Virginia is one of the original thirteen colonies, and it probably doesn’t get spoken about as much as it should as a travel destination. This beautiful state is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, so there’s plenty of natural beauty to admire too. Virginia is quite a large state to drive around, but if you’re interested in history then I’d recommend spending a large portion of your time exploring the beautiful historic towns in Virginia located in the eastern part of the state.
The first permanent English settlers in Virginia made their home in Jamestown in 1607, which you can visit today, and Virginia played a very important role in the development of colonial society. Virginia saw many key battles and political debates take place within its borders. In fact, it was so important that Richmond was eventually named the capital of the Confederacy. On top of this, four out of the five first presidents of the United States were born in Virginia.
From preserved battlefields and churches to vineyards and beautiful historic towns in Virginia, this is one state that history enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on. And, Virginia can easily be visited as part of a US road trip from places like New York City and Washington, DC too!
5 beautiful historic towns in Virginia
1. Colonial Williamsburg
One of the most important historic towns in Virginia is Colonial Williamsburg. It’s the most immersive historic destination in Virginia, offering visitors an unmatched look into life in the 18th century. Williamsburg was once the capital of the Virginia Colony, and it played a key role in the build up to the American Revolution. Today, visitors can stroll around the beautiful streets that are lined with reconstructed or restored colonial buildings, such as the Governor’s Palace and the Raleigh Tavern. You may even come across some costumed actors that help bring the history further to life.
Colonial Williamsburg is open year-round, but I’d try to avoid it in the summer if you can due to the high temperatures and the crowds. I visited in April and the weather was perfect, though it was starting to get a little crowded. I’d recommend not eating in the historic taverns here as they’re very overpriced and the food isn’t the best quality. You’ll find plenty of nice places to eat around the College of William & Mary though, which is just a short walk from the reconstructed neighbourhood.
2. Yorktown
Just a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg will bring you to Yorktown. This is one of the historic towns in Virginia that makes up what’s known as Virginia’s Historic Triangle, together with Williamsburg and Jamestown.
The Battle of Yorktown took place in 1781, and it was here that General George Washington forced the British to surrender, which effectively ended the American Revolution. Visitors can visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and explore the Yorktown Battlefield, as well as walk along the peaceful waterfront and the quiet historic streets of the town. It’s significantly less busy in Yorktown than it is in Williamsburg, but it’s no less important so a trip here should be on anyone’s list while visiting Virginia.
3. Jamestown
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607 along the banks of the James River. This is where the foundation was laid for what would eventually become the United States of America. It forms part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle and offers a unique glimpse into the earliest days of colonization.
The Jamestown Settlement is a popular site to visit, which is a living history museum with a reconstructed fort, Powhatan village, and replicas of a few historic ships from England. Visitors also have the chance to explore Historic Jamestowne, which is the site of the original settlement where archaeological digs are still taking place.
Jamestown is one of the most important historic towns in Virginia. This site not only outlines the history of the settlers, but through reenactments and exhibits, it also shines a light on their struggles, the impact that the settlers had on the Powhatan people, and the arrival of the first African slaves in 1619. You can easily spend a full day in Jamestown, so make sure you plan your itinerary accordingly.
4. Hampton
One of the lesser visited historic towns in Virginia is Hampton. It may look like a modern town, but it’s actually one of the oldest continuously inhabited English-speaking settlements in the US. It was established in 1610 and it offers an interesting mixture of colonial history, maritime culture, and African-American heritage. Some of the key historic sites to visit in Hampton, Virginia include Fort Monroe, the Casemate Museum, and Hampton University.
There’s also a modern side to Hampton though, with attractions such as the Virginia Air & Space Science Center being a major highlight of the city. I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of things to do in Hampton, but it’s not a bad place to stop for a couple of hours if you’re planning to explore the Historic Triangle of Virginia.
5. Virginia Beach
Although Virginia Beach is well known for its lively boardwalk and beautiful coastline, there’s a lot of rich history to uncover here too, which is why it should be on everyone’s list of historic towns in Virginia to explore.
In 1607, Cape Henry was the landing point for English settlers, which is now marked by one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the US. This site is the starting point of English colonization in the US, and today visitors can climb the lighthouse for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Virginia Beach has a lot going for it besides its colonial roots. The Military Aviation Museum features one of the largest collections of restored World War I and II aircrafts in the world, and the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum is also popular. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend exploring Virginia Beach, it’s the perfect place to base yourself from while you explore all the beautiful nearby historic towns in Virginia.
Where to stay in Virginia
The Inn at Old Beach
If you’re planning to visit historic towns in Virginia, it’s a great idea to stay in a historic home too. The Inn at Old Beach is a beautiful boutique B&B housed within a restored 1930s coastal home located in Virginia Beach. During the restoration process, they’ve kept many of the charming features of the building and tied them together with modern comforts.
The B&B is located just a few minutes walk from the waterfront, along a quiet residential street, so it’s the perfect place to rest your head in between exploring the many historic towns in Virginia that are a short drive away. Check-in couldn’t be easier, with an entry code provided for the main building as well as your room on the day of arrival. There’s also a few parking spots available on-site for guests.
I had the pleasure of staying in the Princess Anne 200 Suite, which is one of the most elegant and spacious rooms in the B&B. It’s situated on the second floor and is accessed by a narrow spiral staircase, so it may not be the best option if you have mobility issues. One of the features I enjoyed the most about this room were the French doors that opened up onto a private balcony. The room also featured a writing desk, a TV, a coffee maker, and a large bed which was extremely comfortable. The small fridge is an added bonus so you can keep your drinks and snacks cool overnight.
The bathroom in the Princess Anne 200 Suite provides a spa-like experience, with a large soaking bathtub and a walk-in shower located in a separate room. High-quality toiletries are included, as are soft towels and a hairdryer. Everything you need to have a quiet and relaxing stay in Virginia Beach is provided in the Princess Anne 200 Suite, which means you probably won’t want to leave when it’s check-out time!
There are several shared amenities and rooms also provided at The Inn at Old Beach. Outside, guests can enjoy cooling down in a small pool, which is a nice alternative to the beach. Inside, there’s a laundry room, ironing board, and microwave provided, and guests can also enjoy chilling out in the shared common area.
The common area is where a complimentary continental breakfast is served on weekends. During the week you have the option of receiving a packed breakfast that includes a few snacks and a fruit juice to kick off your morning.
Staying at The Inn at Old Beach is a wonderful experience that combines historic charm with modern comfort and hospitality. It’s a standout choice for anyone visiting Virginia Beach throughout the year, and I can’t wait to come back the next time I’m in the area exploring all of the unique historic towns in Virginia.
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When’s the best time to visit Virginia?
If you’re not sure when the right time to visit Virginia is, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a lot of things to do in Virginia throughout the year. I’d recommend visiting in the spring or autumn, when temperatures are more comfortable and places are less likely to be overcrowded. Many of the historic towns in Virginia will also be less busy, so you can enjoy learning more about early US history at a leisurely pace, and maybe find some hidden gems along the way.
If you have some questions about visiting any of the historic towns in Virginia mentioned above, or about The Inn at Old Beach, please feel free to get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. You can also reach out through Instagram or TikTok where I’m always sharing new travel tips.
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