You’re bound to suss out history and culture on any road trip in Virginia. Head to Northern Virginia to hear about one of the great American love stories, that of President George and Martha Washington, and view their grave sites side by side at Mount Vernon. On another sunny afternoon, visit Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of two mighty battles where tall grasses now sway and learn how Confederate Stonewall Jackson got his nickname. 

Virginia is for History Lovers

With a heritage that traces back to the arrival of British settlers in 1607, Virginia is a melting pot of cultures and creeds. Ancestors from diverse backgrounds gathered on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to start a new life, whether planned or unscripted.  

Today, you can see where the longest continuous experience of African-American life and culture began in the United States. Across the state there is a collection of traditional sites that now offer interpretations on the lives of the enslaved. At Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson, guided and self-guided tours explore slavery during Jefferson’s lifetime. See recreated slave quarters, artifacts, and learn about the life of Sally Hemings, one of the most famous and least known African-American women in U.S. history.  

Now, turn back the clock to the worlds of Powhatan, Monacan and Cherokee tribes, African slaves, European settlers and religious sects, and prepare to jump into the history that is Virginia.

History Comes Alive

Hit the Historic Triangle and uncover three heritage sites: the world’s largest living history museum at Colonial Williamsburg; Historic Jamestown for archaeological walking tours; and Yorktown, for a glimpse into the colonial past. Tour the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for outdoor living history or take a historic city tour via Segway.

At Arlington National Cemetery, America’s most hallowed ground, hear the lone bugle call held daily during the Taps Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Kids can meet the animals and learn about farming at Mount Vernon.

Landmarks and Battlefields

Choose a private historian-led tour, a self-guided tour or get fit via a hike on a historic trail from the National Park Service that operates a slew of places. 

Take a gentle 90-minute self-guided walking tour of Fort Monroe, “Freedom’s Fort,” which is the largest stone fort in the United States.

For Civil War reflections, the Virginia Civil Wars Trail incorporates hundreds of Civil War sites using a bugle sign.

Music ’n’ Writers ’n’ Aircraft

Unwind with tunes touring the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, and stop by the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol.

Visit the home of poet and civil rights activist Anne Spencer’s House and Garden Museum in Lynchburg.

At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum see the Space Shuttle Discovery and Air France Concorde.

TRAVEL PLANNER

Follow Covid-19 rules and protocols and check the destination prior to your visit. For more travel information see Virginia.org/canada