The 10 Most Exciting Cities in Virginia

Nestled on eastern seaboard, Virginia was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. One of the original Thirteen Colonies, eight US presidents were born Virginia including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The world’s largest shipbuilding facility, naval base, and office building are all located here. In addition to countless historic sites, the state is famous for its natural landscapes, music festivals, beaches, and recreation areas. We’ve put together a travel guide to the top-10 most exciting cities in Virginia. From the capital Richmond down to the shores at Virginia Beach, from the economic dynamism in Fairfax to Roanoke in the Blue Ridge Mountains, these are the top-10 most exciting cities in Virginia.

During the US Civil War, Richmond was capital of the Confederacy, falling to Union troops under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant in April, 1865. Begin your tour in Chimborazo where you can explore Richmond National Battlefield Park. Walk along Broad Street to St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry exclaimed in 1775, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Afterwards head to Main Street where you will find the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Witness moving testimonies from Holocaust survivors who settled in the Richmond area. The nearby Edgar Allan Poe Museum displays photographs, documents, and other memorabilia from the great poet’s time spent living in Richmond. A bit further along you will come to the Virginia State Capitol, a stately colonial-style building painted a brilliant white color. Visit Monumental Church, which was built by Thomas Jefferson and where Edgar Allan Poe attended mass. From there it’s a short walk to the White House of the Confederacy. Now part of the American Civil War Museum, this is where Jefferson Davis presided over the Confederate government until forced to flee advancing Union armies. Enjoy a stroll along the banks of the James River before returning downtown for some good food and lively music. With lots to offer, Richmond tops our list of the 10 most exciting cities in Virginia.

Located near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk anchors the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, the city has long been an important military and transportation hub. A great place to start is at Town Point Park. Enjoy the harbor view, which is especially lovely at sunrise. Stretch your legs along the Elizabeth River Trail as you make your way towards Nauticus, a trendy riverside development that includes a cruise terminal. This is where you will find the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Tour the museum and explore the USS Wisconsin (BB-64), a World War II-era Iowa-class battleship. Interestingly, though now a museum, Congress has stipulated the Wisconsin must be able to quickly return to active military service should need arise. Spend time wandering the city center before heading out to either Virginia Zoological Park or Norfolk Botanical Garden. Add both to your itinerary if you have the time as they’re both great institutions. The zoo features an African exhibit with lions, elephants, and even a rhino. At the botanical garden you can wander past azaleas or over 450 different rose varieties. Finally if you’re so inclined, tour Naval Station Norfolk, which offers 45-minute guided tours around the base. No matter what your fancy, you can find a way to enjoy yourself in Norfolk. It is certainly one of Virginia’s most exciting cities.

Virginia Beach is the state’s largest city by population and known for its unspoiled beaches and long shoreline. Families can frolic in the waves or barbeque on the sands. Being rather spread out, it will help to have some form of transportation. Beach bodies should focus their attention on the resort area. Stroll along Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which runs nearly five kilometers and features a host of great restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Head north and you will find First Landing State Park, a wilderness area with hiking trails and places to canoe. Explore several exhibits relating the history of the original Jamestown settlement. Visit Cape Henry Lighthouse (actually two lighthouses) and First Landing Cross. South from the main resort area is Sandbridge Beach, a more secluded beach experience. Sandbridge features a number of beachfront hotels and condominiums with breath-taking views. For museums, pay a visit to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center to learn about local marine wildlife and habitats. Audubon lovers will dig the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Finally, art enthusiasts should head for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Virginia’s largest city is a great place for fun and recreation, which is why we think it’s absolutely one of the state’s top-10 most exciting cities.

Across the James River estuary from Norfolk is Hampton, Virginia. Like Norfolk, Hampton has strong connections to the region’s shipbuilding and military communities. This is where you will find the NASA Langley Research Center, which the agency uses for the bulk of its aeronautics and fight dynamics research. Start with a walk around Hampton University and visit Hampton University Museum. Founded in 1868, it is the oldest African American museum in the United States with a collection that includes African American fine art, as well as traditional African, Native American, and Pacific Island art. Cross Hampton River and explore the Virginia Air and Space Center. You can see the Apollo 12 Command Module and a test vehicle from NASA’s new Orion program. The nearby waterfront is a great place for a walk and to find a bite to eat. In the afternoon head out to Fort Monroe where you can tour the national monument and spend some time along the peninsula. Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe showcases the fort’s history and importance beginning in the 19^th century. Head north to Buckroe Beach and Park to enjoy kayak or paddleboat rentals or just spend time in the surf. Buckroe is a great place for a picnic or just to enjoy a bit of rest while sightseeing around Hampton. At night head downtown for a great meal and some entertainment. There’s lots on offer in Hampton, which is why it’s one of the most exciting cities in Virginia.

Most people visit Arlington while enjoying neighboring Washington, DC. Home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the US Marine Corps War Memorial, there is lots to enjoy. It’s impossible to visit Arlington without also heading into Washington DC. While we’re focused on places in Arlington proper, any sensible itinerary will take you across the Potomac River. Reaching Arlington is easiest using the DC Metro or simply by walking across Arlington Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial. This will lead you directly into Arlington National Cemetery, by far the city’s most famous and moving place to visit. Originally an estate owned by Mary Anne Custis Lee, great-granddaughter of Martha Washington and wife of Robert E. Lee, Arlington was seized in the opening weeks of the Civil War and eventually made a final resting place for the nation’s war dead. Walk the hallowed grounds and stop at John F. Kennedy’s grave on the hillside near Arlington House. Witness the moving Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Give yourself time to appreciate the enormity of Arlington and the important place it occupies in America’s national consciousness. If you head north from the cemetery, you can reach the iconic US Marine Corps War Memorial. Going south will take you to the Pentagon. As an integral link in the greater Washington DC metro area, Arlington has a good selection of nightlife and entertainment options. For us there’s no question Arlington ranks among the 10 most exciting cities in Virginia.

Like Arlington, Fairfax is part of the greater Washington DC metro area. Many families working in the District commute from Fairfax. As younger and more diverse people continue flocking to the DC metro area, they are steadily shifting Virginia’s demographic balance. Start in the Old Town Square and appreciate what, quite literally, is the epitome of Main Street, USA. Depending on when you visit, the city holds regular events in the park. Just to the north, Room Escape Fairfax is a fun place for families and kids. Enjoy deciphering the clues as you work to escape various themed rooms. Head south and tour the campus at George Mason University. Check the university’s event schedule and perhaps enjoy a public lecture or sporting event. Yet further south is Burke Lake, a 218 acre freshwater reservoir in Fairfax Station. This is a nice place for a shady stroll. North of downtown Fairfax is the NRA National Firearms Museum, located at NRA Headquarters. Museum exhibits cover the history and development of firearms and visitors can see the more than 2,500 guns on display. Finally, those interested in Civil War history will want to venture down the road to Manassas National Battlefield Park, site of the first major engagement during the Civil War. Fairfax is a nice place to stop as you’re visiting the DC area. The high residential density give it an all-American feel and ensures there are always exciting things happening.

Alexandria is set along the Potomac River south of Washington, DC. Increasingly popular for its historic architecture, Alexandria has many well-preserved 18^th- and 19^th-century buildings. Find your way to Market Square along King Street. This is the heart of Alexandria and a great place to get a sense for the town. Snap some photos in front of City Hall and the large fountain. Swing around the corner on Royal Street and visit Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, a Colonial-themed tavern with period actors and musicians. Head back to King Street where you can hunt through the various shops. Stop at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum for a tour on how this historic establishment used to concoct its famed potions and elixirs. Consider booking a guided walking tour around the city. Alexandria Colonial Tours on King Street offers several options and will help you better appreciate all the town has to offer. If you’re feeling tired, duck into a café for a coffee or tea and a bit of energy. Towards the waterfront you will find Torpedo Factory Art Center. This innovative arts space is a fun place to see work by up and coming artists. The galleries always feature something fresh and many paintings are for sale. Finally, make for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial located west of Old Town Alexandria. The neoclassical shrine dedicated to the nation’s first president has a museum and observation deck. Capitalizing on its colonial history, Alexandria is undergoing a revival. As a result there’s lots to see and do here, making it one of the 10 most exciting cities in Virginia.

Situated in the northern Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is a scenic city offering a surprising range of great attractions. Start in Old Town Winchester, the historic district centered on South Loudon Street. Explore the classic buildings and old shops. Some structures in the area date back more than 250 years. Head around the corner to Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum where you can enjoy hands-on activities relating to science and technology. This is a great place for families and kids. Across Cork Street you can see a preserved cabin that once served as General Washington’s Headquarters. A small exhibition with period artifacts relates the cabin’s history. Find your way to the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum and explore the region’s importance during pivotal moments during the war. A few blocks further north is where Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters stood when he commanded Confederate Troops in the Shenandoah Valley between 1861 and 1862. Jackson’s strategic brilliance prolonged the war and frustrated several Union armies. For some scenic enjoyment, head to Jim Barnett Park. The large outdoor recreation area features walking trails, a public pool, playgrounds, and sports fields. In the evening, wander back through downtown where you can find a range of restaurants and taverns. Enjoy a cocktail and some live music as you take a moment to appreciate life in the Shenandoah Valley. Winchester is a small town that punches above its weight. There’s a vibrancy here that makes it one of the 10 most exciting cities in Virginia.

Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia. With its young population and seasonal influx of students, there are always exciting things happening. Start your tour on the Central Campus where you will find the Academic Village and Rotunda designed by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was fond of Palladian architecture, which is evident in his design choices. Envisioned as a model academic community where students and professors would live in harmony, Jefferson, like many of America’s Founding Fathers, attached great importance to the cultivation of intellect as a noble virtue. After seeing campus, head to the Downtown Mall where you can explore the pedestrian areas filled with quaint shops and cafes. This is a great place to spend some time. Look for a café that catches your eye and enjoy a coffee or tea. If you want a bit of scenic enjoyment, press on to Riverview Park where you can stroll paths along the Rivanna River. In fall the entire Shenandoah Valley is awash in brilliant color. You will get a small taste of that here in Riverview Park. In addition to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s stately mansion and slave planation at Monticello is a must-see. Take the history tour and learn how the man who drafted the Declaration of Independence nonetheless held people in bondage and fathered children with his slaves. Jefferson’s c0ntraditions go to the very core of what it means to be American. As the country continues to wrestle with this legacy, visiting Charlottesville will give you a firsthand view to the complex realities evident in modern American life.

Roanoke is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in Southwest Virginia, Roanoke has a markedly different feel when compared to other cities on our list. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find, however, there is a lot going on in Roanoke. Start your visit at the Taubman Museum of Art. Randall Stout designed the gallery space in a modernist style with long flowing curves. The museum’s collection features more than 2,000 works from prominent 19^th- and 20^th-century American artists. Nearby, the Science Museum of Western Virginia has fun, hands-on exhibits great for people of all ages. At the Virginia Museum of Transportation you can explore a diverse collection of planes, trains, and cars. One of Roanoke’s most famous attractions is the Mill Mountain Star. Known as the “Hollywood Sign of the East Coast,” it is the world’s largest freestanding illuminated star. At night, Mill Mountain is a great vantage point from which to see the town below. As the city’s most beloved landmark, a visit to Roanoke wouldn’t be complete if you miss your chance to stop at the star. Finally, check out Explore Park where you can enjoy over 10 km of hiking and cycling trails through incredible Virginia scenery. Come explore its richness and learn why Roanoke is one of the 10 most exciting cities in Virginia.

Whether you enjoy history and culture, art and architecture, landscapes and natural wonders, or just good old-fashioned American charm, Virginia is the place for you. Cities throughout the state offer a wealth of opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. North to south, east to west, Virginia is a great state. Come find out why and visit the 10 most exciting cities in Virginia today.