There’s no better way to get to know the beautiful state of Virginia than by getting out there and exploring it. You’d be surprised by the hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered in your very own backyard. In that spirit, we’ve devised a list of Virginia road trips that highlight the best of this gorgeous state. From food lovers to haunted house fanatics, there’s bound to be a trip for just about everyone. True adventure awaits you, so pile into your car, check out our road trip essentials packing list, and get ready to experience some of the best road trips in Virginia!

To view the interactive map for each trip, simply click on the link below each map photo.

1. The road trip through small town Virginia
Bob Mical/flickr
Google Maps
Our list of the best road trips in Virginia will take us to our beloved small towns. Indeed, some of the most scenic roads and fascinating spots are located in Virginia's small towns. While this drive only covers a handful of them, rest assured you will get your fill of charming streets and friendly folks. And because these towns are all walkable, you'll enjoy the opportunity to get out of the car and stretch your legs for a bit. This small town road trip in Virginia is certain to be a blast!
2. The road trip that requires just one tank of gas
Beth Wellford/Instagram
Google Maps
Gas prices may have dropped from previous years, but we all know that it isn't exactly free to fill up your tank. Luckily, you can see plenty of Virginia's marvels without having to drive too far at all. This trek covers approximately 350 miles. For more info, read our full article about this road trip in Virginia.
3. The 3-day restaurant road trip
Melissa R./Yelp
Google Maps
Sweet potato pancakes, fried clams, top of the line espresso... this drive has a little sampling of Virginia's finest in food and drink. With three days to tackle, the trick to this trip is taking it nice and easy. You and your car will be fueled up to explore some of the sights along the way, too. Trust us, foodies will adore this restaurant road trip in Virginia.
4. The haunted road trip through southern Virginia
Wikimedia
Google Maps
With lots of history comes lots of haunted tales, and that's exactly what you'll find in Virginia. This road trip focuses on seven sites in southern Virginia. While the sites themselves may or may not be haunted, the accompanying tales certainly are. Embark on this haunted road trip... if you dare.
5. The absolutely perfect weekend road trip
Facebook/Early Mountain Vineyards

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Google Maps
Can't quite decide what to do on any given weekend? Why not round up friends or family and hit the road. This trip is designed to give you a little taste of everything: historic sites, delicious restaurants, and a little adventure. There's even a coffee stop built in to ensure you have the fuel to keep driving. This weekend road trip in Virginia is the perfect way to spend a couple of days.
6. The road trip to Virginia's lighthouses
Wikipedia
Google Maps
This scenic road trip offers you the opportunity to visit five of Virginia's historic lighthouses, some of which are available for touring. An added bonus of this road trip is the opportunity to experience the Eastern Shore, one of the most picturesque areas of the entire state. Read our full article about this Virginia lighthouse road trip to learn more.
7. The road trip through Virginia's most abandoned places
Stephen Little/flickr
Google Maps
Have you ever driven down a rural road and noticed a completely abandoned house? There's something so alluring about these places, and one can't help but wonder the story behind these deteriorating buildings. This road trip.
8. The natural wonders road trip
soozums/flickr
Google Maps
Virginia is a state full of natural wonders, and this road trip will take you to the most intriguing of them. From Natural Bridge to towering waterfalls, this trip is a must-do activity for the whole family. You'll definitely want to bring your camera along for this natural wonders road trip.
9. The road trip to Virginia's waterfalls
U.S. Geological Survey/flickr
Google Maps
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best road trips through Virginia is a waterfall adventure. No matter what the time of year, there's something absolutely mesmerizing about waterfalls. From high falls to cascading gorges, Virginia has a great variety of all kinds to keep you thoroughly enchanted. Most of these waterfalls are accompanied by a great hiking trail, so be sure to bring your walking shoes with you. To plan your adventure, check out our Virginia road trip itinerary.

What are your thoughts on these Virginia road trips? Could you see yourself taking any of them? Be sure to share your thoughts with us!

If you’re looking for more fun, check out these fun, free things to do in Virginia.

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More to Explore

best road trips in Virginia

Beth C. | July 14, 2021

What are the best scenic drives in Virginia?

The best scenic drives in Virginia are:

  • Blackwells Hollow Road
  • George Washington National Forest along Route 33
  • Wolftown-Hood Road
  • Blue Ridge Parkway

 

As you've learned from the article above, there are so many scenic drives and road trips to be enjoyed in Virginia. The following is a list of some additional scenic drives that you'll want to take: Blackwells Hollow Road (also known as Route 810), the George Washington National Forest via Route 33, the tree-lined country road at Arlie in Warrenton, Pennington Gap (Route 659), Graves Mountain in Syria, Route 5 east from Richmond, the country roads in Page Valley near Luray, Wolftown-Hood Road (Route 230), the Blue Ridge Parkway from Rockfish Gap all the way to the border of North Carolina, Secretary's Road in Albemarle County, State Route 600 through the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, and finally, the drive through Grayson Highlands State Park.

What are the most beautiful places in Virginia?

The most beautiful places in Virginia are:

  • Luray Caverns
  • Mabry Mill
  • Great Falls Park
  • Light of Truth Universal Shrine

 

There's so much natural beauty here in Virginia. If you're curious to explore the state's most beautiful places, you can start by visiting the Great Dismal Swamp, Luray Caverns, Mabry Mill, Great Falls Park, the Light of Truth Universal Shrine, Fairy Stone State Park, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Natural Chimneys, the Devil's Bathtub, High Knob Scenic Tower, and Burke's Garden. Have you visited these beautiful places in Virginia?

What are the best attractions in Virginia?

The best attractions in Virginia are:

  • Jamestown
  • Yorktown Battlefield
  • Mount Vernon

 

When it comes to the best attractions in Virginia, you'll discover a mix of historic destinations and natural wonders. Some of the most popular attractions in Virginia include Historic Jamestown, Yorktown Battlefield, Mount Vernon, Appomattox Courthouse, Breaks Interstate Park, Arlington National Cemetery, Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Bristol, and Chincoteague Island. Learn more about these iconic Virginia attractions.

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