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7-Day Virginia Itinerary

A mix of scenic drives, colonial history, mountain landscapes, and coastal getaways across Virginia.

Day1

Arrive in Richmond & Explore

Fly into Richmond International Airport (RIC).

Top Things to Do in Richmond

  • Visit the Virginia State CapitolDesigned by Thomas Jefferson.
  • Tour the American Civil War Museum.
  • Walk Along the James River & Explore Belle Isle.
  • Dinner at ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque.

Overnight in Richmond.

Day2

Colonial Williamsburg & Jamestown

Drive from Richmond to Williamsburg (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Colonial Williamsburg

  • Step Back in Time at Colonial WilliamsburgA Living History Museum.
  • Explore Jamestown SettlementAmerica's First Permanent English Colony.
  • Visit the Governor's Palace.
  • Dinner at The TrellisFamous for Its "Death by Chocolate" Cake.

Overnight in Williamsburg.

Day3

Virginia Beach - Coastal Escape

Drive from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Virginia Beach

  • Relax on the Beach & Walk the Famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
  • Try Fresh Seafood at Waterman'sKnown for Their Orange Crush Cocktails!
  • Optional: Go Kayaking at First Landing State Park.
  • Check Out the Cape Henry LighthouseThe First U.S. Lighthouse (1792).

Overnight in Virginia Beach.

Day4

Drive to Shenandoah National Park - Skyline Drive

Drive from Virginia Beach to Shenandoah National Park (3.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

  • Drive Skyline DriveOne of America's Most Scenic Roads.
  • Hike to Stony Man or Hawksbill Mountain for Epic Views.
  • Look for Black Bears, Deer & Other Wildlife.
  • Catch Sunset at Thorofare Mountain Overlook.

Overnight in Luray or within Shenandoah National Park.

Day5

Blue Ridge Mountains & Charlottesville

Drive from Shenandoah to Charlottesville (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Charlottesville

  • Tour MonticelloThomas Jefferson's Estate.
  • Visit a Local Winery on the Monticello Wine Trail.
  • Walk Around the Historic University of Virginia Campus.
  • Dinner at The LocalFarm-to-Table Dining.

Overnight in Charlottesville.

Day6

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway & Explore Roanoke

Drive from Charlottesville to Roanoke via the Blue Ridge Parkway (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Roanoke

  • Hike to McAfee KnobOne of the Most Iconic Views on the Appalachian Trail.
  • Visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
  • Try Craft Beer at Big Lick Brewing Company.
  • See the Roanoke Star at NightThe Largest Freestanding Star in the World!

Overnight in Roanoke.

Day7

Drive Back to Richmond & Depart

Drive from Roanoke to Richmond (3 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way

  • Explore Natural Bridge State ParkA Stunning Rock Formation.
  • Stop in Lexington to See the Virginia Military Institute & Stonewall Jackson's Grave.

Fly out of Richmond (RIC).

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Header photo: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.