Top Places to See When Driving from Allentown, Pennsylvania to Richmond, Virginia

The road trip from Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Richmond, Virginia, can take anywhere from four to six hours, but the picturesque views along the way will make you want to extend your journey. This travel route exudes natural beauty and boasts of history and culture. From Allentown to Richmond, you will encounter scenic landscapes, cliff-lined highways, beaches, and battlefields from the civil war. This route is perfect for a weekend getaway with friends and family, and here are the top five places you should visit during your trip.

1. Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park is the first must-visit site on your Allentown-Richmond road trip. The battlefield is where the Civil War broke out and has been preserved with monuments, statues, and artifacts from the war. The park covers 6,000 acres and has trails that take visitors through various aspects of the site, such as the burial grounds, fields, and orchards.

2. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is another magnificent place to visit on the Allentown-Richmond route. Driving through the Skyline Drive, which is a 105-mile-long scenic drive through the park, will leave you in awe of nature's beauty. Highlights of the park include hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings. The park is also a great location for camping, picnics, and mountain biking.

3. Monticello

Monticello is the famous 18th-century hilltop estate of Thomas Jefferson, who was the third US president. The beautiful estate covers 5,000-acres of land, which includes exhibition galleries, historic buildings, and a working farm. Visitors will find Jefferson's mansion most striking, which has been preserved in its original state since 1826.

4. Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is an important historical site that allows visitors to experience what life was like in the colonial-era. The town covers more than 300 acres and features more than forty exhibition sites such as theatres, restaurants, homes, and shops. Visitors can easily spend a day or two exploring the town and experiencing the colonial life, which includes dressing in period costumes and talking to costumed actors about their roles.

5. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a perfect place to end your Allentown to Richmond road trip. The beach stretches for 35 miles and is the best spot for relaxation and fun in the sun. Visitors can indulge in various activities, such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and dolphin watching. Exploring the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center or enjoying a meal in one of the beachfront restaurants is another perfect way to end your trip.

Conclusion

On your drive from Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Richmond, Virginia, you will encounter charming towns, beautiful mountains and beaches, and the chance to experience historical events that define the American story. Visiting these top five locations will help you make the best of your Allentown-Richmond road trip. Whether you're taking a break from your busy everyday life, spending quality time with family and friends or looking to appreciate American history, there's no better way to do it than by taking this exciting route.