15 Best Weekend Getaways in Virginia, According to Locals

Virginia’s mountains, beaches, and bustling cities are ideal for short weekend trips.

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Virginia, you know its residents are deeply passionate about their state — whether they’re cheering on the Hokies or ‘Hoos, sharing their favorite hiking spots, or giving a highly detailed explanation of the merits of Virginia ham. It’s the kind of place that gets in your blood, quietly demanding you to return time and time again to experience more of its magic.

“It’s not just the activities, dining, and accommodations in Virginia that bring visitors to the area,” explains Kate Barlow Clark, director of Capital Artist Collective. “The environment and natural beauty of this state are what visitors should most look forward to when planning their trip. From the marshy wetlands of the Eastern Shore to the highlands of the Allegheny Mountains, there is so much that Virginia offers in terms of outdoor enjoyment.”

Given Virginia’s variety of landscapes and terrain, it has an impressive number of places that qualify as perfect weekend getaways. Mohsin Kazmi, photographer and resident naturalist at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, likens it to a “miniature version of California,” as the state “boasts beaches, valleys, rivers, and mountains all within a four-hour driving distance.” No matter where you go, though, be sure to arrive open-minded, excited, and prepared to engage in conversation. “Virginians are a friendly lot, and the best way to explore a new place, I’ve found, is to head to breakfast, sit at a countertop, and chat with the locals,” says Dee Hall, farmer-florist at Mermaid City Flowers in Norfolk.

To help plan your next trip to the Commonwealth, we polled a few locals to get their advice on the best weekend getaways in Virginia. Read on to discover their favorites.

Related: 10 Best Places to Live in Virginia, According to Real Estate Experts

Middleburg

“If you’re looking to visit somewhere that feels small-town and slightly English in its architecture and landscape, this is your place,” says Clark. Middleburg is only about an hour from Washington, D.C., but it has all the fixings for a countryside getaway. “My ideal day in Middleburg would be to check into a lovely hotel, sleep in, get breakfast in bed, stroll out and enjoy some midday shopping, get a bite to eat at the Market Salamander, visit a local winery, and then end the day with a cozy meal at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern,” she adds.

Richmond

Hall describes Richmond, the capital of Virginia, as both “historic and modern,” and she says it’s this juxtaposition that makes it such an incredible city. There’s plenty to do to keep you busy over a long weekend, but she suggests shopping on Broad Street, stopping by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), and stretching your legs at Brown’s Island. “Dinner at Can Can would make the weekend all that much better.”

Damascus

Avid hikers may know Damascus as “Trail Town USA.” “The town welcomes thousands of Appalachian Trail hikers every year,” says Kazmi. It’s also an intersection for the Virginia Creeper Trail, Iron Mountain Trail, and the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route, among others. Even if you’re not lacing up your hiking boots, Damascus is a great place to explore. “Small-town hospitality truly permeates throughout Main Street, where you can shop for outdoor gear, apparel, and regionally specific gifts,” he says. While there, he recommends checking out Appalachian Heritage Distillery, Mt. Rogers Outfitters, and Mojo’s Trailside Cafe & Coffee.

Sperryville

Sperryville may be small with a population under 300, but it’s ideal for a weekend getaway filled with hiking, relaxing, and amazing food and wine. Start your day exploring nearby Shenandoah National Park, and return to Main Street to fill up at local spots like Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen, the Corner Store, and Three Blacksmiths. As far as accommodations, you can’t go wrong with Blue Rock, located just down the road.

Alexandria

“Alexandria is a great weekend add-on if you’re visiting D.C. There’s lots to see and do, and it has a lovely waterfront and historic district,” says Hall. Old Town, the historic neighborhood Hall references, is known for cobblestone streets, 18th-century town houses, and more than 200 independently owned restaurants and shops. Spend your days walking along King Street and admiring the architecture — and if you’re staying overnight, Hall recommends The Alexandrian.

Bristol

Bristol, Virginia, is the twin city of Bristol, Tennessee. “You can even stand on the dividing line to be in both states at once,” says Kazmi. While in town, visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and explore State Street’s restaurants, bars, and shops. Kazmi also recommends planning your visit around the Rhythm & Roots Reunion, which, as he says, is “a local music festival that hosts thousands of visitors each year.” Just be sure to leave time to check out The Tasting Room at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, where, he notes, “you can get away from the crowds while taking a tour of the vineyard or partaking in a wine flight.”

Lexington

Lexington is a small Virginia city with more than a few selling points. For starters, it’s home to both Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The Shenandoah Valley college town also offers ample opportunities to explore the surrounding mountains, and its downtown has top-tier restaurants, boutiques, and accommodations. For a bit of history mixed in with your visit, stay at The Georges, a 33-room property spread across four buildings on Main Street.

Eastern Shore of Virginia

For what Clark describes as an “extremely unique and wild destination for a weekend getaway,” make your way to the Eastern Shore. “The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a peninsula with lots of marshes, refuges, parks, and preserved land,” she says. Seventy miles in length, the area includes destinations like Onancock, Tangier Island, and Cape Charles. “Cape Charles is at the southernmost part of the peninsula, [and] perhaps where I would call my home base for the weekend,” says Clark, who also recommends driving to the Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo, the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve, and Chincoteague to see the wild ponies. One thing you absolutely cannot miss? The seafood. “Enjoy fresh oysters, clams, or crabs when they are in season,” she adds.

Roanoke

If you want a city escape without the D.C. traffic, opt for a destination like Roanoke. “I recently took a trip to Roanoke and was surprised by the revival and vibrancy of the city,” says Hall. It’s the kind of destination with something for every type of traveler, including museums, hiking, paddling, biking, and shopping. The Historic Roanoke City Market is particularly noteworthy, as it’s the oldest operating open-air market in the state.

Charlottesville

For wine, good food, and amazing scenery, look no further than the Charlottesville area. “This region is quickly earning a name for itself as a renowned viticultural area,” says Clark, who recommends Chiswell Farm & Winery, Veritas, Afton Mountain Vineyards, and Septenary — all within driving distance of downtown Charlottesville. Charlottesville is certainly a year-round destination, but Hall says it’s especially beautiful in the fall: “Rolling hills, gorgeous foliage, [and] its proximity to Shenandoah National Park, plus Virginia's brewery and winery trail, make it perfect for a fall weekend getaway.” It’s also incredibly easy to get to from a few major U.S. cities. “If you are visiting from Washington, D.C. or New York City, you can take the Amtrak and arrive right in downtown Charlottesville; it’s a pretty ride and extremely convenient for a weekend trip,” notes Clark.

Meadows of Dan

Mountain luxury awaits travelers in Meadows of Dan. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the census-designated place is where you’ll find Primland, an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. There’s certainly no wrong way to experience the five-star resort — cozy up in one of the property’s tree houses, play a round of golf, explore the hiking trails and ATV paths, or simply spend hours taking in the breathtaking views.

Hampton Roads

“The thing that makes Hampton Roads one of the best is the water. Everywhere you turn, there is water and a different way to access it,” says Hall. Made up of seven cities — Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk — Hampton Roads has more than enough to do to keep you busy for a weekend. “My favorite things to do in this area include visiting Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Chrysler Museum of Art, [and] First Landing State Park, and have oysters at The Atlantic on Pacific,” she says.

Williamsburg

It may be known for its top-rated college and colonial ties, but Williamsburg has grown into a multifaceted destination with something for travelers of all ages. Strolling along Duke of Gloucester Street is a must — stopping for lunch at The Cheese Shop, of course — as is a drive down Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile stretch connecting Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. If it’s a special occasion, treat yourself to a spa day at the Williamsburg Inn, one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite resorts in the South.

Abingdon

“Just off I-81 sits Abingdon, Virginia, a truly one-of-a-kind small town with a vibrant local food and arts scene,” says Kazmi. While you can certainly visit for just a weekend — frequenting places like Jack’s 128 Pecan, Zephyr Antiques, Sweetbay Brewing Co., and William King Museum of Art — he shares that “most travelers opt to stay in the area for three days or more.” It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy climbing, hiking, or biking.

Alleghany Highlands

“This place is particularly special to my family and surely one of those ‘hidden gem’ sort of regions that not even every Virginia resident will visit, let alone too many out-of-state visitors,” says Clark. It’s an area known for its outdoor pursuits — including hiking, mountain, biking, and fishing — and general peace and quiet. “There are no interstate highways, minimal traffic lights, and it's a place where the journey to your destination is just as awe-inspiring as the destination itself,” she adds. For an extra luxurious getaway, Clark recommends the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.

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