Living up to its famous slogan, this state in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region provides a romantic setting for your post-wedding trip. With its towering mountains, long sandy beaches, quaint towns, and wineries, there’s never a dull moment when you and your partner spend your honeymoon in Virginia.
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Is Virginia A Good Place for a Honeymoon?
The state particularly appeals to couples as activities and accommodations run plenty in Virginia. When you opt for a Virginia honeymoon, you can create an itinerary that leans toward beaches, mountains, wines, and historical sites. The award-winning marketing slogan, first created in 1969, was made to capture the versatility of Virginia.
What Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Virginia?
Incontestably, Virginia is an excellent place for a honeymoon. Here are some of the best things to do there with your loved one.
1. Surround yourself with nature
Just driving through the Blue Ridge Parkway will give you front-row views of the outstanding natural beauty of Virginia, with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the highlight.
When you visit the Shenandoah National Park, a new paradise opens up. You can traverse the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, undertake hiking trails, try biking and horseback riding, and have fun at waterfalls. You can visit the enchanting Luray Caverns in a short drive or dip into the state’s famous hot springs.
2. Learn more about history
With its colonial past, it’s not hard to see why many couples interested in history want to visit Virginia. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find the colonial towns and sites in the state interesting and memorable.
From the 250-year-old sidewalks of Old Town Alexandria and the 18th-century charm of Colonial Williamsburg to Monticello (the former dwelling of Thomas Jefferson) and Mount Vernon (the former home of George Washington), there’s a lot to explore.
3. Visit destination restaurants and wineries
No honeymoon is ever complete without visiting popular dining spots in their destination of choice. Luckily, foodies are in for a great gastronomic experience when they visit Virginia.
There’s the Inn at Little Washington, the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in the Washington DC metropolitan area. If you’re in the countryside, The Goodstone Inn & Estate is the place to be. Tuscarora Mill is lauded for spotlighting regional ingredients, while The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is a go-to farm-to-table eatery.
When in Virginia, never miss out on going on Virginia Wine Country excursions. This state is home to about 200 wineries in quaint rural areas.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Virginia For a Honeymoon?
April through October attracts many honeymooners. During this high season, couples can enjoy several events, including the Virginia Highlands Festival, Virginia Renaissance Faire, Norfolk Wine Festival, and Balloons over Rockbridge.
June to August are the warmest month, while January is the coldest. Note, that April, May, and September are the state’s rainest months, even though they fall within the peak season. If you want a romantic weekend during that time, monitor weather reports.
What Is the Average Cost of a Honeymoon in Virginia?
In the U.S., couples spend about $4,800 for a honeymoon in Virginia, including travel and accommodation expenses. The price can change substantially as you can find remote cabins that charge $60 per night, compared to luxury resorts at $3,000 per night.
How to Plan a Budget Virginia Honeymoon
- Search for a local bed and breakfast (B&B), romantic cabins, or Airbnb rental properties
- Design your itinerary well and book restaurant reservations ahead of time
- Consider traveling during the low season and take advantage of deals and discounts
6 Cities to Consider for a Virginia Honeymoon
Virginia Beach
If you’re up for a coastal honeymoon, head to Virginia Beach and spend quality time swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Stroll around and walk hand in hand at the beach’s 3-mile boardwalk. The city, located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, hugs the Atlantic Ocean and boasts facilities with stunning ocean views. You can also go fishing, hiking, or horseback riding, or visit the historic First Landing State Park.
Where to stay: North Boardwalk
Suggested duration: 4 to 5 days
Richmond
Richmond is the capital city of Virginia. Rich in history and modern tourist spots, it’s a must-visit if you’re heading to this southern state. From visiting breweries and museums to admiring the beauty of the Virginia State Capitol building, Maymont Estate, and Belle Isle, your itinerary will be filled with many interesting activities.
Where to stay: City Center (Downtown Richmond)
Suggested duration: 2 to 3 days
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a quaint gem of a town if you want to learn more about Virginia’s rich history. You and your partner can admire reconstructed 1700s buildings and ride horse-drawn carriages around Colonial Williamsburg, take a trip to the Governor’s Palace, and eat sumptuous meals in colonial taverns. Experience the thrill when you head to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, known for its coasters and thematic country lands.
Where to stay: Colonial Williamsburg
Suggested duration: 4 days
Charlottesville
Another great place to stay for history-loving newlyweds is Charlottesville, where you can find Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s plantation, built in 1772. You can find African American historic sites, shop at Downtown Mall, stroll around town squares, and dine at Black-owned eateries. You go on a wine tour or be in awe at the beauty of the University of Virginia — the only university in the U.S. to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay: History District
Suggested duration: 3 days
Fredericksburg
Georgian-style mansions, George Washington’s childhood home (the Ferry Farm), parks and trails, and restaurants that offer regional cuisine and delicacies. These are only some of the best things you can find at Fredericksburg. If you want to know more about the vital role that the city played in Civil War, put Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center on your list of places to visit.
Where to stay: Old Town Fredericksburg
Suggested duration: 3 days
Alexandria
This city in Northern Virginia is your launchpad for Washington, D.C. It’s located on the Potomac River and is famed for its cobblestone streets and old-town charm. You can rent bikes and take the time to see its buildings that are centuries old. If you want to efficiently immerse in their local cuisine and get acquainted with their history, book one of their food and history tours.
Where to stay: Old Town Alexandria
Suggested duration: 5 days
What Is the Cheapest Time to Go to Virginia For a Honeymoon?
As Virginia is one of the top honeymoon destinations among U.S. newlyweds, its high season can have huge crowds and high prices for travel and lodging. If you want to save money, the cheapest time is November to December.
November’s climate is relatively fine (70 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, you can experience a bitingly cold winter in December (about 37 degrees Fahrenheit), with precipitation of around 5 inches.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Virginia?
When planning a romantic getaway in Virginia, there are two major airports to consider: the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (4 miles south of Washington D.C.) and Washington Dulles International Airport (26 miles west of D.C.).
These two handle more than 20 million passengers annually. You can use buses, shuttles, taxis, and car rental services to arrive at your final destination after the flight.
Traveling Within Virginia
Car rentals are popular in this state. It’s the best way to navigate the city and enjoy its mountain views. You can also ride trains and buses, or book a flight if you travel to more distanced cities.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Virginia?
There’s a type of accommodation for every budget in Virginia.
If you want to go all-out and spend the early days of your marriage in style and luxury, historic estates like The Inn at Willow Grove and The Williamsburg Inn exist. If you want to go beyond the hot tub and enjoy a hot spring within your hotel, choose The Omni Homestead. Keswick Hall & Golf Club and Lansdowne Resort and Spa have a private golf course, outdoor pool, and luxurious guest rooms.
If you want budget-friendly options, boutique hotels, cabins, B&Bs, and Airbnb properties are available for rent.
Is Virginia Safe For Travelers?
Though there’s a slight uptick in crimes, Virginia is still a safe destination for your post-wedding getaway. In fact, it’s still one of the safest places in the southern part of the U.S.
To make your honeymoon in Virginia a safe experience, always check for weather reports (beware of hurricanes and tornadoes), safeguard your valuables, especially when traveling in public places, and avoid strolling after sundown.