Virginia stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. It is one of the country’s most historic and scenic States. Some of its leading attractions are located along the Potomac River: Arlington National Cemetery, with the grave of John F Kennedy; Old Town Alexandria; and Mount Vernon, George Washington’s country estate. Driving trails link more than 250 Civil War sites across Virginia. Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy in the Civil War, has many fine old buildings and cultural options. Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown (the birthplace of the USA) are three of its most historic sites, situated further east. Shenandoah Valley, with its caverns, waterfalls and popular resorts, is to the west. Other attractions include Virginia Beach, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Luray Caverns, Cumberland Gap and Great Falls Park. Norfolk is an important Atlantic seaport and home to the world’s largest naval base. Viriginia boasts nearly 60 wineries offering tastings and tours.

Virginia is home to a myriad of parks, memorials and historic sites, which pervade every region of the state. In the northwest the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains bring over five million visitors every year to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park. This area along with that surrounding the Allegheny Mountains, in the southwest, supply visitors with a view of rural Virginia. The Appalachian Trail also leads through this region. Central Virginia is known as the piedmont area, as it lies between the coastal and mountainous regions of the state. This region is known for its rural character epitomized by historic plantations, civil war sites and white fences containing horse pastures. Coastal Virginia is lined on the east with wide sandy beaches, natural harbors and the Chesapeake Bay.

Recreation in Virginia varies per region. The coast provides the ocean and several harbors for water-oriented activities such as sailing, fishing, swimming and crabbing. Viewing historic sites and scenery as well as road and mountain biking and hiking are popular in the piedmont of Virginia. The mountains present opportunities for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, scenic driving and fishing.