Top 10 Virginia Attractions

1. Colonial Williamsburg

One of the best known Virginia attractions, Colonial Williamsburg brings to life thrilling moments in America's history.

Recreated shops of the Colonial era filled with working tradespeople, actors dressed in period costume, heritage gardens and animals, restaurants that serve specialties popular in the 1700s, event re-enactments, excellent museums, and entertainments of the time make for unforgettable experiences at this popular Virginia attraction.

2. Virginia Wine Country

There are more than 80 wineries in Virginia, and oenophiles can experience their dual attractions — vintages and vistas — from the back seat of a limo. Chauffeured wine tours lead adults from winery to winery, where they taste the best wines of Virginia in glorious settings and feast on gourmet fare.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive

You can drive some of the prettiest roadways in the country in Virginia. The state's most scenic attractions for motorists are Skyline Drive — which weaves across the crest of 195,000-acre Shenandoah National Park — and the Blue Ridge Highway at southern end of the park. Spectacular views, waterfalls, places to hike or shoot a photo are among the routes' attractions that draw visitors.

4. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

It may take a visit to Monticello to fully realize the extent of Thomas Jefferson's genius. Thinker, writer, Virginia farmer and gentleman, host, inventor, signer of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States, Jefferson was a great advocate of liberty and the separation between church and state.

A tour of his mountaintop estate — the house, gardens, and plantation are among the attractions — provides a fascinating insight into this patriot's life.

5. George Washington’s Mount Vernon

George and Martha Washington's home from their marriage in 1759 until the first president's death in 1799, Mount Vernon is another of Virginia's prime attractions. Visitors can tour inside the house and wander the four colorful gardens around its perimeter. Outbuildings include former slave quarters, the kitchen, and horse stables.

6. Alexandria’s Old Town

Across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Alexandria’s Old Town is one of those attractions that combine history and fun. Walk the cobblestone streets of this Colonial seaport and learn about the part it played in the Civil War. Do leave plenty of time to shop Alexandria’s great boutiques and enjoy a meal in one of this Virginia city's many fine restaurants.

7. Arlington National Cemetery

A haunting and somber memorial to heroes who fought in America's wars, regardless of whether they were just or indefensible, Arlington National Cemetery isn't one of those attractions that one visits for fun but to remind us of the deadly toll wars and other tragedies take on human life. Every year, more than 4 million people come to pay their respects. Arlington Cemetery also contains the gravesites of President John F. Kennedy and his brother and Robert F. Kennedy.

8. Wolf Trap

A former farm in Vienna, Virginia and now one of the state's main attractions for lovers of music, Wolf Trap in is the only National Park dedicated to the performing arts. Wolf Trap is busiest in summer and has both indoor and outdoor venues. In the latter, visitors are permitted to bring picnic fare and enjoy the scenery and the sounds.

9. Virginia Beach

Dubbed the “The World’s Longest Pleasure Beach” by the Guinness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach is pure recreation. Swim, sun, play golf, visit the Aquarium, go kayaking or whale-watching, bike alongside the water, cheer at the Virginia Beach surfing championships or its marathon — they're all part of the attractions along this stretch of coast.

10. Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Home to the battleship Wisconsin, which entered World War II combat at Iwo Jima, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk Harbor represents 225 years of Virginia's naval history.