The Best Road Trip from Allegheny Township, Pennsylvania to Virginia Beach, Virginia

Getting out of town for a road trip can be the perfect cure for the daily grind. There's nothing quite like hitting the open road with a few of your closest friends or family and exploring new places. The drive from Allegheny Township to Virginia Beach is a favorite of many, offering countless opportunities for adventure along the way. From historic landmarks to breathtaking natural scenery, this drive definitely has it all! So, without further ado, let's check out the top places to see on this amazing drive.

Stunning Natural Beauty

The drive from Allegheny Township to Virginia Beach offers plenty of opportunities to take in some breathtaking natural scenery. Here are some of the best places to explore on your journey.

Shenandoah National Park

A must-stop location on your road trip to Virginia Beach is the gorgeous 300-square-mile Shenandoah National Park. The park is loaded with trails for hiking, such as the popular Old Rag Mountain Trail, and horseback riding adventures. But the main attraction is the scenic drive known as the Skyline Drive, which runs through the entire park. It provides spectacular views of the park's abundant wildlife, numerous waterfalls, and blooming wildflowers. Check the park's website for additional information on guided tours, campsites, and the park's calendar of events.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

One of the most impressive feats of engineering is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the world's largest continuous bridge-tunnel complex that stretches 17.6 miles over and under the Chesapeake Bay. It is a rare experience getting the chance to drive over the ocean, but be careful as the straight-line span can be a nerve-shredding experience. The bridge-tunnel has four man-made islands home to unique gift shops and a restaurant with a beautiful ocean view.

Outer Banks of North Carolina

Located just a few miles from Chesapeake Bay is the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The kite-filled skies and wind-swept beaches make the Outer Banks a great spot for kite surfing, paddle boarding, and surfing. These 200 miles of thin barrier islands also offer a glimpse into history, with the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Bodie Island Lighthouse, just a few miles apart.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

A few miles south of Virginia Beach along the Atlantic Coast is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful refuge is over 9,200 acres of undeveloped beach and marsh, perfect for nature lovers who want to see some of the country's rarest birds and wildlife up close. The marshland contains a four-mile hiking trail, where you’ll find a great variety of birds and animals. Visitors can rent a bike and take on the Visitor's Center, which provides an in-depth look at the area's wildlife and their habitats.

Crabtree Falls

Located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the always-popular Crabtree Falls. This is another must-visit location on your road trip to Virginia Beach. The trail to the falls runs 3.8 miles along with a gradual climb to the base of the 1,200-foot waterfall. This lovely wooded area has stunning cascading waterfalls, creeks, and streams that make it perfect for taking a moment to enjoy nature.

Historical Landmarks

One of the joys of traveling is experiencing new cultures and learning about the history of different areas. Here are some of the best historical landmarks to explore on your journey from Allegheny Township to Virginia Beach.

Monticello

One of the most interesting historical landmarks to visit on your journey is Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The plantation’s signature feature is the neoclassical house, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The house and grounds include extensive gardens, historic buildings, and a working kitchen garden that’s still producing crops to this day. Guided tours of the house and the grounds are offered throughout the year.

Colonial Williamsburg

For all of the history lovers out there, Colonial Williamsburg is a must-see stop on your road trip. This living museum includes the largest living history museum in Virginia, a great place to step back in time to the Revolutionary War era. Stroll the streets and interact with historical interpreters, visit the Governor’s Palace, and watch historical reenactments. Visitors can easily spend a full day here engaging and learning about the history of the early United States.

James River Plantations

This lovely group of plantations lined along the James River are a must-visit location on your road trip. These plantations are rich with history and are the remnants of a bygone era of wealth and slavery. The James River plantation tour is a guided tour of the historic homes and buildings that once made up these plantations, including the beautiful plantation homes of Westover, Sherwood Forest, and Sherwood.

Asheville & Biltmore Estate

Located just outside the Blue Ridge Parkway is the charming city of Asheville, known for its gorgeous architecture and farm-to-table restaurants. A few miles from Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, a National Historic Landmark that covers over 8,000 acres. This lavish estate and grandiose castle was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s and is open to the public year-round. Tour the house and the grounds, take a stroll through the picturesque gardens, and sample some of the area's wines at the winery.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

About an hour from Allegheny Township is Manassas National Battlefield Park. This park is where a couple of Civil War battles were fought, and its twelve sites give visitors a glimpse into the past in a fascinating way. Visitors can walk the historic trails, visit the museum and visitor center to learn about the many battles fought here, and witness comprehensive exhibits that provide a picture of American history.

In conclusion

The amazing road trip from Allegheny Township to Virginia Beach is a must-do for anyone looking to explore the beauty and history of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. From the gorgeous natural scenery of Shenandoah National Park and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to the rich history of Colonial Williamsburg and Manassas National Battlefield Park, there are countless places to see and explore on this trip. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, this road trip promises to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave you wanting more. So, hit the road and start making memories!