Virginia

Where American history meets nature

Virginia holds a central place in American history and culture. The state’s landscape includes mountains, rivers, beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and cities with colonial roots. People here value both tradition and modern life. Visitors can explore historic battlefields, enjoy fresh seafood or hike trails in national parks like Shenandoah. Virginia also serves as a gateway to Washington D.C., making it easy for travelers to experience government institutions while discovering local museums and farms. Its mix of natural beauty and historical significance draws many visitors each year.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 7.2

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	7

Read details

5/5

English is the primary language spoken throughout Virginia. Visitors will have no difficulty communicating with locals in all establishments, attractions, and services. Spanish is also spoken in some areas, but English fluency is universal.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Virginia Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great for American history and outdoor travel. Tour historic battlefields, visit museums and colonial towns, hike mountain parks and explore scenic countryside drives.

Place score

7.3

Best at:

Spotless

Local cuisine

Natural sites

Autumn foliage

Hiking

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Virginia, United States

❄️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌦️

May

☀️

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

☀️

Nov

🌤️

Dec

High season:	April - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, Nov. - Dec.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate and season vary by region: Shenandoah and Blue Ridge best for hiking in spring and autumn, Virginia Beach and the coast for beaches June to September, historic towns good April to May and September to October

Autumn colours peak mid to late October in the mountains and a few weeks later in the lowlands

Hurricane season June to November affects the coast, most likely August to September

Sections of Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway close temporarily in winter due to ice and snow

Don't miss

🏛️ Explore the cobblestone streets and history of Colonial Williamsburg
🍁 Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn colors
🏡 Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s iconic hilltop estate
🏖️ Relax on the sandy beaches of Virginia Beach
🥾 Hike Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park

You've been here?

Why travel to Virginia?

Virginia rewards travelers with an exceptional mix of experiences that few American states can match. History enthusiasts will find themselves walking in the footsteps of founding fathers at places like Mount Vernon and Monticello, exploring the restored 18th-century Revolutionary hotbed of Colonial Williamsburg or standing where the Civil War ended. The state's historical narrative is incredibly accessible, bringing America's story to life in ways both educational and emotionally moving. Beyond its historical treasures, Virginia's natural diversity is equally compelling. The spectacular Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking vistas of forested mountains and valleys, while the golden sands of Virginia Beach stretch for miles along the Atlantic coast. The state boasts over 300 wineries and a thriving farm-to-table culinary scene that makes dining a delight. What makes Virginia special is how these diverse experiences remain authentic rather than overly commercialized. With tourism generating $33.3 billion in visitor spending in 2023 (a 10% increase from 2022), the state clearly appeals to travelers, yet many areas still maintain their genuine character and reasonable prices compared to more expensive U.S. destinations.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Charlottesville
Historic university town known for its colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene. The campus hosts world‑class museums, a thriving food market and nearby natural parks offering hiking, kayaking and scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2 Assateague Island
This narrow barrier island connects Maryland and Delaware, featuring pristine beaches and vast dunes. Wild horses roam freely along the Atlantic shore, while historic lighthouses guide ships through shallow waters teeming with marine life.
3 Fredericksburg (Virginia)
Fredericksburg offers a blend of Civil War history and vibrant local culture. Visitors can explore preserved battlefields, walk along Main Street’s shops and restaurants and enjoy nearby wineries and scenic vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley.
4 Virginia Beach
This Atlantic coast city in Virginia features the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Oceanfront Park. While summer crowds swell the sands, visitors seeking calm should explore lesser-known neighborhoods or visit during shoulder seasons for a quieter experience.
5 Williamsburg
This historic colonial city in Virginia features charming brick streets, preserved 18th-century architecture and vibrant cultural festivals. Visitors explore George Washington's home, colonial-era museums and scenic riverfront parks that showcase American history and heritage throughout the year.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
2 Maymont
3 Williamsburg Historic District
4 Arlington National Cemetery
5 Mount Vernon Road

🎡Places for activities

1 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2 Shenandoah National Park
3 Blue Ridge Parkway
4 Appalachian Trail
5 James River

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Luray Caverns
This underground wonder features a vast limestone cavern system, glowing stalactites and stalagmites, plus an underground river. The site includes a historic entrance building and offers guided tours through its natural geological formations.
2 Great Falls Park
3 Blue Ridge Mountains
4 Chesapeake Bay
5 Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley
6 Natural Bridge of Virginia
7 Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
8 Shenandoah River

🛍️Shopping

1 Short Pump Town Center
2 Virginia Beach Town Center
3 Williamsburg Premium Outlets
4 Charlottesville and Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District
5 Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets
6 King Street–Old Town
7 Roanoke City Market

🎈Events

Virginia Wine Festival
Neptune Festival
Virginia State Fair
Historic Garden Week
Norfolk Harborfest
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show
Richmond Folk Festival
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Virginia Film Festival
Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Rent a car. Public transport limited outside major cities.
Drive Blue Ridge Parkway in fall for peak foliage; book lodges early as roads get crowded.
Explore Colonial Williamsburg; immerse in 18th-century life with costumed interpreters and taverns.
Hike Shenandoah National Park's trails for waterfalls and overlooks; spot black bears at dawn or dusk.

How to travel to Virginia

Virginia is accessible through several major airports, with Washington Dulles International (IAD) being the largest, offering connections to cities across the United States and international destinations. Other significant airports include Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Richmond International (RIC) and Norfolk International (ORF). For those driving, the state is easily reached via several interstate highways, including I-95 running north-south along the eastern portion of the state, I-81 through the western valley and I-64 crossing east-west. Amtrak train service connects major Virginia cities to the national rail network, with routes from the Northeast Corridor and other regions.

Access summary

From Washington Dulles (IAD): Drive or shuttle into northern Virginia, 30–60 minutes.
From Washington, DC: Amtrak or car into northern/central Virginia, typically 1–3 hours.
From Richmond: Regional airport plus I‑95 or I‑64 drives across the state.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Virginia

Virginia offers accommodations to suit every preference and budget across its diverse regions. Historic properties are particularly noteworthy, from colonial-era inns in Williamsburg to elegant plantation homes turned B&Bs. Beach lovers will find oceanfront resorts and vacation rentals along Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore. Mountain regions offer cozy cabins and lodges, especially near Shenandoah National Park. Cities like Richmond, Norfolk and Alexandria provide everything from luxury hotels to boutique properties. For nature enthusiasts, campgrounds and glamping sites are abundant in state and national parks. Prices vary seasonally, with beach properties being most expensive during summer and mountain accommodations commanding premium rates during fall foliage season.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square Hotel

9.0

Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill

8.8

Phoenix Park Hotel

9.1

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

8.5

Melrose Georgetown Hotel

8.6

The Watergate Hotel

8.5

Washington Plaza Hotel

8.8

Wingate by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport

8.7

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Virginia

Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way to explore Virginia, especially if you plan to visit multiple regions or rural attractions. The state is well-connected by major interstates including I-95, I-64 and I-81, making it relatively easy to travel between cities and attractions. For scenic drives, the 105-mile Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer breathtaking mountain views. Major cities like Richmond, Norfolk and the Washington D.C. suburbs have public transportation systems, but these are limited to urban areas. Amtrak provides rail service to major cities and the Washington Metro extends into Northern Virginia.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+1 %

Daily expenses in Virginia are around 1% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£69	£173	£480
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£30	£90	£240
🍝 Food per day	£32	£75	£216
🚕 Transportation per day	£8	£7	£24

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£32
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£14
🍟 Fast food combo	£8.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£4
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.60

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£2
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£13
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£10
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£90
🤧 Cold medication	£7
💇 Basic haircut	£14

Safety information overview

General safety

Virginia is generally safe for tourists, though standard precautions should be taken in urban areas. Rural mountain roads can be challenging, especially in winter conditions. Beach areas require awareness of rip currents, particularly during storm seasons. Always check weather forecasts before outdoor activities.

Health & Medical

Healthcare facilities are widely available and of good quality throughout Virginia, with excellent hospitals in major cities and adequate clinics in rural areas. The main health concerns are heat-related during summer months and tick-borne illnesses when hiking in wooded areas.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies across Virginia. Major attractions, newer hotels and urban areas generally offer good accessibility options, while historic sites and natural areas may present challenges. National and state parks have made efforts to include accessible trails and facilities, but rugged terrain limits full accessibility.

Tap water

Tap water in Virginia is safe to drink and meets federal quality standards. Public water fountains are common in parks, attractions and government buildings. The state's abundant freshwater resources contribute to generally good-tasting municipal water throughout the region.