Discovering Virginia: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks Along the Road
Are you planning a road trip from Chester, Virginia to Virginia Beach? You are about to embark on a journey that will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Virginia, where you can explore numerous museums, parks, and landmarks. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or just looking to unwind, Virginia has something for everyone.
Did you know that Virginia has the most presidents born in the state? Eight U.S. presidents were born in Virginia, including the first president of the United States, George Washington.
Halfway through your trip, you will reach the historic city of Williamsburg. The city played a significant role in the American Revolution and served as Virginia's capital for more than 80 years. Today, Williamsburg is a well-preserved town that transports visitors back to the 18th century, with its cobblestone streets, colonial-style homes, and Revolutionary War-era buildings.
The distance between Chester and Virginia Beach is approximately 115 miles and takes about two hours to drive, depending on traffic. To make the most of your journey, adding additional travel time to explore becomes necessary.
Here are the top five must-visit places on your road trip itinerary:
1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Located in Richmond, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is home to more than 35,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years. The museum boasts an impressive collection of American and European paintings, sculpture, and decorative art, along with pieces from Asia and Africa. Don't miss exploring the new outdoor art park and colourful fountains at the museum.
Point of Interest Recommendation: The VMFA has a beautiful sculpture garden called "The Pauley Center" with a collection of contemporary and classical sculpture.
2. Pamplin Historical Park
Just outside Petersburg, Pamplin Historical Park is a Civil War-era park with an open-air museum, which includes a living history exhibit covering life on the home front and men and women in battle. The park features four museums, including the National Museum of the Civil War Solider, and guided tours of the Breakthrough Battlefield.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Visitors can experience a hands-on demonstration with blacksmithing or try on a Civil War-era dress in the park.
3. First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park sits on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach and was the site of the first landing of English colonists in 1607. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. There is also a nature center that features an aquarium and interactive exhibits on the park's ecology.
Point of Interest Recommendation: The park has a historic trail that passes a 17th-century cemetery and an area where the scouts from Jamestown landed in 1607.
4. Colonial National Historical Park
This park encompasses the Yorktown Battlefield, where the last major battle of the Revolutionary War took place, as well as Historic Jamestowne, the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Visitors can explore the battlefields, attend living history demonstrations, and learn about the lives of the early settlers.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Yorktown Victory Center offers several outdoor exhibits including artillery firing demonstrations.
5. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
You can't visit Virginia Beach without taking a walk along the boardwalk. The three-mile-long promenade offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and visitors can enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and attractions along the way, including the King Neptune statue, Rudee Inlet, and the Virginia Aquarium.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Rent a bike and tour the boardwalk with the whole family or get adventurous by taking a surf lesson from one of the local shops.
In conclusion, this Virginia road trip provides a sense of adventure, history and the natural beauty of the state. The drive is easily accomplished in a day, but the additional time along the way can provide a needed break for families who are cramming in fun summer activities before school starts. With equal opportunity for play, learning and relaxation, Chester to Virginia Beach offers a diverse and picturesque day trip in the Old Dominion.