About Virginia

Virginia, known as the 'Old Dominion' and 'Mother of Presidents,' offers travelers a captivating blend of American history, natural beauty, and modern sophistication. History comes alive in Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed interpreters recreate 18th-century life, and at Mount Vernon, the meticulously preserved estate of George Washington. The state's scenic diversity ranges from the sun-drenched beaches of Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for hiking along the Appalachian Trail or driving the breathtaking Skyline Drive. Urban explorers will find vibrant culture in cities like Richmond, with its thriving arts scene and Civil War history, and Alexandria's charming Old Town with cobblestone streets and waterfront dining. Virginia's wine country in Loudoun County and the historic Shenandoah Valley offer pastoral escapes, while theme parks like Busch Gardens provide family fun. From the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery to the natural wonder of Luray Caverns, Virginia delivers an unforgettable journey through America's past and present.

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Travel Tips for Virginia

Getting Around

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring beyond major cities, especially for mountain and rural areas. Interstate highways (I-95, I-64, I-81) connect key regions. Public transit options include the Washington Metro serving Northern Virginia, Amtrak trains along the Northeast Corridor, and local bus systems in cities like Richmond (GRTC) and Hampton Roads (HRT). Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) are widely available in urban and suburban areas. For scenic travel, consider the Virginia Breeze intercity bus or cycling on trails like the Virginia Capital Trail. Ferries operate across the Chesapeake Bay and James River.

Best Time To Visit

April to June and September to October are ideal. Spring (April-June) offers mild weather, blooming gardens, and festivals like the Virginia Arts Festival. Fall (September-October) features spectacular foliage in the mountains, pleasant temperatures, and harvest events at wineries. Summer (July-August) is popular for beaches but can be hot and humid with crowds. Winter (December-February) is quieter with opportunities for skiing in mountain regions, but some attractions may have reduced hours.

Local Customs

Virginia is known for its Southern hospitality; polite greetings and 'please/thank you' are appreciated. Dress is generally casual but neat; upscale restaurants may require business casual attire. Tipping is customary: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping. Respect historical sites and monuments; many are considered sacred ground. Social norms are moderate; avoid controversial topics like politics in initial conversations. Outdoor etiquette includes leaving no trace in natural areas. Alcohol laws vary by county; the legal drinking age is 21.

Safety Information

Virginia is generally safe for travelers. Exercise normal precautions in cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, especially at night in less crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings in tourist spots to avoid petty theft. Driving safety is crucial: obey speed limits, be cautious on mountainous roads like Skyline Drive, and watch for wildlife. Scams are rare but be wary of overly aggressive street vendors in tourist areas. Weather-related safety is important: heed hurricane warnings on the coast (Aug-Oct) and be prepared for sudden thunderstorms in summer. Emergency alerts can be received via wireless emergency alerts (WEA) on mobile phones.

Health Information

Virginia has excellent medical facilities, including top-rated hospitals in urban areas like Inova Fairfax and VCU Medical Center. No special vaccinations are required for travel. Common health concerns include seasonal allergies (spring/fall) and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance as U.S. medical costs are high. Pharmacies are widely available. COVID-19 precautions may vary; check current guidelines. In rural areas, emergency services may have longer response times.

Languages Spoken

English

Quick Facts

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)
$

Timezone

America/New_York -05:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

Electricity

Type A, B; 120V, 60Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

8.7 million

Area

110787 km²

Government

State government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches; further divided into counties and independent cities

ISO Code

US-VA

About Virginia

Things to do in Virginia

Wildlife Boat Tour with Wild Ponies and Dolphins in Chincoteague

Exclusive Private Colonial Williamsburg Walking Tour by a Local

Chincoteague's Kayak Tour around the Islands

Historic Fredericksburg Tours in a open view 1920's Model-A Wagon

Journey Through America's Most Historic Cemetery Complex

Chocolate and Wine Pairing in Chantilly

Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond

Step in Time Inside Historic Buildings of Colonial Williamsburg

Custom Wine Tour In Black Suburban With Panoramic Sunroof

Yorktown Museum, Battlefields & Historic Area-Private Guided Tour

Alexandria Haunted Holiday Ghost Tour

Walking Tour in George Washington's Alexandria

Ghost and Pirate Tour of Old Town Alexandria

Private Mount Vernon Tour

Private Washington to Gettysburg Tour by Luxury Car

Places to visit in Virginia

Millview B&B

Percy French

Lakeview

Pledge of the Metalmen

Saint Kyrans Country House

Oldcastle House Hotel

Saxophone frog

Zip Wire

The Fincourt

Walk the Walk

Harp of Luth

Virgin Mary

Virgin Mary

Alice in Wonderland

Birchwood