Itinerary for 7 day trip to Virginia

Virginia is a fantastic destination with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and family-friendly activities. Here’s a fun and engaging 7-day itinerary that will keep both the little ones and the adults entertained. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Virginia

Morning:

Arrive at your chosen airport (likely if you're flying into the DC area).
Pick up a rental car (essential for family travel) and head to your accommodation. Consider a family-friendly hotel or a cozy Airbnb.

Afternoon:

Settle in and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant. Try some classic Virginia cuisine, like a delicious ham biscuit or crab cakes.

Evening:

Take a leisurely stroll around the area. If you’re near Arlington, visit the . It’s a peaceful place to walk and reflect, and the kids can enjoy the open spaces.

Day 2: Washington, D.C. Day Trip

Morning:

Head into Washington, D.C. (just a short drive from Virginia). Start your day at the . The kids will love the open space to run around!
Visit the . It’s fascinating for all ages, and the kids will be amazed by the airplanes and rockets.

Afternoon:

Have lunch at a nearby café or picnic on the Mall.
After lunch, visit the . The dinosaur exhibits are always a hit with kids!

Evening:

Head back to Virginia and enjoy a family dinner at a local pizzeria or a casual dining spot.

Day 3:

Morning:

Drive to (about 1.5 hours from Northern Virginia). The scenic drive along Skyline Drive is breathtaking, especially with the winter landscape.
Stop at a visitor center to get maps and information.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a family-friendly hike. The is a short, easy hike with stunning views at the top. Perfect for little legs!
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic areas.

Evening:

Head back to your accommodation and relax. Maybe watch a family movie together to unwind after a day of adventure.

Day 4: Historic Williamsburg

Morning:

Drive to (about 2 hours from Shenandoah). This living-history museum is a fantastic way to experience 18th-century America.
Start at the Visitor Center to get a map and schedule of events.

Afternoon:

Explore the historic area, where actors in period costumes bring history to life. The kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and maybe even a blacksmith demonstration!
Have lunch at one of the taverns in the area.

Evening:

Check into a local hotel or inn. Enjoy a family dinner at a restaurant in Williamsburg, perhaps trying some traditional Southern fare.

Day 5: Jamestown and Yorktown

Morning:

Visit , the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. The kids will love the archaeological site and the museum.
Explore the nearby , which has replicas of the original ships and a Powhatan village.

Afternoon:

Head to Yorktown and visit the . It’s engaging for kids and adults alike, with outdoor exhibits and a film about the Revolution.
Have lunch in Yorktown, perhaps at a waterfront restaurant.

Evening:

Return to Williamsburg for dinner and maybe a little evening stroll around the historic area, which is beautifully lit at night.

Day 6: Richmond

Morning:

Drive to Richmond (about an hour from Williamsburg). Start your day at the , designed by Thomas Jefferson. The architecture is stunning!
Visit the , which has a great family-friendly atmosphere.

Afternoon:

Have lunch at a local café. Richmond has a vibrant food scene!
Spend the afternoon at , a beautiful estate with gardens, a petting zoo, and a nature center. The kids will love the animals!

Evening: