Virginia - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Virginia was the first of the original 13 colonies, as well as the birthplace of 8 US presidents. Not surprisingly, it wears its long history with pride. With many a cobbled street lined with trees and red-brick buildings, every house here seems to have a story to tell. You’ll also find plenty of county fairs and folk festivals held throughout the year.

This is all not to say that Virginia is a state that’s entirely locked in the past. Its largest city – Virginia Beach – is a popular summer destination, with modern hotels lining its sandy shore. Further inland, you’ll find an impressive choice of rollercoasters and waterparks to entertain those seeking an alternate to the state’s many historical sites.

Top destinations in Virginia

Where will you go next?

Arlington
Arlington, just across the Potomac River from Washington DC and the White House, draws many to its mix of history, a lively cultural scene, and the beautiful outdoors. The city is well endowed with green spaces, and the Potomac Overlook...
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a historic city in Virginia that played a major role in the American Revolution and offers a living...
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach benefits from a stellar position on beautiful Chesapeake Bay, where the waves roll in from the Atlantic and...

What to see & do in Virginia

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Best Family Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is an appealing vacation destination loaded with family-friendly activities. The unbroken coastline, soft sand and Atlantic surf provide an appealing backdrop for a family beach vacation. The focal point of this beach town is its long pleasure beach, but...
10 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a vibrant coastal city in southeastern Virginia which caters to year-round visitors. The oceanfront destination is rich...
10 Best Things to Do in Arlington, Virginia
Some of the best things to do in Arlington highlight the USA’s military history in the form of government buildings,...
10 Must-See Small Towns in Virginia
Virginia serves up a rich tableau of small-town life to explore, from charming communities nestled in the Shenandoah Valley to...
10 Best Beaches near Virginia Beach
Bustling Virginia Beach is one of the top spots for sun lovers on America’s Atlantic seaboard. Tucked away in the...
10 Best Couples Getaways in Virginia
Couples’ getaways in Virginia offer majestic natural landscapes, enchanting towns, and centuries of historical richness. From al fresco dining on...
10 Things to Do in Virginia Beach on a Small Budget
The list of budget things to do in Virginia Beach is surprisingly long, thanks to the range of attractions available...
10 Most Interesting Battlefields in Virginia
The most interesting battlefields in Virginia are steeped in history and are home to some of the iconic sites in...
10 Best Things to Do in Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA, is known as a historical attraction and offers living history museums, ancient indigenous sites, arts and crafts demonstrations,...

Where & what to eat in Virginia

10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Arlington
Arlington might be widely known for its American military history, but there is a diverse selection of local restaurants that are just a few minutes from the nation's capital. Most of the city’s dining is centered on the Clarendon and...
10 Great Restaurants in Virginia Beach
Great restaurants in Virginia Beach are famous for their homegrown hospitality and heart, with local restaurateurs and chefs taking enormous pride in their local produce. Expect to sample fresh seafood – think raw oysters, she-crab soup and crab cakes –...

Where to shop & what to buy in Virginia

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Virginia Beach
This guide to the best shopping locations in Virginia Beach includes some of the city’s most exciting shopping malls, quirky creative districts, and fun beachfront boardwalk stores. Virginia Beach is a coastal city with a lively beach resort town atmosphere...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a historic city where you'll find all sorts of varied shopping opportunities both within its historic district and on the outskirts of town. Even within Colonial Williamsburg and the 18th-century buildings, you'll find several distinct shops offering high-end...

Where to go & what to do at night in Virginia

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a town rich in history and filled with a wide range of attractions, scenic views, and mysteries that make this charming area a marvelous place to explore. When you visit the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown,...
10 Best Nightlife in Arlington
When it comes to nightlife in Arlington, there are plenty of options to choose from. Families can watch unique performances...
10 Best Nightlife Districts in Virginia Beach
The coastal city of Virginia Beach is a late-night playground for those who love some post-sunset revelry. Whether you choose...

Useful information

Virginia Beach Travel Essentials
Our Virginia Beach Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Virginia, USA. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to my hotel? What currency and type...
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