20 Most Underrated Places In Virginia That Deserve More Love
Virginia isn’t just about Colonial Williamsburg and Arlington Cemetery.
Hidden throughout the Commonwealth are charming towns, peaceful lakeside retreats, and scenic mountain villages that rarely make the tourist brochures.
Get ready to explore twenty incredible Virginia destinations that locals adore but visitors often overlook.
1. Chincoteague Island
Famous for its wild ponies, this barrier island offers way more than just four-legged celebrities. You’ll find incredible seafood restaurants, pristine beaches without the crowds, and some of the best birdwatching on the East Coast.
Assateague Island National Seashore sits right next door, giving you miles of untouched shoreline to explore.
Bike trails wind through marshes where herons hunt and oyster boats chug past at dawn, making every moment feel like a postcard come to life.
2. Staunton
Birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson, this Shenandoah Valley gem boasts gorgeous Victorian architecture that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous.
Theater lovers flock here for the American Shakespeare Center, which performs in a recreation of Shakespeare’s original indoor playhouse.
Wandering the hilly streets feels like stepping back in time, minus the corsets and chamber pots. Local restaurants serve farm-to-table cuisine that proves small-town dining can rival any big city hotspot.
3. Abingdon
Southwest Virginia’s cultural heart beats strongest in this artsy mountain town where the famous Barter Theatre has entertained audiences since the Great Depression.
The Virginia Creeper Trail starts here, offering 34 miles of converted railroad track perfect for biking through stunning mountain scenery.
Art galleries, cozy cafes, and antique shops line the historic downtown, inviting you to slow down and soak in Appalachian charm.
4. Smith Mountain Lake
With over 500 miles of shoreline, this massive reservoir rivals the ocean for summer fun without the saltwater and sharks.
Fishing enthusiasts chase striped bass while families rent pontoon boats and discover hidden coves perfect for swimming.
Sunset views from the water paint the sky in oranges and pinks that no filter can improve. Waterfront restaurants serve cold drinks and hot wings, making it ridiculously easy to lose track of time while your worries float away.
5. Cape Charles
Tucked away on the Eastern Shore, this sleepy beach town offers Chesapeake Bay access without Virginia Beach’s overwhelming crowds.
Victorian homes line tree-shaded streets where golf carts outnumber cars, and everyone waves like they know you.
The public beach features calm, shallow waters ideal for kids and anyone who prefers floating to fighting waves.
Fresh seafood tastes even better when you’re watching fishing boats unload their daily catch right at the harbor.
6. Lexington
Two prestigious military colleges – VMI and Washington and Lee – give this Shenandoah Valley town a unique scholarly atmosphere mixed with Southern hospitality.
Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson are both buried here, making it a history buff’s paradise.
Beyond the monuments, downtown shops sell everything from handmade crafts to rare books, while nearby hiking trails lead to Natural Bridge and stunning mountain overlooks.
Student energy keeps restaurants and coffee shops buzzing year-round with conversation and creativity.
7. Occoquan
Just 30 miles from Washington DC, this riverside village feels worlds away from Capitol Hill chaos.
Over 100 independently owned shops fill historic buildings where you can hunt for antiques, handmade jewelry, and quirky home decor.
The Occoquan River flows peacefully past outdoor dining patios where brunch tastes better with a waterfront view.
Seasonal festivals draw crowds who appreciate small-town charm without sacrificing convenience or variety in shopping and dining options.
8. Onancock
Pronounced “oh-NAN-cock,” this Eastern Shore harbor town rewards those who can say its name correctly with incredible sunsets and fresh-caught seafood. Historic homes dating back to the 1700s line streets where time moves at a deliberately slow pace.
The town wharf offers free concerts in summer, and kayakers paddle through nearby creeks teeming with wildlife. Art galleries showcase local talent, while restaurants prove that fine dining exists far beyond big cities.
9. Floyd
If bluegrass music makes your toes tap, you’ll find heaven in this Blue Ridge Mountain village where Friday Night Jamborees pack the Floyd Country Store weekly.
Musicians of all skill levels bring instruments and join impromptu picking sessions that last for hours.
Organic farms surround town, supplying restaurants with incredibly fresh ingredients that vegetarians and carnivores equally appreciate.
Hiking trails, craft breweries, and a laid-back hippie vibe create an atmosphere where everyone belongs.
10. Buchanan
Nestled where the James River cuts through the Blue Ridge, this tiny town of fewer than 1,200 residents punches above its weight in natural beauty.
The Appalachian Trail crosses right through downtown – how many places can claim that distinction?
River outfitters rent kayaks and tubes for lazy float trips past limestone cliffs and swimming holes locals have enjoyed for generations.
Main Street’s handful of shops and cafes provide just enough civilization between wilderness adventures.
11. Kilmarnock
Serving as the Northern Neck’s commercial hub, this town offers surprising sophistication for its size, with excellent restaurants and boutique shopping.
The nearby Rappahannock River provides endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and watching bald eagles soar overhead.
Historic plantations and estates surround the area, telling stories of Virginia’s complex past. Golf courses, vineyards, and waterfront resorts cater to visitors seeking relaxation without pretension or crowds.
12. Farmville
Home to Longwood University, this Piedmont town balances college-town energy with historic Southern charm that dates back to the 1700s.
The High Bridge Trail State Park features one of the longest recreational bridges in the country, soaring 125 feet above the Appomattox River.
Downtown restaurants and coffee shops buzz with students and locals swapping stories over farm-fresh meals. Antique stores and art galleries line brick sidewalks where history whispers from every corner.
13. Crozet
Just west of Charlottesville, this Blue Ridge foothills community has exploded with craft breweries, cideries, and farm-to-table restaurants that foodies dream about.
Mountain views frame every direction you look, and hiking trails lead to waterfalls and panoramic overlooks.
Despite recent growth, Crozet maintains its small-town feel where neighbors still know each other’s names. Local orchards invite you to pick apples in fall, and nearby wineries pour award-winning vintages.
14. Damascus
Calling itself “Trail Town USA,” Damascus sits at the intersection of multiple long-distance trails, including the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail.
Hikers, bikers, and equestrians converge here, creating a wonderfully eclectic community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Outfitters rent bikes for the famous downhill Creeper Trail ride, and local diners serve hearty breakfasts that fuel adventures. Annual Trail Days festival transforms the town into an Appalachian Trail reunion party.
15. Clifton Forge
Railroad history runs deep in this Allegheny Mountain town where the C&O Railway Historical Society maintains a fascinating museum.
Victorian buildings line downtown streets that have seen better economic days but retain authentic character that polished tourist towns lack.
The nearby Jackson River offers world-class trout fishing, and hiking trails lead into George Washington National Forest.
Artists and entrepreneurs are slowly revitalizing the town, opening galleries and cafes with genuine Appalachian soul.
16. Berryville
Rolling horse farms and vineyards surround this Clarke County seat where wealth whispers rather than shouts.
Just an hour from Washington DC, Berryville offers escape into Virginia hunt country where steeplechase races and wine festivals mark the seasons.
Historic downtown features locally owned shops and restaurants that serve the community rather than chasing tourist dollars.
Nearby Shenandoah River provides tubing and fishing opportunities when summer heat demands water-based relief.
17. Gloucester
Between the York River and Chesapeake Bay, this county offers stunning water access without the development that mars more popular coastal areas.
The historic courthouse green dates to 1766, and nearby Rosewell Ruins tell stories of colonial grandeur lost to fire.
Fishing charters chase rockfish and blues while kayakers explore miles of tidal creeks. Daffodil fields bloom spectacularly each spring, painting the countryside in cheerful yellow that celebrates winter’s end.
18. Scottsville
Where the James River bends through Albemarle County, this historic canal town once served as a major shipping port before railroads changed everything. Today, canoes and kayaks replace cargo boats, and the old canal basin hosts festivals and concerts.
Antique shops occupy buildings that have stood since the 1700s, while nearby wineries and cideries draw weekend visitors. The pace here moves slower than the river current, inviting you to linger.
19. Warm Springs
Natural warm springs bubble from the earth here at a constant 98 degrees, filling historic bathhouses that have soothed tired bodies since the 1700s.
Thomas Jefferson soaked in these same waters, and the experience remains blissfully unchanged.
Surrounding mountains offer hiking, fishing, and fall foliage that rivals New England’s famous displays.
The nearby Homestead Resort adds luxury options, but the simple bathhouses provide the most authentic and affordable relaxation.
20. Monterey
Perched high in Highland County – Virginia’s least populated county – this mountain village experiences weather more like West Virginia than coastal Virginia.
Sheep outnumber people here, and the annual Maple Festival celebrates spring’s arrival when sugar maples get tapped.
Outdoor recreation dominates life with trout streams, hiking trails, and starry night skies unmarred by light pollution. Local restaurants serve comfort food that warms you after mountain adventures in crisp, clean air.
