10 Bucket List Items for a Fun Virginia Staycation

For the first summer in a long time, my family will probably just be taking some mini-vacations, and we are looking forward to exploring our beautiful home state of Virginia. Although I have lived in this state for now over 25+ years, there are many places and activities that I have yet to try. So, with the help of the Visit Virginia website, I have put together 10 bucket list items for a fun Virginia staycation. I’m excited to have a go-to list so that when we have a few days free here and there, we can take off and try something new.   

(*Updated April 2026)

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Attend a Music Festival

Who doesn’t love music, food and festival fun?  Virginia celebrates everything from wine to music to peaches and seafood. Check out the list of Virginia Music Festivals for yourself. 

You might enjoy our more detailed post: 30 Things to Do When You Visit Virginia

Rent a Houseboat

Have you ever thought about spending a few nights on a houseboat? We had a chance to try it on Virginia’s scenic Smith Mountain Lake, and you can read more about what we learned after 3 days on a houseboat. Parrot Cove Boat Rentals has various options for 3-, 4-and 7-day rentals so that everyone can find a trip that meets their budget. The boats come with great amenities like a sun deck, water slide and barbecue grill, and you can add on waverunners and small boats for extra water fun. It definitely is a family bonding experience! 

Hit the River

From tubing and swimming, to kayaking and canoeing, there is no shortage of places to hang out on those hot, summer Virginia days. We love kayaking on the nearby Potomac River, often spotting bald eagles and owls along the way. You can also take a leisurely tubing trip down the scenic Shenandoah River. Start here to narrow down your search to find the best outfitter in your area. You can also find a list of new places to swim from the beaches to the mountains. 

Explore a Small Town

Virginia has no shortage of small towns to explore! Start here for ideas and inspiration. Shop for antiques in Bedford, eat fresh seafood on the Chesapeake Bay in Cape Charles, or attend one of the family-friendly events in historic Leesburg (one of our favorite foodie towns). Virginia’s Northern Neck is a perfect spot for an overnight getaway.

Hit the Road in Search of Donuts

I had to throw this into the list, because I figured if we are travelling around the state, we could stop for snacks along the way. I’m excited that many are along Interstate 81, which we will be driving along several times this summer. Who doesn’t love searching for a good donut? Virginia has many General Stores and Markets which typically offer homemade donuts along with other sweet treats.

Enjoy the Water at a Virginia Lake

If you are looking for calm waters, head to one of many lakes in Virginia. Beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, which is the second largest lake in Virginia, is a popular choice offering the opportunity for many water-related activities. Families also enjoy Lake Anna in the north, and Claytor Lake farther south. Another good choice is Lake Gaston, which straddles the North Carolina/Virginia border. 

Take your Dog on a Weekend Trip

Virginia is filled with places that are dog friendly including historic sites and hiking trails, and I know my dog always loves a change of scenery.  Virginia State Parks are pet-friendly, just book ahead as they are popular. You can search and filter your results on the virginia.org website to include everything from camping to hotels that are pet friendly. Read our tips for taking your dog on a road trip.

Take a Hike

From Northern Virginia all the way to the far southwest corner of the state, there are hiking adventures to be had for all ages and abilities.  My favorite resource and one I rely on often is Go Hike Virginia. My friend Erin has put together details for amazing hikes for all levels. One of my local favorites is Bears Den in nearby Bluemont, Virginia, where you can take a short hike and enjoy lunch with a view on the Bears Den Overlook. Stop at nearby Great Country Farms, where you can pick seasonal fruits and vegetables. 

Discover 2 great books for hiking in Virginia: Hiking with Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families and Virginia Summits.

Drive Through the Virginia Safari Park

Really, how many states can boast a drive-thru Safari Park?  Kids will have the chance to see hundreds of animals on this 180-acre park. Guests are able to roll down their windows and feed the animals with animal food purchased in the park. We have done this before, and it always brings laughter and fun memories. Just be prepared potentially for the inside of your car to get dirty. It’s included on our list of 30 Things to Do in Virginia.  Find more places to see wildlife in Virginia here.

Head to a Nearby Drive-In Theater  

Enjoy some old-fashioned fun at one of a handful of drive-in theaters still operating in Virginia. While some have closed in recent years, a few seem to be hanging on. Just make sure everyone has a clear view from their seat!

I’m excited to have this handy list ready for the summer. Hopefully my local readers and tourists alike will be inspired to try something new this summer.

Related Post: 5 Ways to Spend the Day in Loudoun County Virginia