Living in Virginia means having access to some of the most beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, restaurants, and historic attractions along the East Coast. Yet sometimes, the choices can be overwhelming. If you’ve ever been asked, “What is there to do in Virginia?” the following list offers some of the best day trips to enjoy in the state. Depending on where you live, you’ll find that most of these are incredible destinations that you can reach on one tank of gas. The following list of day trips in Virginia includes family-run farms, vineyards, ice cream shops, antique malls, hikes, adventure centers, and scenic routes. These are the best places to go in Virginia on a day trip!

So whether you’re up for an exciting adventure or are in the mood for something a bit more relaxing, you’ll create some wonderful memories when you participate in any of the following excursions:

1. Liberty Mills Farm (Somerset)
Liberty Mills Farm, 9166 Liberty Mills Rd, Somerset, VA 22972, USA
Strawberry Fest/Facebook
There's something to enjoy at the family-run Liberty Mills Farm in practically every season. Known for its delicious hand-picked strawberries in the summer and its massive corn maze in the fall, this destination is one your whole family will cherish. It's also a beautiful place to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Plus, its convenient location north of Charlottesville means it's one of the most scenic two-hour trips from Richmond or Washington D.C. you can take! We love this day trip in Virginia.
2. Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague Island, Chincoteague, VA 23336, USA
ehpien/flickr
An island getaway could be a lot closer than you think. Chincoteague Island is situated along Virginia's Eastern Shore and offers pristine beaches, a charming town, and plenty to do. As you take a boat tour around the island, you might even catch a glimpse of a wild pony or two. To learn more about the gorgeous island of Chincoteague, read on about this day trip near me.
3. Pippin Hill Farms & Vineyard (Charlottesville)
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, 5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959, USA
management / Eric Kelley / TripAdvisor
Tucked away near the Blue Ridge Mountains you'll find the scenic Pippin Hill Farms & Vineyards. It's the perfect place to sample some local wine as you take in the beauty of the surrounding land. Pippin Hill Farms also features a gorgeous tasting room with an impressive seasonal menu. In fact, the cuisine offered at Pippin Hill is every bit as impressive as their local wine. This is a classic day trip in Virginia for couples!
4. Virginia's Ice Cream Road Trip
Kline's Dairy Bar / Facebook
If you're like a lot of Virginians, your first answer to the question, "What is there to do in Virginia?" likely has to do with food, and possibly even dessert. This enticing ice cream trail highlights some of the best dairy treats in the Northern Virginia area. For access to the interactive map and information about each site along the way, read on to learn more about one of the best day trips in Virginia!
4. Virginia Safari Park (Lexington)
Virginia Safari Park, 229 Safari Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, USA
Virginia Safari Park - Virginia's Only Drive-Thru Safari Adventure / Facebook
If ever you've dreamed of turning your car into a full-on safari vehicle, this trip is for you. The Virginia Safari Park is a 180-acre natural area home to camels, zebras, giraffes, elk, and more. The animals roam free and visitors can drive carefully through the park to see them up close. The animals are on their own agenda, so keep in mind that the three-mile loop could take longer than expected! For more information on the safari park, learn about this awesome Virginia day trip.
5. Factory Antique Mall (Verona)
Factory Antique Mall, 50 Lodge Ln #106, Verona, VA 24482, USA
trvlloop / TripAdvisor
Did you realize the largest antique mall in the country is located right here in Virginia? This 121,000-square-foot space holds thousands of treasures just waiting to be discovered. If you're looking for something to add to your decor or a unique gift for a friend, you'll enjoy your time browsing these vintage finds. Plus, Factory Antique Mall is consistently voted as the number one antique mall in the Shenandoah Valley. The Factory Antique Mall makes it high on our day trips in Virginia list!

Related Stories

5 Incredible Virginia Day Trips You Can Take By Train

5 Incredible Virginia Day Trips You Can Take By Train

 There's No Community In Virginia More Enchanting And Historic Than Smithfield

There's No Community In Virginia More Enchanting And Historic Than Smithfield

 The Charming Small Town In Virginia That's Perfect For A Fall Day Trip

The Charming Small Town In Virginia That's Perfect For A Fall Day Trip
6. Hike Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag Mountain, Virginia 22743, USA
steve freeman / flickr
Deemed one of the most beautiful day hikes in America, Old Rag is a breathtaking trail that promises a jaw-dropping view from the top. The 8-mile trek takes roughly 6 hours at a moderate pace. Pack plenty of water and a picnic for the top of the mountain. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's the perfect day trip, although visitors should know that this is not a hike for beginners. Preparation is key! To learn more about this beautiful day hike, and one of Virginia’s best day trips, read on!
7. Drive the Snickersville Turnpike (Loudoun County)
Snickersville Turnpike, Virginia, USA
Skip Steuart/flickr
Of course, there are beautiful views that don't require any hiking at all. For one of the most scenic and underrated drives in Virginia, you can opt for State Route 734, also known as the Snickersville Turnpike. This route winds through pristine farmlands and is best when driven leisurely. The 15-mile drive winds over streams, through mountainous landscape, and past agricultural landmarks. When it comes to day trips in Virginia, you can't do much better than a scenic drive. To learn more about this historic drive, read all about this Virginia day trip.
8. Virginia's Natural Sand Cave
Parking lot, 168 N Cumberland Dr, Cumberland Gap, VA 24248, USA
Frank Kehren/flickr
Few people realize that Virginia has its very own sand cave. Located in Cumberland Gap Park, this breathtaking natural wonder can be accessed by means of a quick hike. The cave is the result of wind erosion and inside, you'll notice nearly an acre and a half of colorful sands. If you're wondering how you can impress visitors or even family members with a great getaway to take in Virginia, this underrated destination belongs at the top of your itinerary. We love this day trip in Virginia!
9. The Town of Floyd
Floyd, VA 24091, USA
Visit Floyd, VA/Facebook
This southwestern Virginia town could easily be one of the coolest in the state. With live music, a weekly boot-stomping Friday Night jamboree, and small shops to browse, there's a lot to love about Floyd. Plus, there are endless outdoor attractions nearby for those looking to explore the region by foot. To learn more about this small town with a population of just 500, read all about this perfect Virginia day trip.
10. Harper's Ferry Adventure Center (Purcellville)
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, 37410 Adventure Center Ln, Purcellville, VA 20132, USA
Harper's Ferry Adventure Center/Facebook
If your ideal afternoon involves zip lines, suspended bridges, and incredible team-building activities, you'll want to visit the Harper's Ferry Adventure Center. The Zip Line Canopy Tour offers adventurers a chance to soar through the tree tops, under the guidance of safety equipment and friendly staff. Prefer to stay closer to the ground? The company also offers rafting, tubing, and camping. To learn more about this thrilling adventure, read on about one of the most fun Virginia day trips!
11. The Underground Wishing Well (Luray)
Luray Caverns, 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835, USA
Jason and Tina Coleman/flickr
Inside Luray Caverns, you'll find one of the most unique wishing wells in the world. The six-foot-deep pool is the perfect place to cast a few coins while thinking of your wish. Even better, the proceeds are collected and donated to charity each year. Since 1950, this single wishing well has accumulated nearly one million dollars. After you visit the well, you can explore the rest of the impressive underground cavern system, with remains cool during those hot summer days. This Virginia day trip is perfect for a summer’s day!

Have you embarked on any of these day trips in Virginia before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Looking for more fun things to do in Virginia? Here are 12 day trips in Virginia, one for each month of the year!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Day Trips In Virginia

Megan McDonald | June 16, 2023

What is there to do on a rainy day in Virginia?

Fortunately, beautiful weather isn't required to enjoy a fun day trip in Virginia. In fact, there are plenty of indoor attractions that are every bit as memorable. Some rainy day activities in Virginia include visiting a Children's Museum or Science Museum, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, a mini-golf course, or perhaps an indoor water park, such as the Massanutten Resort Indoor Water Park.

What do you do with kids in Virginia?

There are countless getaway ideas in and around Virginia that the little ones will enjoy. In fact, you'll discover that Virginia is truly a family-friendly destination. If the weather is nice, you might embark on an easy trail that will showcase the natural beauty of the state. Shenandoah National Park features plenty of accessible and short trails that the kids will appreciate. Plus, the park even offers lots of children's activities so your little one will be entertained and involved. Virginia also offers plenty of theme parks, such as Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, and interactive museums, such as the Science Museum of Richmond, that promise to keep the kiddos engaged.

What do you do with kids in Virginia without spending money?

As you'll notice from the list above, there are plenty of day trips to take on one tank of gas in Virginia that don't require you to spend any money. Quality time in nature is a great idea with little ones, and Virginia's state parks have plenty to offer in terms of children's programs and guided tours. Plus, some of Virginia's state parks offer fossil hunting programs. These destinations include Chippokes Plantation State Park, Westmoreland State Park, and York River State Park.

Related Articles

Explore Virginia