents and royalty. The Sunday brunch is legendary.
Big Meadows Lodge (Shenandoah)
136 Francis St E, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
The crown jewel of Colonial Williamsburg. It was built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. It offers Regency-style luxury and unparalleled access to the historic area. It is elegant, refined, and historic.
The Jefferson Hotel (Richmond)
4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
A historic hotel on the hill overlooking Virginia Beach. It has been meticulously restored. It has its own distillery (Tarnished Truth) inside. It exudes Jazz Age glamour and offers a private beach club.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- The meticulously recreated 18th-century life in Colonial Williamsburg and the breathtaking vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
Best activities
- Driving the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah, stepping back in time in Colonial Williamsburg, hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visiting historic estates like Mount Vernon or Monticello.
Local experiences
- Eat at a historic tavern in Colonial Williamsburg, served by staff in period-accurate 18th-century attire. Attend a wine tasting in the Monticello American Viticultural Area.
Practical tips
- Virginia is a large state meant for driving. Rent a car to properly connect the historic coastal areas (Williamsburg/Jamestown) with the western mountain ranges.
Photography tips
- The Blue Ridge Mountains get their name from a natural haze that hangs over them
- use a polarizing filter to cut through the haze and enhance the green and blue tones.
Timing
- A 7-10 day road trip is ideal to cover the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown), Richmond, and the Shenandoah Valley.
Keeping it authentic
- Virginia seamlessly blends monumental American history with the rolling, misty beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Virginia’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its pivotal role in the founding of the United States. As the site of Jamestown (1607), the first permanent English settlement in North America, and home to four of the first five U.S. presidents, Virginia was central to colonial life and revolutionary ideals. The state’s historic triangle—Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown—preserves early American architecture and interprets 17th- and 18th-century life. Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects Enlightenment ideals through architecture and agrarian innovation. Virginia also maintains a rich tradition of Appalachian folk music, African American cultural legacy, and Civil War memory, making it a keystone in the nation’s evolving identity.
Safety notes
Virginia is generally very safe for tourists. Stick to well-lit areas in larger cities at night. When hiking in the national parks, be aware of black bears and always hike with proper supplies.
