10 Free Things to Do in VA

Virginia is a beautiful state with plenty of wonderful things to do and see. From its picturesque mountain views to its historic towns and bustling cities, Virginia has something to offer for every type of traveler. And even better, many of these attractions are completely free. Here are 10 free things to do in VA that are sure to make your vacation to Virginia a memorable one.

Explore Historic Sites

Virginia is full of historic sites that are free to explore. From Civil War battlefields to historic homes and monuments, there is plenty to see and learn about the state’s rich history. One of the most popular places is the Manassas National Battlefield Park, where visitors can learn about the two battles that took place there during the Civil War. There are also several monuments to explore, including the Washington Monument in Richmond and the Stonewall Jackson Monument in Charlottesville.

For those interested in the state’s colonial history, there are several colonial sites to explore, such as the Jamestown Settlement and the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. Here, visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the everyday lives of the colonists who lived in the area.

Finally, there are several Revolutionary War sites in Virginia, including the Yorktown Battlefield and the Richmond National Battlefield Park. Exploring these sites is a great way to get an insight into the important role that Virginia played in the American Revolution.

Visit National Parks and Forests

Virginia is home to several national parks and forests, which are great for anyone looking for a bit of outdoor adventure. The Shenandoah National Park is a particularly popular destination, where visitors can hike, bike, and camp. There are also several scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are also popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, visitors can explore miles of trails, rivers, and streams, and even go fishing, camping, and bird watching.

Finally, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Visitors can explore the refuge’s beaches, marshes, and forests and get up close and personal with some of the area’s native wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and dolphins.

Enjoy Virginia’s Beaches

Virginia is home to a number of beautiful beaches, many of which are free to visit. The most popular beach is Virginia Beach, which attracts millions of visitors each year. Here, visitors can enjoy miles of white sand, beautiful sunsets, and plenty of activities, including surfing, kayaking, and fishing.

Other popular beaches include Chincoteague Beach, which is located in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and the Sandbridge Beach, which is known for its pristine sandy beaches and tranquil atmosphere.

Finally, there are several beaches located along the Chesapeake Bay, such as the First Landing State Park and the Chesapeake Beach. Here, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the bay and plenty of activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Explore Virginia’s Museums and Art Galleries

Virginia is home to a number of museums and art galleries, many of which are free to visit. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the most popular museums, featuring an impressive collection of art from around the world. Other popular museums include the Virginia Historical Society, which offers a look at the state’s history, and the Jamestown Settlement, which explores the history of the first English settlement in the New World.

For those interested in art, there are several galleries to explore, such as the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, which features works from local artists, and the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, which features an impressive collection of European and American art.

Finally, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. is only a short drive away, and visitors can enjoy a variety of art from around the world.

Take a Tour of Virginia’s Wineries

Virginia is home to a number of wineries, many of which offer free tours and tastings. One of the most popular wineries is the Veritas Vineyard and Winery, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, visitors can explore the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. Other popular wineries include the King Family Vineyards in Crozet, which offers tastings of its award-winning wines, and the Barboursville Vineyards in Orange, which offers tours and tastings of its award-winning wines.

The Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville is also a great place to visit, as it offers a variety of tours and tastings, as well as a scenic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Finally, the Rockbridge Vineyards in Raphine is a great place to visit for a relaxing day of wine tasting and sightseeing.

Take a Tour of Virginia’s Breweries

Virginia is home to a number of breweries, many of which offer free tours and tastings. A great place to start is the Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Roseland, which offers tours of its brewery and tastings of its award-winning beers.

The Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond is another popular destination, as it offers tours of its brewery and tastings of its wide range of beers. The Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton is also a great place to visit, as it offers tours and tastings of its craft beers.

Finally, the Three Notch’d Brewing Company in Charlottesville is a great place to visit for a fun and informative brewery tour.

Take a Stroll Through Virginia’s Gardens

Virginia is home to a number of beautiful gardens, many of which are free to visit. One of the most popular gardens is the Monticello Garden in Charlottesville, which features stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a variety of plants and flowers. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond is also a great place to visit, as it offers a variety of flowering plants and trees.

The Chantilly Gardens in Chantilly is another popular destination, as it features several acres of gardens, including a Japanese Garden and a Rose Garden. The Norfolk Botanical Garden in Norfolk is also a great destination, as it offers visitors a chance to explore its wildlife habitats, gardens, and trails.

Finally, the Virginia Beach Botanical Garden is a great place to explore, as it features a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as several trails and a butterfly garden.

Take a Tour of Virginia’s Historic Homes

Virginia is home to a number of historic homes, many of which are free to explore. One of the most popular is the Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, which is known as one of the best examples of neoclassical architecture in the United States.

The James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange is also a great place to visit, as it offers tours of the historic home and its grounds. The Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg is another popular destination, as it offers visitors a chance to explore its gardens and learn about its history.

Finally, the Lee-Fendall House Museum in Alexandria is a great place to visit, as it provides an insight into the history of the area and its inhabitants.

Take a Tour of Virginia’s Historic Towns

Virginia is home to a number of historic towns, many of which are free to explore. One of the most popular is the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area in Williamsburg, which offers visitors a chance to explore its historic buildings and learn about the everyday lives of the area’s colonists.

The Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria is also a great place to explore, as it offers visitors a chance to explore its historic buildings and learn about its history. The Historic Occoquan in Occoquan is another popular destination, as it offers visitors a chance to explore its quaint streets and shops.

Finally, the Town of Luray in Luray is a great place to visit, as it offers visitors a chance to explore its historic buildings and learn about the town’s history.

Enjoy Virginia’s Festivals and Events

Virginia is home to a number of festivals and events, many of which are free to attend. One of the most popular is the Virginia Highlands Festival held in Abingdon each July, which features a variety of music, art, and food. The Richmond Folk Festival held in Richmond each October is also a great event to attend, as it features a variety of live music, food, and arts and crafts.

The Norfolk Harborfest held in Norfolk each June is also a great event to attend, as it features a variety of live music, food, and entertainment. The Appalachian Festival of the Arts held in Abingdon each April is also a great event to attend, as it features a variety of art, music, and food.

Finally, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show held in Virginia Beach each August is a great event to attend, as it features a variety of art, food, and entertainment.

Summary

Virginia is a beautiful state that has plenty of free attractions to explore. From its historic sites and national parks to its beaches, wineries, and breweries, there is plenty to do and see in Virginia. Additionally, visitors can explore its museums and art galleries, take a stroll through its gardens, tour its historic homes and towns, or attend its festivals and events.

No matter what type of traveler you are, Virginia has something to offer for everyone. So, start planning your trip and explore all that Virginia has to offer.