12 Unforgettable Virginia Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
By Beth|Updated on May 30, 2023(Originally published May 25, 2023)
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
There’s nothing better than planning a trip to explore all that the beautiful state of Virginia has to offer. The options are nearly endless, so picking out the best day trips in Virginia can be something of a daunting task. Fortunately, we’ve outlined 12 unique Virginia adventures, one for every month of the year. From winter tubing to whale watching, waterfall hiking, and boot-stomping Bluegrass, this list promises a little something for everyone. You’ll find that when it comes to incredible things to do in Virginia or day trips in VA, there’s simply no shortage. Take a look at our list below and start planning your adventures now!
1. January: Galactic Snow Tubing at Massanutten Resort
Massanutten Resort, 1822 Resort Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840, USA
Who doesn't love the idea of racing down a mountain under a starry night sky? Head to Massanutten Resort at the beginning of the year and check out their iconic Northern Lights tubing. run. Visitors can sign up for two-hour sessions - plenty of time for racing down the hill as many times as your heart desires. Plus, there will be music synchronized to the color-changing lights.
2. February: Whale Watching in Virginia Beach
Rudee Tours, 200 Winston Salem Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Have you ever seen a humpback whale up close and personal? It's a magical experience made possible if you head to the Virginia Beach coast. Companies like Rudee Flipper take passengers out on the ocean during the winter months to spot migrating whales. It's a unique day trip in Virginia that all ages will love, and it's most certainly worth braving the cold coastal air.
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3. March: Hot Spring Swimming at the Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort, 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA
Let's face it: March isn't always as warm as we might hope. Fortunately, you can shake off the last of the winter blues when you take a dip in the naturally heated pools at the Omni Homestead Resort. Weary travelers and locals alike have been enjoying the healing qualities of these waters for centuries, and you can too!
You've heard the expression "April showers bring May flowers," right? Well, a rainy April also means magnificent waterfalls here in Virginia. There are so many cascades, gorges, and falls to appreciate that you could spend the entire month seeking them out. Fortunately, we've put together an entire waterfall road trip through Virginia so that you can experience lots of them. Just don't forget your rain jacket!
Hiking to the top of Old Rag Mountain is no easy feat. But with proper footwear, plenty of water, a packed lunch, and the right attitude, you can do it! Whether you hike for just an hour or make it to the tippy top, you'll be glad to have spent a day in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. This trail is notoriously crowded, so try to get there early and possibly even catch a beautiful sunrise. Here's more on how you can plan to hike Old Rag Mountain.
6. June: Hike with the Wild Ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park, 829 Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, USA
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the state awaits one of the most scenic places in Virginia: Grayson Highlands. The park is home to the tallest mountain in Virginia, Mount Rogers, and also a host of majestic ponies. These creatures graze on the meadow and are friendly to hikers, although it's important to give them some space and never feed them. Grayson Highlands State Park is wonderful for hiking, camping, picnicking, and other outdoor adventures.
Now that you've seen the Grayson Highlands ponies, travel across the state and admire the Chincoteague horses at the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. Taking place in July, this event brings countless visitors to the Eastern Shore to watch the ponies make the journey across the Assateague Channel.
8. August: Enjoy Outdoor Adventures In Bedford, Virginia
There's no place better in the summertime than a small town in Virginia. Head to Bedford and you'll find a treasure trove of hiking trails, bike paths, and more. Other notable attractions include the D-Day Memorial, Peaks of Otter, and nearby Smith Mountain Lake.
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9. September: Attend a Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store
Floyd Country Store, 206 S Locust St, Floyd, VA 24091, USA
It's time to dust off the old boots and get to stompin' at the Floyd Country Store . Every Friday night year-round, this lovable general store holds a jamboree of folk music. All ages are sure to love this community gathering and taste of authentic Appalachian music. Plus, there's homemade food and other goodies you can purchase.
Call us biased, but we believe Virginia has some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the country. And because October is prime leaf-peeping season, you'll want to take advantage of this fall foliage road trip through the state. This particular itinerary will take you to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where high-altitude produces some incredible color, and often it arrives earlier than the rest of the state. Along the way, be sure to make a pit stop for some apple cider donuts!
11. November: Experience the Urbanna Oyster Festival
Did you know that November is the official oyster month here in Virginia? There's no better way to celebrate than a trip to Urbanna, which hosts Virginia's famous Urbanna Oyster Festival each fall. This festival, which is a pay-as-you-go event, showcases local oysters for visitors to sample and appreciate. Other food vendors, local wineries, and breweries will also be represented here.
12. December: Experience the GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter
Lewis Ginter Botanical Park Access None, Lewis Ginter Botanical Pk Access None, Lakeside, VA 23228, USA
Last, but certainly not least, the month of December is a wonderful time to reflect on the previous year of adventures. Head to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond for the annual GardenFest of Lights event. The garden will be illuminated with one million individual lights, making for the most mesmerizing display for all ages to enjoy.
Well, there you have it: an entire year of enjoying fun day trips in Virginia. Whether you complete all 12 or just a handful, you’re bound to discover a newfound appreciation for our great state. Which of these day trips in Virginia would you enjoy doing? Which would you add to the list? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Looking for more of the best day trips in Virginia? Check out these exciting Virginia road trips.
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