Road Trip: 5 Must-See Places in Virginia
Are you looking for a road trip that blends adventure and history? If you’re in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic region, consider exploring Virginia with these five, family-friendly pit stops that includes scenic landscapes, enriching history, and amusement park fun.
1. Assateague Island.
The Assateague Island National Seashore offers nature trails and educational programs that engage children and spark their curiosity about the environment. While there, you can bike along the scenic path or take a guided tour to learn more about the unique ecosystem. But what’s best are the close encounters with wild Chincoteague ponies roaming freely around the island!
Where to Stay? Consider staying in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for a fun overnight pit stop on the way to Assateague. Located just 30 minutes from the island, Rehoboth is a charming coastal town known for it’s scenic boardwalk and great dining options. Be sure to visit the famous and kid-friendly Dogfish Head Brewery for a local brew and elevated comfort food.
2. George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Embark on an immersive history lesson by visiting our First President’s estate and final resting place in Mount Vernon. Beautifully situated on the Potomac River, George Washington’s house offers scenic views and a rich history. Take an expert-led house tour, then wander the expansive grounds and scenic path. If you have more time, experience a hands-on program like woodworking or cooking demonstrations, or enjoy lunch at The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
Lesson Learned? Don’t rush this stop! We were eager to get on the road, but I wish we planned more time to enjoy the interactive experiences.
3. Colonial Williamsburg.
Worried your kids will be bored in Colonial Williamsburg? I was! But this 18th-century America experience amid historic buildings truly immersed us back in time. What’s more, with Busch Gardens a few minutes away (keep reading for more), it’s easy to mix a little fun into the history lesson. (For us, it’s about a light touch on history, and deep dive into fun.) Here’s three kid-approved tips to maximize your experience:
TIP 1: Explore the Historic Area. Be sure to bring bikes! Many of the streets are closed to traffic, so biking is a great way to tour the town and discover historic trades. Pickup some ginger cakes at Rayleigh Tavern Bakery.
TIP 2: Stay in a Colonial House. Colonial Williamsburg Resorts offers authentic historical houses right in town. We stayed in the George Jackson House, which has two cozy canopy beds and a pullout sofa — perfect for large families.
TIP 3: Dine in a Historic Tavern. Our picky eaters loved trying locally-sourced 18th century dishes while being transported back in time. Our Favorite dishes? Try the crab cakes and fried chicken at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern and the peanut soup and snow eggs at the King’s Arms Tavern.
4. Busch Gardens.
Located just 10 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens will amuse the kids all day. The park features adrenaline-inducing roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and extensive gardens inspired by European themes, creating a more enchanting atmosphere than your typical amusement park. Beyond the rides, there’s live entertainment and opportunities to engage with various animals in well-designed habitats. If you have two days, visit Water Country USA, which is part of Busch Gardens, for expansive water rides and pools. (Open in May.) We spent one day at each park and that was plenty.
TIP: Go during the last week of August when most kids are back to school and you won’t have to wait in a single line!
5. Great Falls National Park.
If visiting all the National Parks is on your bucket list, stop at Great Falls and take the short walk for great views of the Potomac Gorge. While the cascades and rugged terrain are stunning, you can skip this one if you’re strapped for time. We ventured an hour out of the way and as our 6-yr-old so eloquently reviewed, “Argh, another waterfall.”
Have you explored Virginia? If so, please comment on YOUR places to visit!
