Top Things to do in Virginia
Top Hotels in Virginia
- 1. Best Western Plus Sandcastle Beachfront Hotel
- 2. Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach - Oceanfront
- 3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charlottesville-UVA, VA
- 4. Hampton Inn Virginia Beach-Oceanfront North
- 5. Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- 6. Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond
- 7. Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg South
- 9. The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 10. Hilton Vacation Club The Historic Powhatan Williamsburg
Countries
10 Monuments & Statues in Virginia That You Shouldn't Miss
Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Restaurants in Virginia
1. National D-Day Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 893 reviews
The National D-Day Memorial is located in Bedford, Virginia - the community suffering the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. The Memorial honors the Allied forces that participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 during World War II. With its stylized English Garden, haunting invasion tableau, and striking Victory Plaza, the Memorial stands as a powerful permanent tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day participants. The Memorial is encompassed by the names of the 4,413 Allied soldiers who died in the invasion, the most complete list of its kind anywhere in the world. Visitors can expect both an educational experience as well as an emotional one, as they walk the grounds at the Memorial and leave with a clear understanding of the scale and sacrifices made during the largest amphibious landing the world has ever seen. On June 6, 1944, 150,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which "we will accept nothing less than full victory." More than 5,000 ships and 11,000 aircraft supported the invasion, and by day's end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in France. The D-Day cost was high with more than 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded as the march across Europe to defeat Hitler began.
Reviewed By sherylphillips88 - Beltsville, United States
This was the finest World War II memorial we've ever visited--maybe the best war memorial, period. The memorial is entirely outdoors. It consists of large staged areas depicting the D-Day landing using sculptures and the ground's natural features to tell the story of that momentous mission. Plaques give the details and are fascinating, if a person wants to take time to read them. The docents on duty the day we were there are history teachers and made our experience absolutely come alive. Highly recommended.
2. George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 678 reviews
A very visible tribute to George Washington stands on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
Reviewed By mesmith14 - Winter Garden, United States
Lots of American history on display. $15 dollar admission gets you a tour as well - tours are very well done - informative but also give you time on your own to explore. Tours give you access to upper floors of the building... including a ride on the elevator which goes up on a 7.5 degree angle ... views from the observation deck are great and the deck goes all the way around the building. Wheel chair accessible. Kid friendly
3. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,412 reviews
Commonly called the "Iwo Jima Memorial," the statue is a depiction of the famous raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima and is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives defending that flag.
Reviewed By roprey - Arlington, United States
Any veteran, soldier, American, or visitor from overseas should have the USMC Memorial on their list. An 8-10 minute easy walk from the Rosslyn Metro, or tour buses stop there too. Car parking is available as well. A giant statue representing the Marines who raised the flag at Iwojima sits on a bluff overlooking all the monuments across the river. At night, its especially stunning. You are adjacent to Arlington Cemetery as well. Also a must-visit. If you happen to be there at 11 PM, you'll here the TAPS bugle from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
4. Kirkland Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
5. George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
A National Monument is the site where four generations of Washingtons lived.
Reviewed By Newport718 - Charlottesville, United States
Very much enjoyed visiting Pope's Creek, the birthplace of George Washington, and site of a rebuilt farm plantation meant to reflect what was there at the time. Beautiful grounds, and easy walking. Enthusiastic and informative staff, especially "Ranger Bill", who had what appeared to be encyclopedic knowledge of the Washington family, the times, and the plantation, and was a wonderful storyteller. Well worth a visit!
6. Bill Bojangles Robinson Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Memorial to the famous tap dancer who was a native of Richmond.
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
Bill Robinson, known as Mr Bojangles, was most famous for his tap dancing with Shirley Temple in the 1930s, but he was also an actor and singer. He was also a philanthropist and campaigner for a better deal for Afro-Americans. He lived from 1878 - 1949. His statue is just down from the Black History Museum and Cultural Centre of Virginia on the corner of Adams and West Leigh Street, an historically black area. It's a happy sculpture, worth taking a detour to see.
7. Stonewall Jackson Grave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By NRAGR
Stonewall Jackson's memorial is in the middle of this historic cemetery. While there, I watched a man suck on lemon slices and throw them into the gravesite area. There were other lemons and lemon slices lying there already in tribute to Jackson. There is a nice map as you walk into the cemetery that explains other plots of interest as well.
8. Virginia War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By K510TPkimh - Roanoke, United States
Wonderful docent volunteers offer a warm welcome. Stunning memorial -- be sure to ask for explanations, unique stories from Virginia locales with which you are familiar. Parking is free but currently a challenge -- that will resolve when the additional section of the memorial and parking garage opens. Not a far drive from Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
9. Armed Forces Memorial
10. Air Force Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 602 reviews
The AF Memorial was dedicated on October 14, 2006 to honor the men and women of the AF and its heritage organizations. It is located in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. Since its opening, it has been a place of honor and remembrance. It offers a place for the community to learn and appreciate the rich history of the AF through displays, AF Band performances, Memorial/Veterans Day commemorations and veteran-related events.
Reviewed By Huskyteer - Greater London, United Kingdom
Around ten minutes' walk from the Pentagon City metro station and shopping centre, and close to Arlington National Cemetery, this is a beautiful, thought-provoking memorial with fantastic views back over the city. It represents the 'missing man' formation in which one aircraft peels off and up from the group in memory of a fallen comrade.
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