Colonial Williamsburg: A living history museum depicting 18th-century colonial life. Experience reenactments, original buildings and interactive exhibits that bring the era to life.

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern
Enjoy colonial-inspired dining at one of the most famous taverns frequented by George Washington.

Historic Jamestowne
Visit the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, with archaeological sites that tell the story of early settlers and their interactions with Native American tribes.

The Governor’s Palace
Explore this grand residence of colonial Virginia's governors, featuring period furnishings and gardens.

Bruton Parish Church
An active Episcopal church since 1715 and an excellent example of colonial religious architecture.

Yorktown Battlefield
Part of Colonial National Historical Park, Yorktown is the site where the final major battle of the American Revolution took place in 1781, securing independence for the United States.

For more information, check out visitwilliamsburg.com or colonialwilliamsburg.org.

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Dedicated to the first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president in the United States, this museum highlights her groundbreaking contributions to civil rights and entrepreneurship.

Virginia State Capitol
Designed by Thomas Jefferson, this historical landmark is a symbol of democracy and showcases exhibits related to Virginia’s role in early American history.

The Valentine
Richmond’s first museum, focusing on the city’s history and culture, featuring rotating exhibits and a deep dive into local stories.

Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
A museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of African American life, history and culture in Virginia.

Virginia Civil Rights Memorial
Located on the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol, this memorial commemorates the student-led protests to desegregate public schools, especially the leadership of Barbara Johns, whose 1951 walkout became part of the Brown v. Board of Education case.

American Civil War Museum
Located at Historic Tredegar, this museum offers comprehensive exhibits exploring the causes, experiences and consequences of the Civil War from multiple perspectives.

For more information, check out visitrichmondva.com.

Monticello
Home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello offers tours of the house and gardens and includes exhibits on the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked here.

James Monroe’s Highland
This presidential home offers insights into the life and legacy of James Monroe, along with stories of the enslaved population at Highland.

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
A museum preserving the legacy of African American life in Charlottesville, focusing on civil rights and education.

University of Virginia Rotunda
A UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Thomas Jefferson, offering architectural tours and a look at the university’s history.

For more information, check out visitcharlottesville.org.

Lloyd House and Freedom House Museum
Lloyd House offers exhibits on Alexandria's history, including its ties to the Underground Railroad and African American communities.

Mount Vernon
George Washington’s estate, featuring tours of the mansion, grounds and exhibits on the life of America’s first president, as well as the enslaved individuals who lived on the property.

Carlyle House
A well-preserved Georgian mansion offering a glimpse into colonial life and the early days of Alexandria.

Torpedo Factory Art Center
A unique blend of history and contemporary culture, this former munitions factory now houses art galleries and studios.

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
A preserved Civil War fort that was part of the Union defenses protecting Washington, D.C., featuring exhibits about the fort and the soldiers stationed there.

For more information, check out visitalexandria.com.

Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin
This maritime museum explores naval history, with interactive exhibits and tours of the USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy.

Chrysler Museum of Art
A museum with a diverse collection of art spanning many centuries, including pieces that reflect the region’s cultural and artistic history.

Hunter House Victorian Museum
This preserved Victorian home offers a glimpse into the life and customs of Norfolk’s upper-class families during the 19th century.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens
A beautiful historic home featuring art collected by the Sloane family and lush gardens along the waterfront.

For more information, check out visitnorfolk.com.

Virginia Museum of Transportation
Exhibits on Virginia’s rich transportation history, including the state’s railroad heritage and the iconic Norfolk & Western Railway.

O. Winston Link Museum
Dedicated to the photography of O. Winston Link, this museum showcases the beauty and history of America’s steam railways.

Mill Mountain Star and Park
A scenic park offering panoramic views of Roanoke and its iconic illuminated star.

For more information, check out visitroanokeva.com.

Chatham Manor
This historic home has served many purposes, including as a hospital during various wars. Its gardens offer scenic views of the Rappahannock River.

Old Town Fredericksburg
Explore historic streets lined with shops, cafes and colonial-era buildings that tell the story of Fredericksburg’s past.

Fredericksburg Battlefield
Part of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, this Civil War battlefield preserves the site of the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg and includes walking trails and interpretive exhibits.

For more information, check out fxbg.com.

The Mariners' Museum and Park
One of the largest maritime museums in the world, featuring exhibits on seafaring history, including the famous USS Monitor.

Historic Hilton Village
An early 20th-century planned community with charming architecture and local shops.

Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center
The historic home of Joseph Thomas Newsome, a prominent African American attorney and journalist, now serving as a museum and cultural center.

For more information, check out visitnewportnews.com.

Manassas National Battlefield Park
The site of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, this expansive park preserves fields, trails and historic landmarks that tell the story of some of the Civil War’s earliest major battles.

Manassas Museum
Located in historic downtown Manassas, this museum features exhibits about the region’s Civil War history and the city’s development over time.

Ben Lomond Historic Site
A Civil War hospital site that offers exhibits on battlefield medicine and the experiences of soldiers treated there during the war.

Historic Downtown Manassas
A walkable district featuring preserved 19th-century architecture, historic train heritage and museums that highlight the city’s past.

For more information, check out visitmanassas.org.

Petersburg National Battlefield
A preserved Civil War battlefield commemorating the long siege that helped bring about the end of the war. Visitors can explore miles of trenches, historic structures and interpretive trails.

Battersea
Built in 1768 for Colonel John Banister, Petersburg’s first mayor and a Revolutionary War patriot, Battersea is one of the nation’s earliest examples of Palladian architecture in a private residence. Overlooking the Appomattox River, the historic home offers insight into colonial life and the political history of early America.

Pamplin Historical Park & National Museum of the Civil War Soldier
This award-winning park includes a Civil War museum, preserved battlefields and immersive exhibits that bring the experiences of soldiers and civilians to life.

Centre Hill Mansion
A beautifully preserved historic home that served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War.

Siege Museum
Located in the historic Exchange Building, this museum explores Petersburg’s pivotal role during the Civil War and the Siege of Petersburg.

For more information, check out visitpetersburgva.org.