Travel 1 vacation

The great thing about Virginia is how many options there are when it comes to family travel. As cliche as it sounds, there really is something for everyone. These 10 ideas for a family vacation are just the tip of the iceberg, and we know you have some great ideas yourself. Go ahead and leave a comment with your favorite Virginia vacation memory. Who knows? You may inspire someone else!

— THE BEACH —

The Resort Life – Here, visitors can “live the life” along the iconic three-mile oceanfront boardwalk lined with hotels, museums, bars, restaurants and shops. There’s always live entertainment, too.

The Island Life – Virginia Beach’s southern shore, Sandbridge, offers a secluded island-like environment full of breathtaking views bordering the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, along with local shops, restaurants and outdoor outfitters.

The Bay Life – For a quieter beach vacation, the Chesapeake Bay Beach is preferred for its tranquility along the scenic, calm and shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

Virginia Beach Resort Boardwalk

— THE LAKE —

The Largest Lake – John H. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake in Clarksville is more than 50, 000 acres of fresh water and 800+ miles of shoreline. Two state parks border it, and it’s been dubbed by In-Fisherman magazine.

The Second Largest Lake – Many believe Smith Mountain Lake is the largest in Virginia, but alas, it only boasts 500 miles of shoreline and spans three counties. Choose from a range of accommodations and find water sport rentals easily available.

The Third Largest Lake – Lake Anna is bordered by Lake Anna State Park on its north side, has 200 miles of shoreline and encompasses 13, 000 acres of water surface.

Smith Mountain Lake from Sans Souci B&B

— THE MOUNTAINS —

Spend some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway or in Shenandoah National Park. Many trails lead you to beautiful outcroppings, waterfalls, historic ruins, and other special places. The Appalachian Trail courses through them both, so pick up a leg and walk for a while. To say you’ve even step foot on the AT gives you the right to brag.

Mountain Experiences to Consider:

Hiking at Raven’s Roost on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

— THE BAY —

The Chesapeake Bay is vast and approachable from many river and coastal points. Fishermen love the Bay for its blue crab, Spanish mackerel and croaker. However, it’s the revitalization of Virginia oysters along the Chesapeake Bay that many seafood lovers relish. Exploring the Bay on land is a big adventure. Learn more about Virginia’s maritime history in places like Irvington, home of the Steamboat Era Museum, or watch the bald eagles soar above the Potomac River at Caledon State Park in King George. From the Eastern Shore, ferry out to Tangier Island for an entirely different perspective of Chesapeake Bay life.

Tangier Island

— THE CAMPING —

Will it be bayside campsites at Cherrystone on the Eastern Shore, oceanfront campsites at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, or perhaps wooded campsites at Sherando Lake in the Shenandoah Valley? There are many places to pitch your tent and you can do it primitively or glamorously, if you wish. Pull your tag-along into a KOA like Williamsburg or another fantastic family campground. The memories of camping (good or bad) will last forever.