Have you been thinking about a fun day trip to Virginia? The southeastern state spans from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains. As one of the 13 original colonies, it’s filled with historic landmarks and living history museums. Virginia also boasts incredible landscapes and outdoor activities along the Atlantic coast. Here’s a list of five ideas to help you plan a day trip in the Virginia area.
Luray Caverns
A popular tourist attraction in Virginia is the Luray Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley. Discovered in 1878, it’s the largest cave system in the eastern United States. Do you want to walk down into the depths of an underground cavern? The paved walkways are lit for your safe enjoyment. You don’t want to miss the fabulous rock formations. Guided tours take you through natural wonders in cathedral-sized rooms with 10-story ceilings. These caverns earn their moniker as Geology’s Hall of Fame. Experience the awesomeness of bright stalactites and crystal-clear pools of water.
Make a plan to get your tickets in advance or schedule some flex time due to availability. Children under 6 are eligible for free admission. The temperature in the caverns is a consistent 54 degrees with very high humidity, which makes it feel like 65 degrees. Some visitors prefer to wear a light jacket while touring the caverns, and remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. Other attractions, such as the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village, are included with the daily admission.
Location: 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray.
The Poe Museum
About two and a half hours away from the caverns is The Poe Museum. The renowned writer Edgar Allan Poe once resided in Richmond, Virginia, and the museum is a testament to his life and works. As expected, many other museums dedicated to Poe exist. The Richmond site, however, has the most extensive collection of his artifacts worldwide. It’s in the Old Stone House, the longest-standing residential building in Richmond. Poe’s clothing, personal letters, and childhood bed are on display. You can also see The Cornwell Daguerreotype, a famous image of Poe taken four days after a suicide attempt.
On the grounds, you’ll find the Enchanted Garden, inspired by Poe’s poem, “To One in Paradise.” It features a fountain, shrine, and several landscape pieces reflective of Poe’s writing. Look for the rock inscribed with a character’s name from “A Tale of The Ragged Mountains” and a brick wall like the one in “William Wilson.” The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed for some holidays.
Location: 1914 E. Main St., Richmond.
Busch Gardens
Drive approximately an hour east of the museum to visit Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. This family-friendly amusement park is ideal for thrill seekers. Unlike other Busch Gardens parks in the United States, this locale has a European theme. Walking from attraction to attraction, you’ll get a sense of being among cozy European villages. In addition to roller coasters and leisure rides, the park has animal exhibits and live entertainment shows.
Beer bottling company, Anheuser-Busch, owns the park, so alcoholic beverages are available for adults all day. Check the park’s website for hours of operation and admission discounts. If you’re taking your day trip during the summer, the facility also houses Water Country USA, an outdoor water park equipped with slides and pools.
Location: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center
The Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center is about 15 minutes from Busch Gardens. It’s the world’s largest living history museum. With over 300 acres featuring iconic sites, you can learn about America’s earliest times. You’ll explore original buildings and recreations of the 17th and 18th centuries. Get a kick out of actors dressed in traditional clothing demonstrating blacksmithing, weaving, brickmaking, and other bygone trades.
Visit the two art museums, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, eat at one of the historic taverns, and shop for handcrafted pieces. Kids of all ages will revel in learning about colonial times in such an interactive way. They can even download the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app to discover more amenities.
The Governor’s Palace is one of the must-see buildings in Colonial Williamsburg, built in the early 1700s. A fire destroyed the main building in 1781, but it was rebuilt in the 1930s. The palace was the home of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Virginia. They included Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Take a tour of the lavish establishment that held many extravagant parties. Historic furnishings, weapons, and cooking demonstrations await your eager attention. The center is open daily for visitors. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes due to the expansive size.
Location: 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Transport yourself back to the present by driving an hour southeast to Virginia Beach. This is where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. At the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, you’re right in the center of lots of eclectic activity. The boardwalk itself is 3 miles long and 28 feet wide. You won’t be able to get enough of the surrounding savory restaurants, family-friendly attractions, and amazing views of the Atlantic. Surfing, cycling, rollerblading, sunbathing, and more are all on the menu.
JT’s Grommet Island Park is a 15,000-square-foot beach playground with wheelchair-accessible entrances. It has raised sandcastle building tables at an accessible height, a sensory board for autistic and visually impaired children, and a swaying boat. Everyone is welcome there. The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum and Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum are two more boardwalk spots that appeal to history buffs.
Many of the side streets that lead to Atlantic Avenue showcase nautical sculptures. However, the ultimate sculpture is King Neptune. Be sure to get a selfie with the famous 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue at the entrance to Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street. Maximize your day trip time by staying at one of the dozens of hotels that line the boardwalk.
Location: 2100 Parks Ave., Virginia Beach.
Fueling Your Day Trip
What do you think of these five ideas for a Virginia day trip? Our team at Koons Tysons Toyota hopes you’ve found something great for you and your family to enjoy. A great way to earn extra money for your adventures is to sell your car to our reputable dealership. We proudly serve the Virginia and District of Columbia areas. Contact us today with your questions and automotive needs.
Asphalt roadway in rural valley against cloudy blue sky by Kelly is licensed with Pexels License
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