Discover some of the best destinations for family-friendly and cultural adventures just hours away from Richmond, VA.

Summer is here and your kids are bored. That's okay! We live in the Commonwealth of Virginia and there is lots to offer here. Richmond, VA is a vibrant and historic city that offers plenty of attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike. But sometimes, you want to explore beyond the city limits and discover some of the amazing places that are within a short drive from Richmond. Whether you are looking for nature, history, art, or entertainment, you can find it all in central Virginia. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Richmond, VA, that will make you appreciate the beauty and diversity of this region.

Charlottesville, VA

If you are a fan of history, culture, and wine, you will love Charlottesville, VA. This charming town is home to the University of Virginia, one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the country, founded by Thomas Jefferson. The campus of UVA is home to stunning architecture and the Rotunda, the iconic centerpiece of the university. A tour of Monticello, the former plantation and residence of Jefferson, will not disappoint. Seriously, we promise even your bored with everything teens will like it. Charlottesville is also known for its vibrant arts and music scene, with many galleries, theaters, and venues to enjoy. Walk the charming downtown mall. Grab a slice of NY style pizza at Vita Nova and then head down the mall for some scoops of ice cream at Chaps. Don’t miss getting your picture taken with the life size cutout of Bob Ross at Chaps. And if you are in the mood for some wine tasting, you can visit some of the award-winning wineries and vineyards that dot the scenic countryside around Charlottesville.

Williamsburg, VA

Travel back in time and experience colonial America in Williamsburg, VA. Williamsburg is part of the Historic Triangle, along with Jamestown and Yorktown, where the first English settlers arrived and the American Revolution ended. You can visit Colonial Williamsburg, the world's largest living history museum, where you can see authentic buildings, artifacts, and actors portraying the daily life of the 18th century. You can also visit Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Battlefield, where you can learn about the origins and the outcome of the American Revolution. After you’ve soaked in all that history and punched your “good parenting” card, head to visit Busch Gardens, one of the best theme parks in the country, with roller coasters, shows, and attractions for all ages.

Shenandoah National Park, VA

If you are a nature lover and an outdoor enthusiast, you will be amazed by Shenandoah National Park, VA. This stunning park covers over 200,000 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering spectacular views, diverse wildlife, and endless trails for hiking, biking, and camping. Drive along Skyline Drive, a scenic road that runs along the crest of the mountains and stop at various overlooks. It’s absolutely beautiful. Hike along the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park, and explore some of the waterfalls, caves, and rock formations that the park has to offer.

Cape Charles, VA

Cape Charles is a charming coastal town on the eastern shore of Virginia, where you can enjoy the sandy beaches, historic buildings, and local cuisine. You can relax on the beach, swim in the Chesapeake Bay, or rent a kayak or paddle board and explore the nearby creeks and marshes. The Cape Charles Lighthouse is the oldest still standing in Virginia. If you are into golf, you can play at one of the two world-class courses that Cape Charles has to offer, or if you prefer art and culture, you can check out the galleries, shops, and restaurants that line the main street. We happen to love the burgers from Kelly’s Gingernut Pub and the crab cakes from The Shanty. Cape Charles is a perfect destination for a relaxing and fun-filled day trip from Richmond, VA.

Norfolk/Portsmouth

Another great day trip from Richmond, VA, is the Norfolk/Portsmouth area, where you can enjoy the beach, the naval history, and the family-friendly attractions (you can also snag some meatballs and a dresser at Ikea). The Norfolk Naval Station is the largest naval base in the world with some pretty impressive ships and aircraft carriers docked there. You can tour the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the US Navy. Explore the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, which features over 800 species of animals, interactive exhibits, and a 3D IMAX theater. For some fun and excitement, head to the Ocean Breeze Waterpark, which has over 30 rides, slides, and pools for all ages. The Norfolk/Portsmouth area is a perfect place to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the history of central Virginia.

Virginia Beach

One of the most popular day trips from Richmond, VA, is Virginia Beach, where you can enjoy the sun, the sand, and the surf. Virginia Beach has several public beaches that cater to different tastes and activities. There’s Resort Beach, which has a three-mile boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Sandbridge is a quieter and more natural beach with dunes, wildlife, and fishing. Chesapeake Bay Beach has calmer waters and less crowds, ideal for families and water sports. Virginia Beach also has many family-friendly attractions. The Adventure Park has zip lines, rope courses, and climbing walls for all ages and skill levels. The Military Aviation Museum houses one of the largest collections of vintage aircraft in the world. The Atlantic Fun Park is right off the boardwalk and has rides, games, and carnival food for a classic amusement park experience.

Washington, DC

Washington, DC, is another exciting day trip from Richmond, VA, where you can explore the nation's capital and its many attractions. Since Kerry used to live there, we have a soft spot for Washington, DC. DC is home to the famed Smithsonian museums which are free and open to the public. Our favorites are the National Museum of American History (look for Dorothy’s ruby red slippers and Lincoln’s Top Hat and if you want to feel old, please note that the first iPod we all had is now in a museum), the National Air and Space Museum (we love the Wright’s flyer and Neil Armstrong’s space suit), the National Museum of Natural History (check out the Hope diamond and take your best selfie in front of the elephant), and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (check out MJ’s fedora, the original Hammer pants, and the cabin from Point Pines Plantation before and catching a breather in the beautiful Contemplative Court) . To figure out which monuments to visit, we once snagged milkshakes and hopped on a double decker bus tour of Washington, DC. This let us “take a lap” before committing to our final location. But our favorites that are completely walkable are the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial has never not made us quiet and reflective. We also happen to have a soft spot for the other fun places to see like the International Spy Museum and the Newseum. Another must see is the National Zoo, which houses over 2,000 animals from around the world.

These are just some of the fun day trips you can take from Richmond, VA, that will show you the beauty and diversity of central Virginia. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or entertainment, you can find it all within a short drive from Richmond. So, pack your bags, grab your keys, and get ready for some unforgettable adventures in central Virginia.