Best Road Trip: From Ashville, Ohio To Virginia Beach, Virginia

Road trips are one of the best ways to discover new places, enjoy picturesque views, and have an adventurous experience. If you are planning to go on a road trip from Ashville, Ohio, to Virginia Beach, VA, you have picked an excellent route. This route passes through some of the most scenic and iconic destinations that are worth exploring.

Get ready to pack your bags, hop on your car and experience the best of Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, with this ultimate guide of the top places to see when driving from Ashville, Ohio to Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Discovering Athens, Ohio

Your journey starts from Ashville, Ohio, and your first stop should be Athens, Ohio. The city is famous for its scenic beauty and a wide range of recreational activities. The city has many beautiful hiking trails and parks for picnic and camping. Make sure you visit the Strouds Run State Park, which has a stunning lake, beach, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions.

Athens is also known for its vibrant art scene, including the Dairy Barn Arts Center, a contemporary art museum featuring national and international exhibits. The city is also home to Ohio University, where you can visit the Kennedy Museum of Art that features rotating exhibitions featuring regional artists.

A Nature Lover's Paradise: New River Gorge National Park

Drive towards the southern part of West Virginia to experience the Natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The park is spread over an area of 70,000 acres, and it is home to scenic canyons, roaring rivers, dense forests, and fantastic hiking trails.

Visit the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single arch bridge in the world that offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding mountains. Visit the famous Fayette Station Bridge, which was once used to transport coal from the mines on the opposite side of the gorge.

Enjoy a fun-filled day of river rafting, kayaking or fishing on the New River, which is the third oldest river in the world. The park has many picturesque campsites, picnic areas, and lookout points for visitors to explore.

The Cultural Hotspot: Richmond, VA

Located 100 miles away from Virginia Beach, the capital of Virginia, Richmond, should be on your list. Richmond is not just a political hub, but it's also home to a diverse range of cultural activities, outdoor adventure, and delectable food.

Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest art museums in the country, which houses over 50,000 works of art, including works by Renoir, Picasso, and Warhol. Take a stroll in the Carytown neighborhood, which is home to boutique shops, vintage bookstores, and a plethora of restaurants and cafes.

If you're up for some outdoor activities, explore the James River Park System, which has several hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, and paddle boarding opportunities. Visit the historic Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place of several famous personalities such as Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler.

The Coastal Getaway: Virginia Beach

Finally, make your way to Virginia Beach, where the ocean meets the sky, and the sunsets are magical. Virginia Beach is a perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure. Start your day with a walk on the three-mile-long boardwalk, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visit the First Landing State Park, where the first English colonists landed over 400 years ago. Explore the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where you can paddle through the scenic waterways, observe wildlife and see dolphins in their natural habitat.

Families can enjoy a day at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, which features shark and sea turtle exhibits, a 3D Imax theater and adventure park with zip-lining and high ropes courses. Complete your visit by enjoying some delicious seafood at the famous Waterman's Surfside Grill.

Conclusion

Driving from Ashville, Ohio to Virginia Beach, Virginia guarantees a fantastic road trip that takes you through picturesque views, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences. From the rugged Appalachian Mountains to the serene oceanfront, this journey is full of adventure, history, and culture.

So, pack your bags, fuel up your car, and get ready to embark on an exciting journey from Ashville, Ohio to Virginia Beach, Virginia, and discover the best the East coast has to offer.