7 best vacation spots in Virginia

Fall weather is slowly starting to creep in, and it’s the perfect time to take some time off work and enjoy the shift of seasons. Whether you’re a Virginia native or you’re visiting from out of town, the state has so much to offer. Revel in the cool weather of autumn and experience the leaves change color while you explore the state. Check out 7 of the best vacation spots in Virginia.

1. Shenandoah National Park

If you’re in search of lush, fall foliage, Shenandoah National Park is the place to be. The entire park stretches across 200,000 acres of land, with unbelievable views and wildlife. Taking a cruise along Skyline Drive is an awesome way to see the park’s stunning scenery from above!

2. Williamsburg

Rich with history, Williamsburg is a great place for the entire family to explore. You’ll be transported back to the 18^thcentury as you experience the culture firsthand. This engaging and interactive town is a great place to learn about US history and have fun while doing it.

3. Luray Caverns

The largest cavern in the Eastern US, Luray Caverns, is truly a sight to behold. From Dream Lake, an underwater lake that appears more like an optical illusion, to the Double Column, towering at 47 feet tall. Luray Caverns is also home to a Stalacpipe Organ, which gently taps the stalactites throughout the caverns causing them to literally sing!

4. Great Falls National Park

This small national park is located right on the Potomac. If you love spending time outdoors, this is the perfect place to be! With plenty of hiking trails along the river, you’ll have incredible views of the waterfalls and gorge.

5. Natural Chimneys Park

Incredibly, the towering limestone formations at Natural Chimneys Park show that the Shenandoah Valley was once the floor of an inland sea! This place is full of amazing views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming and exploring.

6. Norfolk

Nestled on the water, Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world—Naval Station Norfolk. The base offers tours of its facility as well so you’ll get great views of its ships and aircrafts. The city also has an incredible interactive science and technology museum, Nauticus, which both kids and adults will love.

7. Jamestown

Much like Williamsburg, Jamestown will provide lots of historical information in a fun and exciting way. 17^thcentury America is at your fingertips in this incredible town. There are also bike and hiking trails for those who want to stay active while on vacation.

A Note on Safety

Though the brightly colored leaves and beautiful scenery may be distracting, it’s crucial to keep your eyes on the road while you drive. One of the most common causes of car accidents is distracted driving. Make sure to pull your vehicle over into a safe spot if you’re sightseeing, and enjoy all that Virginia has to offer!