7-Day Virginia Itinerary

Theme: A mix of scenic drives, colonial history, mountain landscapes, and coastal getaways across Virginia.

Best Time to Visit: Fall (September-October) for stunning Blue Ridge Mountain foliage or Spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming flowers.

Day 1: Arrive in Richmond & Explore

Fly into Richmond International Airport (RIC).

Top Things to Do in Richmond:

Visit the Virginia State Capitol – Designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Tour the American Civil War Museum.

Walk Along the James River & Explore Belle Isle.

Dinner at ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque.

Overnight in Richmond.

Day 2: Colonial Williamsburg & Jamestown

Drive from Richmond to Williamsburg (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Colonial Williamsburg:

Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg – A Living History Museum.

Explore Jamestown Settlement – America's First Permanent English Colony.

Visit the Governor's Palace.

Dinner at The Trellis – Famous for Its "Death by Chocolate" Cake.

Overnight in Williamsburg.

Day 3: Virginia Beach – Coastal Escape

Drive from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Virginia Beach:

Relax on the Beach & Walk the Famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Try Fresh Seafood at Waterman's – Known for Their Orange Crush Cocktails!

Optional: Go Kayaking at First Landing State Park.

Check Out the Cape Henry Lighthouse – The First U.S. Lighthouse (1792).

Overnight in Virginia Beach.

Day 4: Drive to Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive

Drive from Virginia Beach to Shenandoah National Park (3.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park:

Drive Skyline Drive – One of America's Most Scenic Roads.

Hike to Stony Man or Hawksbill Mountain for Epic Views.

Look for Black Bears, Deer & Other Wildlife.

Catch Sunset at Thorofare Mountain Overlook.

Overnight in Luray or within Shenandoah National Park.

Day 5: Blue Ridge Mountains & Charlottesville

Drive from Shenandoah to Charlottesville (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Charlottesville:

Tour Monticello – Thomas Jefferson's Estate.

Visit a Local Winery on the Monticello Wine Trail.

Walk Around the Historic University of Virginia Campus.

Dinner at The Local – Farm-to-Table Dining.

Overnight in Charlottesville.

Day 6: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway & Explore Roanoke

Drive from Charlottesville to Roanoke via the Blue Ridge Parkway (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Roanoke:

Hike to McAfee Knob – One of the Most Iconic Views on the Appalachian Trail.

Visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

Try Craft Beer at Big Lick Brewing Company.

See the Roanoke Star at Night – The Largest Freestanding Star in the World!

Overnight in Roanoke.

Day 7: Drive Back to Richmond & Depart

Drive from Roanoke to Richmond (3 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Explore Natural Bridge State Park – A Stunning Rock Formation.

Stop in Lexington to See the Virginia Military Institute & Stonewall Jackson's Grave.

Fly out of Richmond (RIC).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 16-20 hours of scenic driving across Virginia.