These 17 Unique Day Trips in Virginia Are an Absolute Must-Do

Just when you think you've explored everything that Virginia has to offer, you'll be surprised to learn you've only scratched the surface. If that's the case, then we have two words: Day. Trip. Day trips are the best. They’re like a mini-vacation without the stress and expense — and when you get home, you won't find yourself saying that you need a vacation from your vacation. Virginia has no shortage of opportunities to lose the winter doldrums without losing your sanity. These 17 fun and accessible day trips range from educational to thrilling and are a must-do for any Virginian. The next time you're researching day trip ideas in Virginia, we hope this list comes in handy!

1. Take a trip back in time at the Jamestown Settlement

Virginia is hailed as the "birthplace of a nation" thanks to the first permanent English settlement in America, established as Jamestown in 1607. Today, you can see firsthand what life was like in 17th-century America with galleries, live events, and re-creations of the Jamestown fort, historic ships, and a Powhatan Indian village. Truly, it's no mystery why Jamestown is considered a bucket-list destination in Virginia.

2. View living history in Colonial Williamsburg

Just a few miles from Jamestown, you’ll find an authentic colonial town at Colonial Williamsburg. This outdoor living-history museum is one of the largest of its kind and offers tours, re-enactments, museums, and unique shops for a one-of-a-kind historical experience. And thanks to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, many of these activities are free.

3. Festivals, festivals, festivals

In spring, summer, and fall, you’ll find a festival nearly every weekend in Virginia. Get your hippie on at large music festivals like Floydfest in Floyd and the annual Cock Island Race in Portsmouth, or enjoy small town arts and crafts at events like the Heart of Virginia Festival in Farmville. Our state abounds with musicians, artisans, amazing food, and, better yet, people who love them. Check online to see what festivals are in your area — or where you can go to find one that fits your interests.

4. Tour historic Virginia homes almost anywhere in the state

With so much history and amazing efforts from groups like Preservation Virginia, you can spend a day, a weekend or even a week visiting beautifully preserved and reconstructed homes that tell Virginia’s story. From presidential manors to sprawling estates, these homes show the elegance, artistry and wealth of some of Virginia’s founding families. Or, if you want to see another side of Virginia before the 20th century, head west and learn about life on Appalachian homesteads, with cabins, living history exhibits and more. No matter where you live, you are sure to find a bit of history close by.

5. Want to go glamping? Yes, I said “glamping," not "camping"

If you love camping, but sleeping on the ground is not your idea of a good time, then glamping is the thing for you. Glamping, which is undoubtedly my new favorite word, is glorified "camping" in fully decked-out trailers, tents, yurts, treehouses, and eco lodges. It could just be a fancy word for sleeping in your car for the weekend, but regardless, it sounds fabulous.

Glamping sites can range from simple yurts, like those at Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore, to uber-glamorous sites throughout the state. Check out Rose River Farms in Syria or Primland in Meadows of Dan for just two of the more upscale glamping options available in Virginia. Above is the Shireton Hobbit House near Shenandoah National Park, and you can book your stay through Hipcamp. Learn about more beautiful places to go glamping in Virginia.

6. Go underground at Luray Caverns

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 seven-acre 19th-century farming village, gem sluicing, a garden maze, a ropes course, a 47-bell tower, a country club, a vineyard, and more. Located in the quaint town of Luray in the Shenandoah Valley, this is one place you won’t want to miss. Plus, there's so much to explore aboveground in the charming town of Luray.

7. Eat, drink, and be merry at Virginia's wineries

Virginia is giving the West Coast a run for its money with more than 250 wineries spread across the state. And after winning 29 medals at the San Diego International Wine Competition in February 2015, Virginia offers plenty of reasons to raise a glass — and no shortage of ways to fill it. Visit the official Virginia Wine website to see a listing of wine trails and tours in your region. Some of our favorite places to sample local wines include the Charlottesville wine region and Loudoun County's wine country.

8. Discover a new favorite brew

Maybe wine is not your thing, but fear not, for breweries are on the rise. Microbrews, a long-trending beverage of choice for many, are plenty in the Old Dominion state. Devil’s Backbone, Starr Hill, and Apocalypse Ale Works are just a few Virginia breweries garnering national praise. Enjoy a day of tasting and tours on the Brew Ridge Trail or visit the Virginia Is For Lovers website for brewery tours in your neck of the woods and discover a new favorite.

9. See the wild ponies on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Located off the Eastern Shore of Virginia, these side-by-side islands have long been famous for their wild ponies. The ponies, inhabitants of the Islands for hundreds of years, are thought to have first arrived when either a Spanish galleon shipwrecked off the coast or the original settlers set their horses free to roam.

One of the islands’ highlights is the annual Pony Swim. Every year, "saltwater cowboys" round up the ponies and swim them across the channel to Chincoteague Island. The event culminates in a festival and pony auction benefiting the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and ends when the ponies swim back to Assateague Island. If you miss the swim, don't worry. These islands are perfect to visit at any time.

Free of high-rises and large hotels, the islands remain peaceful and relaxing with beautifully preserved culture, pristine beaches, and plenty of activities. Learn more about what makes Chincoteague such a wonderful day trip destination in Virginia.

10. See planes...

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a companion facility to the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum. It is located in Chantilly and displays thousands of aviation and space-related artifacts, including the space shuttle Discovery. Housed in two massive hangars, the Center also offers tours, lectures, special events, and an observation tower with sweeping views of Dulles International Airport – one of the world's busiest international airports.

11. Trains...

When was the last time you took a train ride that didn’t involve a commute to work? Just think… plenty of leg room, scenic views and no traffic (I’m looking at you, I-95). The Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society offers vintage diesel train rides leaving from Dilwyn and traveling through the hills of Central Virginia. Or with Amtrak stations all over the state, you can catch a train to the city of your choice, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. There are so many incredible day trips by train in Virginia.

12. And automobiles

If you’re into fast cars, visit one of Virginia's two NASCAR tracks: Martinsville Speedway or Richmond International Raceway. At the Richmond International Raceway, you can even have the chance to ride along at top speeds… or drive a car yourself. Other racing options include Virginia International Raceway in Alton and Virginia Motor Speedway in Jamaica, Virginia.

13. Hit the beach

With three options (a main beachfront with piers, hotels, boardwalks, and shopping, or two quieter stretches of sand at Sandbridge Beach and Chesapeake Bay Beach), there’s something for everyone at Virginia Beach. Suppose outdoor sports are your thing every year. In that case, Virginia Beach hosts the East Coast Surfing Championships, the North American Sand Soccer Tournament, the Shamrock Marathon, and the Rock n’ Roll Half-Marathon.

For history, visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse or the site of the first landing by English colonists in 1607 at First Landing State Park. Or, if you’re like me, just take a day to sit on the beach and soak in the sun. You’ve earned it! Plus, a trip to Virginia Beach doesn't have to break the bank. Take a look at our budget-friendly guide to taking an affordable trip to Virginia Beach.

14. Get a thrill with rides, rides, and more rides at Virginia's theme parks

No offense, Disneyworld, but how often do you get a chance to visit "The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park?" Busch Gardens Williamsburg has received the National Amusement Park Historical Association’s "Most Beautiful Park" award every year since 1990.

This European-themed park offers six world-class roller coasters, plus nearly 30 other rides and experiences perfect for any age. With nature exhibits, award-winning food, and kid-friendly shows, Busch Gardens delivers fun for the whole family — or just an excuse to feel like a kid again. For other theme parks, consider Kings Dominion, 20 miles north of Richmond, with a built-in water park and 15 thrill-inducing roller coasters. You really can’t go wrong.

15. Slip n’ slide at Virginia water parks

Most Virginians know Water Country USA — a huge outdoor water park with a full day’s worth of thrilling rides, slides, and shows. But Water Country isn't the only place for slides and lazy rivers. Indoor parks like Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg and Massanutten Water Park in McGaheysville offer year-round options. Which Virginia waterpark will you visit this summer?

16. Take a walk on the wild side at the Virginia Safari Park

At the Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge, you can drive through 180 acres of free-roaming animals, many of whom will come up to your car — or simply stand in front of it and stare at you. Either way, it’s an amazing way to get up close and personal with animals you won’t see every day — all in an environment that lets them roam as they please. After the drive-through, take the village walk to feed the giraffes, interact with the kangaroos, visit the tigers, and pet the llamas, goats, and pot-bellied pigs at the petting zoo. This is one of the most family-friendly places you can visit in Virginia.

17. Get outside! Take a hike, take a picnic, or just take a break at Virginia State Parks

Virginia has 36 state parks offering a variety of activities. With countless trails for hiking, walking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, state parks make for a great day out or a weekend of camping. A number of parks also offer lakes or rivers for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and boating. With so much to do, there’s just no excuse to stay indoors. Check out our list of the best underrated state parks in Virginia for some inspiration.

We hope this list has provided some inspiration for the next time you're looking for scenic destinations in Virginia, family day trips, or just some fun things to do on the weekend. With so many incredible sights and experiences in this amazing state of ours, a good time is never more than a day away. Get out there, explore some of these options, and tell us about your favorites! Curious to learn about some other fun things to do in Virginia? Check out our list of unforgettable day trips in Virginia — one for each month of the year.