These 8 Virginia Transportation Experiences Are Attractions On Their Own

Think getting from point A to point B is boring? Think again.

Virginia turns everyday transportation into unforgettable adventures that’ll make you forget you’re even traveling. From scenic railways winding through mountain valleys to ferry rides across sparkling waterways, the Old Dominion proves that sometimes the journey really is better than the destination.

Why settle for ordinary when you can cruise through history, glide over water, or chug up mountainsides in vintage style? Virginia’s transportation attractions blend nostalgia with natural beauty, creating experiences that visitors remember long after they’ve returned home.

These aren’t just ways to get around. They’re reasons to visit in the first place.

Pack your camera and your sense of adventure because Virginia’s most memorable experiences happen while you’re on the move. Ready to discover why locals and tourists alike can’t stop raving about these one-of-a-kind journeys?

1. Virginia Creeper Trail

Pedaling through 34 miles of pure Appalachian magic sounds like a workout, but this converted railway trail makes it surprisingly easy. The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches from Abingdon to Whitetop Station, offering one of the most beloved rail-trail experiences in the entire country.

Riders cruise through forests, over trestles, and alongside babbling creeks that seem straight out of a postcard.

Most folks start at the top near Whitetop and coast downhill, letting gravity do the heavy lifting. The gentle descent means even casual cyclists can tackle this route without breaking a sweat.

Local outfitters shuttle you and your bike to the trailhead, then you simply enjoy the ride back down through changing landscapes that shift from mountain wilderness to charming small towns.

Spring brings wildflowers that carpet the forest floor in purple and yellow. Summer offers cool shade beneath towering hardwoods.

Fall transforms the trail into a tunnel of gold and crimson that photographers dream about. Winter quiets everything down, perfect for hardy souls seeking solitude.

The trail crosses 47 trestles and bridges, each offering fresh perspectives on the surrounding wilderness. Creek crossings invite you to stop, dip your toes, and soak in the mountain atmosphere.

Small communities along the route welcome trail users with refreshments and local hospitality that feels genuine.

Families love this adventure because kids can handle it without complaint. The mostly downhill route keeps everyone happy, and the scenery distracts from any tired legs.

This isn’t just transportation. It’s a moving meditation through some of Virginia’s most beautiful backcountry.

Address: Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon, VA 24210

2. Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

Free ferry rides exist, and this one’s been shuttling passengers across the James River since way back when. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry connects Surry County with Jamestown Island, offering a breezy alternative to driving the long way around.

Four vessels make continuous runs during daylight hours, carrying cars, bikes, and pedestrians across waters that witnessed centuries of American history.

Step aboard and immediately feel the river breeze wash away whatever stress you brought with you. Gulls circle overhead while the shoreline slowly shifts from one historic landscape to another.

The crossing takes about 15 minutes, just enough time to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and remember why people love being near water.

This isn’t some tourist gimmick. Locals use this ferry daily for their commutes, creating a authentic slice of Virginia life that visitors stumble upon with delight.

The captains wave, passengers chat with strangers, and everyone seems to relax the moment the boat pushes off from shore.

History buffs appreciate that these waters carried explorers, colonists, and countless others who shaped the nation. The ferry route passes near Jamestown Settlement, making it easy to combine your crossing with a deep exploration into America’s colonial past.

But even if history isn’t your thing, the simple pleasure of a river crossing creates its own appeal.

Sunrise and sunset crossings paint the sky in colors that cameras struggle to capture. Dolphins occasionally swim alongside the ferry, delighting kids and adults alike.

Bring a jacket for cooler days because the river wind cuts through light clothing. This free ride delivers more joy than many expensive attractions could ever manage.

Address: Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, Route 31, Surry, VA 23883

3. Cass Scenic Railroad

Steam billows, whistles blow, and suddenly you’re transported back to an era when logging trains ruled these mountains. Cass Scenic Railroad operates vintage locomotives that climb steep grades up Bald Knob, offering passengers a genuine taste of industrial railway history mixed with spectacular mountain views.

These aren’t replica trains. They’re the real deal, lovingly maintained and still chugging along tracks originally laid for hauling timber.

The journey starts in the historic company town of Cass, where restored buildings recreate the atmosphere of a bustling logging community. Once the train starts moving, you’ll understand why lumberjacks needed such powerful engines.

The grades reach 11 percent in places, steep enough that you feel the locomotive straining against gravity.

Passengers ride in open-air cars during warm months, letting mountain breezes and occasional cinders add authenticity to the experience. Enclosed cars provide comfort when weather turns chilly.

Either way, the scenery steals the show as the train climbs through hardwood forests that seem to stretch forever.

At the summit, Bald Knob offers panoramic views across multiple states on clear days. The treeless peak provides a stark contrast to the forested slopes below, creating photo opportunities that fill memory cards quickly.

A brief stop lets everyone stretch, explore, and appreciate the engineering feat that brought them to this remote mountaintop.

The return trip downhill feels entirely different, offering new perspectives on familiar scenery. Conductors share stories about logging days, train operations, and the mountain communities that once thrived here.

Their passion for railroad history brings the experience to life in ways no museum display could match.

Address: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 242 Main Street, Cass, WV 24927

4. Luray Caverns Shuttle

Getting to underground wonders becomes part of the adventure when you board the shuttle that whisks visitors from the main building down to the cavern entrance. Luray Caverns has welcomed explorers for generations, and the short shuttle ride builds anticipation before you even see the first stalactite.

This brief journey sets the stage for what lies beneath Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

The caverns themselves justify the trip, but the entire experience feels carefully choreographed to maximize wonder. From the moment you step onto the shuttle, guides begin sharing tidbits about cave formation, discovery stories, and what makes Luray special among America’s show caves.

Their enthusiasm proves contagious, turning casual tourists into eager spelunkers.

Once underground, cathedral-sized rooms reveal formations that took millions of years to create. Flowstone cascades down walls like frozen waterfalls.

Columns connect floor to ceiling, demonstrating nature’s patient artistry. Pools reflect the ceiling above, doubling the visual impact and creating illusions that challenge your depth perception.

The Great Stalacpipe Organ uses cave formations as musical instruments, creating ethereal tones that resonate through the chambers. This unique instrument transforms geology into melody, offering concerts that you can’t experience anywhere else on Earth.

The sound quality underground creates an acoustic environment that concert halls spend fortunes trying to replicate.

Temperature stays constant year-round, making cavern tours comfortable regardless of surface weather. Summer heat disappears the moment you descend.

Winter cold can’t penetrate these depths. The consistent climate helped preserve these formations for eons and now provides visitors with perfect touring conditions.

Above ground, the property includes gardens, museums, and a car and carriage collection that rounds out the visit. But everyone remembers the caverns most, where transportation to another world happens without leaving Virginia.

Address: Luray Caverns, 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA 22835

5. Tangier Island Ferry

Chesapeake Bay holds secrets, and one of them is only accessible by boat or plane. Tangier Island sits 12 miles offshore, home to a unique community where golf carts outnumber cars and the local accent sounds like Elizabethan English somehow survived into modern times.

The ferry from Onancock provides the most atmospheric approach, cutting through bay waters while anticipation builds with every nautical mile.

Departure time matters because the schedule dictates your entire island experience. Morning ferries deliver day-trippers who explore narrow streets, visit working watermen, and soak up an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Virginia.

The crossing takes about an hour, perfect for watching the mainland fade while an isolated island community slowly materializes ahead.

Onboard, passengers swap stories, speculate about island life, and scan the horizon for dolphins or other bay wildlife. The captain provides running commentary about navigation, weather patterns, and Tangier’s fascinating culture.

By the time you dock, you feel prepared for the time warp you’re about to experience.

The island itself charms visitors with its unhurried pace and genuine hospitality. Golf carts buzz along narrow lanes barely wider than sidewalks.

Weathered homes stand on pilings, testament to the constant negotiation between land and water. Locals speak with accents that linguists study, preserving speech patterns lost elsewhere centuries ago.

Watermen still harvest crabs and oysters using traditional methods passed down through generations. Their workboats line the docks, colorful and utilitarian.

The economy revolves around seafood, tourism, and a fierce determination to maintain island traditions despite rising seas and changing times.

The return ferry always feels too soon, leaving visitors wanting more time in this remarkable place. But the journey itself becomes a cherished memory, proof that Virginia still holds surprises worth seeking.

Address: Tangier Island Ferry, 2 Market Street, Onancock, VA 23417

6. Skyline Drive

Calling this a road feels inadequate when it delivers one of America’s most spectacular driving experiences. Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park, offering overlooks that make you forget you’re still in your vehicle.

Every curve reveals fresh vistas of rolling peaks, deep valleys, and forests that change character with the seasons.

Spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt. Summer offers lush green canopies and comfortable temperatures at elevation.

Fall transforms the entire route into a riot of color that draws leaf-peepers from around the world. Winter strips away the leaves, revealing mountain bones and distant views that summer foliage conceals.

Seventy-five overlooks provide excuses to stop, stretch, and absorb the scenery properly. Some overlooks face east toward the Piedmont.

Others look west across the Shenandoah Valley. Each offers unique perspectives on Virginia’s mountainous spine.

Hawks and vultures ride thermals below eye level, demonstrating just how high this road climbs.

Wildlife sightings happen frequently enough to keep passengers alert. Black bears amble across the road, forcing traffic to stop.

White-tailed deer graze in meadows near overlooks. Occasionally a bobcat or fox makes a brief appearance before melting back into the forest.

These encounters remind visitors that this parkway cuts through genuine wilderness, not some manicured theme park.

The speed limit stays low, forcing drivers to slow down and savor the journey. This isn’t about getting somewhere fast.

It’s about making the drive itself the destination. Rangers recommend allowing several hours to travel the full length, though you could spend days exploring every overlook and hiking trail.

Entrance fees apply, but they’re modest considering the experience delivered. The road closes during severe weather, so check conditions before making the drive a cornerstone of your Virginia visit.

Address: Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA 22835

7. Colonial Parkway

Connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown requires more than just any road. Colonial Parkway transforms that journey into a scenic celebration of American history, winding 23 miles through landscapes that witnessed the nation’s birth.

This limited-access parkway bans commercial vehicles and modern development, preserving sightlines that help visitors imagine earlier centuries.

The route follows the York and James Rivers, offering water views that early colonists would recognize. Marshes teem with birds.

Forests crowd the roadside. Historic sites appear at intervals, each representing crucial moments in colonial and Revolutionary history.

The parkway itself becomes a time machine, transporting travelers between eras with remarkable effectiveness.

Tunnels add drama to the drive, with the one near Williamsburg featuring colonial-style brick portals that set the historical mood. These aren’t just functional infrastructure.

They’re architectural statements that enhance the period atmosphere. Emerging from darkness into sunlight beside the river creates moments of genuine beauty.

Cyclists and joggers share the parkway, taking advantage of smooth pavement and stunning scenery. The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible to recreational users of all fitness levels.

Spotting a cyclist in period costume adds an extra layer of authenticity to an already history-rich experience.

Pulloffs and overlooks invite contemplation of the rivers that carried explorers, goods, and ideas. Interpretive signs provide context about what happened in specific locations.

But even without reading every marker, the landscape itself communicates the importance of these waterways to early America.

Sunrise and sunset drives offer particularly magical experiences when golden light bathes the marshes and rivers. Traffic stays light compared to commercial highways, creating a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the historical immersion.

This parkway proves that modern roads can honor the past while serving the present.

Address: Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23185

8. The Tide Light Rail

Norfolk’s waterfront renaissance includes a sleek light rail system that makes exploring the city effortless and enjoyable. The Tide connects major destinations from Newtown Road to downtown, gliding past renovated neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and the bustling waterfront.

This isn’t just practical transportation. It’s a rolling tour of Norfolk’s transformation from naval town to vibrant urban center.

Stations feature public art that reflects Norfolk’s maritime heritage and cultural diversity. Each stop offers access to different aspects of city life, from universities to shopping districts to entertainment venues.

The trains run frequently enough that you rarely wait long, making spontaneous exploration easy and stress-free.

Large windows provide excellent views as the train moves through varied neighborhoods. Older industrial areas transition to modern developments.

Historic districts give way to contemporary architecture. The changing streetscapes tell Norfolk’s story of reinvention and growth, visible from comfortable seats aboard clean, quiet trains.

Harbor Park station puts baseball fans steps from the ballpark. York Street serves the medical district and St. Paul’s Boulevard accesses downtown business and entertainment.

Each station connects to bus routes, extending your reach across the entire Hampton Roads region. The integrated system makes car-free exploration surprisingly practical.

Locals use The Tide for daily commutes, giving visitors a chance to experience authentic city life. Students heading to campus, professionals going to work, and families out for entertainment all share the cars.

This mix creates a genuine urban atmosphere that tourist-only attractions can’t replicate.

Evening rides offer different perspectives when city lights reflect off the trains’ windows and stations glow against darkening skies. The waterfront becomes particularly appealing after sunset, with restaurants and venues creating an energetic nightlife scene easily accessed via The Tide.

Public transportation rarely feels this appealing or convenient.

Address: The Tide Light Rail, Norfolk, VA 23510

9. Blue Ridge Parkway

America’s favorite drive extends through Virginia’s highlands, offering 217 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s total length within the state’s borders. This continuation of Skyline Drive maintains the same commitment to scenic beauty while adding its own character and charm.

Engineered specifically for leisurely motoring, the parkway curves gracefully along mountain ridges, revealing why this route attracts millions of visitors annually.

Virginia’s section includes iconic stops like Mabry Mill, where a picturesque gristmill beside a pond creates one of the most photographed scenes in the entire Appalachian region. The mill still operates occasionally, grinding corn into meal using waterpower just like it did generations ago.

Surrounding trails and exhibits explain mountain life and traditional crafts that sustained communities in these remote highlands.

Peaks of Otter provides another memorable stop where mountain lakes reflect surrounding peaks. The lodge and campground here serve as base camps for hikers tackling Sharp Top, a distinctive peak visible for miles.

The relatively short but steep climb rewards summit-seekers with panoramic views that justify every step.

Wildflower displays change throughout the growing season, creating natural gardens along the roadside. Spring brings rhododendrons and mountain laurels that transform entire hillsides into pink and white bouquets.

Summer meadows burst with colorful blooms. Fall adds asters and goldenrod to complement the changing leaves.

The parkway’s design philosophy prioritizes beauty over speed. Gentle curves, moderate grades, and carefully planned vistas create a driving experience focused on enjoyment rather than efficiency.

No billboards mar the views. No commercial development intrudes.

The landscape remains remarkably pristine considering how accessible this parkway makes mountain scenery.

Entrance remains free, though some facilities charge modest fees. The parkway occasionally closes sections during severe weather, particularly in winter when ice and snow make mountain driving dangerous.

Checking conditions before your visit prevents disappointment and ensures safe travels through Virginia’s most beautiful highlands.

Address: Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia Section, Waynesboro, VA 22980