Virginia: 10 Best Places to Visit on a 24-Stop Route

Explore Virginia's diverse attractions across 3,055 km, from the mountain scenery of Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway to historic colonial sites like Williamsburg and Mount Vernon. The route connects natural wonders including Great Falls Park and Virginia Beach with cultural landmarks in Arlington, Richmond, Roanoke, and Charlottesville.

Mode
Places
Start
Virginia
End
Charlottesville
Stops
24
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Virginia — The first state to be settled in 1607 with rich history, heritage, and Revolutionary War sites.
  2. Shenandoah National Park & Appalachian Mountains — A sprawling mountain park showcasing ancient Appalachian peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests offering exceptional hiking and scenic vistas.
  3. Atlantic Ocean Coastline — Atlantic Ocean coastline with almost 30 miles of sandy shores, beautiful beaches, and lively resort towns.
  4. Roanoke — Star City of the South, located in a vast valley amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains. Popular base for exploring Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail.
  5. Mill Mountain — Home to a colossal lit star that shines out over Roanoke's streets and suburbs.
  6. Blue Ridge Parkway & Appalachian Trail — A legendary 469-mile scenic route connecting mountain ridges with panoramic overlooks, wildflowers, and access to America's most famous long-distance hiking trail.
  7. Chesapeake Bay & Elizabeth River
  8. Monticello Plantation — Majestic plantation home of Thomas Jefferson with gorgeous gardens to explore.
  9. University of Virginia — Founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, with many historic buildings designed by Jefferson.
  10. Mount Vernon — Plantation home of George Washington, nestled in the northeast of Virginia overlooking the Potomac River.
  11. James River
  12. Arlington & Washington DC
  13. Arlington National Cemetery & Pentagon — Hallowed military grounds honoring fallen service members alongside the massive Department of Defense headquarters symbolizing American military power.
  14. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Solemn memorial honoring unidentified military personnel, featuring the iconic changing of the guard ceremony watched by thousands annually.
  15. Iwo Jima Memorial — Monumental bronze sculpture depicting Marines raising the American flag, commemorating the Pacific's bloodiest battle and military sacrifice.
  16. Great Falls Park — One of Virginia's most stunning nature spots located just outside McLean on the border with Maryland.
  17. McLean & Maryland Border — Affluent suburban communities near Washington DC featuring historic estates, government institutions, and the transition between Virginia and Maryland regions.
  18. Virginia Beach — Atlantic Ocean coastline with almost 30 miles of sandy shores, beautiful beaches, and lively resort towns.
  19. Virginia Aquarium — Major attraction in Virginia Beach along with the water park.
  20. Colonial Williamsburg — One of the largest living history museums in the world, located on the Virginia Peninsula where Williamsburg was once the capital of the colony and commonwealth.
  21. Old Rag Mountain — A 3,291-foot rocky peak in Shenandoah offering Virginia's most popular day hike with sweeping summit views and challenging boulder scrambles.
  22. Skyline Drive
  23. Norfolk — Home to the largest naval base in the world, located on the banks of Chesapeake Bay and Elizabeth River.
  24. Charlottesville — Charming college town consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the United States.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Virginia - Travel Video

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