What to do and see in Virginia, United States: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

May 16, 2022 Almeta Stockton

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. Arlington National Cemetery

Entrance at Arlington Memorial Bridge, Arlington, VA 22211 +1 877-907-8585 http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 9,443 reviews

Arlington National Cemetery

Veterans of every American war from the Revolution to the country's most recent conflicts are buried at Arlington, which was officially declared a military cemetery in 1864. Among the more than 260,000 dead are three unidentified service members, buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and John F. Kennedy, whose gravesite is marked by an eternal flame.

Reviewed By Bill8071 - Lakewood Ranch, United States

No one can visit Arlington National Cemetery without realizing you are paying respect to many many fallen heroes. Every where you go you are reminded of the events, and the heroes involved, that changed the course of history of the United States. There is the tomb of the unknown soldier that is one of the most reverent sites there. The changing of the guard ceremony is done with a solemn precision that adds dignity and respect to the fallen soldier Don’t visit Arlington without watching the changing of the guard. You will also see memorials to those who perished in our space program. You will see a special section dedicated to those who served on the Supreme Court. You’ll see the grave sites of civil rights leaders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for the African Americans. You’ll see generals buried next to privates and both will have nothing more than the simple, but elegant, grave marker provided by the government. From President Kennedy’s grave site, and the eternal flame, you will look up and see the home of General Robert E Lee and you will turn around and see the majestic view of Washington DC and the United States Capital building. The tour guides are excellent. You can do self guided but be ready for some serious hill climbing. We chose the tram and are glad we did. The guides point out many of the grave markers that are historical in our lifetime as well as some from fallen times before us. The tour also includes a visit to the Marine memorial which is a bronze statue of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. The memorial is huge and surrounded with pictures and history. One of the most beautiful monuments I have ever seen. When you visit, give yourself plenty of time to just stand at certain sites and reflect on men and events. The changing of the guard ceremony takes at least 30 minutes of your time. The Iwo Jima memorial another 30 minutes, and just walking around all the other sections and reflecting will consume s couple hours. Give a half a day minimum to your visit. With the many funerals they have there every day you will probably see a caisson and horses that are mounted by impeccably dressed soldiers moving thru the cemetery going to or coming from a burial. It’s just a beautiful, perfectly manicured, cemetery.

2. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 +1 757-336-6122 [email protected] http://www.piping-plover.org/chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge
Excellent
81%
Good
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Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 3,050 reviews

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Uncrowded wildlife refuge managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Reviewed By LouPerti81662

Rode our bikes through the park enjoy the loop through the wildlife area once the lighthouse got some nice pictures of the lighthouse Road bikes back towards the beach and really enjoyed the cleanliness of the beach area. Highly recommend

3. The Mariners' Museum & Park

100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606-3757 +1 757-596-2222 [email protected] http://www.marinersmuseum.org/
Excellent
81%
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5.0 based on 911 reviews

The Mariners' Museum & Park

The Mariners' Museum, America's National Maritime Museum, includes the USS Monitor Center, home to the Civil War Ironclad's iconic gun turret. The Museum has over 35,000 maritime artifacts, including ship models, paintings and small craft. Located on a 550-acre park, they also feature a 5-mile hiking trail and paddleboat rentals. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Museum galleries are temporarily closed but we remain committed to bringing you fascinating stories from our Collection. Many favorite lecture series and family-friendly programs are being offered virtually for free, and we invite you to connect online with us. In addition, our Park and the Noland Trail are open and free to the public. We apologize for any inconvenience, and wish you good health until we can safely reopen our galleries.

Reviewed By TravelNut12309 - Newport News, United States

There is more to see here than than can fit in a day. The Monitor-Merrimack exhibit is top-notch, with Monitor wreck artifacts dredged up off the North Carolina coast undergoing restoration and, when ready, being installed inside the building in the equivalent location as a parallel outdoor mockup of the exterior. The international small craft building is fascinating, the intricate ship models can occupy you for hours, plus there is a full-scale, many-room exhibit of the history of mankind’s endeavors in the world’s seas. This is a must-see complement to the other maritime sights of Tidewater Virginia, like the Hampton Roads boat tours. Special thanks to the gentle, informative, highly-motivated volunteer docents who enliven the Monitor-Merrimack exhibition.

4. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

200 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220-4007 +1 804-340-1400 [email protected] http://vmfa.museum/
Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 3,074 reviews

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

VMFA Arts is a top comprehensive US art museum with more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. The Wall Street Journal recently stated that VMFA is now a "two day museum."

Reviewed By W2125VMdeborahg

This is a great way to spend some free time. The building is amazing, entrance is free unless you want in a special exhibit and there’s loads to see for free. The surrounding gardens are very pretty with lots of water features. I highly recommend the Furniture and Tiffany collection as well as the Faberge collection, as well as the multiple other different types of art collections. Even the food in the cafe is reasonable and tasty. We did pay for the Napoleon Exhibit and it was definitely worth the price of admission $12 per person. Only negative was poor signage for parking, we never did find the on site parking, ended up parking on street a few blocks away both times we visited.

5. Military Aviation Museum

1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457-1542 +1 757-721-7767 [email protected] http://www.militaryaviationmuseum.org
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 1,316 reviews

Military Aviation Museum

World War One and Two aircraft THAT STILL FLY are the heart of this unique museum. 40,000 guests each year travel from all over the world to see our aircraft, especially during our major events and airshows. Come see why the Military Aviation Museum is one of the top attractions in all of Virginia Beach! Take a flight in an open cockpit biplane for a once in a lifetime experience, and learn about the heroes of the first fifty years of military aviation.

Reviewed By PABuckeyeFans - Fort Myers, United States

Check out the Jetrtasic Park sculpture garden. Great for kids. Toured the Navy Hangar, Army Harbor, RAF Goxhill Tower, WWI Hangar, Fighter Factory and Cottbus German Hangaar. Has a great gift shop. Service volunteers do the tours with lot's of details and experience.

6. Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185 +1 800-823-3779 http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry-jamestown.asp
Excellent
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5.0 based on 663 reviews

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

Reviewed By kellydM575DY

A short (15ish minute) ferry ride across the James River affords a unique, from the water view of the Jamestown settlement much as it must have looked to settlers to the new world.

7. Historic Jamestowne

1368 Colonial Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 +1 757-856-1250 [email protected] http://www.historicjamestowne.org/
Excellent
76%
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4.5 based on 5,335 reviews

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery. The site is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.

Reviewed By Seabiscuit47 - Washington DC, United States

This was a pleasant and educational surprise. It is well worth the short walk from the visitor center to the ruins, archeological dig and museum. The interpretive introduction by the volunteer, in character as John Rolfe was both fascinating and humorous. The archeology museum is a wonderful source of artifacts and reconstruction of 17th century life in the settlement. The small restaurant onsite serve nice sandwiches/wraps and has a patio on the banks of the river.

8. Colonial Williamsburg

101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4565 +1 855-392-8473 [email protected] http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/#utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=business_listing
Excellent
67%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 12,204 reviews

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America. This isn't just a place where things once happened. They're happening, right now, here in the 18th century. We're the place where the idea of our country is being born; the place where the ideals we stand for as Americans are being defined. We are the 18th century "live," filled with the stories of the women, men, and children—free and enslaved—whose values and visions gave us a new world. Step back in time and meet the people who made America—sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, this is your place.

Reviewed By 511lindam - Chapel Hill, United States

We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge and loved everything about it! Williamsburg is great fun and I would recommend a multi day pass to explore all of Colonial Williamsburg!! Overall just a great place to visit for all ages!!

9. Monticello

931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902-7148 +1 434-984-9800 http://www.monticello.org
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 6,916 reviews

Monticello

Monticello and its many historical rooms, gadgets, furniture, buildings, and artifacts tell us a lot about Thomas Jefferson, the president who built it and lived there.

Reviewed By jayrandall24 - Westerville, United States

My wife and I were more than pleasantly surprised by our visit here today. It was more than just a tour of a big house! It was a whole lesson on a life of a man, his passions, his family, his successes and his failures. It was a lesson on slavery and racism. We were amazed by the tour guides there, including Don, Lou and the woman who did the slavery tour (can’t remember her name) :( They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and friendly! It was a real eye opener and more than worth the time! We recommend it highly!!

10. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228-4700 +1 804-262-9887 [email protected] http://www.lewisginter.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,589 reviews

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

With something for all ages and interests, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a place to learn about plants, to marvel at nature, to relax in a beautiful setting, to take gardening classes, or to have a wedding or a business meeting. A wide variety of experiences are offered through its diverse gardens and facilities. No wonder Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is consistently one of the most-visited attractions in the Richmond, Va., area.

Reviewed By Wendybeth16 - Washington DC, United States

...and magic is in the garden during the holiday light festival. The garden is ablaze with lights during the holiday event. This is truly an event all ages can enjoy, For the children: a special garden, a lighted maze, hot chocolate, a fireplace for making s'mores, a train exhibit (look for the visiting alien space ship.) and pigs that fly. The youngsters were having a blast! The paths winding through the garden lead to lovely views whether lights reflected in the waterways or looking down on the decorations from elevated viewing spots (think a tree house of sorts for exploration) or lighted sculptures. Birds, balloons, space exploration, and, yes, even flying pigs bring the "magic in the air" theme to life. Don't forget to visit the library - home to the train exhibit, theme trees and on my visit, a holiday bell/carol program. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera. Good photo opportunities abound. There is a cafe (as well as the tea house restaurant) and hot drinks and snacks in the children:s garden - and an impressive gift shop. Trails are stroller and wheelchair friendly. Lights are on from 5 to 10 pm.There is a fee; ample parking. The garden was voted the #2 holiday light display of its kind in the nation and rightly so. A magnificent display. Highly recommended - this is a holiday event the whole family will enjoy and likely will want to make a yearly tradition. Don't miss it!

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