Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Raleigh, North Carolina

A journey from Alexandria, Virginia to Raleigh, North Carolina is a perfect reason to embark on a road trip.With stunning sceneries of hills and valleys, historical monuments, and cultural landmarks framing the way, this is a memorable ride for anyone with a thirst for adventure. At approximately halfway point, one can find 'Petersburg,' an incredible destination to break the strenuous road journey. In this article, we will present some of the must-visit places that a road traveler must explore while on this trip.

The Top Five Things to Do

Take the Smithsonian Institution tour

The Smithsonian Institution tour in Washington, D.C. is one of the most iconic places to visit in the United States. The tour takes you around the 19 world-class museums that preserve and exhibit America's ancient heritage. From the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of American History, each one is unique and informative enough to keep you engaged throughout the experience.

A fascinating fact about this destination is that the tour operators do not charge you any money to experience the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History that hosts a Diamond Anvil Cell exhibit.

Visit Jamestown

Jamestown in Virginia is the site of the first English settlement in America, circa 1607. Travelers can tour the Historic Jamestowne National Park and see Jamestown Island, America's first landing place. The archeological dig sites here are significant, giving you insight into over 100 years of English and Native American contact.

Did you know that it was in Jamestown that the first African slaves arrived in the late 1600s?

Take a Swamp Boat Tour in North Carolina

Taking a boat tour on a swamp in North Carolina is an excellent way to experience the best of nature's waterways. A beautiful boardwalk that allows you to walk through the cypress trees and swamplands is only the beginning of what is to offer. The swamp boat tours provide an opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and snakes, all in their natural habitats.

Did you know that some of the plants and animals found in the swamps have existed for more than 100 million years?

Visit the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, is a masterpiece of architectural beauty and historical significance. The home, with more than 250 rooms, was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th Century in the French Renaissance architectural masterpiece. The breathtaking Châteauesque-style mansion has four acres of floor space and boasts a French art and furniture collection.

Did you know that the Biltmore Estate is the largest individual family-owned residence in the whole of the United States of America?

Hike the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a long-distance hiking trail entailing 2,200 miles of breathtaking American scenery. It passes through fourteen states, from Georgia to Maine. One of the most photographed sections is the trailhead at Springer Mountain. Hiking the trail is a chance to experience America's long-distance hiking culture and the raw beauty of the woods.

Did you know that the Appalachian Trail attracts more than two million hikers annually?

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Raleigh, North Carolina is a journey that takes you through some of the best sceneries of the eastern United States. The Smithsonian Institution tour, Jamestown, a swamp boat tour in North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate, and hiking the Appalachian Trail are some of the best places to experience while on this trip. With plenty of history, natural beauty, and an insight into the evergreen heritage of the United States, this road trip is a must-do. For those who love to explore the world as it is, this trip takes approximately 4 and a half hours and is worth every minute spent on the road.