Fun Things to Do in Virginia - Traveling in Heels

One of the original colonies, Virginia, a southeastern U.S. state, stretches from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, with a long Atlantic coastline. Discover within its border historic landmarks and museums, delightful Southern cuisine, beaches, and unique accommodations. Read on for an overview of the things to do in Virginia and why you should add this state to your next vacation destination.

The United States Historical Society commissioned the bronze life-sized statue and donated it to the National Park Service. It is located at the Tredegar site of the Civil War Visitor Center in Richmond, Virginia, where the President came in peace "to bind up the nation's wounds" at the end of the Civil War. — This bronze life-sized statue is located at the Tredegar site of the Civil War Visitor Center in Richmond, Virginia, where the President came in peace “to bind up the nation’s wounds” at the end of the Civil War. Photo: Pixabay

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, we may receive a commission. Thanks for helping to support TravelingInHeels.

Things to do in Virginia

Table of Contents

Known as the birthplace of a nation, Virginia stands proud as the first permanent English settlement destination. This historical state also delivered eight Presidents of the United States, earning its second nickname as the Mother of Presidents.

Although sometimes people also refer to Virginia as the state for lovers, this may because, in 1967, the Supreme Court legalized interracial marriages following an interracial couple who were sent to jail for marrying each other in violation of state law.

Regarding these historical facts, it’s safe to say that Virginia is the state where big things happen. This is precisely why you should visit!

That said, here are some fun things to do in Virginia that are truly awe-inspiring and unique.

Southern-Style Cuisine

Virginia's southern-style cooking includes oysters! — Virginia’s southern-style cooking includes oysters!

Virginia is known for its southern-style cooking, including delicacies like oysters, barbecue, trout, and blue crabs.

Southern-style cooking is closely connected to hearty foods like chowders and stews – so if you’re looking for comfort foods that are jam-packed with flavor and aromas, then you’ll love what Virginia has to offer.

Virginia is proud to have their state food be their cured country-style ham – the perfect complement to a hearty and generous breakfast.

The state’s fruit is also none other than the pawpaw.

Growing in abundance in their forests, Virginia has enjoyed this fruit for many years and has even started making beers and ciders from it – yum! The state is also one of the United States’s largest producers, responsible for a large portion of the production of apples, grapes, peanuts, and leaf tobacco.

Activities and Attractions

From its beaches to food and wine, there are so many reasons to visit Virginia. Photo: Visit Virginia Beach

One of the standout things to do in Virginia is Virginia Beach. This is a lovely place to go to if you have kids and want to spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Mount Vernon is also a location not to miss, excellent for hiking trips and tourists who love to spend time outdoors.

Thomas Jefferson, one of the country’s founding fathers, designed a Monticello himself, which is still standing today and can be visited to observe the historical monument. Thomas Jefferson himself designed even the gardens at the back of the mansion, and the house’s inside showcases some of his inventions which are fascinating to see.

An interesting place to visit is the Arlington National Cemetery, home to some of the country’s most famous individuals – such as John F. Kennedy and the Unknown Soldier Memorial.

Unique Accommodations in Virginia

Virginia holds some of the most beautiful hotels as well as homestyle or self-catering options.

If you’d like a more up-scale stay while visiting, try booking your accommodation at VA hot tub hotels – ensuring you’ll have a grand time while there.

If a larger family or would like to go off the radar for a while, try booking something that allows you to be more independent, like a VRBO or a nature-filled camping site.

Virginia’s Historic Landmarks and Museums

Monticello was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Photo: Pixabay

Due to its beginnings as one of the nation’s original colonies, things to do in Virginia include a host of historic landmarks and museums.

Consider visiting Monticello (as mentioned above), founding father Thomas Jefferson’s iconic Charlottesville plantation.

The Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg are living-history museums reenacting Colonial and Revolutionary-era life.

And there are so many more museums to appeal to everyone, from art to science to military to children’s museums.

Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive experience into the United States’ history and culture, Virginia is sure to be one of the most exciting states that should not be missed.