Virginia Things to Do

  Kids can frolic in the spouting frogs
by PR-7
 
  • Kids can frolic in the spouting frogs
      Kids can frolic in the spouting frogs
    by PR-7
  • Garden Beauty
      Garden Beauty
    by PR-7
  • governor's palace
      governor's palace
    by doug48
  • grave of jefferson davis
      grave of jefferson davis
    by doug48
  • MONUMENT AVENUE...ROBERT E LEE
      MONUMENT AVENUE...ROBERT E LEE
    by xymmot
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Virginia

1.

Canal Walk   Richmond

Canal Walk, Richmond

 10 Reviews  The narrated canal cruise offers a good synopsis of Richmond's colorful history. Along the way, you'll see not just the canal but also part of the James River (the navigable part) and the old Tobacco... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

2.

Beaches and Activities   Virginia Beach

Beaches and Activities, Virginia Beach

 23 Reviews  My girlfriend and I put together a Virginia Beach vacation. We both love outdoors, water, hiking and nature, but we needed something that was totally relaxing. We found Spa Phoenix on the web.... 

 See All 105 Things to Do in Virginia Beach

3.

War Between the States (Civil War)   Richmond

War Between the States (Civil War), Richmond

 51 Reviews  thomas "stonewall" jackson was a famous confederate general during the civil war. general jackson served under general robert e. lee in the army of northern virginia. general jackson is best known for... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

4.

Cape Henry Lighthouse   Virginia Beach

Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Beach

 16 Reviews  It was pretty windy and chilly this morning. We were there alittle early and the lighthouse was not open for any tours. Today, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse silently guards the entry way into the... 

 See All 105 Things to Do in Virginia Beach

5.

Capitol Square   Richmond

Capitol Square, Richmond

 40 Reviews  the virginia state capitol has been in continuous use since 1788 and is the second oldest capitol building in america. the virginia state capitol was designed by thomas jefferson and was inspired by... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

6.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel   Virginia Beach

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Virginia Beach

 5 Reviews  The shop on the bridge is open all year round. Mid September - Mid May 7am - 6pm Mid May - Mid September 6am -10pm You can fish from the fishing pier 24 hours and there are restrooms, fish cleaning... 

 See All 105 Things to Do in Virginia Beach

7.

Museums   Richmond

Museums, Richmond

 18 Reviews  "The Museum of the Confederacy’s mission is to serve as the preeminent world center for the display, study, interpretation, commemoration, and preservation of the history and artifacts of the... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

8.

Virginia Marine Science Museum   Virginia Beach

Virginia Marine Science Museum, Virginia Beach

 5 Reviews  You have to go to the Aquarium while your at the beach, that is a definite must. We took my Mother-n- Law there, it was her first Aquarium. My daughter, Noel, enjoyed showing her grandma around and... 

 See All 105 Things to Do in Virginia Beach

9.

Architecture   Richmond

Architecture, Richmond

 25 Reviews  the egyptian building was built by thomas s. stewart for the hampton-sydney college of medicine in 1846. this interesting egyptian revival building is listed on the national register of historic... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

10.

The Old Coast Guard Station & Museum   Virginia Beach

The Old Coast Guard Station & Museum, Virginia Beach

 3 Reviews   This is an actual Coast Guard station that was built in 1903 and was moved to its current spot on Virginia Beach. It is registered as a Virginia landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.... 

 See All 105 Things to Do in Virginia Beach

11.

Hollywood Cemetery   Richmond

Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond

 11 Reviews  the richmond confederate memorial is located in the confederate section of hollywood cemetery. this massive pyramid commemorates the 25 confederate generals and over 18,000 confederate soldiers buried... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

12.

AMC Movie Theatres   Virginia Beach

AMC Movie Theatres, Virginia Beach

 4 Reviews  You will also find a world of entertainment at our new AMC Lynnhaven 18 Theatres. Each theatre offers stadium-style seating, AMC love seats, and digital surround-sound. We fell in love with this... 

 See All 105 Things to Do in Virginia Beach

13.

Neighbourhoods   Richmond

Neighbourhoods, Richmond

 17 Reviews  Jackson Ward is a historically African-American section of Richmond, which is steeped in history. Prior to the War between the States, this area was known for its population of both freed blacks and... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

14.

Fort Story   Virginia Beach

Fort Story, Virginia Beach

 4 Reviews  On August 25, a number of British ships under the command of Admiral Sir Samuel Hood arrived in Chesapeake Bay. They searched for French ships and, finding none, sailed off to New York to join Admiral... 

 See All 105 Things to Do in Virginia Beach

15.

Other historical sites   Richmond

Other historical sites, Richmond

 13 Reviews  As I already stated Victorian style is not homogenous. Even at the same building you can find different designs and architectural influences. I could easy see that looking at quite different patterns... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

16.

Old City Hall   Richmond

Old City Hall, Richmond

 8 Reviews  the old city hall was built in 1894. it was the first major construction project in the city of richmond after the civil war. this beautiful high victorian gothic building was designed by architect... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

17.

St. John's Church   Richmond

St. John's Church, Richmond

 9 Reviews  st. johns episcopal church was built by colonel richard randolph in 1741. st. johns is the oldest church in richmond. in 1775 st. johns church was the site of the second virginia convention were... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

18.

Richmond's Main Street Train Station   Richmond

Richmond's Main Street Train Station, Richmond

 2 Reviews  the richmond main street train station was built in 1901. the train station was designed by architects wilson, harris, and richards in the second renaisance revival style. this historic landmark is... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

19.

Parks   Richmond

Parks, Richmond

 7 Reviews  Starting the mountains near the West Virginia border, the James River runs 340 miles to the Atlantic Ocean between Hampton and Norfolk. The first English settlement in America was at Jamestown, and... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

20.

American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar   Richmond

American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar, Richmond

 4 Reviews  the american civil war visitors center is located at the historic tredgar foundry in downtown richmond. the center has a museum on civil war history and you can get maps of the civil war sites in the... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

21.

Agecroft Hall   Richmond

Agecroft Hall, Richmond

 6 Reviews  When the Williamses shipped the manor house over from England, they also had Charles Gillette, a prominent landscape architect, design English-style gardens on the grounds of the manor. The English... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

22.

Edgar Allen Poe Museum   Richmond

Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Richmond

 2 Reviews  the richmond edgar allan poe museum has largest collection of poe memorabilla in the world. edgar allan poe was a famous american novelist and poet. the museum's collection includes the poe family... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

23.

IMAX Theater and Planetarium   Richmond

IMAX Theater and Planetarium, Richmond

 1 Review  Richmond has its own IMAX theater which is co-located at the Science Museum of Virginia. Because of its location, offerings focus on enviromental and science related movies. There is also a... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

24.

Maggie Walker House   Richmond

Maggie Walker House, Richmond

 2 Reviews  Maggie Walker was definitely a pioneer. Not the sort of pioneer that took a covered wagon out into the wild in search for gold or farming land, but a pioneer in the history of civil rights and... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

25.

Virginia War Memorial   Richmond

Virginia War Memorial, Richmond

 3 Reviews  The VA War memorial seems to be just a passing sideshow for those driving by, but I was awed by the beauty and serenity of the hallowed ground dedicated to the Virginia residents who lost their lives... 

 See All 275 Things to Do in Richmond

Save on hotel + air
Expedia Vacations Get the lowest price on your vacation with our Best Price Guarantee
Travelodge Official Site
Travelodge.com Book Direct at our Travelodge� Site And Get Our Best Available Rate.

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Norwegian Lady statue

by b1bob

Between the Naval Aviation Monument and the beach is a statue of a Norwegian lady facing the ocean. The statue commemorates the 1891 wreck of the Norwegian vessel Dictator. It was caught in a storm, ran aground on a sandbar 300 yards from the shore. Only 8 on 17 crew members survived the disaster. Locals pulled together to save as much of the crew as they could. A female figurehead from the sunken ship washed up on shore and it served for more than 60 years as the monument to those lost in the wreck and to honour those who helped in the rescue. In 1953, Hurricane Barbara damaged the Norwegian lady beyond repair and she was removed from the site. When they heard about the loss in Norway, a joint venture was sent out to raise the funds to build a new memorial. The Norwegian Shipping Association raised enough money, not for one memorial statue, but for two: in Virginia Beach and in Moss,...

Tip Photo
Naval Aviation Monument

by b1bob

The Naval Aviation Monument in Virginia Beach is inside the Naval Aviation Monument Park. The park containing the monument encompasses 16,000 square feet. It is located right where 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue meet. The first photo shows the columns at the entrance of the park. In the second photo, there is a statue of a scene of a family greeting their pilot husband and father reflects the joy and celebration of a Navy homecoming. The third photo shows a World War II pilot and his crewmen who are leaving their hatch, hoping to get to an aircraft. The fourth photo shows a monument into which the names of all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are etched.

Tip Photo
East River Mountain Tunnel

by Ewingjr98

Completed in 1974, the East River Mountain Tunnel is one of longest twin tunnels in the US. At over 5,400 feet long, the distance is certainly impressive as it unites Virginia and West Virginia along I-77.The area is surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest.

Tip Photo
Charlottesville ~ Present Day Thomas Jeffersons

by starship

In the previous tip on the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village, I mentioned the historical significance of "The Lawn" its creation and function. Jefferson's design of the "Academical village" placed students in close proximity to their teachers and classes, enhancing the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Also I touched upon how prestigious it is for a student to be "awarded" a Lawn Room in the Academical Village. The application process, which is open only to students in their last year of study, is rigorous and there are roughly 300 applications for approximately 50 rooms. Although students awarded lawn rooms are high achievers to be sure, residents here are referred to by a common name - "Lawnies" - and it's a tradition that during their residency Lawnies "streak" at least once.The university website states: "The purpose of the Lawn program is to recognize...

Tip Photo
Charlottesville ~ "Academical Village" & The Lawn

by starship

Educated at William & Mary College in Williamsburg at a time when university professors and students, lived, worked and studied in one building, Thomas Jefferson view of the college experience differed greatly. He envisioned a complex of student residences, punctuated by, and connected to, larger "pavillions." The two-story pavillions functioned as professors' living quarters arranged above classroom space. Two linear colonnades of such connected buildings with covered walkways, joined at northern end by the particularly beautiful Rotunda, were arranged around "The Lawn." His design of having students and faculty living side-by-side, but with a measure of privacy, provided the perfect arrangement for a close community which engaged in intellectual and social activity, interchange and exploration of ideas, but with a more convenient living arrangement.Today, these 55 special,...

Tip Photo
fishing

by xymmot

I just remember how much fun fishing in Virginia was. I like fishing since I was a kid and always thought I would return to it in my free time. There is fising from a pier to free fishing from a bank or a cove. Then there is the big daddy...deep sea fishing

Tip Photo
FREDERICKSBURG BATTLEFIELD

by mtncorg

One of the saddest battles - from a Union/Northern perspective - was fought here at Fredericksburg. The City has since overgrown the area of the old battlefield, but enough has been preserved to give a visitor a sense of what went on. You should probably start at the Visitor Center on Business Route US 1 to gain an overview of the events. From here you can walk along the Sunken Lane - the location of the bloody apex of the battle - and visit the National Cemetery on the hill just above the Center. For much more, visit my Fredericksburg battlefield tips.

Tip Photo
Richmond - Old Town Hall

by matcrazy1

In Richmond I found more old buildings and green space (especially along Monument Avenue) than in most American cities. I liked some architectural details of the impressive Old City Hall which was built in 1886-1894 in the High Victorian Gothic style. It housed the city government till 1976 when the new City Hall building, across Broad Street, was completed. In 1980s the building was renovated and converted into the commercial office building.During the second half of 19th century, the new domestic style in architecture - High Victorian Gothic style - became popular in the USA. It's called neo-gothic, late Victorian, High Victorian or simply Victorian style. However, "Victorian" is not really a style but a period in history (ca 1840 - 1900). There is a variety of Victorian styles, each with its own distinctive features. High Victorian Gothic buildings had arches, pointed windows and...

Tip Photo
Richmond - Virginia State Capitol

by matcrazy1

During my southern odyssey I visited a few state capitol buildings and I must admit that Virginia state capitol was unique. It consists of three similar, white, classical buildings put in symetrical way with the main, oldest and largest structure placed in the middle. They look like classical ancient temples.The main building was completed in 1788. Thomas Jefferson selected the Maison Carree (Square House) at Nimes in southern France as a model for the capitol building. This Roman temple was built at the end of the first century BC and survived till now. The wings were added to the capitol in 1904: western for a new Senate chamber and eastern as new quarters for the House of Delegates.On 1 March 2005 the Capitol building was closed to the general public, in order to allow necessary interior renovations to proceed. The Capitol is expected to remain closed until spring 2007. Follow the...

Tip Photo
Great Falls Park

by percy961

Grat Falls Park is an 800 acre park located along the Potomac River. Falls Overlooks, easy trails, picnic benches and visitors center are just some of the park's attractions.The falls consist of cascading rapids and several 20 foot waterfalls, with a total 76 foot drop in elevation over a distance of less than a mile.

Fun things to do in Virginia

Top 3 Hotels in Virginia

The Jefferson Hotel  Richmond

 8 Reviews and 281 Opinions  the jefferson hotel was built in 1895 by tobacco tycoon lewis ginter. ginter hired the famous... 

 Hotels in Richmond

Williamsburg Inn  Williamsburg

 5 Reviews and 134 Opinions  I couldn't afford to stay here. But if you want luxury, and are willing to spend $300 or more per... 

 Hotels in Williamsburg

Embassy Suites Alexandria Old Town  Alexandria

 6 Reviews and 280 Opinions  Only 2 stops off the metro line from DCA airport, 8 minute trip, can't beat that to the airport! The... 

 Hotels in Alexandria

1,884 Hotels in Virginia
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Virginia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Virginia sightseeing.

Experience Virginia
Things to Do: Cities in Virginia
  1. Richmond Things to Do
  2. Virginia Beach Things to Do
  3. Williamsburg Things to Do
  4. Alexandria Things to Do
  5. Charlottesville Things to Do
  6. Arlington Things to Do
  7. Norfolk Things to Do
  8. Blacksburg Things to Do
  9. Fredericksburg Things to Do
  10. Mount Vernon Things to Do
  11. Roanoke Things to Do
  12. Luray Things to Do
  13. Shenandoah National Park Things to Do
  14. Fairfax Things to Do
  15. Mechanicsville Things to Do
  16. Winchester Things to Do
  17. Hampton Things to Do
  18. Lexington Things to Do
  19. Ashland Things to Do
  20. Natural Bridge Things to Do
  21. Chincoteague Things to Do
  22. Petersburg Things to Do
  23. Newport News Things to Do
  24. Staunton Things to Do
  25. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park Things to Do
  26. Jamestown Things to Do
  27. Yorktown Things to Do
  28. Harrisonburg Things to Do
  29. Glen Allen Things to Do
  30. Fredericksburg Things to Do
  31. Charles City Things to Do
  32. Leesburg Things to Do
  33. South Boston Things to Do
  34. Lynchburg Things to Do
  35. Herndon Things to Do
  36. Occoquan Things to Do
  37. Portsmouth Things to Do
  38. Tangier Island Things to Do
  39. Chantilly Things to Do
  40. Wytheville Things to Do
  41. Woodbridge Things to Do
  42. Manassas National Battlefield Park Things to Do
  43. Danville Things to Do
  44. Gwynn Island Things to Do
  45. Doswell Things to Do
  46. George Washington Birthplace National Monument Things to Do
  47. Falls Church Things to Do
  48. Shirlington Things to Do
  49. Waynesboro Things to Do
  50. Manassas Things to Do
  51. Rosslyn Things to Do
  52. Sterling Things to Do
  53. Assateague Island Things to Do
  54. Washington Things to Do
  55. Reston Things to Do
  56. Virgilina Things to Do
  57. James River Landing Things to Do
  58. Reedville Things to Do
  59. Monticello Estates Things to Do
  60. Chincoteague Island Things to Do
  61. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Things to Do
  62. Lexington Things to Do
  63. Petersburg Things to Do
  64. Great Falls Things to Do
  65. Tappahannock Things to Do
  66. Front Royal Things to Do
  67. Radford Things to Do
  68. Norton Things to Do
  69. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Things to Do
  70. Abingdon Things to Do
  71. Culpeper Things to Do
  72. Clarksville Things to Do
  73. Orange Things to Do
  74. Vienna Things to Do
  75. Colonial Beach Things to Do
  76. Mabry Mill Things to Do
  77. Wintergreen Things to Do
  78. Cape Charles Things to Do
  79. Arlington Things to Do
  80. Ashburn Things to Do
  81. Hillsville Things to Do
  82. Galax Things to Do
  83. Williamsburg Village Things to Do

More Cities in Virginia

 

Questions and Answers

shibabigk profile photo

Q:  My Husband is coming home from deployment for two weeks and we would like to stay a few days in a nice hotel. We are not so much... 

TOPSHELFPUBCRAWLER profile photo

A: Sounds like you may find some luck at the Tides Inn. Tides Inn 480 King Carter Drive Irvington, Va.22480-0480 Hotel Direct: 804.438.5000 Toll free:... 

Read 3 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for

Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% on hotels.
Hotwire.com Hotwire: Get a 4-star hotel for a 2-star price.
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Best Web Rates Guaranteed
ChoiceHotels.com Compare Up to 5 Hotels by Amenities Find Great Deals Every Day

Sponsored Links