People Live Their Whole Lives in Virginia and Somehow Miss These 4 Places

Virginia is for lovers—and families, and friend groups, and solo travelers. In other words, Virginia has something for everyone. This beautiful state is blessed with a long coastline where wild horses roam free, mountains that hide extensive cave systems, underrated vineyards, and picturesque historic towns. It offers an almost dizzying array of things to do and cool spots to check off your list.

Many must-visit places in Virginia are renowned nationwide. Everyone knows Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery. But the state also has equally exciting hidden gems that deserve more attention. If you’re looking to do an offbeat trip to Virginia, you’ll love these four destinations.

1. Sweet Run State Park

Virginia’s newest state park is only around two years old, so most people haven’t heard of it—yet. Sweet Run State Park is located in Northern Loudoun County, near the border of West Virginia and Maryland. Its 884 acres offer both hiking and equestrian trails with views of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s also a fishing pond that can be reached on a one-mile hike, and that has species like largemouth bass and crappies. Although this park is fairly young, it has a rich history, as the property was once a farming community. It even has a mid-19th-century farmhouse that’s been restored. The best part about Sweet Run is that you can enjoy nature in peace without dealing with crowds.

2. Tangier Island

Even many born-and-raised Virginians haven’t been to Tangier Island, one of the state’s best hidden gems. This is in part because many people don’t know it exists, but it’s also because it’s not an easy place to visit. To arrive on this Chesapeake Bay island, you’ll have to take a 90-minute ferry ride from Reedville. The other options are to drive your own boat or (on occasion) fly on a small aircraft. Most people come on a day trip to try the island’s famous blue crabs, which have provided it with subsistence for centuries. Many tourists are also intrigued by the idea of seeing a remote part of Virginia that feels worlds away from the state’s larger cities. One thing is sure: There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the state.

3. Abingdon

The sweet little town of Abingdon is right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It attracts outdoorsy travelers looking to complete the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. The former train rail connects Abingdon to Whitetop, taking bikers and hikers along mountains, creeks, and farms. Once you’re back in town, you can have dinner at The Tavern, a charming restaurant housed in an 18th-century building. If you’re in the mood for more walking, explore around the town’s Historic Main Street. Alternatively, just sit down and relax with a pint at Sweetbay Brewing Company or catch a show at Barter Theatre.

4. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia Beach’s long stretch of sand makes it one of the state’s most popular destinations. The water attracts crowds of families, spring breakers, and locals looking to enjoy a nice day at the beach. While this plan is certainly fun, the city also has some of Virginia’s best state parks and refuges. The 9,108-acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects ecosystems like woodlands, marshes, and dunes. It was established in 1938 and provides a haven for many birds, such as bald eagles, hawks, and egrets. Other diverse species that you might run into include bobcats, cottonmouth snakes, and even loggerhead sea turtles. Coming here is an exercise in leaving behind all your assumptions about Virginia Beach and getting to know a little-known and peaceful side of the city.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.