📍The Best Places to Visit in Virginia (Month-by-Month Guide)

Virginia truly shows off in every season from cozy winter weekends to beach days, cherry blossoms, and peak fall foliage. If you’re wondering when to plan your trips around the state, here’s the ultimate month-by-month guide to the best places to visit in Virginia and why each one shines.

January: Charlottesville

January is made for slow mornings and scenic drives, and Charlottesville delivers. Spend your days tucked into cozy wineries, touring Monticello, and strolling the historic Downtown Mall for window shopping and warm drinks. You’ll still get those iconic Blue Ridge views, just without peak tourist crowds.

February: Alexandria (Old Town)

Old Town Alexandria is effortlessly romantic this time of year. Think brick-lined streets, historic row homes, waterfront walks along the Potomac, and candlelit dinners at incredible restaurants. Add boutique hotels and you’ve got the perfect winter getaway.

March: Richmond

Spring starts waking up in Richmond. Cherry blossoms bloom at Hollywood Cemetery, tulips pop off at Agecroft Hall, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden starts showing off color everywhere. Pair that with historic architecture and a seriously good food scene, and it’s one of the best early-spring destinations in the state.

April: Staunton

Wander through its historic downtown filled with architecture, indie bookstores, and cozy cafés. Catch a performance at the American Shakespeare Center and soak in all the charming spring energy.

May: Great Falls Park + Leesburg

May is prime time for outdoor exploring. Great Falls Park is roaring with dramatic waterfall views along the Potomac, and the weather is perfect for hiking. Then head to Leesburg for its historic downtown, boutique shops, and nearby wineries before summer heat really kicks in.

June: Yorktown

Early summer in Yorktown is ideal. Temperatures are perfect for waterfront strolls, and the town’s Revolutionary War history and preserved architecture make it feel like living inside a history book. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of character.

July: Cape Charles

Cape Charles is the ultimate charming coastal escape. Calm, swimmable bay water makes beach days easy, sunsets are unreal, and the historic district is walkable with cute shops and cafés. It feels like a slower, sweeter version of a classic beach town.

August: Smith Mountain Lake

August is lake life at its peak. Swimming, boating, tubing, and long golden sunset evenings on the water make Smith Mountain Lake the go-to summer destination. It’s relaxed, scenic, and perfect for unplugging.

September: Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach in September is a secret sweet spot. Crowds thin out, the water is at its warmest, dolphins are often spotted offshore, and accommodations are easier to snag and more affordable. It’s still full summer vibes, just calmer.

October: Blue Ridge Mountains & Roanoke

Fall absolutely explodes here. Peak foliage, scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, cider stops, breweries, and crisp hiking weather make this one of the most magical times to explore Virginia’s mountains. Roanoke adds a great basecamp with food, views, and outdoor access.

November: Middleburg

Middleburg is cozy-town perfection in November. Boutique shopping, scenic countryside drives, fewer crowds, and the first hints of holiday decorations make it feel intimate and festive without the rush of December.

December: Colonial Williamsburg

The holidays were made for Colonial Williamsburg. Lantern-lit walks, colonial decorations, carolers, fireworks, and historic taverns create a magical, time-travel kind of experience. It’s one of the most atmospheric holiday destinations in Virginia.

No matter the month, Virginia has somewhere special to explore, whether it's mountains, coastlines, charming small towns, and historic cities - they all show off in their own season. If you plan your trips around what each place does best, you’ll see the state at its absolute peak year-round.

I hope you found this post helpful! There are more blogs on my website about other spots around Virginia, as well as Richmond tips.

You can also follow me on YouTube for my travel videos or Instagram for daily updates. Feel free to DM me with any questions! Happy Holidays!!🎄

💚Lauren Z Ray