What to do and where to go when traveling in Virginia.

Virginia is one of the only places in the world that can take you back in time. The state is a paradise for history lovers, with exciting gems from the past in every corner. The first five presidents of the United States were born in Virginia, making the state a relic in America’s history. It is also a fundamental part of the history of the American revolution. Virginia also holds the record of the greatest number of Civil War battlefields in a state. It is also where the Civil War and Revolution ended. Due to its significant history, people have crowned Virginia as the Mother of States.
Even so, tourists don’t flock into the state for the sole purpose of a brief history lesson. There are plenty of other attractions that Virginia can boast. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, flea markets, and more. For this reason, anyone planning to visit the state should have a planned itinerary to make the most of their time there. However, many people are likely to be overwhelmed when faced with such tough decisions. Fortunately, this article showcases the best places to visit in Virginia to help you find it easier to make plans.
Explore George Washington’s, Mount Vernon
One of the most notable attraction sites in Virginia is George Washington’s, Mount Vernon. It’s the original estate of the revolution leader and first president of the United States. The site celebrates the life and legacy of the Father of America. The estate was formerly a large plantation in the 18th century but is now one of America’s most beloved historic sites. What makes Mount Vernon stand out from other historic homes is the fact that you can still find some of the belongings of George and his family. The preserved buildings will give you an authentic 18th-century feeling. A visit to Virginia is never complete without visiting this incredible piece of history.
Travel Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg
Many people consider this impeccable historic site as the world’s largest existing history museum. Walking through the city will make you feel like you were back in the 18th century. The site provides one of the best recreations of the American Revolution period, with restored buildings and reproduced streets. You can walk on the same roads that America’s founding fathers used and soak in the historic brilliance prevalent in the area. A visit to Colonial Williamsburg will make you truly appreciate the strides that America has made by reflecting on its past. Williamsburg is also where the final battle of the American Civil War happened. The historic brilliance and importance of Williamsburg is an exceptional experience that all history enthusiasts will appreciate.
Visit the Invigorating Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a resort town in Virginia known for its extensive expanse of sandy beaches and abundance of fun activities. The place is quite popular and often crowded during summer. There are tons of exquisite hotels in the area, most of which are only a stone’s throw from the beach. If the Atlantic is too cold for your taste, you can head on over to Ocean Breeze Water Park for a fun-filled day with the family. The expansive theme park features exhilarating slides and other exciting activities. For those who prefer to remain dry, a day at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum will prove efficient. You can enjoy plenty of exciting activities at the museum while learning important things about the flora and fauna of the coast. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean in the massive 800,00 aquarium and enjoy a peaceful nature walk at the adventure park.
Pay Homage at Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery is arguably the most famous burial site in America. Many popular people have been laid to rest at this beautiful graveyard that expands more than 600 acres. Two of the top attractions in the cemetery include John F Kennedy’s grave and the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers. The latter contains the remains of soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War, the Korean conflict, and both World Wars. The Tomb of Unknown Soldiers is atop a hill that overlooks Washington DC and has a soldier guarding it every day. Other worthy sites within the cemetery include the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Seabees Memorial monument.
Marvel at the Natural Bridge of Virginia
The natural bridge of Virginia is one of the oldest attraction sites in America. With a towering height of more than 65 meters and close to 30 meters, this intriguing natural attraction is part of the National Register of Historic Places. It was one of the most visited sites in America in the 18th and 19th centuries. European tourists frequented the state to marvel at one of the wonders of mother nature. The area surrounding the Natural Bridge of Virginia was recently converted to a state park, along with other natural attractions nearby. For this reason, you can explore the many fascinating attractions in the park. Some of them include the Natural Bridge Caverns, where you can go more than 30 stories underground, and the Natural Bridge Zoo.
Explore the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center
As an extension of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, The Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center provides equally awe-striking exhibitions. Many aircraft call this excellent center home, but perhaps the most exciting one is the Space Shuttle Discovery. This massive spacecraft is the centerpiece and the crowning jewel of the center. The Steven F Udvar-Hazy center houses numerous aircraft that exhibit the journey of aviation, from the earlier days of flying to modern airplanes such as the Concorde. There are also plenty of interactive exhibitions that showcase the astounding feats that man has achieved in the aviation industry. You can watch inspiring films about aeronautics and space exploration at the facility’s IMAX theater.
Final Thoughts
Virginia is a top travel destination for anyone who loves to go back in time and explore history. There are also plenty of other fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
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About the Author: Other Voices
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