Virginia has enough history and natural beauty to satisfy even the most well travelled visitor. Close to Washington, DC you'll find George Washington's well-preserved home of Mount Vernon, while Williamsburg is a living museum of the colonial era. Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains are worth a visit, as are Charlottesville and Richmond.

Alexandria

Discover Washington, DC’s original Old Town, named one of Condé Nast Traveler's Top 5 U.S. Small Cities for 2018 and the no.1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination for 2018 by Money magazine. Alexandria’s cobblestone streets and historic setting is a delight – a nationally designated historic district, located on the waterfront and featuring King Street, one of the “Great Streets” of America with over 200 restaurants, boutiques and museums tucked away amid its 18th- and 19th-century architecture, still intact from the days of George Washington. Take a water taxi on the Potomac River to explore the presidential estate of America’s founding father, or why not head into DC itself, ideally located just a 20-minute drive north. 

King Street, Alexandria

Fairfax County

Discover Fairfax County’s array of cultural and natural delights, just minutes from downtown Washington, DC. Between taking in the monuments and museums of the capital, you might want learn more about the region's part in the the American Civil War or spend some time exploring Mount Vernon Estate, the grand home of George and Martha Washington. The Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum is a must, as is the excellent Tysons shopping experience, known as “the Rodeo Drive of the East Coast”. Then, after dark, settle down with a picnic dinner under the stars at The Wolf Trap Center – the only National Park in the country dedicated to the performing arts. And, there's plenty of the natural world to enjoy, too, with over 30,000 acres of Regional and National Parks offering everything from biking, hiking and kayaking to spotting bald eagles.

Norfolk

Far more than just a historical seaport on the Virginia waterfront, Norfolk offer big-city amenities and an abundance of small-town charm. It's all played out across an abundance of attractions, from superb nightlife and shopping to world-class art museums and year-round festivals. Enjoy the Battleship Wisconsin, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and Naval Station Norfolk – the world's largest Navy base. And, there's plenty to discover on the water, with kayaking, sailing, fishing and guided harbour cruises, while for music fans, there are regular performances by the acclaimed Virginia Symphony and Virginia Opera. 

Norfolk Virginia

Virginia Beach

Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach is home to a flourishing local culinary scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment and family-friendly attractions that keeps locals and visitors entertained throughout the year. Relax and unwind on the region's 35 miles of gold-sand beaches, take a sunset stroll on the boardwalk or step off the beaten track with a visit to remote Sandbridge, with its wide open spaces and doorstep access to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Here, a network of beach and sand-dune trails offer up-close encounters with the region's bountiful birdlife.

Virginia Beach

Arlington

Across the river from Washington, DC, Arlington, Virginia is minutes from the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, US Capitol, White House and more. Visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial and the Air Force Memorial.

Arlington, Virginia (Credit: David Hills for Stay Arlington)

Williamsburg

Pair history, adventure and relaxation in Williamsburg where you can enjoy everything from luxurious spas, world-class golf and award-winning restaurants to a superb living-history museum and a range of surprising thrills that include excellent opportunities for biking and hiking. Colonial Williamsburg is an absolute highlight, with its art museums, horse-drawn carriage rides and 18th-century architecture, which remains from what was Britain’s largest colonial settlement in the New World.

Governor's Palace, Williamsburg (Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation)