VIRGINIA
Fantastic Free Things to Do
While Vacationing in Virginia.
Virginia is a top destination for people who love to make the most out of their vacation. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers and to help
travelers get more vacation for their money,
Virginia is sharing a list of free things to do
on vacation. From free museums to free
bike trails and free history tours and concerts, Virginia is an exciting and affordable
travel destination.
The Great Outdoors
Explore the first-of-its-kind Birding &
Wildlife Trail, several National Wildlife
Refuges and America’s largest commercial
beach, for starters. Breathe in Virginia’s
outdoors. Jump in with both feet! Virginia’s
outdoors beckon couples and families to
splurge on fun for free.
Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail—
Statewide. Virginia has some 400 species
of birds, 250 species of fish and 150 species
of terrestrial and marine animals. Most can
be found along the 65 trail loops Virginia
Birding and Wildlife Trail, the first such in
America. From Atlantic seashore to Appalachian mountains, and in urban and rural
settings, the trail brings visitors up close
and personal with Virginia’s abundant wildlife treasures.
Virginia’s Bicycling Trails—
Statewide. Virginia is home to 838 miles of the
U.S. Bicycle Route System, more than any
other state, and is the only state with stretch-es of both official U. S. Bicycle Routes. Bikers
also find outstanding “Rail Trails” throughout the Commonwealth — former railroad
beds turned into scenic biking trails. Bring a
bike or rent one from a local outfitter.
Crabtree Falls—Nelson County.
Called “Virginia’s Best Kept Secret”, Crabtree
Falls features a series of five major cascades
and a number of smaller ones that fall a total
distance of 1,200 feet. The more daring hiker
may continue along the 3-mile trail to four
other overlooks offering stunning views of
the falls and outlooks of the Tye River Valley.
Chincoteague National Wildlife
Refuge—Chincoteague. More than
14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh and
maritime forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The wild herds of “Chincoteague
Ponies” are the highlight of this refuge which
also provides environmental education and
recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, interpretation,
and wildlife photography. Free for those
who walk or bicycle in. Small fee for cars.
Great Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge—Suffolk. Several poets
and history writers have viewed this place
as either a peaceful paradise or a strangely
mysterious setting. With a vast assortment
of trails to discover visitors can enjoy bird
watching, hiking, biking, boating, fishing,
and hunting.
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge—Woodbridge. The Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect
vital bald eagle nesting, feeding, and roosting
habitats along the Potomac River. Along with
