Iconic places to visit in Virginia in the summertime

Virginia may not be the first place you might think of for a summer vacation but you would be hard-pressed if you said you were bored should you pay a visit to the Old Dominion State.

Yes, the summer months can be a wonderful time in Virginia even though the temperature and humidity are high there's plenty to keep you entertained.

Whether you live or plan to take a summer destination break, Virginia should be on your list.

From barbecues, national parks, biking trails, a butterfly garden or two, hiking trails, long walks on the sandy beach, various day trips as well as road trips, there are many attractions here so get ready for fun summer months in Virginia.

There's also plenty of rich history and American history in Virginia too to keep you busy and your mind active when visiting here in the summer months.

1. Carter Mountain Orchard (Charlottesville)

Have fun picking fresh fruit straight from the trees at Carter Mountain Orchard. This charming spot has wonderful summer peaches you will love. The Mountain Grill on-site serves lunch and you may enjoy delicious homemade peach products including pies, donuts, and cider to take home.

2. Sandbridge

Sandbridge is on Virginia Beach's southern shore and a great place if you don't want to fight the crowds. Explore the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge and local shops, restaurants, and beautiful accommodations nearby. Surfing is also here if you want to hit the waves while vacationing.

3. Lake Anna (Spotsylvania)

With around 200 miles of shoreline, Lake Anna is the third-largest lake in Virginia. It's surrounded by a state park and has lots of beautifully-maintained walking and hiking trails. The lake measures nearly 13,000 acres and is great for sailing, water skiing, boating, and, swimming.

4. Sharp Top Mountain

The iconic, sharp-looking peak, Sharp Top Mountain can be witnessed from the viewpoint of milepost 86 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Exploring, the Sharp Top Trail a 3.6-mile hike will pack in over 1,500 feet in elevation gain. 

5. Caledon State Park (King George)

In addition to its colorful wildflowers, Caledon State Park is known for being one of the largest homes of the American bald eagle on the East Coast. Much of the marsh and shoreline are closed to protect them; however, the visitors center offers tours and there are nearby picnic areas where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings.

6. Tangier Island

Located approximately 12 miles from the Bay, Tangier Island is a remote location most accessible by boat. You'll love discovering why this spot is considered the soft shell crab capital of the country. People are friendly, the beaches are spectacular, and the food is freshly-caught. All this makes for the perfect summer day trip destination, especially when also stopping at the cream shops to grab a scoop and cool off. 

7. The Omni Homestead Resort (Hot Springs)

The Omni Homestead Resort is a historic and iconic hotel that you can visit and enjoy its many outdoor features perfect for summertime. There's a waterpark, golf course, natural hot springs, and hiking trails to see as well as many ways to relax with spa treatments for the mind, body, and soul.

8. Busch Gardens Williamsburg

If you haven't visited the "World's Most Beautiful Theme Park," it's high time that changed. The theme of this park is Europe, and visitors can enjoy exploring Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France, and England without ever having to go outside of Virginia. It's a place that's sure to impress children and adults alike.

9. Shenandoah Caverns (Quicksburg)

When it's hot outside, head to the caverns where they are always 56 degrees no matter what the outside temperature is. This cavern system is made up of 17 "rooms" with remarkable rock formations. Some of the main attractions include Diamond Cascade, Grotto of the Gods, and Beyond the Veil. The Shenandoah Caverns are well-lit, sometimes with colorful lights to show this underground world.

10. Martinsville Speedway

Love motorsports? The Martinsville Speedway site opened in 1947 as a dirt race track and was first included in the NASCAR season in 1948. The track is a little over 1/2 a mile, one of the shortest in the Sprint Cup Circuit. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and stop in to get tickets for the next event.

Source: onlyinyourstate.com

Northern Virginia Things to Do

Are you booking a trip to Arlington? Check these out below.

11. Arlington National Cemetery

ANC covers 624 acres of land and has over 400,000 graves of soldiers dating to the Civil War. This national cemetery was established on the grounds of Arlington House, which was Robert E. Lee’s old estate. Some notable graves you can visit are President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, Glenn Miller, and Anita McGee.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial in the cemetery, represents all the unnamed soldiers lost in battle. The tomb has been continuously guarded since July 2, 1937. There is a changing of the guard every half hour in the summer an hour in the daylight, and every two hours at night, regardless of weather conditions.

12. See a Show at the Signature Theatre 

This Tony Award-winning theatre opened in 1990 and presents contemporary and classical plays and musicals. It is the home of artists who are creating new works of musical theatre. Check out the performance schedule to see if there is a show during your visit to Arlington.

13. Netherlands Carillon

The beautiful bells of this carillon were donated to the United States by the people of the Netherlands in 1954, to thank the United States for its aid in World War II. It is adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and surrounding the carillon are walking paths, two lion sculptures, and thousands of tulips. The 50-bell carillon plays “Westminster Chimes” on the hour and special songs at noon and 6 p.m. It is open daily.

14. Pentagon Tour

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. This pentagonal building is the largest low-rise office building in the world. You can take a guided tour, lasting about 1 hour and covering 1.5 miles inside the building. The tour includes information about the different branches of the military and an opportunity to see the Hall of Heroes, an indoor memorial near the crash site of September 11, and other military displays. Note: that you need to book your tour at least two weeks in advance.

15. Skate at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex

This two-rink ice sports center is where the Capitals hockey team practice and has two NHL-sized locker rooms, a Capitals gift shop, public skating hours, kids and adult hockey leagues, and skating camps throughout the year. 

16. Theodore Roosevelt Island Park

The 88.5-acre island park is in the middle of the Potomac River and has several miles of walking trails to enjoy. See different types of wildlife that live on the island and visit the memorial to President Roosevelt.

Also makes for a great place to go and get out of the city, enjoy a nice picnic, and relax in nature. Though the island is technically part of Washington, DC, the only way to access it from land is on the Virginia side.

17. Gravelly Point Park

Gravelly Point Park’s proximity to Reagan National Airport makes it a great stop for kids or aviation enthusiasts. Watch planes take off and land as they go over your head. Right on the Potomac River, this park is a nice option to go for a walk on the paved paths, take in the fresh air, have a picnic, and let the kids run around and play. It is one of the best things to do in Arlington for families and nature lovers.

Source: virginiatraveltips.com

18. Splash Valley Water Park at Green Ridge Recreation Center

Fun features include a bowl slide, flume slide, starter slide for the young bunch, fountains, lazy river, leisure pool, and a zero-entry area perfect for kids.

Children two and under are free, and there are often daily specials. Concessions are available.

Source: visitroanokeva.com

As you can see the state of Virginia has all sorts of things to do and see to keep you busy during your summer vacation in this exciting place that's clearly for more than just lovers!