Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Virginia
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Melanie Johnson
Author
Are you ready to create fun memories this summer? Summers in Virginia mean beach vacations, outdoor explorations, small-town getaways, water parks, and everything in between. If you haven’t begun making your warm weather plans, have no worries, OnlyInYourState is here to your rescue. We’ve put together an epic list of fun things to do in Virginia in the summer. So when you’re ready to start planning your vacation, our ultimate guide to summer activities in Virginia is all that you’ll need.
Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Virginia
Let’s kick off our summer fun by visiting a few of the best vacation destinations in Virginia. Whether you want to relax on the beach or hide away in the mountains, we’ve got you covered. You’ll love these destinations so much that they will be on your list for future summer getaways in Virginia. Pack your travel bags and sunscreen and let’s jump-start this summer in the best way!
1. Chesapeake Bay KOA
Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort, 32246 Charles M Lankford Jr Memorial Hwy, Cape Charles, VA 23310, USA
Private beach, a swimming pool, cabanas, and more, await at this waterfront campground in Virginia. Chesapeake Bay KOA is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, right on…you guessed it, Chesapeake Bay. Spend your days luxuriating on the private beach or underneath a poolside cabana with an adult cocktail. Both kid and dog-friendly, bring them along for this trip…or leave them at home and make this a romantic getaway in Virginia. Bring your RV or stay in one of the cozy glamping cabins with lots of amenities. If you ask me, this waterfront resort campground is one of the best summer vacation destinations in Virginia.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island, Woodland Trail, Chincoteague, VA 23336, USA
One of the hidden gems in Virginia boasts wild ponies, miles of hiking trails, and arguably the most stunning beach in the Old Dominion. If that doesn’t convince you to add Assateague Island National Seashore to your list of Virginia summer activities, I don’t know what will. Tucked along a barrier island near Chincoteague, the seashore is shared by Virginia and Maryland. Camping is popular in the Maryland district but prohibited on the Virginia side of the island. So, visiting this destination will take a bit of planning, but the pretty beach is so worth it.
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3. Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120, USA
As the tourism slogan goes, “Virginia is for Lovers,” and if you’re searching for romantic things to do in Virginia in summer, Primland Resort is the perfect destination. Not everyone enjoys the beach, some of us prefer a getaway in the mountains for the summer. Boasting sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, horseback riding, golfing, biking, hiking trails, and more, this luxurious mountain resort has everything you need for the ultimate summer vacation in Virginia. Did I mention the resort has its own state-of-the-art observatory? How cool is that? This getaway in the Virginia Highlands is truly amazing.
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Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Virginia This Summer
No summer in Virginia is complete without a trip to a beach, a lake, or one of the serene rivers in the state. Offering endless activities, these pretty waterways are great for a summer day trip in Virginia. Moreover, the kids will have a blast cooling off at these incredible destinations where they can enjoy making a splash or just floating on the water. Here are a few of the best places to cool off in Virginia this summer.
4. Virginia Beach and Boardwalk
Boardwalk Way, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
You can’t spend the summer in Virginia without visiting the iconic Virginia Beach. With 35-miles of white sandy beaches, plus the famous boardwalk lined with restaurants and specialty shops, you can easily see why thousands of visitors flock to this hotspot for summer vacations. Of course, while you’re there, be sure to stop and take a pic with King Neptune. Virginia Beach promises tons of warm weather fun for the entire family.
5. Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 Rd 888, Huddleston, VA 24104, USA
Exploring the clearest lake in Virginia is the ultimate way to spend a day in Virginia in summer. The 32-mile lake offers plenty of summertime fun including swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, and more. Plus, it’s tucked inside Smith Mountain Lake State Park, so you’ll have access to other activities like hiking, picnicking, and camping, just to name a few. It’s one of the top family things to do in Virginia, so bring the entire gang along for a day of outdoor adventure.
6. The New River
New River Outdoor Adventures, 5785 Fries Rd, Galax, VA 24333, USA
Have you floated the New River in Virginia? If not, what are you waiting for? Book your trip with New River Outdoor Adventure and spend the day meandering along the scenic river on one of the longest float trips in Virginia. You’ll love every minute as you gently drift along one of the oldest rivers in the world, basking at the natural landscape of southwestern Virginia. Floating New River is the ultimate summer day trip in Virginia, and you must add it to your list this year.
Parks To Visit In Virginia This Summer
Want more summer adventures in Virginia? How about exploring the Shenandoah National Park? It’s one of our favorite parks to visit in Virginia in the summer, but it’s certainly not the only one. No matter if you’re an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys natural landscapes, or you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves high-flying coasters, these parks in Virginia have something for you.
7. Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park, 145 Cliff Road, 145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520, USA
During the summer, Virginia’s state parks are playgrounds for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, families and folks of all ages. Offering endless recreational activities like hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and more, Westmoreland State Park has something for everyone. Plus, the park is unique for its towering cliffs as well as for the fossils along the Potomac River. Whether you’re spending time on the water or meandering through the pristine trails or hunting for fossils, this park is a great destination for summer activities in Virginia.
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8. Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102, USA
There are several beautiful waterfalls in Virginia including Cascade Falls and Crabtree Falls. While these falls are worth visiting, we absolutely can’t get enough of Great Falls on the Potomac. We love that you can enjoy the roaring falls in multiple ways - from the overlooks, from one of the rocky cliffs on the hiking trails as well as by kayaking the rapids. No matter the adventure you choose, you’ll find that this is one of the best waterfalls in Virginia and a great spot to spend a summer day.
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9. Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047, USA
Kings Dominion has a special place in my heart. Not only is it one of the best amusement parks in VA, but it was the first major theme park that I visited as a kid. Those fond memories have remained with me throughout my life, and you can create fun memories with your family, too. Part amusement park and part water park, you can enjoy both in one day. It’s a great destination for a family-friendly day trip in Virginia, especially during the summer.
Best Free Summer Activities In Virginia
While most of the attractions on our list require a bit of money, we have found some incredible free summer activities in Virginia that are great for you and your family. After all, we don’t need to break the bank to enjoy warm weather fun in Virginia. Take a look at our picks for free summertime attractions in Virginia.
10. Saint Mary's Falls
St Mary's Falls Trail, WVG6+6C, Steeles Tavern, VA 24472, USA
Though it requires a bit of an effort to get to Saint Marys Falls, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the trek for the reward at the end. This waterfall hiking trail in Virginia offers scenic views of the Saint Marys River as well as pretty wildflowers in the summer. And the swimming hole is the ideal spot for cooling off during the warmer months. But the best part is, this won’t cost you a penny - making this waterfall and swimming hole one of the best cheap and free things to do in Virginia in summer.
11. Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
Just 50 miles east of Richmond, you’ll find the historic town of Williamsburg, Virginia. The entire town is jam-packed with attractions, many of which are free. From museums to live reenactments to costumed actors, and more, you can fully immerse yourself in 18th century Virginia. History buffs will absolutely love it here. Hop on the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry for more adventure. Your entire family will love this living history museum, so be sure to consider it when searching for free summer activities in Virginia.
12. Balloons Over Rockbridge - VA
Virginia Horse Center, 487 Maury River Rd, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
Balloons will be soaring high over the skies of Lexington Virginia in the annual Balloons Over Rockbridge event. As one of the coolest summer activities in the Old Dominion, this 2-day mesmerizing show belongs on your bucket list. Not only can you witness the flight of the balloons, but you can also see them glow when the sun goes down. Best of all, this event is free. Other activities will cost extra, but to be honest, there is enough free entertainment for the adults and the little ones.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Virginia
From food to seasonal to music festivals, we love all the yearly events in Virginia. And luckily, there are some unique events in Virginia that you can’t find anywhere else in the country. Especially in the summer where you can witness the island ponies swim on Chincoteague Island. Read more about the Chincoteague Pony Swim as well as a couple other fun summertime events in Virginia.
13. Chincoteague Pony Swim
Pony Swim Lane, Pony Swim Ln, Chincoteague, VA 23336, USA
There are tons of summer events in Virginia but none quite like this one. This means the Chincoteague Pony Swim definitely belongs on your bucket list. The wild island ponies who call Chincoteague Island home, embark on a yearly journey by swimming across the Assateague Channel to Veteran's Memorial Park on the island. Thousands of folks gather on the island to witness this unique, world-famous summer event in Virginia, and you should too. Moreover, there will be carnival rides, games, live music, and more.
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14. Salem Fair VA
Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA 24153, USA
If you’re searching for family things to do in Virginia in summer, then the Salem Fair is a must-visit. This classic fair featuring carnival rides, games, live entertainment, yummy food, and more, has become a summer tradition for folks in Virginia. Be prepared to encounter large crowds, but that’s part of the fun. Nothing says summer more than carnival rides and eating a sugary funnel cake - those are some of the best childhood memories.
15. Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, 217 Shrine Mont Cir, Orkney Springs, VA 22845, USA
As the longest running music festival in Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival is a must on your list of Virginia summer activities. The festival kicks off on July 19 and runs through Labor Day weekend, so you’ll have plenty of chances to experience this epic event. Bring your lawn chairs or your blankets and get ready for a night of fun and great music in the Valley surrounded by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.
Now that you have your list of things to do in Virginia in summer, all that’s left is for you to start planning! Which destinations are you the most excited for? Tell us below.
Since you’ll be cruising the highway for some of these summer adventures in Virginia, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to road trips. It has everything you need to make your trip easy breezy.
The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 60+ Essentials For Your Next Adventure
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