Top Summer Destinations to Visit in Virginia This Year

Virginia is an appealing place to explore any time of year, but the warm summer temperatures make it easier than ever to immerse yourself in the incredible scenery of this state. Plenty of destinations across Virginia see large crowds of summer visitors. To help ensure you see the best of what the state has to offer, let’s look at some of Virginia’s most spectacular summer getaway destinations.

Norfolk is a charming city located on the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay. This waterfront city has world-class museums, a gorgeous botanical garden, and excellent theaters and live entertainment venues. Norfolk is a busy destination in the summer, particularly as a hub for boaters, who fill the city’s winding waterways with watercraft of all sizes. And the renowned Norfolk Harborfest, the largest free maritime festival in the U.S., takes place there every summer.

Virginia Beach is one of the busier summer destinations on the East Coast. This coastal city, just a 20-minute drive from Norfolk, is along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. While already Virginia’s biggest city, summer sees even more crowds head to Virginia Beach for its large sandy beaches, renowned aquarium, and delicious dining destinations. The Oceanfront is the hub of the city just steps away from the ocean. This district houses many of its top shops, restaurants, and lodging options.

Luray is a unique summer destination located just 90 miles west of Washington, D.C. in the Shenandoah Valley. This small town is famous for the Luray Caverns, a vast network of underground caves with incredible geologic formations. Also, Luray is just minutes from the famed Shenandoah National Park, where hiking through thick forests, wetlands, and mountains is ideal in summer’s warm weather.

Chincoteague, a town that encompasses the entirety of Chincoteague Island, is a one-of-a-kind summer destination. Situated on Chincoteague Bay and just steps from the Atlantic, this picturesque community has pleasant beaches and a small-town charm. Many flock to this area to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which has a rugged, untamed landscape and wild horses that roam along the water. Visitors can stay at one of the island’s appealing resorts or hotels and enjoy Chincoteague’s delicious eateries.

Winchester, near Virginia’s border with Maryland, is another charming community surrounded by gorgeous mountains and forests in the Shenandoah Valley. Old Town Winchester houses many of the town’s renowned restaurants and museums. It holds a fascinating Civil War history and contains many preserved buildings from its past. Located near the Appalachian Trail, Winchester is also a popular destination among hiking enthusiasts.

Roanoke, home to around 100,000, combines urban attractions with incredible natural scenery in Virginia’s well-known Blue Ridge Mountains. The city’s incredible mountain views include the famous Roanoke Star, a giant man-made star that shines down from the top of Mill Mountain. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent the many trails and parks within the Roanoke Valley Greenway network, particularly those of the Roanoke River Greenway. For those who prefer to spend their time indoors, Roanoke offers high-quality museums and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.