6 Most Scenic Drives in Virginia
From beautiful panoramic views over the Blue Ridge Mountains to meandering national parkways connecting some of the state’s most important historic sites, the best scenic drives in Virginia offer mile after mile of unforgettable sightseeing experiences. A rich blend of history, natural beauty, and fun recreational opportunities, the best of these scenic drives are perfect for day trips, weekend getaways, or even longer road trips.
Two of the very best (and personal favorites), Skyline Drive and the Colonial National Historical Parkway, are among Virginia’s most celebrated routes. But there are plenty more worth exploring. Shenandoah Valley’s pastoral beauty and the historic sites along the James and Potomac Rivers provide contrasting yet equally compelling journeys. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who simply enjoys leisurely travel, Virginia’s scenic byways promise wonderful experiences around every bend.
Skyline Drive: Front Royal to Waynesboro
Skyline Drive spans 105 miles across Shenandoah National Park, connecting the quaint towns of Front Royal and Waynesboro. This iconic route provides access to over 70 overlooks, each offering sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Stop at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center near Front Royal to pick up trail maps and learn more about the park’s history. About midway, Big Meadows is a perfect place to stretch your legs, featuring a visitor center and several hiking trails, including the 1.4-mile Story of the Forest Trail. For a more dramatic walk, take the trail to Dark Hollow Falls, one of the park’s most accessible waterfalls. And have your camera ready as wildlife such as deer and black bears are often spotted along the drive.
In Waynesboro, visit the Shenandoah Valley Art Center or Fishburne Military School, one of the oldest such academies in the country, for a dose of local culture. The town’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a gateway to even more adventures for those wanting to extend their road trip. Best time to visit? Autumn’s spectacular fall foliage and spring’s wildflower displays are perfect times to enjoy a road trip along Skyline Drive.
Shenandoah Valley Route 11: Winchester to Lexington
This drive through the heart of the Shenandoah Valley begins in Winchester at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. This sprawling museum features plenty of useful information about life past and present in an area known as Virginia’s breadbasket. Heading south along Route 11, you’ll encounter many other charming towns and fun attractions like the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory in Mount Jackson, a great place to stop for its free samples.
The next stop is Lexington, a wonderful small town to explore on foot or, better still, by horse-drawn carriage. Home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute, it preserves 19th-century architecture and landmarks like Stonewall Jackson’s House and the University Chapel and Galleries. End your road trip at the impressive Natural Bridge State Park, an incredible 215 ft limestone arch once owned by Thomas Jefferson. The walk to this iconic site along the Cedar Creek Trail beneath the bridge is simply mind-blowing.
George Washington Memorial Parkway: Mount Vernon to McLean
The George Washington Memorial Parkway from the first President’s home in Mount Vernon Estate to McLean is another relatively short route that can take hours to complete (it took me a full day). Just 25 miles long, this scenic drive winds along the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, a must-visit, history buff or not. Admission is by tour only, so arrive early in order to try to get a jump on the hordes of schoolkids bussed in to see Washington’s historic home and gardens.
If you prefer, you can do much of this route on a bike via the 18-mile-long Mount Vernon Trail that runs alongside the highway and is perfect for cycling (the cycling portion ends at Rosslyn). After Mount Vernon, you’ll want to stop at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve for a short hike through wetlands, some birdwatching, and to enjoy great views over the Potomac. Old Town Alexandria is your next stop. The heart of Alexandria, this well-preserved area of only 8,000 residents, has changed little in time. Featuring cobblestone streets and waterfront attractions like the Torpedo Factory Art Center, follow the mile-long King Street to see other sites like Carlyle House and Market Square.
If you base yourself here while exploring the area, check out the historic Alexandrian Hotel and reserve a table at Ada’s on the River, undoubtedly the best place to dine in Old Town Alexandria. End your journey in McLean, a town known for its scenic overlooks with views over the Potomac toward Washington, D.C., and natural preserves like Great Falls Park.
The Crooked Road: Floyd to Breaks Interstate Park
Consider yourself a music lover? If you only manage one of these scenic drives through Virginia, you’ll want to make it the Crooked Road. This 330-mile scenic byway winds through the Appalachian region of southwest Virginia and celebrates the region’s deep-rooted traditions of country, bluegrass, and old-time music. This historic route connects a series of towns, some 60 performance venues, along with cultural landmarks that have shaped American music for generations.
Starting in Rocky Mount at the Harvester Performance Center, the drive follows U.S. Route 58 and meanders through the scenic Blue Ridge and Cumberland Mountains, passing through iconic musical communities like Floyd, where the Floyd Country Store hosts its famous Friday Night Jamboree. Further west, Galax, known as the "World Capital of Old-Time Music," is home to the Rex Theater and the annual Old Fiddlers' Convention, one of the longest-running traditional music gatherings in the country.
As the Crooked Road continues into Clintwood and Big Stone Gap, you’ll encounter sites like the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park and Hiltons, home to the Carter Family Fold, a rustic music venue dedicated to the legacy of the Carter Family, pioneers of early country music. Every Saturday night, live performances keep their music tradition alive, drawing country music fans from across the country.
Colonial National Historical Parkway: Yorktown to Jamestown
The wonderful Colonial Parkway connects three historic Virginia towns: Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. And while it’s one of the shorter routes on this list (it’s just 23 miles long), there’s so much to see along this beautiful historic route that you’ll want to take your time (it took me three days!). Begin at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a superb attraction that will easily occupy the first few hours of your trip. After enjoying a stroll along Riverwalk Landing and possibly even a sail aboard a schooner on the York River, follow this historic route to the Yorktown Battlefield, the scene of the surrender of British forces on October 19, 1781.
Midway through the drive, you’ll want to stop at Colonial Williamsburg, with its many well-preserved colonial-era buildings. The world’s largest living history museum, you can walk in the footsteps of early 18th-century Americans along Duke of Gloucester Street, encountering costumed interpreters portraying historical figures along the way. Highlights include the Governor’s Palace, with its grand façade and period furnishings, and the Capitol building, a reminder that this historic town served as Virginia’s capital from 1699 to 1780.
A slight detour to the Williamsburg Winery for a tasting is highly recommended, as is stopping at their Gabriel Archer Tavern for lunch or dinner (be sure to ask to sit on their wonderful patio). Your drive concludes in Jamestown, at the Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, where you can walk among archaeological excavations of America’s first permanent English colony. Stop at the historic Glasshouse, too, for a glimpse of early glassmaking techniques.
Route 5: Charles City to Richmond
Route 5 is a 52-mile-long scenic byway that follows the James River, passing through some of Virginia’s oldest plantations before leading into Richmond, the state capital. Begin your journey in Charles City, a quiet yet historically rich town that played a crucial role in Virginia’s colonial era. One of the first stops along Route 5 is Westover Church, built in 1730 and attended by many influential Virginians. Nearby, the Sherwood Forest Plantation was the former home of John Tyler, America’s 10th President, with guided tours offering a chance to see the country’s longest frame house in America, stretching over 300 feet in length.
As you travel west along Route 5, you’ll pass many other of Virginia’s most significant plantations, including Westover Plantation. Built in the 1730s by the influential Byrd family, this elegant Georgian-style plantation sits on a pretty stretch of the James River and boasts manicured gardens and historic outbuildings that can be explored. A little further along, Berkeley Plantation was the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison (the country’s 9th leader) and is famous as the site of America’s first official Thanksgiving in 1619.
As Route 5 enters Richmond, the state capital, it passes through neighborhoods rich with colonial, Civil War, and Gilded Age history. The first major stop is the Virginia State Capitol, a beautiful building designed by Thomas Jefferson that has been serving as the seat of Virginia’s government since 1788 (tours are available). Top off your drive along historic Route 5 with a stay at the palatial Jefferson Hotel, Richmond’s most iconic luxury hotel. Built in 1895 and just a short walk from the Capitol, this grand structure features Beaux-Arts architecture, a majestic rotunda, and an opulent marble staircase rumored to have inspired the iconic Gone with the Wind staircase.
Virginia’s Scenic Roads: A Journey Through History and Nature
Virginia’s best scenic drives each reveal a great deal about the state’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Whether exploring the historic triangle of Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown or meandering through the Appalachian landscapes in search of the roots of country music, each route offers unique experiences that invite travelers to slow down and soak up the scenery. Whether you’re a resident or visiting for the first time, these scenic drives offer an unforgettable way to experience the very best that Virginia has to offer.
