From historic sites in Richmond to mountain retreats in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
has a destination to suit anyone’s tastes. Whether you’re craving a relaxing getaway with your sweetheart or a rambunctious weekend with your kids, you’ve come to the right place. Two days is plenty of time to explore a new area, especially if you take our advice to get the most out of your weekend getaway. But which destination is right for you?
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has done the research so you can enjoy an epic weekend retreat in Virginia. Tree-huggers, beer-drinkers, and music fans—get ready to discover the state’s best weekend getaways. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers The best weekend getaways for couples in Virginia
Hot Springs in Bath County
Stay at: The Omni Homestead Resort
(rooms from $499/night) In winter, try skiing or skating and then enjoy a delicious Southern meal at Kober’s
at the Homestead Resort. In warmer weather, you two can play golf at Cascades
while surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains. Then, catch some live chamber music at nearby Garth Newel
to impress your sweetie. For day two, the 80-foot high Falling Spring Falls
is a romantic destination if you’re up for a short drive. If not, don’t worry—you can relax in the onsite hot springs for hours on end. Order a spring-side bottle of champagne at the resort or enjoy a sweetheart breakfast at the B&B and you’ve got yourself the perfect weekend couples getaway. Williamsburg
Stay at: Williamsburg Inn
(rooms from $595/night) Start with coffee or kombucha at King of Clubs
and then stroll through the Muscarelle Museum of Art
hand-in-hand. There’s plenty to explore in this university town, from indie bookshops to historic buildings. Savvy shoppers can check out the Premium Outlets
for good deals on brand-name goods. When you’re ready for dinner, head to the design-forward Craft 31
for craft beers and new American fare like chowder, oysters, and burgers. On day two, it’s time to get adventurous. Tour the lab in the Conservation Building
to see colonial artifacts being restored—and then learn how to fire a musket. Now head to Busch Gardens
theme park to relive your childhoods together with rides and classic snacks. Splurge on a memorable final meal at Le Yaca French Restaurant
. Pro Tip Book any tours and historic site visits well in advance to make sure you don’t miss out!
The best weekend getaways for families in Virginia
Virginia Beach
If you’re staying at The Founders Inn and Spa, send the kids out to the playground as soon as you arrive! There’s also an epic outdoor pool with a 25-foot high water slide.
In winter, you can book a whale-watching tour with Rudee Tours
. Otherwise, head to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
for equal parts education and entertainment before you hit the real beach to look for dolphins (or mermaids). For a family-friendly dinner, try the Shoreline Grill
. On day two, start with coffee and house-made pop tarts at Three Ships Coffee Roasters
and then climb the steps to the Cape Henry Lighthouse
to snag a family photo with a great view of the beach. Make delicious memories with an afternoon snack at Royal Chocolate
. The ViBe Creative District has plenty of inspiration for the whole family. Finish with a crowd-pleasing meal at the space-themed Planet Pizza
. Portsmouth
Check out the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
to see huge ships and learn about naval history. Then head to the Portsmouth Splash Park
, a controlled aquatic environment for toddlers who are too little to play alone at the beach. Spend the whole afternoon on the highlight of the trip: the Children’s Museum of Virginia
, an interactive space dedicated to imagination and creative play. Then, grab burritos for the whole fam at the 619 Cantina
. Wake up to Mother Nature on day two by visiting the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
, a perfect place to let little legs run free. You might even see some rare birds, too. Older kids will love the go-karts and laser tag at LeMans
. Finish with vegan BBQ at Beyond Vegan Cell Food
. The best weekend getaways for music lovers in Virginia
Roanoke and the Crooked Trail
Or: The Lofts at Downtown Salem
(rooms from $143/night) Roll up your sleeves and get ready to boogie on the Crooked Road
, a musical heritage trail. It includes venues, festivals, and museums in SW Virginia with world-class bluegrass, country, and mountain music. For venues, check out the Berglund Center
, the Salem Civic Center
, and 5 Points Music Sanctuary
to find a weekend concert—or check the music section
of The Roanoke Times. In spring, you can check out the Mountains of Music Homecoming festival in June or the Festival in the Park in May.
In the fall, plan your trip for the Strings & Things festival in September. In any season, you can visit a brewery like Starr Hill
to catch some live music and then take a scenic hike at a place like Chestnut Ridge
. Bristol
Stay at: The Bristol Hotel
(rooms from $171/night) Or: The Sessions Hotel
(rooms from $183/night) Drive 30 minutes into the hills to experience the Carter Family Fold
, a museum dedicated to the inspiring Carter family of musicians. Then explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum
with its listening and mixing stations and theater experiences. Fill your belly at The Corner
and then catch a show at the Cameo Theater
just steps from the Tennessee border. Start your second day at the Blended Pedaler
with a bike-powered smoothie bowl and avocado toast. For lunch, try the Bristol Baby Classic Burger at the Michael Waltrip Brewing Co.
, owned by Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip. Spend the afternoon getting some fresh air on the Mendota Trail
. Then head to the Paramount Center for the Arts
, a 1930s Art Deco-style venue and the perfect place to catch a final musical performance. The best weekend getaways for foodies in Virginia
Alexandria
On day one, try the classic hotspots in town. Head to Tango Pastry
for Latin pastries followed by a walk around town. For lunch, try Greek food at neighborhood favorite Taverna Cretekou
or opt for gourmet Italian at Landini Brothers
. Squeeze in a sweet treat from Fresh Baguette
and walk it off along the river. Then, sit down for a scrumptious dinner at Old House Cosmopolitan
, where you can sample classic German schnitzel and spaetzle. Ready to get adventurous for the next day? Start with brunch at French-inspired Fontaine Bistro
(the shakshouka is especially good). When your belly starts grumbling again, head to Ada’s on the River
and sample smoked swordfish with a view of the Potomac. Finally, cap off your weekend getaway with an epic foodie exploit at Nasime
: a six-course lineup of the best sashimi in town. Clifton Forge
Stay at: The Red Lantern Inn
(rooms from $120/night) Or: Hillcrest Mansion Inn
(rooms from $255/night) Clifton Forge is the perfect destination to dive into classic mountain country food culture.
If you’re staying at Hillcrest Mansion Inn, you can enjoy a home-cooked breakfast before you leave home. Explore the town and then try Penny’s Diner
, a cute 1950s-themed chain diner that serves classic diner fare (and floats) 24 hours a day. Twink’s 220 Diner
is popular with locals—try the pan-fried chicken livers and the banana pudding. For dinner, try the house-smoked meat at Family TreeTs Restaurant and Cafe
. For lunch the next day, head to Roller’s Smoke House
in nearby Iron Gate to sample mouthwatering BBQ sandwiches. When the sun sets, head to the Cat and Owl Steak & Seafood
restaurant, which has been operating in the highlands for nearly 50 years—and the desserts are particularly delightful. The best outdoor weekend getaways in Virginia
Massanutten and the Shenandoah Valley
Stay at: Massanutten Resort®
(rooms from $140/night) Find a great breakfast at the Thunderbird Cafe
, then head outdoors and make the Skyline Drive
, which offers beautiful views in every season. Take your pick of hikes, then head back to town to fuel up with chicken dumplings at the Campfire Grill
at the Massanutten Resort. You can also hit the dirt on the Ridge Trail
and enjoy 4.5 miles of stunning views. For the second day, the South fork of the Shenandoah River is well worth a visit as is the nearby Riverside Park
in Elkton. For lunch, enjoy pulled pork sandwiches at 1835 Smokehouse
. Drive 30 minutes east to the South River Falls Trail
for a 4.6-mile afternoon hike, then clean up and celebrate your accomplishments at Brix & Columns Vineyards
. Eastern Shore—Chincoteague and Assateague
Or: Refuge Inn
(rooms from $109/night) Is there anything more magical than ponies on the seaside? At the Refuge Inn, the ponies will greet you outside your lodging. You can also head to Assateague
to catch a glimpse of the wild animals (summer is the best time). Hikers will like the Life of the Dunes Trail
, a ¾ mile walking trail that takes you through the best shifting sand dunes. On day two, start at the south end of Chincoteague Bay at the Woodland Trail
. This is a 2.1-mile loop trail that’s easy to walk. The Assateague Island National Seashore
is the perfect place to cozy up with a blanket and enjoy the epic views of the Bay. Then, turn around and witness the blustery magnificence of the Atlantic. Pro Tip Remember to book your permits well ahead of time if you’re visiting a natural recreation area like Assateague Island!
MORE: Virginia electric vehicle incentives
The best weekend getaways for history buffs in Virginia
Richmond
Stay at: The Jefferson Hotel
(rooms from $515/night) Or: Linden Row Inn
(rooms from $158/night) Richmond was the Confederate capital for a time, and this city holds a ton of incredibly valuable American history—not just related to the Civil War.
Start at the American Civil War Museum
and then head to the Poe Museum
, exploring the life and legacy of Edgar Allen Poe. Then check out the Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives
to learn about Jewish history and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
to learn about African-American history in Virginia. On day two, dive into the history of transportation at the Richmond Railroad Museum
. Spend the afternoon with world-class works of art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
. Conclude an epic historic weekend with a tour and photo opp at the Virginia State Capitol
. Charlottesville
Stay at: 200 South Street Inn
(rooms from $142/night) Or: The Commonwealth
(rooms from $199/night) Most commonly known as the home of President Thomas Jefferson and Lewis and Clark, Charlottesville is the perfect historic Virginia weekend getaway.
Visit Monticello
and Montpelier
to immerse yourself in colonial American history before grabbing a pint at the colonial-era Michie Tavern
. Switch gears and spend the afternoon enjoying aboriginal Australian art at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
at the University of Virginia. On day two, head to the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center
to learn about the country’s most famous adventurers. Then catch a free tour of the Rotunda
, the space that Jefferson famously designed. Finish with a visit to the little-known Albemarle and Charlottesville Historical Society
to hear a unique story from the American Revolution and eat at Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse
, a former tobacco warehouse. The best cheap weekend getaways in Virginia
Norfolk
For breakfast, try the local favorite D’Egg Diner
. Then head to the Chrysler Museum of Art
, the USS Wisconsin
, or the Hampton Roads Naval Museum
. Explore the vibrant waterfront and snack on cheap seafood at a crab shack as the sun sets on your first day in town. For day two, try the affordable Handsome Biscuit
for breakfast. Then interact with some incredible free public art at the NEON District murals
. Charlie’s Cafe
is a funky beloved lunch cafe sure to satisfy any tummy. Then, walk the Elizabeth River Trail
in the afternoon and cross town to Maymar Poke and Grill
for a cheap and nourishing poke bowl. Front Royal
Stay at: Super 8 by Wyndham Front Royal
(rooms from $84/night) Or: Gooney Creek Campgrounds
(tent campsite from $20/night) Front Royal is a cheap place to hole up while exploring Shenandoah National Park
. But there’s also a lot to explore for free (or cheap) in the Front Royal Area: the State Arboretum of Virginia
, a variety of caverns (like Skyline Caverns
, $24 per person), and the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum
. The best cheap eats in town are Osteria 510
and Ben’s Family Asian Cuisines
. Of course, it’s free to enjoy the sunset at one of the many overlooks nearby like the Overlook Trail or Lower Overlook. Pro Tip Visiting in the off-season is a guaranteed way to unlock lower rates.
MORE: 10 ways to get cheap car insurance that’s actually good
Find affordable car insurance for your road trip
No matter where you’re headed for your perfect Virginia
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