Best of Virginia: 22 must-see places to visit this year

A new year means new adventures, and there’s plenty of fun to be found close to home in 2022. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront escape, a historical retreat, or a day trip to a quaint small town, Virginia has no lack of options. We’ve rounded up some of the area’s top attractions for 2022, a mix of familiar favorites and hidden gems. 

Few places in the world are more beautiful than Virginia in the fall, when leaf peepers can behold rainbow-colored views at Shenandoah National Park. But autumn’s not the only time this national park is worth the visit; guests can enjoy 100 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and back-country camping year-round. 

From sandy beaches to marshes to wildflowers, every inch of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is covered in pure, unfiltered beauty. Among the most unforgettable parts of this Virginia hot spot? The wild ponies that roam freely. 

There are several caverns hidden throughout Virginia, but Luray boasts the coveted title of being not only the largest, but also the most frequented. Like other caverns, Luray has soaring stone formations made of calcite, a crystalline form of limestone. But what makes this cave truly special is its working Stalacpipe Organ, which uses stalactites to create a haunting, musical tone. 

Take in views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains as you hike along the 7 miles of hiking trails that wind through scenic Natural Bridge State Park. And of course, no trip to this park would be complete without a walk under its namesake; the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge. 

There’s something for everyone on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, with 3 miles of entertainment, outdoor restaurants, and shopping. While you’re there, snap a picture with King Neptune, the 34-foot tall bronze statue that beckons beach-goers. 

This town of Wytheville, hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has museums, outdoor excursions, and a vibrant downtown. It’s also home to the Chautauqua Festival, an 8-day arts and musical celebration that draws visitors from around the region to enjoy art displays, live entertainment, and hot air balloons. Wytheville is also the center of Claw of the Dragon, a driving trail beloved by motorcyclists for its scenic views and winding curves. 

There’s plenty of main street magic to be found in Culpeper, once named by Architectural Digest as “the prettiest town in Virginia.” Stroll around downtown as you peruse local wares at one of the many boutiques or nosh on fresh fare at a farm-to-table restaurant. Want something a bit more active? Head to Lake Pelham, where you can kayak or paddle board. 

Onancock may have a small population (about 1,100) but don’t let that fool you—this waterfront gem has lots to offer. Take a walking tour of historic 19th-century homes and churches, or watch a show at the North Street Playhouse. When you get hungry, stop by Mallards at the Wharf, where you can enjoy mouthwatering crab cakes and a waterfront view. 

Stepping through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg is like taking a time machine back to the 18th century. Discover original buildings, talk to costumed reenactors, and learn a new skill from a tradesperson as you explore the mile-long historic area.

Among the city’s many popular spots is the majestic Governor’s Palace, home to royal governors and the first 2 elected governors in Virginia.

Immerse yourself in the life of our first president with a trip to his sprawling Mount Vernon estate, which features a 21-room mansion, 4 gardens, and a farm. And be sure to check the calendar before you go: The estate regularly holds events, including festivals, historical reenactments, and concerts. 

Thomas Jefferson took more than 40 years to get Monticello exactly how he wanted it, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. The hilltop estate is an architectural marvel, with guests allowed to tour the first-floor spaces as well as the extensive grounds. Not only does Monticello offer vast insight into one of the nation’s founding fathers, but it also takes care to highlight the hundreds of slaves who labored and lived there. 

There are 2 lighthouses dotting the coastline at Cape Henry; the original Cape Henry Lighthouse built in 1792, and its black-and-white successor, which was built in 1881. The original structure—one of the oldest lighthouses still standing in the United States—is open to the public and offers 360-degree coastal views. 

It may look like a big empty plain now, but a couple of hundred years ago, Manassas National Battlefield was the site of 2 important Civil War battles. Guided walking tours and exhibits at the Henry Hill Visitors Center and the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center bring the history to life. 

Take a horse-drawn carriage past the house of Stonewall Jackson or explore the final resting place of Civil War soldiers and Virginia governors at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Also of interest in Lexington: the University Chapel and Galleries at Washington & Lee University. 

The former home of James Monroe reexamines what we know (or don’t know) about our fifth president, looking at his political life, slavery, and the greater story of America during the early 19th century. 

Keep your eyes down as you traverse the 1.25-mile-long Canal Walk, with 22 bronze medallions embedded in the path to mark historical sites. 

Allot a good amount of time to fully appreciate the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which includes nearly 50,000 pieces from all over the world. In addition to a robust permanent collection, this April, the museum will feature a traveling exhibit of works by artists such as James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Mary Cassatt, and John Singer Sargent in the “Whistler to Cassatt: American Painters in France” exhibit. 

Virginia has no lack of wineries, but if you want to enjoy a glass of award-winning vino while watching polo, King Family Vineyards is the place to do it (be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol). On Sundays from Memorial Day to mid-October, guests can watch a free polo match at Roseland Farm, which sits on the Vineyard property. And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, take a polo lesson!

While a trip to space may not be in the cards for you anytime soon, you can get pretty close at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, with thousands of aviation and space artifacts. This year, new exhibits include “America by Air,” a look back at the history of air travel.  

If you haven’t made it to England to see Stonehenge, this may be the next best thing. Created by artist Mark Cline as a roadside attraction for Cox Farms, Foamhenge is an exact replica of its English counterpart, except made out of foam. 

The power of preservation is on full display at the Isle of Wight County Museum, keeper of the world’s oldest ham. While samples aren’t available, visitors can enjoy learning about the Smithfield ham industry, as well as interactive exhibits and displays depicting colonial history, the Civil War, and the Cold War. 

Edgar Allan Poe may be associated with horror and macabre, but his museum is anything but scary. Located in his hometown of Richmond, the Poe Museum showcases rare manuscripts, letters, and pictures that celebrate the writer’s life and works. Whether or not you see a raven, however, depends on your luck. 

Betsy Abraham is a freelance journalist with a passion for writing about unique places and people.