10 TOP Things to Do in Virginia (2026 Activity Guide)

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Top places to visit

1. Virginia Beach Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches for 3 miles (5 kilometers) along Virginia Beach. Lined with bars, restaurants and hotels, this concrete esplanade features an adjacent bike path for cyclists and skaters. Enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant overlooking the ocean, watch buskers perform and inspect the sculptures and monuments along the boardwalk.

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Virginia Beach Boardwalk which includes general coastal views and a hotel

2. Naval Station Norfolk

Get close to destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault vehicles, submarines and frigates by taking a bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk. Navy personnel narrate details of vessels, their histories and roles, as well as providing a few insights into life at this sprawling military base.

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D6DCC9 United States Navy ships in port at Naval Station Norfolk.

3. Shenandoah National Park

As you travel along Skyline Drive on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, stop to enjoy views of forested ridges, one behind the other. Challenge the family with the question, “How many ridges can you see?” As you observe hills near and far, you’re likely to see nothing but forest stretching for miles and merging into a blue haze at the far horizon.

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Shenandoah National Park showing forest scenes and a river or creek as well as a couple

4. Sandbridge Beach

Sandbridge Beach is a serene, golden-sand beach just south of busy Virginia Beach. A secluded alternative to its popular neighbor, Sandbridge Beach is an ideal place to get away from the crowds. Kayak or hike in nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, dine on fresh seafood and spend an evening stargazing.

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Pathway up a hill at Sandbridge beach in Virginia Beach, Virginia

5. Arlington National Cemetery

With row upon row of small white headstones, spread across a vast area on the outskirts of D.C., the Arlington National Cemetery is a sobering place to visit. Here you’ll see the graves of veterans from American wars through the ages, lined up with military precision.

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Arlington National Cemetery which includes a memorial and a cemetery

What to do in Virginia

Popular places to visit

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Have a fun-filled day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and find out why this is a popular theme park in Williamsburg. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Soak up the atmosphere as you stroll along this oceanfront strip, the heart of Virginia Beach’s dining and entertainment scene.

Naval Station Norfolk

4/5(1 review)

Tour the world’s largest naval complex and see some of the U.S. Navy’s most powerful ships.

Virginia Tech University

Enjoy the student vibe around Virginia Tech University, a top university in Blacksburg. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Shenandoah National Park

Blue ridges fill your view as you gaze over the many acres of tree-covered wilderness in this peaceful Virginia park.

Tysons Corner Center

4/5(7 reviews)

During your trip to McLean, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Tysons Corner Center. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.

Sandbridge Beach

5/5(3 reviews)

Escape to this quiet, family-friendly beach to enjoy fishing, strolling, dining on fresh seafood or simply relaxing on the sand.

University of Virginia

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Virginia during your travels in Charlottesville. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

James Madison University

Explore the campus of James Madison University during your travels in Harrisonburg. Attend a football match in the area or seek out the hiking trails.

Areas of Virginia

Downtown Richmond

4/5(13 area reviews)

Downtown Richmond is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shockoe Slip or Virginia Governor's Mansion.

Sandbridge

Beaches and parks are just a few things travellers like about Sandbridge. A stop by Sandbridge Beach is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Northeast Virginia Beach

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park and Neptune Statue are top sights worth seeing.

Colonial Williamsburg

While visiting Colonial Williamsburg, you might make a stop by sights like Governor's Palace and Duke of Gloucester Street.

Short Pump

Short Pump is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Short Pump Town Center, a top place to visit in the area.

Moses Myers House featuring a city and a house

Downtown Norfolk

If you're spending time in Downtown Norfolk, check out sights like The NorVa or Norva Theater and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Monticello Station or MacArthur Square Station.

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