Travel Virginia The 20 Most Beautiful Places In Virginia, According To A Local From sandy beaches to mountain summits to sparkling lakes, Virginia just seems to have it all. By Erin Gifford Erin Gifford Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoor writer based in Virginia with 20+ years of writing and editing experience. She has also written three guidebooks on hiking trails in Virginia. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on May 17, 2024 Close Take in the sunset over Cape Charles Harbor from Shanty seafood restaurant. Photo: Robbie Caponetto Virginia has soaring mountains, ocean breezes, gorgeous state parks, and more than 500 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail. When you want lake life and quaint towns, it's got that, too. In Virginia, you’ll find way more than historic settlements, like Jamestown, colonial architecture, and presidential homes. In fact, there are endless opportunities for exploration all across the Old Dominion State and all of the natural beauty within in. When you’re ready to discover for yourself the most beautiful places across Virginia, here are the 20 best places to start, as suggested by a local who’s criss-crossed the state more than a few times. 13 Weekend Getaways in Virginia for Every Type of Traveler 01 of 20 Molly's Knob Erin Gifford The Molly's Knob overlook at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion wows with one of the most breathtaking vistas in the entire state. It’s a fairly steep 1.8-mile hike (one-way) on the Molly’s Knob Trail and Molly’s Vista Trail, but the views across two of the state’s tallest mountains—Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain—are unmatched. Take a seat on one of the wooden benches at the overlook—you’ve earned it—and soak it all in. 02 of 20 Breaks Interstate Park Erin Gifford In Southwest Virginia, Breaks Interstate Park is home to the “Grand Canyon of the South,” a five-mile-long gorge cut into Pine Mountain that’s more than 1,650 feet deep. Several overlooks, including Towers Overlook and Stateline Overlook, are easy to reach and boast big south- and west-facing views across the Russell Fork River. In spring and fall, the elk viewing tours are unforgettable. 03 of 20 Chincoteague VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION/TODD WRIGHT Chincoteague, a largely unspoiled island on Virginia's Eastern Shore, has long captivated beach-goers with its small-town charm and natural beauty. Known for its wild ponies, book a kayak tour or nature cruise with Assateague Explorer to see ponies up-close at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife refuge also features miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, as well as the red-and-white striped Assateague Lighthouse. See Our Guide 04 of 20 Middleburg Courtesy Visit Loudoun Middleburg exudes a timeless charm, enchanting visitors with its scenic vineyards, rolling hills, and an abundance of green spaces in the heart of Virginia’s wine and horse country. Take a picturesque stroll across this quaint 10-block town, making stops for fashionable boutiques, craft coffee shops, and delicious restaurants, like King Street Oyster Bar. More than a half-dozen tasting rooms call Middleburg home, including Boxwood Estate Winery and Greenhill Vineyards. See Our Guide 05 of 20 Shenandoah National Park Getty Images/Pierre Leclerc Shenandoah National Park is a stunner thanks to mountain vistas, rolling green hills, and rural landscapes. Motor along the park’s 105-mile Skyline Drive, which meanders north to south across the spine of the park. More than 75 overlooks and pull-outs reward visitors with gram-worthy views, including spectacularly vibrant foliage in fall. Get in your steps on hiking trails that lead to tumbling waterfalls, summit peaks, and historic homesteads. See Our Guide 06 of 20 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Getty Images/Joe Potato Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is an oasis that captivates locals and visitors alike with more than a dozen gardens set across 50 acres. Favorite gardens include Asian Valley, which features East Asian plants and water cascades, and the Louise Cochrane Rose Garden, a spectacle with more than 1,500 rose blooms. There’s also a children’s garden and flower-lined walking paths. 07 of 20 Smith Mountain Lake Getty Images/Casey Johnson Set in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is the state’s second largest lake. It’s a paradise for water enthusiasts thanks to its calm waters and more than 500 miles of shoreline. It’s also the sparkling centerpiece of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, which has miles of hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a family campground. There are also several wineries near the lake, including Hickory Hill Vineyards and Ramulose Ridge Vineyards. 08 of 20 Grayson Highlands State Park Erin Gifford Located in Southwest Virginia, Grayson Highlands State Park wows with grassy balds, high peaks, alpine meadows, and free-roaming wild ponies. While wild ponies are the main attraction, Grayson Highlands is also known for bouldering, fishing, and hiking on the Appalachian Trail. In spring and summer, revel in the bright pink rhododendrons that line the park’s Rhododendron Trail. 09 of 20 Natural Bridge State Park Robbie Caponetto In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Natural Bridge is the namesake and centerpiece of Natural Bridge State Park. This stunning 215-foot-tall limestone arch was carved over many years by babbling Cedar Creek. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, this awe-inspiring geological formation has held a spot on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997. A stroll under the bridge yields a surprise, too. George Washington carved his initials into the arch in 1750. 10 of 20 Devil's Bathtub Erin Gifford Devil’s Bathtub is a striking crystal-clear basin that’s known for its waterfall and swimming hole, though be warned, the water is very, very cold. For the adventurous, there are two rope swings. Tucked away in Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest, the vivid blue-green pool is the reward for a two-mile hike (one-way), which includes at least a dozen stream and creek crossings. 11 of 20 Dragon's Tooth Erin Gifford Dragon's Tooth is one-third of an awe-inspiring trifecta of gram-worthy hikes on the Appalachian Trail called the Virginia Triple Crown. This scenic trio includes McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. It’s a 2.4-mile hike to reach the 35-foot-tall rock spire called Dragon’s Tooth, but it’s worth every ounce of your efforts. Enjoy the views across the Catawba Valley from the base of Dragon’s Tooth or climb to the top of the distinctive outcrop for scenic panoramas. 12 of 20 Cape Charles Take in the sunset over Cape Charles Harbor from Shanty seafood restaurant. Robbie Caponetto Set on the southern tip of the peninsula known as Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles boasts relaxing vibes and small town appeal. Come for locally-owned boutiques, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, toddler-friendly beaches with gentle waves, seafood restaurants, and scoop shops, like Brown Dog Ice Cream. Cape Charles puts on a show when the sun dips below the horizon and vibrant sunsets in shades of orange and pink paint the sky over the Chesapeake Bay. See Our Guide 13 of 20 Old Town Alexandria Cedric Angeles The once bustling port town of Old Town Alexandria evokes charm and history with every step on the cobblestone streets and red brick-lined sidewalks. Pop in and out of art galleries, coffee roasteries, antique jewelry shops, and renowned restaurants, like Vermilion and Vola’s Dockside Grill. Stroll alongside the marina at the historic waterfront or over to Jones Point Park to revel in stunning views across the Potomac River. See Our Guide 14 of 20 Roanoke Star Erin Gifford Perched high atop Mill Mountain, the Roanoke Star is the world’s largest man-made star, standing proud at 100-feet-tall. Some even call the Roanoke Star the Hollywood Sign of the East Coast. The iconic steel star has been welcoming visitors to Roanoke with open arms since late-1949. Hike or drive to the overlook for far-reaching views across the Roanoke Valley. In the evening, the super-size star lights up the night with twinkle lights. 15 of 20 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park John O'Hagan for Southern Living The Cumberland Gap, a significant and historic pass through the Appalachian Mountains, is celebrated at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This storied gateway to the west sits at the intersection of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. A winding road leads to Pinnacle Overlook, which is officially in Virginia. The overlook boasts one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the Appalachian Mountains. 16 of 20 Buggs Island Lake Getty Images/soulofages Buggs Island Lake, also known as the John H. Kerr Reservoir, straddles the Virginia-North Carolina border. It’s a serene escape known for its expansive, gentle waters. This massive reservoir features more than 800 miles of wooded shoreline, providing an ideal backdrop for camping, fishing, and boating. Nature lovers can explore numerous trails or relax in secluded coves. There are several campgrounds around the lake, as well as Occoneechee State Park, which has cabins, a campground, a boat ramp, and miles of hiking trails. 17 of 20 False Cape State Park A stone’s throw from the bustling Virginia Beach Boardwalk, False Cape State Park is among the last sections of undeveloped coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, this gem of a state park features hiking and biking trails, as well as four primitive camping areas—two on the ocean side and two on the bay side. Camp out right on the beach and wake to a glorious sunrise. Snap a photo of the gram-worthy “Southernmost Virginia State Park” buoy before you leave the raw beauty of False Cape State Park. 18 of 20 Sand Cave Erin Gifford In Southwest Virginia, Sand Cave is one of the most uniquely beautiful geological formations in the entire state. This 250-foot-wide cave was once a massive rock, but wind eroded the sandstone over many years, yielding this striking natural wonder. However, you’ll need to earn the chance to see this awe-inspiring geological formation with an acre of beach-like sand inside. It’s a nearly four-mile hike (one-way) to reach this unspoiled cave, which also has a small waterfall. 19 of 20 Great Dismal Swamp Getty Images/Wirestock In Southeast Virginia, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge features a vast, mysterious landscape. It’s home to Lake Drummond, one of two natural lakes in Virginia, as well as some of the oldest and most majestic bald cypress trees in the United States. Bring a bike to pedal 4.5 miles on the Washington Ditch Trail to reach the pier for far-reaching lake views. Adventure Kayak Tours also books guided paddles on this breathtaking freshwater lake. 20 of 20 Westmoreland State Park Erin Gifford On Virgina’s Northern Neck, Westmoreland State Park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs that tower high above the Potomac River. Bring your own watercraft or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the park for an easy-breezy paddle. After your paddle, hike the 0.6-mile (one-way) Big Meadow Trail to Fossil Beach, a sandy stretch that’s popular with budding paleontologists. More than a few visitors have dug up ancient marine fossils and shark teeth. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit