MAIN Travel USA Virginia

A mix of old and new is Virginia's claim to tourism fame.

There are historical associations such as the home of George Washington at Mount Vernon, the home of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. and a re-created Colonial Williamsburg.

Right next door, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a top summer vacation destination featuring thrill rides and entertainment for kids of all ages.

For tourists entering from the North, getting into Virginia is a modern thrill ride in itself as you traverse a stunning feat of engineering at the 17-mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel consisting of two bridges and two mile-long tunnels spanning Chesapeake Bay.

Top tourist attractions in Virginia include thrill rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the boardwalk
and Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach, and stunning natural scenery at Shenandoah National Park.

Other major Virginia vacation attractions include the ever-popular Virginia Beach, (and the world class Virginia Aquarium) the Norfolk naval station, and the spectacularly scenic Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge National Parkway in the Shenandoah Valley.

2024 Virginia Events & Festivals

Fresh seafood, arts & crafts vendors, live music and the international sand sculpting competition are all part of the annual Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.

Check out our 2024 Virginia travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.

Happy travels!

April 18 - April 21, 2024 -- Virginia International Tattoo Festival Norfolk -- Traditional tattoo bagpipe bnnds descend on Norfolk each year plus drumming exhibitions, drill team maneuvers and more,

June 7 - June 9, 2024 -- Norfolk Haborfest Norfolk - Thrill at the famous Parade of Sail along with outdoor vendors, live music, capped off with fireworks on the Norfolk waterfront.

July 4, 2024 -- Colonial Williamsburg July 4th Celebration Willismsburg - There's no better place to celebrate the Fourth than on n historic Duke of Gloucester Street to listen to costumed reeactors read the Declaration of Independence, enjoy rousing music performances and thrill at the fireworks display at dusk.

August 18 - August 25, 2024 -- East Coast Surfing Championships Virginia Beach - Come watch top surfers compete at the beach at this week-long festival that also includes beach volleyball, a boardwalk 5k run, street skate and ramp contests, swimsuit contests, food and drink concessions, art and craft vendors, and live music.

September 20 - September 29, 2024 -- Virginia State Fair Meadow Event Park Doswell - All your favroite deep-fried fair foods are right here at this end-of-summer chowdown including live music concerts, carnival rides, bronco busting and farm aanimal exhibitons.

September 27 - September 29, 2024 -- Neptune Festival Virginia Beach - It's the world famous sand sculpture competition, and yuo're invited! Marvel at the sand creations while you enjoy fresh seafood, browse arts & crafts vendors, and listen to live music at the beach.

also see -> Virginia Beaches   |   2024 Virginia Fall Foliage

This Christmas in Virginia

Off the beaten path Virginia

In northern Virginia, take a special look around the countryside on the Fields of Gold Farm Trail in the Shenandoah Valley.

Spend a day or a week (or more) traveling through more than 200 locations for orchard fruit picking, llama trekking, tours of working farms, and an abundance of farm stands along the way.

While on the Shenandoah Valley tour, keep a special lookout for Winchester where country music fans can pay homage to a country music legend at the Patsy Cline Historic House. Also check out Old Town Winchester with historic buildings predating the Civil War ("Washington slept here"), mixed with a modern pedestrian mall for strolling, shopping and people watching.

Then, cool your heels at the Old Town Winchester Splash Pad featuring dancing spray heads which are colorfully lit as the sun goes down. Thirsty? Winchester also boasts five breweries, two wine bars and a cidery.

Floyd, Virginia: the hippie town with the southern charm.

Finally, further south, and almost on the border with West Virginia, is one of the state's best-kept travel secrets. Floyd is that 'hippie town' with the southern charm, often ranked as one of the underrated travel treasures anywhere.

Stroll around town to visit the country store and farmers' market, and pass by old mills and stone churches. Visit stained glass artisans and pottery studios, take in the Friday night outdoor music jamboree, or use Floyd as your base for exploring the surrounding area boasting 40 miles of scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Floyd is also a part of Virginia wine country with nearby wineries serving up spectacular views, delicious food, and a taste of the grape that's considered Virginia's finest.

Kid-friendly Virginia

Besides the Norfolk Naval Station - and fun in the sun in and around Virginia Beach - there are so many other attractions for kids and families it's hard to know where to begin!

For a fun educational adventures, start with Colonial Williamsburg for visits to the shoemaker, the blacksmith, and other period demonstrations by authentically costumed performers.

Along with multimedia presentations, live entertainment and patriotic street parades help make history come alive for grade schoolers and adults alike.

Also don't miss nearby Busch Gardens for another entire day of splashy fun featuring a water park, amusement park rides, animal exhibits, and a Sesame-Street themed area for toddlers. For more cool fun in Williamsburg, head over to Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park for dip in the giant wave pool.

If you're passing Newport News, also plan for a full afternoon of fun at the Virginia Living Museum, offering a combination of museum, zoo and aquarium and featuring hands-on discovery centers, nature walks, butterfly house, and lots more to explore.

Moving inland to Central Virginia, there's more history to explore at beautiful Monticello, the home, garden and plantation of President Thomas Jefferson offering a special kids tour that makes it both educational and entertaining. For an entire day (or two!) near Richmond, also don't miss the very popular Paramount's Kings Dominion, the movie-themed amusement park with more than 200 rides, shows, and attractions.

More information about Virginia travel & tourism around the Web:

Virginia Is For Lovers: Visit Virginia - The official travel site including pictures, maps, information on major attractions in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Bay, guides to bed & breakfast inns, hotels & restaurants, historic & cultural sites, wineries, driving tours, maps, event calendar.

Virginia Beach Vacation Information - Virginia's most sought after vacation destination, with information on the boardwalk and other major attractions, hotels, vacation apartments & condo rentals, dining guide, event calendar, photo gallery, FAQ, online forum & chat.