{"id":7037583,"date":"2026-08-11T06:06:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T06:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/places-to-go-in-virginia-america-250-edition\/"},"modified":"2026-08-11T06:06:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T06:06:49","slug":"places-to-go-in-virginia-america-250-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7037583","title":{"rendered":"Places to go in Virginia (America 250 Edition)"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Summer is just around the corner. And this year, it\u2019s special! We are celebrating America 250, our nation\u2019s 250th birthday! And to experience history where it happened, I highly recommend these great places to go in Virginia.<\/p>\n

For history on a national scale, head to the area around Washington, DC. For colonial history, with some bonus Civil War history, head to Williamsburg and the Chesapeake Bay. For presidential history, Charlottesville and Virginia wine country have stories to share. And, if you want easy travel with beautiful mountain scenery, the I-81 corridor through the mountains is tops for places to go in Virginia.<\/p>\n

Did you get that pun? Mountains? Tops? Yeah\u2026 I\u2019m witty like that. <\/p>\n

Now back to the guide. I\u2019ll introduce you to my favorite historical attractions in each of these areas. Then all you have to do is pick one or more of these places to go in Virginia and your historical vacation is planned.<\/p>\n

Places to go in Virginia near Washington, DC<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before I get into places to go in Virginia near Washington, I am not including it here since it\u2019s not technically part of Virginia. Use our Planning Guide for Washington, DC with Kids<\/a><\/strong> to plan a trip there.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Where to stay near the US Capital<\/span><\/h3>\n

With so many hotels in this area, it can be hard to choose. These are my favorite hotels for families in the area \u2014 and why I like them!<\/p>\n

Homewood Suites Arlington Rosslyn<\/a>:<\/strong> Located at 1900 North Quinn Street in Arlington, this Homewood Suites is close to the Rosslyn Metro Station making it easy to explore the region by public transportation. The hotel offers spacious suites, onsite parking ($30\/day), a delicious hot breakfast, kitchen space and is walking distance to many sites like Theodore Roosevelt Island.<\/p>\n

Archer Hotel Falls Church<\/a>: <\/strong>Located at 8296 Glass Alley in Fairfax, the hotel\u2019s location in the Mosaic District provides beautiful accommodations, a spectacular breakfast (the best hotel buffet I have ever had), parking and easy access to restaurants and attractions in the neighborhood. (Read more: Mosaic District Review<\/a><\/strong>)<\/p>\n

Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria<\/a>: <\/strong>Located at 1625 King Street in Alexandria, the hotel is convenient to subway, metro and train. The rooms are well appointed, airy and comfortable. Some rates include breakfast. This is a great home base to visit historic sites in Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Quantico.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

This region is rich in history with so many places that share Virginia\u2019s and our nation\u2019s history. These are my favorite spots in this region.<\/p>\n

George Washington\u2019s Mount Vernon<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Washington\u2019s Tomb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

When considering places to go in Virginia to celebrate our nation\u2019s 250th birthday, George Washington\u2019s Mount Vernon<\/a><\/strong> might top the list. Our first president and a true statesman who put his country first, Mount Vernon shares his story, as a military leader, as president and as a husband and friend. At Mount Vernon, you\u2019ll learn about camels (of course) and can visit both Washington\u2019s burial site and the Slave Memorial.<\/p>\n

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center<\/a><\/strong> located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, near Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, VA, is home to historic air craft including private planes, military aircraft and rocket ships. The museum is open daily except Christmas. Admission is free, but parking is $15\/vehicle.<\/p>\n

George Mason\u2019s Gunston Hall<\/span><\/h3>\n
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George Mason is often considered our \u201cforgotten\u201d founding father, but he played an important role in our nation\u2019s first federal government. He was the author of the Virginia Constitution and the Virginia Declaration of Rights which formed the basis of our US Bill of Rights. <\/p>\n

George Mason struggled with the moral issues of civil rights, equality and representation. When visiting George Mason\u2019s Home, Gunston Hall<\/a><\/strong>, you\u2019ll learn about our forgotten founding father and have the chance to grapple with the societal issues that still confound us at times today. Purchase tickets online<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 ticket prices and operating hours vary seasonally.<\/p>\n

Spend a day in Old Town Alexandria<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Letters from Martha Washington at Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Alexandria, Virginia on the banks of the Potomac River was founded in 1749, a tobacco port founded by Scottish settlers. While the town has grown and modernized, it has done much to protect its architecture and history. Spend a day (or two) in Alexandria to soak in the history and ambiance that it has worked so hard to preserve. Don\u2019t miss the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum which provided medications for Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee, among others. The Spite House at 523 Queen Street is not open to the public, but is the narrowest house in America at just 7 feet wide with a super cool backstory. Lastly, enjoy shopping at the Torpedo Factory Art Center or at cute shops in the historic city center. Use our guide to the best things to do in Alexandria<\/a><\/strong> to plan your visit.<\/p>\n

Visit Quantico: The National Museum of the Marine Corps<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The National Museum of the Marine Corps<\/a><\/strong> is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy in Triangle, Virginia just off I-95 south of Alexandria. Your tour begins in the Leatherneck Gallery, which encapsulates the entire history of the USMC in one light-filled space. You\u2019ll see aircraft, military vignettes, quotes of courage and determination and other thoughtful pieces throughout this gallery. <\/p>\n

From there, you\u2019ll travel to the Making Marines Exhibit which highlights the process new Marines must go through from recruit to graduate. The museum continues with a historical exhibit that highlights each major era in USMC history and so much more. It\u2019s an amazing space, reverent and uplifting at the same time. Allow four hours to see the museum. Admission is free. The museum is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.<\/p>\n

Arlington National Cemetery<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Arlington National Cemeter<\/strong>y<\/a>, located at 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA, is a place where those who served our country with their lives are remembered. The cemetery is the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy. It\u2019s also where you\u2019ll see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the statue commemorating Iwo Jima, and many other monuments and memorials<\/a><\/strong>. I highly recommend a guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery<\/a><\/strong> to learn the history of the cemetery and stories of heroes laid to rest here.<\/p>\n

Places to go in Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Jamestowne Settlement on the shores of the James River was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, dating back to 1607. So, when looking at places to go in Virginia for America 250 celebrations, this is an obvious choice. But, this region also has a stong pirate history and played a major role in the Civil War. Today, Norfolk is an important US Naval Base.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Where to stay when visiting the Chesapeake Bay area<\/span><\/h3>\n

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites<\/a>:<\/strong> Located at 105 Visitor Center Drive in Williamsburg, this is the official hotel of Colonial Williamsburg. The hotel offers rooms that sleep five, a great splashpad and pool in the summertime, free continental breakfast and free parking. The hotel is in walking distance of everything at Colonial Williamsburg, making this an easy home base for your trip to Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown.<\/p>\n

The Landing at Hampton Marina, Tapestry Collection by Hilton<\/a>:<\/strong> Located at the marina in Hampton, Virginia at 700 Settlers Landing Road, we recommend this hotel for its premier location in Hampton. Whether going for the Blackbeard Pirate Festival or to see the historic sites throughout town, this is a great home base. The hotel offers spacious rooms, incredible views of the marina and close proximity to Fort Monroe.<\/p>\n

Hampton Inn & Suites Newport News<\/a>:<\/strong> For people who like to stay in one place for a whole vacation, this is the ideal location, about halfway between Williamsburg and Hampton, near I-64. It\u2019s a great home base with spacious suites, kitchens, an outdoor pool (seasonal), free breakfast and onsite parking ($5 daily fee). The USS Monitor Center is only a few minutes away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Colonial Williamsburg<\/span><\/h3>\n

Colonial Williamsburg<\/a><\/strong>, near the Atlantic coast, has long been one of the most popular places to go in Virginia. And, for good reason. This representative recreation of a colonial town is incredibly well done, with period actors, colonial buildings that show what life was like for people of different economic position, and all the extras: restaurants, colonial kids\u2019 games, horses and buggies and even gas lamps. Allow 2 or 3 days to fully experience all Colonial Williamsburg<\/a><\/strong> has to offer.<\/p>\n

Yorktown Battlefield<\/span><\/h3>\n

Near Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield<\/a><\/strong> in Colonial National Historic Park is home to the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. In 1768, General George Washington with American and French allies, defeated Lord Cornwallis\u2019 British Army. From that day forward, our independence was secure.<\/p>\n

At the park, there\u2019s plenty to do<\/a><\/strong> for a half day visit. Visit the battlefield visitor center to learn more about the Battle at Yorktown. Take self guided driving tours to learn more about the battle where it happened. Or, walk down \u201cMain Street\u201d in Historic Yorktown to see what life was like in colonial times.<\/p>\n

Yorktown Battlefield is part of the National Park Service.<\/p>\n

Jamestown Settlement<\/span><\/h3>\n

Explore historic Jamestown Settlement<\/a><\/strong> to learn about the earliest days of American history at our nation\u2019s first permanent settlement. See reenactments of daily life in the 17th century. Learn what life was really like for the Continental Army. Discover hardships and heroics as you learn the stories of our earliest permanent settlers, a full century before we became a country.<\/p>\n

Money Saving Tip! <\/strong>Save time and money with a combo ticket<\/a><\/strong> to everything in the Historic Triangle including five days unlimited admission to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg (does not include all extra activities), Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. (PURCHASE HERE<\/a><\/strong>)<\/p>\n

USS Monitor Center at the Mariners Museum<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Mariners Museum at 100 Museum Drive in Newport News<\/a><\/strong>, shares some of the Civil War history of this important region. The James River and the Chesapeake Bay were critical waterways during the Civil War. The USS Monitor Center\u2019s Ironclad Revolution shares the story of the USS Monitor, the CSS Virginia and the 1862 Battle of Hampton Roads. Artifacts, documents and other exhibits share the story of those people who lived through this challenging time in our history.<\/p>\n

The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $1. (<\/a><\/strong>That is not a typo.)<\/p>\n

Fort Monroe<\/span><\/h3>\n
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One of my favorite historic places to go in Virginia is Fort Monroe<\/a><\/strong> in nearby Hampton. I\u2019ve been there three times and made a detour one trip to show Rob. Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort in the United States, an absolutely remarkable structure. Named for President James Monroe, it was completed in 1834 under the supervision of Robert E. Lee. Yes, that one. <\/p>\n

During the Civil War, Virginia joined the confederate states, but Fort Monroe was Union controlled throughout the war. When Lee was ordered to take the fort, he flatly refused, saying he built it and he knew he\u2019d never be able to take it.<\/p>\n

And, during the Civil War, enslaved persons who escaped and made it to the entrance of the fort were brought inside and sheltered. Since the Confederacy considered slaves to be property, Major General Benjamin Butler declared them contraband of war and did not return them to the Confederate Army. Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned there for two years after the war ended.<\/p>\n

The Fort served the military through 1946. Walk along the top of the fort to see a pet cemetery, views of the Chesapeake Bay and even Naval ships as they come and go from Norfolk. Fort Monroe is a National Historic Landmark managed by the National Park Service.<\/p>\n

Places to go in Virginia Wine Country<\/span><\/h2>\n

This region seems large, but really, it\u2019s horse country, wine country and amazing history wherever you go. I love traveling the back roads from Charlottesville on the west to Loudoun County on the east. If you want a long, leisurely roadtrip to see historic places, this might just be the trip for you!<\/em> Because it\u2019s a wider region of the state, I don\u2019t have specific hotel recommendations to make home base. I will recommend places when I can. This section is divided by city rather than by attraction.<\/em><\/p>\n

Charlottesville, Virginia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Charlottesville is one of my favorite cities in all of the country. We almost moved here. But, I have learned to settle for frequent visits as Charlottesville is great for families<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n

The Charlottesville area was home to many of our early presidents including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. There\u2019s even more here to discover!<\/p>\n

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Visit Jefferson\u2019s Monticello in Virginia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n