Discover Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake, often hailed as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” is widely regarded as the best lake in Virginia. Nestled in the heart of the state, this sprawling reservoir boasts over 500 miles of stunning shoreline, offering a picturesque blend of clear waters and scenic landscapes. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing ample boating, fishing, water skiing, and wakeboarding opportunities. The lake is renowned for its large and diverse fish population, making it a favorite destination for anglers.
With its serene beauty and a wide array of recreational activities, Smith Mountain Lake is the best lake in Virginia and a quintessential destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure.
Three Fun Facts about Virginia
01
Natural Bridge
Virginia is home to the Natural Bridge, a geological formation once surveyed by a young George Washington.
02
Chincoteague Ponies
The wild Chincoteague Ponies, made famous by Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague,” inhabit Assateague Island, which straddles the border of Virginia and Maryland.
03
Historic Triangle
Virginia’s Historic Triangle comprises Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Together, they preserve and showcase significant events from America’s colonial past.
Must See Attractions
Jamestown Settlement
Speciality Museums
Established in 1607, Jamestown Settlement is renowned as the first permanent English colony in the Americas and played a pivotal role in the history and development of the United States.
Natural Bridge State Park
Nature & Park
Natural Bridge State Park showcases a magnificent 215-foot-high natural limestone arch steeped in history and once owned by Thomas Jefferson. It also offers visitors stunning geological formations and walking trails.
Great Falls Park
Nature & Park
Great Falls Park offers visitors spectacular views of waterfalls and rapids and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Where to Sleep
Virginia Lakes
1. Swift Creek Reservoir
Swift Creek Reservoir is a peaceful lake in Chesterfield County that offers fishing, kayaking, and picnicking opportunities.
2. Lake Gaston
Lake Gaston is a vast reservoir known for its pristine clear waters, waterfront homes, and recreational activities.
3. Lake Drummond
Nestled within a wildlife refuge, Lake Drummond is a unique freshwater lake with cypress trees lining its shores.
4. Lake Manassas
Lake Manassas provides a peaceful retreat with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
5. Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake)
Kerr Lake is the largest reservoir in Virginia, providing excellent fishing and camping opportunities.
6. Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake offers over 500 miles of shoreline and is a prime destination for water activities and scenic beauty.
7. Lake Moomaw
Tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains, this lake is a scenic reservoir surrounded by forests, popular for camping and boating.
8. Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake offers serene surroundings and is known for its clean waters, making it ideal for boating and fishing.
Annual Events and Festivals
September 29 – October 1, 2024
Neptune Festival
The Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach is a vibrant, annual celebration in late September, marking the culmination of the summer season. It’s a grand oceanfront event renowned for its Boardwalk Weekend, transforming the Virginia Beach coastline into a lively stage of entertainment and activities. The festival features many events, including a renowned sand sculpting championship, attracting world-class artists who create awe-inspiring sand masterpieces along the beach.
April 24 – 27, 2025
Virginia International Tattoo
The Virginia International Tattoo, held annually in Norfolk, is a grand and stirring spectacle of military pageantry that has earned international acclaim. Part of the Virginia Arts Festival, this event is one of the largest and most prestigious in the United States. The Tattoo traditionally features hundreds of performers from several countries, including military bands, bagpipers, drum corps, military drill teams, and performing ensembles, all showcasing their unique talents and cultural heritage. The performances blend ceremonial music, precision military drills, complex choreographies, and a stunning visual display, often accompanied by patriotic and emotional segments that pay tribute to the armed forces.
October 2024
Waterford Fair
The Waterford Fair, held annually in the historic village of Waterford, Virginia, is a charming celebration of art, craftsmanship, and community heritage. With a history dating back to 1944, the fair is one of the oldest juried craft shows in the nation, attracting artisans and visitors alike to this picturesque village, designated a National Historic Landmark. The fair showcases diverse traditional and contemporary crafts, from pottery and textiles to woodworking and metalworking. Juried artisans, many of whom practice time-honored techniques, demonstrate their skills and offer their creations for sale, creating a unique shopping experience for attendees.
Top Hiking Trails
Old Rag Mountain Loop
Old Rag Mountain Fee & Information Station, 2577 Nethers Rd, Etlan, Virginia
This nine-mile circuit is considered one of the most popular hikes in the region. It leads adventurers through a diverse landscape of rocky outcrops, forests, and meadows. The hike’s highlight is the rock scramble, a thrilling and challenging ascent through massive granite boulders that adds an adventurous element to the experience. As one of Shenandoah’s signature hikes, the Old Rag Mountain Loop attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rewarding and invigorating trek through Virginia’s stunning wilderness.
Rose River Trail
Rose River Falls Loop Trail Parking, Virginia
The Rose River Trail, situated in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, is a serene and picturesque hiking route that meanders through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 3.5-mile loop offers a captivating journey through lush forests, crystal clear streams, and past cascading waterfalls. A highlight of the trail is the scenic Rose River Falls, a tranquil and photogenic spot where the river gracefully tumbles over moss-covered rocks. The relatively gentle terrain makes it an ideal hike for families and those seeking a stroll to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty.
Stony Man via Appalachian Trail
Stony Man Trailhead, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Luray, Virginia
The hike to Stony Man Summit via the Appalachian Trail is a rewarding adventure within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Standing as the park’s second-highest peak, Stony Man offers stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. This moderately challenging 3.7-mile round-trip hike follows a section of the iconic Appalachian Trail, leading hikers through a serene forest with occasional openings that provide glimpses of the landscape below.
Best Golf Courses
Highland Course At Primland
1450 Moonshine Dr, Meadows of Dan, Virginia
The Highland Course at Primland is a premier golf destination in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This course, designed by renowned golf architect Donald Steel, offers an exceptional golfing experience that beautifully integrates the natural landscape’s rugged charm. Spread across a mountainous terrain, the course boasts sweeping vistas, challenging holes, and impeccably maintained fairways and greens. Each hole provides a unique challenge, with dramatic elevation changes and strategic bunkering that test the skill and strategy of golfers at all levels. The course’s signature hole, the par-3 12th, features a dramatic tee shot over a gorge, making it both a visual delight and a thrilling challenge.
Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech
8400 River Course Dr, Radford, Virginia
The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech is a golfing gem nestled along the scenic New River in Radford, Virginia. Designed by the legendary golf course architect Pete Dye, this championship course blends natural beauty with a challenging layout. The course winds through the rolling hills and valleys of the region, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. The 18th hole, with its dramatic finish along the river’s edge, adds a memorable touch to the overall experience.
Riverfront GC at Harbour View
5200 River Club Dr, Suffolk, Virginia
Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, the course takes full advantage of its spectacular setting along the Nansemond River, offering stunning water views and a tranquil environment. The layout is a thoughtful mix of open-link style holes and tighter, tree-lined fairways, demanding both accuracy and strategic thinking from players. The course features undulating greens, strategic bunkering, and multiple tee options, catering to golfers of varying skill levels. Signature holes along the water’s edge provide memorable vistas and thrilling golf shots.
Water Sports
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking
Virginia offers many opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, with its diverse waterways ranging from serene lakes to challenging rivers. The James River, for instance, provides a mix of calm stretches and exciting rapids, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned paddlers. Additionally, Chesapeake Bay offers expansive waters perfect for exploring coastal ecosystems and enjoying scenic views. Kayaking and canoeing in Virginia allow enthusiasts to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and experience the state’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.
Sailing in Virginia
Boating
Virginia’s extensive coastline and numerous lakes make it a prime location for sailing enthusiasts. The Chesapeake Bay, in particular, is a renowned sailing destination, offering vast open waters and favorable wind conditions. Sailors can explore historic ports, picturesque coves, and vibrant marine life. Additionally, sailing schools and charters are readily available, catering to both novice sailors and experienced mariners. Sailing in Virginia provides a sense of freedom and adventure and an opportunity to appreciate the state’s maritime heritage.
Virginia Fishing
Fishing
Fishing is a cherished water sport in Virginia, with abundant freshwater and saltwater fishing spots. Anglers can enjoy a variety of experiences, from fly fishing in the pristine streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains to deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s waters are home to diverse fish species, including bass, trout, and marlin. Fishing tournaments and guided trips are also famous, offering recreational and competitive fishing opportunities. Virginia’s rich fishing culture and scenic environments make it a paradise for anglers of all skill levels.
Resorts to Explore
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
Luxury, Recreational
2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120
Kingsmill Resort
Riverfront
1010 Kingsmill Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Mountain Lake Lodge
Family-friendly, Recreational
115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, Virginia 24136
Tips on Vacationing in Virginia
Scenic Drives
Take advantage of Virginia’s beautiful landscapes with scenic drives. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive offer views of the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.
Enjoy Coastal Charm
Head to coastal towns like Norfolk or Virginia Beach for a mix of seaside relaxation, water activities, and fresh seafood.
Culinary Delights
Virginia is known for its culinary scene. Try regional specialties, such as Virginia ham, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, and southern-inspired dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia
The best time to visit Virginia is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are abundant.
Cabin rentals in Virginia can vary significantly in cost, depending on location, amenities, and time of year. While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact average price, you can generally find options ranging from $60 per night for smaller, more basic cabins up to several hundred dollars per night for larger, higher-end ones. Prices are always higher during peak travel seasons and holidays.
To choose the right vacation rental company for your trip, consider its reputation, customer reviews, and the variety of rental choices it offers. Additionally, ensure that their booking process is convenient and secure. Don’t hesitate to contact customer service with any questions you might have before booking. Finally, consider the rental company’s cancellation and refund policies to avoid potential issues.
Virginia boasts numerous vacation spots, each with its unique charm. Some popular destinations include:
- Virginia Beach: famous for its sandy beaches, boardwalk, and outdoor activities.
- Sandbridge Beach: a quieter alternative to Virginia Beach, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience.
- Williamsburg: rich in history, featuring attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.
- Shenandoah National Park: perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views.
- Lake Anna: a popular spot for boating, fishing, and relaxing lakeside.
Explore the various options, and choose a destination that suits your preferences and interests.