Virginia Travel

The Commonwealth of Virginia is alive with history, from early settlement through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The first European settlement in North America was in 1607 at Jamestown. Visit the living history museum of Jamestown Settlement to see the re-creation of life 400 years ago. With over a million artifacts recovered, the site accurately depicts a fort, Indian village and settlers’ ships.

Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies. It became the 10th state of the United States in 1788. Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center celebrates these days of early U.S. history. Take one of more than 20 self-guided tours to interact with people in period dress as they conduct daily activities of blacksmithing, churning butter, rolling hoops and discussing the politics of Revolutionary War times.

Richmond has extensive history as the Confederate capital during the U.S. War Between the States. Tour the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar to learn about war and emancipation. Try a Segway guided tour, ghost walk or river cruise for a unique perspective on these historic sites. The modern city also offers ballet, symphony, opera and stage performances as well as NASCAR and horse racing. Visit in mid-summer to see the Washington Redskins’ football training camp.

In the mountains of Virginia, you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, ranging from rock climbing, kayaking, fishing and falconry in summer to skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling in winter. Choose your accommodations from backpack camping to luxury spas.

Shenandoah National Park contains a 104-mile (167-kilometer) section of the Appalachian Trail, providing quiet hiking opportunities with views of ridge after ridge of untouched forests. Near the park, find Luray Caverns, where you can spelunk among colorful stalactites and stalagmites, including a limestone formation that looks and sounds a bit like an organ.

Virginia has varied beach locations along the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean and Potomac and James Rivers. Select from family-friendly spots on the Eastern Shore and more lively Virginia Beach Boardwalk locations.