The Most Scenic Drives in Virginia

From Route 66 all the way to The Loneliest Road that starts in Maryland, the United States is filled with fantastic road trips that have long been alluring travellers out onto the open road. With so many different routes to take, it’s near impossible to decide on just one road trip to take. These Virginia road trips are a great starting point for an adventure with friends.

Virginia’s historic towns and picturesque countryside make for amazing driving routes, with scenery that ranges from coastal views and white sand beaches to the mountains

The Best Virginia Road Trips

The Crooked Road — Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail

The Crooked Road winds through almost 300 miles of scenic terrain in southwest Virginia, including 19 counties, four cities, and 54 towns. The traditional gospel, bluegrass, and mountain music heard today was passed down from the generations and lives on through a wealth of musicians and instrument makers along the trail.

Distance: 300 miles.

Route highlights: The Floyd Country Store; Birthplace of Country Music; Country Cabin II.

When to do it: Year-round

Virginia Route 619

Just some of unforgettable attractions along this winding road are Prince William Forest National Park – the largest green space in Northern Virginia – Quantico National Cemetery, Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre and endless local BBQ restaurants and tasty food stops.

Distance: 23 miles.

Route highlights: Prince William Forest National Park; Quantico National Cemetery; District BBQ.

When to do it: Summer/ Fall.

Route 11

Driving the famous Route 11 roadway anywhere in Virginia is a road trip filled with nostalgia, beautiful scenery, quaint downtowns, and an array of diners, dives, and other roadside foodie stops. Those who can appreciate the joy of unspoiled farmland and the charm of small-town Americana will think it’s a treasure.

Distance: 339 miles.

Route highlights: Natural Bridge; Shenandoah Valley; Claytor Lake State Park.

When to do it: Year-round.

Skyline Drive

This scenic byway travels through Shenandoah National Park, a beautiful, historic national treasure. It encompasses vibrant small cities, rural hamlets, mountains, rivers, national forests and state parks as well as the national park.

Distance: 105 miles.

Route highlights: Blue Ridge; Shenandoah National Park.

When to do it: Year-round, but scenery is best from May – October.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Skyline Drive connects to the northernmost section of the Parkway, but the full route is also a must-drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway makes its way through the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This scenic drive winds along the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the best mountain views in the world.

Distance: 217 miles.

Route highlights: Meadows of Dan; Patrick County; Shenandoah National Park.

When to do it: Year-round.

Mount Rogers Scenic Byway

Mount Rogers Scenic Byway, which runs through the Jefferson National Forest, is beloved for its rural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Make a day of exploring southwestern Virginia’s forests and countryside, and enjoy views of Mt. Rogers, which at 5,729 feet, is the highest point in Virginia.

Distance: 60 miles.

Route highlights: Jefferson National Forest; Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.

When to do it: Year-round.

Eastern Shore

This coastal drive will take you on a trip of 70 miles of beautiful islands, estuaries, quaint towns, and pristine waterways. Probably the best known Eastern Shore destinations are the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland and Chincoteague Island, Virginia. The beaches are great and there’s lots of wildlife and family activities.

Distance: 70 miles.

Route highlights: Cape Charles; Onancock; Chesapeake Bay; Wild Ponies of Chincoteague;

When to do it: Summer.