Virginia is chock-full of must-see destinations that are known the world over. From Historic Jamestown to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Beach, and Mount Vernon, these iconic attractions are always worth a visit. Yet we have a special fondness for the lesser-known destinations. These are the kinds of places that may require a bit more time and effort to find but are always worth the search. And, you might discover that they’re located practically right under your nose! So, without further ado, here are some of the coolest attractions that not nearly enough people visit. From outdoor destinations to incredible wineries, there’s a little something on this list for every kind of explorer.
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
dczanowski / TripAdvisor
dczanowski / TripAdvisor Sitting atop the majestic Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia, the 88-foot Roanoke Star is one of the coolest overlooked attractions in Virginia. At the top, you’ll also find a beautifully designed city park complete with a flower garden and zoo! The star is beautiful during the day, and positively spectacular at night when it’s illuminated by 2,000 feet of neon tubing. Have you ever experienced one of the world’s largest light-up stars? Mill Mountain, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
- Stone Tower Winery
Management / TripAdvisor Stone Tower Winery, 19925 Hogback Mountain Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175, USA
Agustin Nieto / TripAdvisor The next destination on our list of underrated spots to visit in Virginia will take us to Leesburg. Stone Tower Winery is positively breathtaking. It’s here that you can order a glass of locally-made Virginia wine and enjoy it on the sprawling grounds, with views of the rolling hills for as far as the eye can see. Learn more about planning your visit to this family-operated winery in Virginia.
- Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Robert B / TripAdvisor Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, 16289 Rolfe Hwy, Surry, VA 23883, USA
DoingWhatWeLove / TripAdvisor Who’s up for a scenic ferry ride on the James River? This 20-minute excursion isn’t just beautiful, it also happens to be entirely free! Should you find yourself in the Williamsburg area, you’ll absolutely want to plan to take the ferry. It’s the perfect introduction to Surry County and will give you a newfound appreciation for the beautiful landscape. Learn more about planning your trip on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.
- Virginia Aviation Museum
Management / TripAdvisor Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457, USA
Linda V / TripAdvisor Tucked away in Virginia Beach awaits one of the most fascinating museums in the country. The Military Aviation Museum is home to the largest private collections of World War I and World War II-era military aircraft in the entire world. In addition to its fascinating exhibits, the museum also hosts airshows throughout the year, which are impressive to both those familiar with planes and novices alike. For more information about planning your visit, be sure to check out the official Military Aviation Museum website.
- Belle Isle State Park
Management / TripAdvisor Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
Jojohnson / TripAdvsiro Located on the Rappahannock River in Lancaster County, Virginia, Belle Isle State Park is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The park offers seven miles of shoreline as well as tidal wetlands and upland forests. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, picnicking, or camping, this park has it all. Learn more by visiting the Belle Island State Park website.
How many of these underrated places in Virginia have you visited? Be sure to tell us all about your adventures in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
dczanowski / TripAdvisor
Sitting atop the majestic Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia, the 88-foot Roanoke Star is one of the coolest overlooked attractions in Virginia. At the top, you’ll also find a beautifully designed city park complete with a flower garden and zoo! The star is beautiful during the day, and positively spectacular at night when it’s illuminated by 2,000 feet of neon tubing. Have you ever experienced one of the world’s largest light-up stars?
Mill Mountain, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Management / TripAdvisor
Stone Tower Winery, 19925 Hogback Mountain Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175, USA
Agustin Nieto / TripAdvisor
The next destination on our list of underrated spots to visit in Virginia will take us to Leesburg. Stone Tower Winery is positively breathtaking. It’s here that you can order a glass of locally-made Virginia wine and enjoy it on the sprawling grounds, with views of the rolling hills for as far as the eye can see. Learn more about planning your visit to this family-operated winery in Virginia.
Robert B / TripAdvisor
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, 16289 Rolfe Hwy, Surry, VA 23883, USA
DoingWhatWeLove / TripAdvisor
Who’s up for a scenic ferry ride on the James River? This 20-minute excursion isn’t just beautiful, it also happens to be entirely free! Should you find yourself in the Williamsburg area, you’ll absolutely want to plan to take the ferry. It’s the perfect introduction to Surry County and will give you a newfound appreciation for the beautiful landscape. Learn more about planning your trip on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.
Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457, USA
Linda V / TripAdvisor
Tucked away in Virginia Beach awaits one of the most fascinating museums in the country. The Military Aviation Museum is home to the largest private collections of World War I and World War II-era military aircraft in the entire world. In addition to its fascinating exhibits, the museum also hosts airshows throughout the year, which are impressive to both those familiar with planes and novices alike. For more information about planning your visit, be sure to check out the official Military Aviation Museum website.
Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
Jojohnson / TripAdvsiro
Located on the Rappahannock River in Lancaster County, Virginia, Belle Isle State Park is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The park offers seven miles of shoreline as well as tidal wetlands and upland forests. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, picnicking, or camping, this park has it all. Learn more by visiting the Belle Island State Park website.
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