When it comes to history and natural beauty, Virginia is unrivaled. From the first permanent English settlement in the nation at Jamestown to the largest cavern series in the East in Luray, Virginia offers sites and attractions that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The following list highlights a few of the most significant — and beautiful — sites in Virginia. You are probably familiar with most of them, and perhaps you’ve already seen all of them. But if you haven’t, then it’s time to update your bucket list. Without further ado, we present to you the top must-see places in Virginia.

1. Jamestown: The Beginning of a Nation
Bart / flickr
Bart / flickr
This is where it all began. And by "it," I mean everything...Virginia as we know it...the United States as we know it, for that matter. No, Jamestown wasn't the first settlement ever, but it was the first permanent English settlement in the United States. These are the people who made it work against all odds. You can learn more about Jamestown, the hardships faced by the Indigenous People who first lived here, and more by visiting the official Historic Jamestowne website.
2. Yorktown Battlefield: The End of the Revolutionary War 
Ken Lund / flickr
Chris Ubik / flickr
Like Jamestown, this is one of the most significant sites in U.S. history. After 6 long, bloody years and many major battles in Virginia, the Revolutionary War finally ended in 1781 in Yorktown when General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington. Today, you can visit the site where America won her independence and began her legacy as one of the greatest nations in the world. For more information about Yorktown Battlefield, be sure to visit the official website.
3. Mount Vernon: The Home of George Washington 
m01229 / flickr
Manny Morales / flickr
George Washinton is arguably one of the most significant figures in American history. Not only was he the man that led America to her independence, he played other important military roles and went on to serve as the first President of the United States, a role that continues to shape our nation today. Washington was born in Westmoreland County in 1732 and died in 1799 at Mount Vernon. As his personal home, Mount Vernon offers a nearly endless supply of historical significance. Today, Mount Vernon remains a working farm and living history museum, providing insight about the myths, legends and facts that surrounded Washington and the early beginnings of America. You'll also learn about the lives of enslaved people who built and cared for the property. For more information on planning your trip, be sure to visit the Mount Vernon website.
4. Appomattox Courthouse: Site of Lee's surrender and the end of the Civil War
Rob Shenk / flickr
The Civil War may have "only" lasted 4 years, but it still stands as the bloodiest, most derisive stain on American history.  More than half of the war's battles were fought in Virginia, ending with General Robert E. Lee's surrender on April 9, 1865, in the front parlor of the McLean house in Appomattox Courthouse. Today, the site serves as a National Historical Park and offers a closer look at the final moments of the war and the resulting peace that was formed with the South's surrender and re-entry into the Union. Learn more about this historic landmark by visiting the Appomattox Courthouse website.
5. Breaks Interstate Park: The Grand Canyon of the East
00squirrel [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
Breaks Canyon is the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi and is, without a doubt, the highlight of Breaks Interstate Park in southwest Virginia. Located within the Jefferson National Forest, the canyon ranges from 830-1,600-feet in depth and stretches 5-miles in length. With outdoor activities and amenities to spare, Breaks Interstate Park is a must-see. 

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6. Arlington National Cemetery: A National Treasure
george.bremer / flickr 
Tony Fischer / flickr
Arlington National Cemetery is more than just a humbling walk among the gravestones of our veterans. It is an outdoor museum and monument honoring all of the men and women who have served, or are serving, our country. The cemetery grounds contain more than 30 monuments and tributes to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to the graves of hundreds of thousands of military men and women. Some of the highlights include the graves of both John F. and Robert F. Kennedy, the Tombs of the Unknowns, the Changing of the Guard, the Women in Military Service For America Monument and the Memorial Arboretum.
7. Luray Caverns: The Largest Cavern in the East 
m01229 / flickr
Gustavo Diaz / flickr 
Luray Caverns is a destination in its own right. In addition to being the largest cavern series in the East and a U.S. Natural Landmark, Luray Caverns features guided underground cavern tours, museums, a 7-acre 19th century farming village, gem sluicing, a garden maze, a ropes course, a 47-bell tower, a country club, a vineyard and more. Curious to keep exploring? Check out the Luray Caverns website for more information.
8. Shenandoah National Park: Skyline Drive 
Bob / flickr
Ryan Keene / flickr 
Skyline Drive, beginning in Front Royal, is only 105 miles through the Shenandoah National Park, but the views along the way make it feel like another world. In addition to 75 scenic overlooks, the drive offers access to hikes like Compton Peak, Hogback Mountain, Big Meadows, Hawksbill, Rose River Loop, and Doyle’s River Falls. Plan your visit to Shenandoah National Park.
9. Bristol: The Birthplace of Country Music 
Brent Moore / flickr
Mike D'Angelo / flickr
In 1998, the city of Bristol was recognized by Congress as the "Birthplace of Country Music" for its role as the site of some of the first recordings of country music by artists like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. This vibrant little city in Southwest Virginia is also one of the state's 2 "twin" cities, sharing a name, state border and a main street with Bristol, Tennessee. Learn more by visiting the Bristol, Virginia official visitor's guide.
10. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands: The Pony Swim
clotho98 / flickr
Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, located off the Eastern Shore of Virginia, have long been famous for their wild ponies. The ponies have lived on Assateague Island for hundreds of years and are thought to have first arrived when either a Spanish galleon shipwrecked off the coast or the original settlers’ set the horses free to roam. Every year, "saltwater cowboys" roundup the ponies and swim them across the channel to Chincoteague Island where a festival and pony auction are held to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Learn more about this iconic Virginia event by visiting the Chincoteague website.

This is our list of must-see places in Virginia. But maybe you have your own bucket list already. What sites do you think we should add to the list? Let us know your opinion on the must-see places in Virginia in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

Must-See Places In Virginia

Beth C. | December 20, 2020

What are Virginia's top little-known destinations?

As you might have guessed from our list of must-see places in Virginia, there are lots of noteworthy attractions to discover in the Old Dominion. Curious to explore more? There are other little-known destinations that belong on your radar. Some of these places include the Abandoned Virginia Renaissance Faire, the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Luray, the Raven Room in Charlottesville, the Bunny Man Bridge in Fairfax Station, Crozet Tunnel in Afton, Kiptopeke's Concrete Fleet in Cape Charles, Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, and Barboursville Ruins in Barboursville, and Mount Rogers near the Mouth of Wilson.

Does Virginia have any natural wonders?

Yes! There are countless natural wonders to experience in Virginia. Some of the most popular natural wonders in Virginia include Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Luray Caverns, Natural Tunnel, Crabtree Falls, Breaks Interstate Park, Great Falls National Park, Burke's Garden in Tazewell County, the Channels, Great Dismal Swamp, and Natural Chimneys. Learn more about each of these places when you read our previous article outlining the most incredible natural wonders in Virginia.

What are the most popular hiking trails in Virginia?

Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. There are countless hiking trails to enjoy, and one could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring them all. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia include the Great Falls Loop, Compton Peak, Strickler Knob, Mary's Rock, Stony Man Trail, Old Rag Mountain, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls, North River Gorge Trail, Humpback Rocks, Crabtree Falls, and Spy Rock.

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Featured Addresses
Jamestown, VA 23185, USA
1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690, USA
Mount Vernon, Mt Vernon, VA, USA
Appomattox, VA 24522, USA
Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22209, USA
Luray Caverns Service Road, Luray Caverns Service Rd, Luray, VA 22835, USA
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Bristol, VA, USA
Chincoteague Island, Chincoteague, VA 23336, USA