Locals Always Bring Friends To These 11 Virginia Stops

Virginia holds a treasure trove of places that locals keep coming back to, time and again.

These aren’t the overcrowded tourist traps you’ll find on every travel website.

Instead, they’re the spots where residents take their out-of-town friends when they want to show off the true character of the state.

From wild ponies grazing on windswept beaches to serene mountain trails where the air feels fresher than anywhere else, Virginia offers experiences that feel both authentic and unforgettable.

Whether you’re seeking a quiet escape into nature or a charming small town with stories to tell, these destinations capture what makes this state so special to the people who call it home.

1. Chincoteague & Assateague Island

Wild ponies wander freely along the sandy shores here, creating scenes that feel like something out of a storybook.

The barrier islands offer a peaceful retreat where nature takes center stage and the pace of life slows to match the gentle rhythm of the waves.

Chincoteague serves as the gateway to this magical place, a small town that has managed to retain its authentic fishing village character despite its growing popularity.

Address: 6733 Maddox Boulevard, Chincoteague, VA 23336.

Locals bring friends here because the experience is unlike anything found along the more developed stretches of Virginia’s coastline.

The beaches remain relatively uncrowded, even during peak season, offering a tranquil alternative to the bustling Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Watching the wild ponies graze among the dunes is a sight that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.

Assateague Island National Seashore provides miles of pristine coastline perfect for swimming, kayaking, and simply soaking in the natural beauty.

The marshlands teem with birdlife, making this a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Chincoteague itself charms visitors with its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming community.

The town offers just enough amenities without feeling overdeveloped or commercial.

Walking through the quiet streets, you’ll find local shops and galleries that reflect the island’s maritime heritage.

Residents take pride in sharing this special place because it represents a slower, simpler way of life that’s increasingly rare.

The combination of unspoiled beaches, unique wildlife, and small-town warmth creates an experience that visitors remember long after they leave.

Friends who visit often return on their own, drawn back by the peaceful energy and natural wonders that make these islands truly distinctive.

This is Virginia at its most serene and beautiful, a place where the modern world feels wonderfully far away.

2. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Just minutes from the bustling Virginia Beach boardwalk lies a completely different world, one defined by quiet marshes and windswept dunes.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers an escape into pristine coastal wilderness that feels miles away from civilization.

The contrast couldn’t be more striking, and that’s exactly why locals treasure this hidden sanctuary.

Address: 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.

Visitors here trade the noise of crowds for the gentle sounds of rustling grasses and bird calls echoing across the wetlands.

The refuge protects thousands of acres of beach, dunes, woodland, and marsh habitat that serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds.

Hiking and biking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, offering glimpses of wildlife at every turn.

Dolphins sometimes play just offshore while ospreys circle overhead, hunting for their next meal.

Residents bring friends here when they want to showcase the natural side of Virginia Beach that most tourists never discover.

The beach within the refuge remains blissfully undeveloped, with no hotels or restaurants in sight.

Walking along this stretch of sand feels like stepping back in time to when the entire coastline looked this way.

During fall and winter, the refuge becomes especially magical as thousands of migratory waterfowl arrive to spend the colder months.

The observation platforms provide perfect vantage points for watching snow geese, tundra swans, and numerous duck species.

Locals know the best times to visit for optimal wildlife viewing and love sharing this knowledge with first-time visitors.

The refuge also offers educational programs that deepen appreciation for coastal ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Bringing friends here demonstrates that Virginia Beach offers far more than just its famous oceanfront strip.

This protected landscape reminds everyone that nature still thrives when given the space to flourish.

3. Abingdon

Nestled right on the state border, Abingdon radiates historic charm from every brick building and tree-lined street.

The town has preserved its heritage while embracing a vibrant arts and culture scene that surprises many first-time visitors.

Locals bring friends here to experience a slice of authentic Appalachian culture mixed with sophisticated amenities.

Address: 335 Cummings Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (Town Hall).

The Barter Theatre, one of the longest-running professional theaters in the nation, serves as a cultural anchor for the community.

Walking through downtown, you’ll discover galleries, boutiques, and historic sites that tell the story of this region’s rich past.

But what really makes residents proud is the Virginia Creeper Trail, which begins right in town.

This converted railroad line stretches for miles through some of the most beautiful countryside in the state.

Biking or hiking along the trail reveals stunning mountain vistas, rushing streams, and forests that explode with color each autumn.

The trail’s gentle downhill grade makes it accessible to people of all fitness levels, which is part of its appeal.

Friends who visit often rent bikes and spend the day pedaling through this scenic wonderland, stopping at small communities along the way.

Back in town, the historic district invites leisurely strolls past beautifully maintained homes and gardens.

The community takes visible pride in preserving its architectural heritage while keeping the town lively and welcoming.

Local events throughout the year celebrate everything from traditional music to contemporary arts, creating a calendar full of reasons to visit.

Residents appreciate how Abingdon balances its respect for history with a forward-looking creative spirit.

Bringing friends here showcases a side of Virginia that many people don’t expect to find.

The combination of outdoor adventure, cultural offerings, and small-town hospitality creates an experience that feels both enriching and relaxing.

4. Grayson Highlands State Park & Mount Rogers Area

High in the mountains of southwest Virginia, a landscape unlike any other in the state awaits discovery.

Grayson Highlands State Park sits at elevations that create an alpine environment more reminiscent of New England than the South.

The air feels different here, crisp and clean, and the views stretch for miles across rolling peaks.

Address: 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.

Wild ponies roam these highlands freely, descendants of herds that have lived here for generations.

Encountering these gentle creatures against a backdrop of rocky outcrops and windswept meadows creates unforgettable moments.

Locals know the best trails for spotting the ponies and love watching their friends’ faces light up at the first sighting.

The park serves as a gateway to Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak, which attracts hikers seeking both challenge and natural beauty.

Trails range from easy walks to strenuous climbs, offering something for every ability level.

During wildflower season, the meadows burst into color with rhododendrons and flame azaleas painting the landscape in brilliant hues.

Autumn transforms the forests into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds that draws visitors from across the region.

Even winter brings its own magic, with ice formations and snow-covered peaks creating a wonderland for hardy adventurers.

The campground provides a base for exploring the area, though many locals prefer day trips to share this special place with friends.

Bringing visitors here demonstrates the incredible diversity of Virginia’s landscapes, from coastal plains to genuine mountain highlands.

The sense of remoteness and natural beauty makes people feel like they’ve traveled much farther than they actually have.

Residents cherish this area as a place where they can reconnect with nature and escape the pressures of daily life.

Sharing it with friends becomes a way of passing on that gift of peace and perspective that only wild places can provide.

5. Staunton

Victorian architecture dominates the streetscape of this underrated gem in the Shenandoah Valley.

Staunton has managed to preserve not just individual buildings but entire historic districts that transport visitors to another era.

The town’s commitment to architectural preservation has created a living museum where people actually live and work.

Address: 116 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401 (Visitor Center).

Seven distinct historic districts showcase different periods and styles of American architecture, making every walk through town an educational experience.

Locals bring friends here to wander streets lined with beautifully maintained homes and commercial buildings that tell the story of Virginia’s past.

The downtown area hums with activity, filled with locally owned shops, galleries, and theaters that give the town a vibrant cultural life.

Staunton’s commitment to the arts extends beyond preservation to active creation and performance.

The Blackfriars Playhouse, home to the American Shakespeare Center, offers performances in a recreation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theater.

Watching a play here provides an authentic experience of how theater was meant to be enjoyed centuries ago.

Beyond the cultural attractions, the town simply feels good to explore on foot.

The compact downtown makes it easy to spend hours discovering hidden courtyards, unique shops, and architectural details you’d miss from a car.

Residents take pride in pointing out favorite buildings and sharing the stories behind them.

The surrounding valley provides a stunning natural backdrop to the historic urban landscape.

Nearby Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer easy access to mountain scenery when friends want to combine town and country experiences.

Bringing visitors to Staunton showcases Virginia’s ability to honor its past while creating a lively present.

The town proves that historic preservation and modern vitality can coexist beautifully when done with care and commitment.

6. Cape Charles

The Eastern Shore holds secrets that even many Virginians haven’t discovered, and Cape Charles ranks among the best kept.

This small town sits on the Chesapeake Bay side of the peninsula, offering calm waters perfect for families with young children.

Unlike the Atlantic beaches with their crashing waves, the bay provides gentle, shallow swimming areas where kids can play safely.

Address: 2 Plum Street, Cape Charles, VA 23310 (Town Harbor).

The public beach stretches along the waterfront, backed by a pier that extends into the bay and offers spectacular sunset views.

Locals know that the sunsets here rival any in the state, painting the sky in colors that seem almost too vibrant to be real.

The historic downtown district, just a short walk from the beach, charms visitors with its compact grid of streets lined with Victorian homes.

Many of these houses have been lovingly restored, creating a neighborhood that feels frozen in time but fully alive.

Small shops and galleries occupy ground floors of historic buildings, offering unique finds you won’t see in chain stores.

The town’s walkability makes it perfect for leisurely exploration without the need for a car once you arrive.

Residents bring friends here when they want to share a slower pace of life and genuine small-town hospitality.

The community maintains a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel like temporary residents rather than tourists.

Biking around town reveals architectural treasures and quiet streets where neighbors still greet each other by name.

The bay provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing in waters that remain relatively uncrowded even during summer months.

Cape Charles represents a different side of Virginia’s coastal experience, one focused on relaxation rather than entertainment.

Friends who visit often express surprise that such a gem exists so close to more crowded destinations.

Sharing this discovery becomes a point of pride for locals who appreciate having a special place that hasn’t been overrun by development.

7. Burke’s Garden

Hidden away in Tazewell County, a geographical wonder awaits those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Burke’s Garden sits in a bowl-shaped valley surrounded by mountains, creating a secluded world that feels separate from everything around it.

Some locals affectionately call it Virginia’s Narnia, and the comparison isn’t far off when you experience its otherworldly beauty.

Address: Burke’s Garden Road, Tazewell, VA 24651 (General Location).

The valley floor remains almost entirely agricultural, with farms and pastures creating a patchwork quilt of greens that changes with the seasons.

Driving the loop road that circles the valley provides constantly changing views of this pastoral landscape.

Mountains rise on all sides, creating a natural amphitheater that amplifies the sense of isolation and peace.

The farming community here has resisted development, choosing to preserve their traditional way of life and the valley’s unspoiled character.

Visitors find themselves stepping back in time to an era when agriculture dominated rural Virginia and life moved at a gentler pace.

Locals bring friends here to share the experience of discovering a place that seems almost mythical in its beauty and remoteness.

The journey to reach Burke’s Garden involves winding mountain roads that build anticipation before the valley suddenly reveals itself.

That moment of first seeing the valley spread out below never fails to elicit gasps of amazement from first-time visitors.

Photography enthusiasts find endless subjects in the changing light, weather patterns, and seasonal transformations of the landscape.

The valley’s elevation creates cooler temperatures and weather patterns distinct from surrounding areas, adding to its unique character.

Few places in Virginia offer such a complete sense of escape from modern life and its constant demands.

Residents who share this spot do so carefully, wanting friends to experience its magic while respecting the privacy and lifestyle of those who call it home.

Burke’s Garden reminds everyone that Virginia still holds places where nature and agriculture create scenes of timeless beauty.

8. The James River (Scottsville Area)

Running right through the heart of Virginia, the James River provides endless opportunities for water-based adventures.

The Scottsville area offers particularly excellent access points for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and rafting.

Locals know this stretch of river well, understanding which sections offer gentle floats and which provide more exciting rapids.

Address: 90 Main Street, Scottsville, VA 24590 (Town Location).

Summer weekends find friends gathering at put-in points, loading boats and tubes for hours of river fun.

The James moves at a pace that allows for both relaxation and adventure, depending on water levels and the section you choose.

Tubing offers the most laid-back experience, perfect for hot days when cooling off is the main goal.

Kayaking and canoeing allow for more exploration, with quiet coves and side channels waiting to be discovered.

Wildlife abounds along the riverbanks, with herons, turtles, and fish providing constant entertainment for those paying attention.

The surrounding landscape ranges from forested banks to open farmland, creating varied scenery throughout any river journey.

Scottsville itself serves as a charming base for river activities, with a historic downtown that rewards exploration before or after time on the water.

Locals appreciate having such an accessible natural resource that provides free entertainment and exercise all summer long.

Bringing friends from out of town for a river day showcases Virginia’s natural beauty in an active, engaging way.

The shared experience of floating downstream, laughing at mishaps, and enjoying the sun creates memories that last long after everyone dries off.

Outfitters in the area provide rentals and shuttle services, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the river without bringing their own equipment.

The James has played a crucial role in Virginia’s history, and experiencing it directly connects people to that heritage in a tangible way.

Residents take pride in sharing this waterway that has shaped their state’s development and continues to provide recreation and beauty today.

9. Great Falls Park

The Potomac River unleashes its power at Great Falls, creating a spectacular display of rushing water and mist.

Just outside Washington, D.C., this park offers an easy escape into nature without requiring hours of travel.

The falls themselves command attention, with water crashing over jagged rocks in a series of cascades that generate constant roar and spray.

Address: 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102.

Overlook platforms provide safe viewing points where visitors can feel the power of the falls and capture photos of this natural wonder.

Locals from the D.C. area bring friends here when they need a quick nature fix between busy work weeks.

The park offers more than just waterfall viewing, with miles of hiking trails following the river and exploring the surrounding forest.

Rock climbers test their skills on the cliffs, though this activity requires permits and advanced expertise.

The river gorge creates dramatic scenery that changes with the seasons and water levels.

During high water periods, the falls become even more impressive, with increased volume making the display more powerful.

Lower water reveals more of the rock formations that create the falls, offering different perspectives on the river’s geology.

The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, accommodating different fitness levels and time constraints.

Bird watching attracts enthusiasts year-round, with the diverse habitat supporting numerous species.

The park’s proximity to the nation’s capital makes it a popular weekend destination, though weekday visits offer more solitude.

Residents appreciate having such dramatic natural scenery so close to urban areas, providing a reminder that wilderness still exists nearby.

Bringing visitors here demonstrates that Virginia offers powerful natural wonders alongside its historic sites and cultural attractions.

The combination of accessibility and genuine natural beauty makes Great Falls a go-to recommendation for locals hosting out-of-town guests.

10. Middleburg

Horse country extends west from Washington, D.C., and Middleburg sits at its heart.

This historic town embodies the equestrian lifestyle that has defined this region for centuries.

Rolling pastures divided by white fences create postcard-perfect scenery in every direction.

Address: 12 North Madison Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 (Visitor Center).

The main street charms visitors with its collection of boutiques, galleries, and historic buildings that have served the community for generations.

Locals bring friends here to experience a slice of Virginia culture that revolves around horses, foxhunting traditions, and rural elegance.

Throughout the year, seasonal events celebrate everything from steeplechase racing to holiday traditions that bring the community together.

The surrounding countryside invites scenic drives past horse farms where thoroughbreds graze in manicured pastures.

Many farms have been in the same families for generations, maintaining traditions that connect present to past.

Vineyards dot the landscape, offering tastings with views that rival any in the state.

The wine country around Middleburg has grown in reputation, producing quality vintages that surprise those unfamiliar with Virginia viticulture.

Residents take pride in their town’s ability to maintain its character despite proximity to rapidly developing areas.

The community has resisted the sprawl that has consumed many nearby towns, choosing preservation over profit.

Walking the streets reveals architectural details and historic markers that tell stories of the town’s role in American history.

Equestrian activities remain central to community life, with riding trails, events, and facilities catering to horse enthusiasts.

Bringing friends to Middleburg showcases a lifestyle and landscape that many people don’t realize still exists so close to major cities.

The combination of natural beauty, cultural traditions, and small-town atmosphere creates an experience that feels both refined and authentic.

Visitors often leave with a new appreciation for Virginia’s diversity and the determination of communities to preserve what makes them special.

11. Smith Mountain Lake

Stretching across multiple counties, Smith Mountain Lake creates a massive recreational playground in central Virginia.

As the state’s second-largest freshwater lake, it offers enough space for everyone to find their perfect spot on the water.

Locals who live near the lake consider themselves fortunate to have such a resource in their backyard.

Address: 16430 Booker T.

Washington Highway, Moneta, VA 24121 (State Park).

The lake’s irregular shoreline creates countless coves and inlets perfect for exploring by boat or kayak.

Water sports enthusiasts find ideal conditions for skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing on the main channels.

Fishing attracts anglers year-round, with the lake supporting healthy populations of bass, striped bass, and other species.

Marinas dot the shoreline, providing boat rentals, fuel, and supplies for those spending days on the water.

The surrounding mountains create a scenic backdrop that makes time on the lake feel like a true getaway.

Residents bring friends here for weekend trips that combine relaxation with active fun on and around the water.

Vacation rentals and lakeside homes offer accommodations ranging from simple to luxurious, though many locals prefer day trips from nearby towns.

The lake community has developed its own culture, with seasonal events and traditions that mark the passage of summer.

Sunset cruises provide opportunities to experience the lake’s beauty during the most magical time of day.

The state park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a public beach for those who want lake access without owning waterfront property.

During summer, the lake buzzes with activity, while off-season visits reveal a quieter side that appeals to those seeking solitude.

Bringing visitors to Smith Mountain Lake demonstrates that Virginia offers more than ocean beaches for water recreation.

The lake represents a different kind of vacation, one focused on freshwater fun and mountain scenery rather than coastal experiences.

Friends who visit often return, drawn back by the combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make every trip feel like a mini vacation.