Let’s Visit Virginia
- Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Virginia
- For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Virginia
Highlights
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Virginia.
- Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg) is famous for being a living-history museum where visitors can step back in time to experience 18th-century America with costumed interpreters, restored buildings, and reenactments of colonial life.
- Shenandoah National Park (Luray) is known for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the scenic Skyline Drive, and over 500 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail.
- Monticello (Charlottesville) is the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president. The UNESCO World Heritage site offers insights into Jefferson’s life, architecture, and the history of slavery.
- Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington) is one of the most famous military cemeteries in the U.S., where notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy, are buried. It’s also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon) is the historic estate of George Washington, the first U.S. president. It provides a look into Washington’s personal life and the plantation’s operations during the 18th century.
- Luray Caverns (Luray) is renowned for its impressive underground formations, including towering stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the Great Stalacpipe Organ, an instrument made from the cave’s natural formations.
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk (Virginia Beach) is famous for its long stretch of sandy beaches, bustling boardwalk, and vibrant seaside attractions, making it a top destination for beachgoers.
- Jamestown Settlement (Jamestown) is known as the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, established in 1607. The museum and historic site offer interactive exhibits and reenactments of early colonial life.
- Appomattox Court House (Appomattox) is historically significant as the site where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War.
- The Pentagon (Arlington) is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and one of the largest office buildings in the world. Visitors can take tours to learn about military history and national defense.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Discover these little-known facts about Virginia.
- Virginia Is Known as the “Mother of Presidents”
Eight U.S. presidents were born in Virginia, more than any other state, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, making it a significant place in U.S. political history. - The First English Colony in America Almost Failed
The Jamestown settlement, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English colony, but it nearly collapsed due to starvation, disease, and conflict with local Native American tribes. The settlers survived only after learning to grow tobacco. - Virginia Has Its Own “Stonehenge” Made of Foam
In Natural Bridge, Virginia, there’s a quirky roadside attraction called Foamhenge, a full-scale replica of Stonehenge made entirely of foam. It’s a fun and unusual twist on the ancient monument. - The Pentagon Has Twice as Many Bathrooms as Needed
The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, was built with twice as many bathrooms as necessary because it was constructed during segregation in the 1940s, when separate bathrooms were required for Black and white employees. - Colonial Williamsburg Hosts a Ghost Tour
Colonial Williamsburg is famous for its historic reenactments, but it’s also rumored to be haunted. The town offers ghost tours where visitors can hear spooky stories about colonial spirits and unexplained events. - Virginia Has a Law Against Tickle Torture
In Virginia, it is technically illegal to tickle a woman. Though rarely enforced, this odd law is part of the state’s long list of strange and outdated laws. - You Can Drive Through a Mountain
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia have a road called Skyline Drive, where drivers can actually pass through tunnels carved into the mountains. It’s a scenic and unique experience in the state’s beautiful landscapes. - Edgar Allan Poe Called Virginia Home
The famous writer Edgar Allan Poe spent much of his life in Richmond, Virginia. His mysterious and macabre tales, like “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” were influenced by his time in the state. - Virginia Has a Festival Dedicated to Chincoteague Ponies
Every year, the Chincoteague Pony Swim takes place, where wild ponies are herded across a channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. It’s a unique and historic event that draws thousands of visitors. - The World’s Longest Continuous Bridge-Tunnel Is in Virginia
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is the longest of its kind, stretching over 17 miles and connecting the state’s Eastern Shore to the mainland. It’s an engineering marvel and offers spectacular views of the bay.
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Virginia.
Admission to the Union
June 25, 1788 (10th)
State Capital and Government
Area and Total Population
Area: 39,490 square miles | Total Population: 8,326,000 |
Major cities and their population
City | Population |
Virginia Beach | 454,000 |
Chesapeake | 254,000 |
Arlington | 236,000 |
Norfolk | 231,000 |
Richmond | 229,000 |
Newport News | 188,000 |
Alexandria | 155,000 |
Roanoke | 97,000 |
Lynchburg | 80,000 |
Education
- Virginia Department of Education
- State Council for Higher Education for Virginia
- George Mason University. Fairfax
- University of Richmond
- University of Virginia. Charlottesville
- Virginia Tech. Blacksburg
- William and Mary University. Williamsburg
Educational Resources
Fairs and festivals
Flag
Geography
Location
Glimpses Into History
Breathtaking Landscapes
Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Virginia.
National Landmarks and Historic Sites
National Monuments
- Booker T. Washington National Monument – NPS
- Fort Monroe National Monument – NPS
- George Washington Birthplace National Monument – NPS
National and State Parks
Sports
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams
- University of Virginia Cavaliers. Charlottesville
- Virginia Commonwealth University Rams. Richmond
- Virginia Military Institute Keydets. Lexington
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Hokies. Blacksburg
State Motto
“Sic Semper Tyrannis” meaning “Thus always to tyrants.”
State Nicknames
- The Old Dominion State
- The Mother of Presidents State
State Symbols
State symbols, seals and emblems. Virginia
Seal
License Plate
State Animal
State Bird
State Flower
Tourism: Enjoy some incredible vacations
Watch a video
- Virginia (US Embassy Vienna)
- 10 best places to visit in Virginia (Touropia)
- 25 best things to do in Virginia (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 10 best places to visit in Virginia (Sky Travel)
- 17 best things to do in Arlington (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 14 best things to do in Richmond (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 10 best things to do in Virginia Beach (Anna and Karl Travel)
Weather
- Today’s weather in Arlington
- Today’s weather in Norfolk
- Today’s weather in Richmond
- Today’s weather in Virginia Beach
More Resources For The Best Things To Do
Alexandria
Arlington
Chesapeake
Lynchburg
Norfolk
Richmond
- Visit Richmond
- The Dome Planetarium
- Dominion Energy Center
- Modlin Center for Performing Arts
- Metro Richmond Zoo
- Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Roanoke
Virginia Beach
- Visit Virginia Beach
- Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center