Virginia Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on a memorable road trip through Virginia, and experience the best of the state's attractions from the comfort of your car! Start your journey in Dulles and drive through Front Royal, Waynesboro, Roanoke, Petersburg, Yorktown, Virginia Beach, and Annapolis. With a total distance of 1599km, this 10-day trip offers plenty of time to explore the various stops along the way. Whether you're visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, you'll be sure to enjoy the spectacular landscapes and excellent road conditions. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, this road trip will provide you with an unforgettable experience and plenty of memories to cherish. Suitable for all drivers and with a moderate budget, this Virginia road trip is the perfect way to explore the state.
10
number of days
1,599 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Dulles
Distance 1,599 km
Driving time 24.5 h
Pace: fast
479.7 kWh
Airports
IAD
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Dulles, in the US state of Virginia, is the ideal starting point for your Virginia Road Trip. Located in the Washington Metropolitan Area, Dulles is a great base for exploring the region. Its international airport, Dulles International Airport (IATA code IAD), is the closest airport to the nation’s capital, and a great way to start your journey.
Once you arrive at Dulles, you can rent a car to explore the area and all its attractions. If you’re looking for some of the most interesting sights to visit, you won’t be disappointed. The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located just outside the airport, is a must-see for any aviation enthusiast. Further afield, you can explore the Manassas National Battlefield Park, which preserves the site of two major Civil War battles, or visit the Manassas Museum System, which showcases the area’s history.
No matter what kind of attractions you’re after, Dulles is the perfect starting point for your Virginia Road Trip. With its international airport, car rental options, and a range of nearby attractions, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip.
1
Dulles
- Front Royal
Distance 89 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
26.8 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip stage that starts in Dulles and ends in Front Royal! This 55mi journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete, so you can be sure that you'll get to enjoy the most of your time in these two places.
In Dulles, you can visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a museum of the Smithsonian Institution that houses the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. You can also visit the National Air and Space Museum, which features many interactive exhibits and displays.
In Front Royal, you can explore the Skyline Caverns, a unique geological formation that features a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. You can also visit the Shenandoah National Park, which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley.
If you want to learn more about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Front Royal - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Front Royal
- Shenandoah N.P.
- Waynesboro
Distance 175 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: modest
45.4 kWh
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Welcome to the Front Royal-Waynesboro road trip! This 109mi journey will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete and will provide you with some of the most beautiful views in the Shenandoah National Park.
Starting in Front Royal, you can visit the Belle Grove Plantation, a historic house and farm that dates back to the 18th century. From there, you can drive through the Shenandoah National Park, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and explore the many hiking trails and waterfalls.
Finally, you will arrive in Waynesboro, where you can visit the P. Buckley Moss Museum and Gallery, the Wayne Theater, and the Plumb House Museum.
For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the way, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Waynesboro - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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3
Waynesboro
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Roanoke
Distance 200 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: modest
52.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip experience? Start your journey in Waynesboro, United States and travel through the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway. Take in the picturesque views of the Appalachian Mountains and enjoy the 124 miles of winding roads. With a driving time of fewer than 4 hours, you will have plenty of time to explore the area.
Along the way, make sure to visit some of the most interesting places. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can take a detour to the Appalachian Trail and the Peaks of Otter. You can also stop at the James River Visitor Center and the Blue Ridge Music Center.
End your journey in Roanoke and explore the historic downtown. Here you can find many local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Roanoke - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Roanoke
- Clarksville
Distance 329 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: fast
98.7 kWh
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Greetings road-trippers! Are you ready for the next stage of your journey? This time you'll be traveling from Roanoke, United States to Clarksville. This 204mi drive will take you fewer than 5 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore some of the most interesting places along the way.
Starting from Roanoke, you should definitely visit the Roanoke Star, the iconic symbol of the city. It's a great spot for taking pictures and admiring the skyline. After that, you can explore the Taubman Museum of Art and the nearby Mill Mountain Park.
As you drive further, you'll reach Lynchburg. Here, you'll find the Point of Honor, a beautiful historic house that was built in 1815. It's a great place to learn more about the city's history and take some amazing pictures.
The next stop should be Appomattox Court House. This is the place where the Civil War ended. You can visit the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and learn more about the history of the United States.
Finally, you'll reach Clarksville. Here, you can visit the Historic Clarksville Downtown, the Old Courthouse, and the Smith-McDowell House Museum.
This is just a brief overview of the attractions you can find along this route. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Clarksville - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Clarksville
- Petersburg
Distance 137 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
41.2 kWh
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Clarksville to Petersburg! This 85mi journey will take you less than two hours, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Your first stop should be the Dunbar Cave State Park, in Clarksville. Here you can explore the cave and its fascinating limestone formations. You can also hike the nature trails and enjoy the wildlife.
The next stop is the Historic Downtown Clarksville, where you can visit the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. This museum features an extensive collection of fine art, history, and science exhibits.
Your final destination is Petersburg, where you can explore the historic Petersburg National Battlefield. Here, you can learn about the Civil War battles that took place in the area.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Petersburg - United States - North America - Road Trip - Flickr
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6
Petersburg
- Yorktown
Distance 111 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: slow
25.4 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Petersburg, United States to Yorktown! This drive is only 69 miles long and should take you no more than 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most interesting historical sites in the area.
Start your journey in Petersburg and visit the Siege Museum and the Pamplin Historical Park. Then, make your way to Colonial Heights and explore the Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium. Next, head to Hopewell and check out the Appomattox River and the City Point National Cemetery.
Continue your journey to Yorktown, home of the famous Yorktown Battlefield. Here, you can explore the battlefields, monuments, and museums that commemorate the Revolutionary War. Before you leave, take a stroll through the Yorktown Riverwalk and enjoy the views of the York River.
Make sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey and have a great time!
Yorktown - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Yorktown
- Norfolk
- Virginia Beach
Distance 88 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
26.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting 55mi road trip through Virginia, starting in Yorktown, and ending in Virginia Beach. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore Norfolk, one of the oldest cities in the United States. In Norfolk, you can visit the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Nauticus National Maritime Center, and the Virginia Zoo.
As you continue your journey, you will arrive in Virginia Beach, a beachfront city with plenty of attractions to explore. Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, and the First Landing State Park.
The entire route should take you less than 2 hours to complete, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way. You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the Itinerary of this stage. So get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!
Virginia Beach - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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8
Virginia Beach
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge
- Annapolis
Distance 376 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: fast
112.8 kWh
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Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing road trip from Virginia Beach to Annapolis! This 234mi journey is filled with stunning views, historical sites, and plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation. Start your journey in Virginia Beach, a beautiful coastal city with plenty of activities for all ages. Visit the boardwalk, take a stroll through the parks, and explore the museums. Then, cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the bay. Spend some time in the small towns scattered along the way, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Finally, arrive in Annapolis, the capital of Maryland. Here, you can visit the United States Naval Academy, explore the historic district, and take in the beauty of the harbor. Don't forget to take a few moments to relax and enjoy the scenery. With a driving time of fewer than 5 hours, you'll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the sights. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Virginia Beach to Annapolis!
Annapolis - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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9
Annapolis
- Washington D.C.
Distance 50 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
15.1 kWh
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Are you ready for a fun and exciting road trip? Starting in Annapolis, United States, you will be heading to Washington D.C., a mere 31 miles away. The drive should take less than an hour, so get ready to explore the sights and sounds of two of the most interesting cities in the US!
In Annapolis, the US Naval Academy, a historic landmark, is a must-see. Stroll through the grounds and admire the impressive architecture and monuments. The Maryland State House, the oldest in continuous legislative use in the US, is another must-see, as is the Annapolis City Dock, a great spot for sightseeing and photographs.
In Washington D.C., you will be able to experience the nation’s capital in all its glory. Be sure to visit the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. The Smithsonian Institution Museums are also a must-see, with a great variety of art, history, and science exhibits.
For a more complete experience, make sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!
Washington D.C. - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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10
Washington D.C.
- Dulles
Distance 44 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
13.1 kWh
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Are you looking for an amazing road trip experience that starts in Washington D.C. and ends in Dulles? Look no further! This 27mi trip will take you less than an hour to complete, and there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way.
Start your journey in Washington D.C. and make sure to visit the iconic landmarks such as the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. Don't forget to check out the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Zoo.
When you reach Dulles, make sure to explore the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, which is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. You can also visit the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, which houses a wide variety of aircraft and spacecraft.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great road trip!
Dulles
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The final destination of the Virginia Road Trip is Dulles, a town in the United States. Dulles is known for its history and attractions, making it a great place to end your road trip. Dulles is home to many historic monuments, such as the Aviary at the National Air and Space Museum, which is a great way to learn about the history of aviation. There are also many outdoor activities available, such as the Dulles Golf Center, which is a great place to practice your golf skills.
For those who want to experience the local culture, there are plenty of restaurants, galleries, and shops to explore. The downtown area is full of unique boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. There are also plenty of museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of aviation.
For those looking for a convenient way to travel to Dulles, the closest international airport is Washington Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD). It is located just a few minutes away from Dulles, making it an ideal place to end your road trip.
Dulles is a great place to end your Virginia Road Trip. With its historic monuments, outdoor activities, local culture, and convenient airport, Dulles is sure to be a great place to end your journey.
Virginia Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Dulles
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End:
Dulles
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Distance:
1,599 km
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Stay:
10 days
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Getting there:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an immersive 10-day Road Trip spanning approximately 1599 kilometers through the picturesque landscapes of Virginia. Starting from Dulles International Airport, your journey will take you through enchanting towns and cities, rich with a tapestry of attractions best explored by car. This Virginia Road Trip is a perfect amalgamation of natural splendor, profound history, and diverse cultural experiences.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Dulles: Set out on your Virginia adventure, considering a visit to the nearby Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
- Front Royal: Known as the northern gateway to Shenandoah National Park, this town offers access to the majestic Skyline Drive, offering 105 miles of stunning vistas along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Waynesboro: This city serves as a gateway to the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, often referred to as `America's Favorite Drive,` which features breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Roanoke: Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is famous for the illuminated Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain and its rich railRoad history, showcased at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
- Petersburg: A treasure trove of Civil War history, Petersburg boasts of historic battlefields and sites like the Petersburg National Battlefield, interpreting the longest siege in American history.
- Yorktown: Immerse yourself in American Revolutionary history with a visit to historic battlefields, museums, and the picturesque Yorktown waterfront, part of the Historic Triangle alongside Williamsburg and Jamestown.
- Virginia Beach: Enjoy the expansive sandy beaches, the lively Boardwalk, and the tranquil First Landing State Park, which marks the first English settlers' arrival in 1607.
- Annapolis: Step into a city brimming with historic maritime charm, home to the United States Naval Academy and a rich colonial heritage, exemplified by its well-preserved 18th-century architecture.
Best Time to Go:
While this Road Trip can be relished any time of the year, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather conditions and vibrant natural foliage, making for an idyllic driving experience.
Potential Risks:
- Be prepared for erratic weather, which can be particularly changeable in the mountainous regions.
- Expect potential traffic congestion when approaching and exploring major tourist destinations, especially during peak seasons.
- Stay alert for wildlife crossings, especially in rural and forested stretches of your journey.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- A moderate budget should suffice for this Trip, with a mix of accommodations and dining options available.
- The Road Trip caters to a variety of interests, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs.
- Virginia's Roads are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
- Virginia is home to over 280 wineries and numerous wine trails, making it ideal for indulging in wine tastings and vineyard tours.
A good choice for:
This Virginia Road Trip offers an exemplary opportunity to delve into the state's vivid landscapes, significant historical sites, and rich cultural offerings. With something to captivate every type of traveler, the journey promises a memorable exploration of Virginia's heart and soul.
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