Central Virginia, VA

Travel Guide

Richmond which includes a city and central business district
Monticello which includes a park
Monticello showing heritage architecture, a memorial and a garden
Richmond
Richmond featuring outdoor art and art as well as children
Tour stately homes of American presidents and hike scenic trails in an area filled with diversity. Discover where Black capitalism began.

Start your visit to Central Virginia in the state capital, Richmond, which is full of not only history, but also culture and traditional foods. The city has a wealth of information about the Civil War, with Richmond National Battlefield Park extending through the urban setting. Visit battle sites and a cannon factory. Learn about a hospital that was integral during the war.

Richmond has many other attractions, such as the Jackson Ward neighborhood, considered the birthplace of Black capitalism. Here you’ll find the Victorian mansion of Maggie L. Walker, a successful businesswoman and daughter of a former slave in the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. Tour the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Try traditional soul food at many popular eating establishments.

Virginia has a history of winemaking. President Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in introducing grape varieties to the area. Of greater importance, he was an author of the Declaration of Independence. Tour his home, Monticello, in Charlottesville, to learn about its historic owner and the history of slavery on the estate.

President James Monroe also had a home, Highland, near Monticello. President James Madison’s estate, Montpelier, is in Montpelier Station, 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Monticello. Enjoy tranquil settings at all these attractions.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, in the southern part of the region, marks where the Civil War ended on April 9, 1865 and the country began its journey to reunification. While in Charlottesville, stop at the historic Downtown Mall. Numerous shops and restaurants rejuvenate the downtown with a pedestrian mall setting.

Explore Central Virginia’s eight state parks and numerous gardens. In the northwest quadrant of the region is the town of Wintergreen, with a four-season mountain retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville is owned by the University of Virginia Foundation and has trails spanning its 570 acres (230 hectares), as well as various facilities and attractions. Fly to Richmond International Airport and rent a car to explore the region.

Where to stay in Central Virginia

Virginia featuring a sunset

Downtown Richmond

4/5(1,138 area reviews)

Explore the central business district, home to Fortune 500 companies and architectural gems like the Virginia State Capitol. Discover vibrant nightlife in Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip districts.

Downtown Richmond
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Short Pump

Boasting shopping centers like Short Pump Town Center and West Broad Village, this suburban area offers a variety of restaurants, a skating rink, and a bowling alley for entertainment.

Short Pump
Monument Ave in the fall.

Fan District

5/5(8 area reviews)

Boasting a long stretch of Victorian architecture, this residential area is home to VCU's Monroe Park Campus, tree-lined avenues, and numerous parks. Explore local cafes, restaurants, and the nearby Virginia Center for Architecture at Branch House.

Fan District
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North Chesterfield

While North Chesterfield might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Chesterfield Towne Center and River City Sportsplex.

North Chesterfield
Charlottesville showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and farmland

North Downtown

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Downtown, Historic Court Square and Paramount Theater are top sights worth seeing.

North Downtown
I've been here twice in the last 6 months and keep forgetting to list it. Caffespresso is excellent  limited seating, well at least when it's packed like yesterday. Very good coffee drinks and nice ambiance. Tasty looking pastries and sandwiches as well. And if that's not enough you can stop by next door to get your gun fixed or buy a new one. What more could you ask? massage? Chiropractor? Yep that's on the other side of the coffee shop. Enjoy!

Tuckahoe

You'll enjoy the coffeehouses and gardens in Tuckahoe. You might want to make time for a stop at James River or Regency Square Mall.

Tuckahoe
English Inn of Charlottesville

English Inn of Charlottesville

3 out of 5
2000 Morton Drive, Charlottesville, VA
$98 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$112 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,415 reviews)
Great clean hotel
"Very nice and clean hotel. Breakfast was good and plentiful."

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

English Inn of Charlottesville
The Jefferson Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel

5 out of 5
101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA
$285 nightly
The price is $331 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$331 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
A Must Stay!
"Make your reservation today! The Jefferson exceeds every expectation and beyond!! Classically and historically beautiful, impeccably maintained, superior staff. I can't wait to return!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

The Jefferson Hotel
Omni Richmond Hotel

Omni Richmond Hotel

4 out of 5
100 S 12th St, Richmond, VA
$159 nightly
The price is $185 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$185 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Richmond. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,161 reviews)
"All was great"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Omni Richmond Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wilderness Presidential Resort

Wilderness Presidential Resort

3 out of 5
9220 Plank Rd, Spotsylvania, VA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Spotsylvania. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chancellorsville Battlefield ...
9/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
"There were plenty amenities to enjoy. More than what we had time for."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Wilderness Presidential Resort
Bright, Beautiful Smith Mountain Lakefront, Full Amenities & Perfect Location!

Bright, Beautiful Smith Mountain Lakefront, Full Amenities & Perfect Location!

Moneta
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Moneta. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Smith Mountain Lake and Hickory ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
SML Family Vacation 2025
"We've vacationed at SML many times throughout the years. It's a beautiful area.The rental house was perfect for our family. The grandkids loved the trampoline & jumping off the dock upper level. It was comfortable and easily fit all 11 of us.We brought our pontoon boat & the quiet cove allowed us ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Bright, Beautiful Smith Mountain Lakefront, Full Amenities & Perfect Location!
5 Bed 4 Bath Waterfront Home on Deep Water Cove Ideally located by car or boat!

5 Bed 4 Bath Waterfront Home on Deep Water Cove Ideally located by car or boat!

Moneta
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Moneta. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
"We had a great time at LakeLubbers!! Plenty of room for our party of 8, with fully stocked kitchen, and grill on the patio. The location is very convenient to Bridgewater Marina and shopping / restaurants, the dock was convenient for parking our boat, and the upper dock was a hit with the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

5 Bed 4 Bath Waterfront Home on Deep Water Cove Ideally located by car or boat!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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