Best Family Weekend Destinations in Virginia

Virginia's family destinations range from Colonial Williamsburg's costumed history to Shenandoah's wildlife viewing to Virginia Beach's ocean and waterparks.

Colonial Williamsburg
For families interested in history — the costumed interpreters bring 18th-century colonial life alive. Children can learn to make baskets, try period foods at the King's Arms Tavern, watch the fife and drum corps, and participate in the Colonial Kids experience. The adjacent Busch Gardens Williamsburg (one of the most beautifully landscaped theme parks in the US, with top-10 roller coasters) and Water Country USA add a thrill dimension. Allow 3 days for the full Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown).

Virginia Beach
Ocean swimming, the 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (350,000-gallon shark tank, harbor seal exhibits, a 40-foot tunnel through the water), and the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum. The Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval station) boat tours give a defense-oriented family experience. The Back Bay NWR has accessible wildlife hiking for families.

Shenandoah National Park
Family-friendly wildlife viewing: the park has the highest density of white-tailed deer in the eastern US, black bears are commonly seen, and the wildflower displays in April-May and fall foliage in October are spectacular. The Story of the Forest Trail at the Byrd Visitor Center (milepost 51) is stroller-accessible. Bearfence Mountain (1.2 miles round trip, scrambling) is a family favorite.

Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge)
A 215-foot-high, 90-foot-wide natural limestone arch — one of the geological wonders of Virginia, described by Thomas Jefferson (who owned it) as "the most sublime of Nature's works." The Cedar Creek Trail under the arch continues to Lace Falls (a 50-foot cascade). The adjacent Virginia Safari Park (drive-through wildlife with 1,000+ animals) is a major family attraction.

Luray Caverns (Luray)
The largest cavern system in the eastern US — the Luray Caverns Stalacpipe Organ (the world's largest musical instrument — stalactites are tuned to specific musical pitches and struck by rubber-tipped plungers to produce music) is the centerpiece. The cave tour is 1.25 miles; year-round 54°F temperature.