Discover Virginia: Nature, History and Culture

Several hundred black bears live in Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the park and features 76 overlooks. These varied nature experiences are a good starting point when deciding which themes will shape your Virginia trip.

Nature: Roads, Trails and Coast

The Blue Ridge Parkway is designed for slow travel at no more than 45 mph. Along the Parkway, there are 300 miles of trails, eight campgrounds and 13 picnic areas. These figures represent different ways to spend time outdoors: on a road designed for a leisurely pace, on trails or at picnic areas. Check conditions and possible closures before setting out.

The Appalachian Trail runs for 544 miles through Virginia. That is a different scale from Skyline Drive’s 105 miles: the figure describes the section of the long-distance trail within the state. A single hike and a road trip are thus characterized by different distances.

Natural Bridge State Park is home to the 200-foot-high Natural Bridge, set in a limestone gorge carved by Cedar Creek. Nature watching is also a focus on Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay beaches: where fresh and salt water meet, the beaches offer diverse wildlife and gentle waves. These landscape features are quite different from mountain roads and hiking trails.

Historic Places and Perspectives

Colonial Williamsburg is an 18th-century town where you can meet people who bring history to life. The Historic Area includes 89 original 18th-century buildings. Admission gives visitors access to sites, tours and events. Historic Jamestowne is located at the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America. The two places represent different chapters of the history Virginia conveys.

Virginia’s Civil War history can also be experienced through stories, accounts and reenactments of life at the time. Monticello offers the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, which explores the legacies of enslavement and freedom at Monticello. Since programs may change, check before your visit to see whether the tour is currently available. Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville were added to the World Heritage List in 1987.

At the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the “The Story of Virginia” exhibition covers 16,000 years of Virginia history. The film “Imagine Virginia” is 17 minutes long and showcases defining moments and scenes from the state’s history. Compared with accounts of individual historic sites, the exhibition offers a broad overview across time, while the film explores history in a short format.

Culture, Getting Around and Regional Experiences

The Blue Ridge Music Center presents a wide range of musicians every afternoon during the season. The seasonal schedule is important when planning: the afternoon program is offered during the season and is not described as a year-round offering.

Amtrak Virginia’s nine passenger routes serve more than 23 stations in the state. They also offer connections to the Northeast Corridor, which extends as far as Boston. Routes and services may change, so check the current schedule before departure. Virginia’s Welcome Centers are staffed seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff introduce visitors to places to stay, diners and attractions. Since opening hours may change, it’s a good idea to check them before visiting.

Regional food and drink offerings also have different focuses. Virginia’s wine trails offer wines from Albariño to Viognier. The Virginia Oyster Trail is an experiential, visitor-led discovery program. It includes Waterman and Aqua-Artisan sites. When choosing Virginia for a trip, these themes, along with nature, history and culture, can help you decide what matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Albemarle, Suffolk City, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Halifax, Russell, Williamsburg, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Botetourt, Richmond City, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Prince William, Manassas, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Arlington, Falls Church, Loudoun, Tazewell, Harrisonburg, Prince George, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Henrico, Bath, Page, Alexandria, Chesterfield, Goochland, Stafford, Winchester, Danville, Warren, Montgomery, Danville, Shenandoah Valley, Pittsylvania County, Emporia, Mecklenburg County, Staunton, Wythe County, Northampton County, Nottoway County, Orange County, Washington County, Newport News, Amherst County, Bedford County, Fauquier County, Gloucester County, Isle Of Wight County, Hanover County, Accomack County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Lexington, Waynesboro, Rockingham County, Caroline County, Nelson County, Lancaster County, Galax, Louisa County, Petersburg, Giles County, Patrick County, Salem, Culpeper County, King George, Essex County, Augusta County, Spotsylvania County, Appomattox County, York County, Northumberland County, Greene County, Smyth, Campbell, Prince Edward County, Rockbridge County, Hampton, Clarke County, Brunswick County, Buckingham County, Rappahannock County, Westmoreland County, Madison County, Charles City County, Buchanan County, Amelia County, Franklin County, Martinsville, Stanley, Dinwiddie County, Wise County, Scott County, Alleghany County, King William County, Henry County, Pulaski County, Middlesex County, Dickenson County, Mathews County, Floyd County

For the broader travel overview: Usa.