“DC will be boring” my two daughters protested when I told them we were taking our annual holiday season trip this year to the nation’s capital.

So, I appointed myself the difficult task of making a memorable Washington DC vacation for all members of our family. And I’m very happy to say, “Mission accomplished.”

Both of our girls loved their trip to DC. They enjoyed experiencing firsthand many of the places they have seen in films and TV or learned about in school. They loved the extra fun things we did like bike riding, ice skating, and holiday shopping.

If you’re looking for a three-day itinerary for Washington DC that will please your kids, as well as mom and dad of course, then you will enjoy this Washington DC trip I’ve highlighted below.

Is Washington DC a Good Destination To Visit In The Holiday Season?

When Allianz Partners Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index came out sharing the top 10 destinations for Americans traveling in the United States for Thanksgiving and the Holiday season, we decided to choose number 9 on the list, Washington DC.

(New York City of course topped the list, followed by Seattle, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.)

While it might be too late for you to travel to DC for Thanksgiving, Christmas is around the corner and a time that is just as great to experience any of these destinations.

Most of the seasonal Christmas experiences start the day after Thanksgiving, so it’s perfect timing to enjoy them.

About This 3 Day Itinerary for Washington DC

For this trip to DC, we wanted to fit in a few holiday experiences as well as visit the top Washington DC attractions including memorials, museums, and of course, a taste of local culture.

We arrived on a Sunday afternoon and left after lunch on Wednesday, so had a full three days of exploring.

Depending on your schedule, you may need to be flexible with how you do this itinerary. You may need to adapt it to fit your circumstances. Use this as a guide and inspiration, and juggle it around as you see fit.

I’ve also included some tips with alternative suggestions (basically what we would have done differently). We make the mistakes so you can save time and money. You’re welcome!

Day 1: Sunday Afternoon in Georgetown

Downtown DC is pretty quiet on a Sunday, so we decided to explore Georgetown located on the Potomac River in Northwest Washington, D.C.

Georgetown is regarded as the oldest neighborhood in Washington DC and is filled with colorful row homes, cobblestone streets, good shopping, and delicious cupcakes.

It made for the perfect first stop as we just wandered around and took it all in, and stretched our legs after a five-hour drive from our home in Raleigh, NC. Here’s where we went.

Stop 1: Lunch at Thunder Burger & Bar

Sunday brunch was still happening when we arrived rather late at 2pm at the Thunder Burger & Bar on Main Street. That suited us as we were all famished after a food-less drive.

Craig chowed down on their Breakfast Burger topped with Virginia ham, grilled pineapple, and over easy egg – just like we do in Australia.

My Shakshuka was delicious! The Mediterranean spices in the meatballs were so flavorful, and almost tricked me into thinking I was eating a falafel but with a much better texture.

The girls happily shared a huge plate of Chicken and Waffles with a double thumbs up. And for a DC restaurant, the prices were quite reasonable.

Stop 2: Wander the Georgetown streets

One of the best free things to do in Georgetown, especially with older kids, is to just roam around the streets, do some shopping, look at some holiday decorations and see what you can discover.

The intersection of M and Wisconsin Avenue is the heart of Georgetown, with boutique-lined streets extending in all four directions.

We happily followed the girls into big-name stores like Urban Outfitters and Glossier, but also independent stores like the cute Bridge Street Books.

As new kitten owners, we stopped for a while to gaze at the kittens through the window of the Crumbs & Whiskers Kitten & Cat Cafe.

Turn down some of the side streets and cobblestone alleys to see what you discover. Like this illuminated butterfly garden, we found it on the grounds of a historic church.

Stop 3: Sample Cupcakes at Baked & Wired

We had memorable cupcakes and coffee here a few years ago, so of course, we knew this would be a DC highlight for our kids!

Baked & Wired is a family bakery making small-batch baked goods and delicious craft coffee. Lining the counter is a wide variety of cupcakes with flavors like flapjack, the great pumpkin, dirty chai, and red velvet. They even have vegan and gluten-free options!

Kalyra says don’t miss the Tessita cupcake, a vanilla cake with dulce de leche filling, topped with chocolate hazelnut satin frosting.

I find their cupcakes to be the perfect moist texture and not sickly sweet despite the abundance of creamy icing on top.

You can either eat in amongst beautiful portraiture adorning the walls or take them to-go as you walk along the cute Georgetown canal pathways to admire the historic colorful houses and Christmas lights.

Stop 4: Visit the Old Stone House

The Old Stone House is the oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, D.C.

This pre-revolutionary colonial building is quite small with not a lot to see. You can visit the lower floor of the building which has some exhibits in what was once the kitchen.

I found the exterior gardens to be quite lovely. I enjoyed sitting here finishing my coffee and cupcake!

Stop 5: Ice Skating at Washington Harbor

Just a few steps from Georgetown on the Potomac River is Washington Harbor’s Holiday ice skating rink.

Ice skating has become one of our holiday traditions since we first did it at Bryant Park in NYC for Christmas.

I’m not sure if the ice-skating rink was rough or if I was just rusty, but it felt like skating along a gravel pathway at first.

Pretty soon our skates warmed up to it as the ice became more worn down and we stayed up and skated for about an hour. The only thing missing was Christmas music!

This ice-skating rink is Washington DC’s largest. Alternatively, the ice-skating rink in the National Art Gallery sculpture garden comes highly recommended, but it had not yet opened for the season.

HOT TIP: Get here at dusk. The crowds will be less, and you’ll get pretty sunset colors. I loved the striking views of the Watergate Hotel (yes, the SAME place as Nixon scandal) all lit up at night.

Stop 6: Dinner at Agora D.C.

We took an Uber to Dupont Circle as we thought it was a vibrant place to hang out and Georgetown got really quiet once the sun went down.

Dupont Circle was a flop on a Sunday night, but we found a great restaurant a few streets back that was only a 15-minute walk from our hotel.

Agora D.C. is a family-owned Mediterranean Mezze Restaurant. It’s inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Turkey melded with flavors from Greece and Lebanon.

Aromatic, Spicy, and Delicious with a soft ambiance and a quite affordable price, especially with their share plates.

I was still full from our late lunch so was more than satisfied with an Htipiti appetizer of roasted red Pepper, Feta, Thyme, Olive Oil, and a bowl of delicious brussels on a bed of lemon yogurt, urfa peppers, and golden raisins.

There are a variety of flatbread flavors the kids will love and Craig enjoyed a plate of Kofte: minced lamb and New York strip patties with Cack, Sumac, Onions, and tomatoes.

I also had a glass of Lebanese Syrah – my first ever Lebanese wine and I was impressed with this smoothness.

Day 2: National Mall by Bike, Spy Museum & Holiday Markets

One of the best things to do in Washington DC is to tour the National Mall. You could easily spend a full day here as it’s surrounded by some of the top attractions in DC.

If you don’t know anything about the National Mall, it is not a shopping mall, but a never-ending expanse of land encompassing inspiring monuments and museums that are administered by the National Park Service.

This striking “America’s front yard “stretches for nearly two-miles and has the Lincoln Memorial on one end, the U.S. Capitol Building on the other, museums lined on either side and the Washington Monument piercing the sky in between. The White House is also just off the Mall.

Touring the Mall is an incredible lesson in history as some of the US’s most iconic memorials tell the story of the people and events that shaped the nation.

On the other half of the Mall (the eastern side) are some of the world’s best museums.

But as we only had three days in DC, we needed a way to see as much of the National Mall as possible in such a short time. You can read our full guide to the National Mall here.

Cycling Around The National Mall

Ok. So if you’re going to incorporate museums and memorials with a teen and tween, you better somehow find a unique and memorable way to do it.

I knew bike riding around the National Mall would be it.

Granted, they complained as soon as they found out. Craig spoiled my surprise by telling them the evening before. I was going to tell them by handing over their bike helmets at check-in to avoid stretched-out periods of complaining.

I became enemy Number One, until they got on the bikes, experienced the fun of it, and realized just how much worse it would have been if we walked around that Mall instead.

We only managed to explore half of the Mall on this day in Washington DC (between 10am-3pm) and that was on bikes!

We rode around the tidal basin, stopping at the memorials along there. We then visited the Lincoln Memorial, before riding down to the Washington Monument.

We took a quick break after that with lunch from the many food trucks lined along the streets. I can’t say it was fantastic food, but they are cheaper and faster than the restaurants nearby. (Perhaps pack a picnic!)

After lunch we rode back around stopping at a few more memorials before dropping off the bikes at 3pm.

National Mall Memorials

All of the memorials in the western half of the National Mall are FREE.

There’s not a lot to read or do here except reflect and enjoy the tranquil beauty of each memorial. I’m impressed at the effort put into all of them.

Plan your stops around your pre-booked tour of the Washington Monument. We booked ours for 12pm, but in hindsight, 9am would have maybe been a better time.

Also, if you don’t want to bike or walk the National Mall, there are guided tours you can join which take you around in a bus.

These memorials below are listed in the order we viewed them on our bike ride.

Stop 1: Thomas Jefferson Memorial

One of my favorite of the Washington memorials for its architectural beauty (especially amidst the backdrop of the blooming cherry blossoms) is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin.

It stands as a symbol of liberty and has marble steps leading up to huge ionic columns housing a bronze statue of Jefferson looking out over the Washington Monument.

The walls are inlaid with excerpts from his letters, speeches, and the Declaration of Independence.

Stop 2: Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial

Definitely the most unique of the memorials is the one in honor of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s four terms in office from the Great Depression to World War II.

I loved its tranquil nature set back into the forest on the banks of the Tidal Basin with waterfalls, statues of FDR (with his dog) and his wife Elanor and famous quotes etched into the brown marble walls.

Stop 3: Martin Luther King Memorial

As the Lincoln Memorial was the place of MLK’s most famous speech, “I have a dream”, it makes sense that his MLK Memorial is located quite close to it.

The memorial, unveiled in 2011, is based on a line from the speech, “With this faith, we will be able to hew out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

The huge (oddly) white granite statue of Dr. King is the stone of hope and the two pieces of granite near him are depicted as the mountain of despair. Along the back is a black wall with quotes of MLK reminding us to keep working towards inclusion for all.

Stop 4: Lincoln Memorial

One of the most famous memorials in the world is the Lincoln Memorial with its white, larger-than-life, marble statue of the larger-than-life President Abraham Lincoln looking directly over the reflection pool past the Washington Monument and to the domed Capitol building.

My girls recognized it as soon as we walked to the reflection pool as the place from Forrest Gump!

This is one of the best views in Washington DC and a great place to reflect upon what Lincoln stood for and how he helped change the world for the better.

Stop 5: Vietnam Veterans Memorial

I often feel quite emotional walking up and down the black wall of the Vietnam War Memorial looking at the seemingly endless list of names etched into the wall of the thousands of members of the U.S. armed forces who fought, died in service, or were listed MIA during the Vietnam War. 

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as one of the most visited and moving memorials on the National Mall

Stop 6: Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is equally striking and unnerving with 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers on patrol.

It’s the intensity of their faces that makes you feel like you’re being hunted in the jungle during wartime.

The mural wall behind them – similar to the Vietnam war memorial – has real-life photographs of the 2,499 men, women, and dogs who served in the war. It’s quite a sight to see.

Stop 7: World War II Memorial

One of the most poignant of the Washington DC Memorials is the World War II Memorial at the bottom of Washington Monument hill.

Opened in 2004, it honors the spirit and sacrifice of the 16 million men and women who served overseas and the more than 400,000 that perished.

There is so much to see and reflect on in this popular memorial. There is a beautiful fountain at its center, which 56 granite columns forming a semi-circle around.

They symbolize unity among the 48 states, seven federal territories, and the District of Columbia. There are two 43-foot-tall arches on opposite sides: the northern arch represents victory in the Atlantic, while the southern arch symbolizes victory in the Pacific.

Stop 8: Climb to The Top of the Washington Monument (12pm)

Did you know you can go up to the top of the 555 ft high Washington Monument? Even though your 360-degree views of Washington will be through tiny windows, it is well worth it.

This monumental obelisk was built to honor George Washington and still, today stands as the world’s tallest freestanding stone structure.

A lift will take you up to the observation deck where you can see nearly 25 miles in every direction. Spot the landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington National Cathedral.

There is also a small museum with information about the building of the monument and a statue of Washington at the bottom of the lift.

Don’t close your eyes when going back down. It will slow down twice to give you a glimpse of the interior walls, which are lined with commemorative stones.

Like most of the monuments, memorials, and museums in Washington, this tour is free. Although, if you book ahead online – and I recommend you do – you will have to pay a $1 booking fee per ticket.

Tickets for the following day are released at 10am each day, and it’s like trying to grab Taylor Swift tickets. I arrived at 10am on Monday and could see the tickets available quickly counting down. I managed to get 4 tickets for midday.

If you don’t get any, they release some tickets on the morning of, but you will have to line up outside the monument quite early. All tickets for the day were gone when we arrived at midday.

You can also book tickets exactly 30 days in advance of your tour date.

Stop 9: Stop for a view of the White House

Want to visit the White House? Especially to see the beautiful Christmas decorations? Craig and I did it in 2014 after being invited by the White House for their first-ever travel summit. It was one of the top highlights of our 12-year travel blogging career.

As this was a last-minute trip to DC, we missed the opportunity to book a tour to visit the White House. You can reach out to your local representatives to tour the White House, but it must be done at least 21 days in advance and no further than 90 days in advance.

As I said, we make mistakes to help you avoid them! But, if you’re planning to visit DC for the holidays in 2022, you’ll be too late. But not if you’re planning to travel in 2023.

We rode from the National Mall around the Ellipse – where they were putting together their Christmas tree to the back gates of the White House.

You are quite far from the house here but get the classic view of the White House and its semi-circular portico overlooking the large expansive South lawn.

I really enjoyed standing here and contemplating life in the White House and all it takes for a person with a dream to actually make it there.

Note: this street can get closed off at any time. We went at 5pm and the Secret Service officers shut it down. Given the number of helicopters roaming the skies, we figured President Biden was about to leave the building.

You can go a block back on the northern side of Lafayette Square and still get views. We also saw a reporter (I think from CNN) film a political segment from here. Look up to the roof and see if you can see the snipers! Kind of creepy, but our inner spies also find it kinda cool.

We returned at 7am to H Street and had the entire north side view of the White House to ourselves.

Stop 10: Coffee Break at Colada

How have I never had Cuban coffee before?

After dropping off our bike rentals in the District Wharf area – which looks like it would be a lot of fun at night, especially in the summer – we had 30 minutes to rest before our next top Washington DC attraction.

We stopped at the vibrant Colada Shop café and bar where I decided to try a café con leche, which if you don’t know is espresso, steamed milk, sweet Cuban crema.

I loved the fresh zing it gave me without the heaviness of a milky latte.

As it’s near the bike rental stop, this could also be a good place to have breakfast before your bike ride. They also have other locations around DC. 

Stop 11: International Spy Museum

When we asked our Instagram community what are the best things to do in Washington DC with kids, the vast majority said, “International Spy Museum”.

There were no complaints of boredom for the two hours we spent there refining our spy skills, learning about espionage, the importance of intelligence gathering, and the lives of real-life spies.

The museum is engaging from the start by giving all visitors a special undercover spy mission. You’re given an alias and a mission, all recorded on a card which you use on stations situated around the museum to use your spy skills to uncover mission clues, crack codes, and solve the mystery – you even get to create your own digital spy disguise.

While it was fun to be a pretend spy, after learning about the life of spies, and the risk of coming to torturous ends, it’s not something I ever have an interest in being!

Stop 12: Explore the Downtown Holiday Market

Kalyra said the Downtown Holiday Markets were her favorite thing to do in Washington DC. Teens are always going to love the opportunity to shop for their interests.

The Holiday Markets are in Penn Quarter just north of the mall until Dec 23^rd. You’ll find more than 70 local artisans and exhibitors including black and minority-owned businesses.

There are food vendors with tasty treats like donuts, empanadas, and German food. Live music was also playing and there were interactive light displays lining the markets.

We loved them. and picked up some beautiful drawn prints from Marcella Kriebel and some Christmas advent calendars from the German stall.

Stop 13: Dinner at Pi Pizzeria

For an affordable family dinner, you may enjoy eating at Pi Pizzeria, which was only a block away from the Downtown Holiday Market in Penn Quarter.

You can customize your own pizzas or choose from their unique specialty deep crust or thin pizzas. They are large enough for your family to share at a great price and they also have gluten-free pizzas.

And, they poured us really large glasses of chianti. A glass of chianti with pizza reminiscing over a fun day riding around DC and pretending to be spies was filled with warm holiday cheer.

Day 3: Capitol Hill & National Mall Museums

After cramming a lot into day two, we decided that day three should be spent exploring the other half of the National Mall (the Eastern side) that incorporates the U.S. Capitol and the world-famous Smithsonian Museums.

Here’s what we got up to on day three of our Washington DC vacation.

Stop 1: U.S. Capitol Building Tour (9am)

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. No trip to Washington DC would be complete without paying a visit to the place where laws are debated and bills passed on behalf of the American people.

Unfortunately, thanks to the January 6^th storming of the Capitol, our girls were excited to visit Capitol Hill just so they could see where it all happened. (They definitely were NOT in approval of what happened!)

As we’re also planning to become US citizens, and they learn so much about the branches of government in school, I know this would be a great Washington attraction with kids.

A guided tour of the US Capitol starts with an informative 13-minute film called “Out of Many, One,” which shares the history of this building and branch of government.

The 45-minute tour then continues through the building to the Crypt, the Rotunda which is under the stunning Capitol dome, and the National Statuary Hall, which is filled with statues of important leaders in history (not necessarily politicians).

If you want to visit the House and Senate galleries or watch Congress in session, you must book this beforehand by reaching out to your local Congressman.

We had time after the tour to wander the grounds of the US Capitol and take photos. They were putting up the Christmas tree, which is really beautiful at night when lit.

Stop 2: Library of Congress (10:45)

Even if you are not a book nerd or care about Congress, it’s worth visiting the Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building) just to see the elaborate design of the interior.

I only reserved a timed entry pass because it was right next to the Capitol Building, and as it’s the largest library in the world, I thought my book-loving teen would love it.

I think I loved it more than her!

The Library of Congress is home to over 164 million items including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and films which are housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill.

The Thomas Jefferson Building is where tourists tend to visit. There are a few exhibits you can see inside, but mostly you’ll be gawking at the architectural beauty of the Great Hall with marble arches and columns. Every inch is covered in decorations from many US artists and sculptures, brightly painted walls, and ceilings.

You can view a rare and perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible, which is the first Bible printed using the printing press.

There was an exhibit showcasing stunning photography amassed by the library since the 1800s. We particularly loved this Royal cat and dancing grandmother!

A highlight was seeing Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection of 6,400 books that founded the Library of Congress. He sold them for $24,000 back in 1800.

And don’t miss the main Reading Room, which you can overlook from the second level of the building. Spend time looking at the ornate painting on the ceiling and the figures surrounding the paintings. There is an information plaque that describes the symbolism of the art.

I only found this out after our visit, but you can get a library card from here, which can give you access to the Reading Room.

Read our complete guide on the Library of Congress: things to do and see.

Stop 3: Lunch at Capitol Hill

Lunch options aren’t great right on the National Mall. You really have to walk a few streets away. Although I have heard the café inside the US Capitol is actually pretty good and you may get to rub shoulders with some important politicians. Good or bad? You decide!

We walked 15-minutes down into Capitol Hill. I thought it might be more of a fun neighborhood to check out than it was.

In hindsight, I may have skipped it and just grabbed lunch at the Capitol to save on time and lots of walking. But we did find a great lunch spot and coffee there.

District Taco (656 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) is a chain so you will find them around DC. The food was delicious, and relatively affordable, and I loved how customizable all their dishes were.

I was so happy to eat delicious nachos and have the ability to pick off or replace the ‘Pick de Calle’ with tomatoes and salsa (I cannot eat raw onion and remain happy).

Around the corner from District Taco is Peregrine Espresso, which has outstanding coffee. We relaxed here for a bit soaking up local life and planning the second half of this day in Washington.

Stop 4: See the Tropics in the U.S. Botanic Gardens

Back to the National Mall with our first stop at the relaxing United States Botanic Gardens. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the United States

There is a conservatory and outdoor gardens to explore.

The rainforest was one of Kalyra’s favorite things to do in DC – except dressed in our winter clothes, it was so stiflingly hot that we couldn’t stay in for too long without stripping down to nakedness.

The dome inside The Tropics rises to 93 feet and has a mezzanine level from which you can view the jungle canopy. It was truly beautiful and a happy place for me.

There are a “Season’s Greenings” holiday display now until Jan 2, 2023, G-gauge model trains will run in the gated outdoor gardens and the Conservatory will feature poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants.

Stop 5: Explore the Smithsonian Museums

You’ll really want to plan well for which museums to explore along the northern half of the National Mall. There is a Smithsonian Museum to suit any kind of interest and style – and they are all FREE.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo (also free to enter).

The most popular ones require timed entry passes. We missed out on visiting the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History & Culture because we did not realize this, and all passes were booked out!

These were two of the museums most recommended to us. As a way to avoid missing out, you can join this paid guided tour of both these museums which guarantees you entry.

As we are not huge museums people, I knew, the girls especially, would not appreciate me adding too many museums to our Washington DC trip.

We chose a couple and basically just popped in to see an exhibition or two in each one. So, plan accordingly based on your interests and travel style.

Here are the museums we visited.

National Museum of the American Indian

We went straight to the 4^th floor of the Our Universes exhibit, which focuses on indigenous worldviews and philosophies related to the creation and order of the universe—and the spiritual relationship between humankind and the natural world. 

I wish I had more time (or preferably solo time) to really soak up the varying tribal philosophies.

For those with younger kids, the interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides young visitors a lively space with a wide variety of learning experiences.

Another possible change to this day’s itinerary in DC would have been to eat lunch at the Mitsitam Café inside the museum. It features Native foods found throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

I really enjoyed the Hirshhorn Museum, which features international modern and contemporary art and a unique cylindrical building designed by Gordon Bunshaft.

We just chose the top floor and loved the striking Pickett’s Charge panorama by Mark Bradford that wraps around the outer edge of the floor.

It’s a collage of colored paper that turns the historic Gettysburg Pickett’s Charge cyclorama (which we’ve experienced) into a series of eight powerful, abstract paintings. Each is about 45 to 50 feet long and 12 feet high.

I also really enjoyed the Guerilla Girls exhibition Put it This Way speaking out for equality and inclusion for female artists.

A reader also recommended that the timed passes to the exhibit. One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection, is worth getting (especially for the gram photos!).

Out the front of the gallery is the 1.3-acre sunken Sculpture Garden which features works from multiple artists. of Auguste Rodin’s most famous sculptures, entitled The Burghers of Calais, can be found here.

Even the trees were selected for their sculpture-like qualities and in the garden, you’ll find Babylon weeping willows, copper beeches, weeping beeches, Japanese black pines, and dawn redwood trees.

Be sure to stop by Yoko Ono’s Wishing Tree where you can whisper your wish for peace.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

The Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art is a wonderful oasis in the middle of a tiring Museum Day.

Enjoy works of modern sculpture as you slowly wander through the 6.1-acre garden. There is a café where you can rest for a while, and as mentioned previously, an ice-skating rink during the Holiday season.

We were so exhausted by the end of the day that we enjoyed using our $100 hotel credit to eat at the Lady Madison restaurant in our hotel. It was my favorite meal of our trip in DC.

The bacon cheeseburger was delicious. They set the bar for what a burger should taste like in a land of burgers. Our waiter, Abdul was so lovely.

Day 4: The Ford Theater + Alexandria

The last morning of our family trip to DC was all about President Lincoln and a stopover for lunch before our long drive home.

If you have a morning free after spending three days in Washington DC, here’s how you can spend it.

Stop 1: Breakfast at Lincoln’s Waffle Shop (8am)

One of the most popular – and affordable – places to eat breakfast in Washington DC is Lincoln’s Waffle Shop.

We planned it for the last day as we had booked into the Ford Theater Museum across the road at 9am.

As you can imagine, you’ll find a menu full of waffles and your typical diner-type breakfast food: grits, potato hash, over-easy eggs, sausage, and bacon.

I found it very tasty and loved how the sausage was not your typical diner, weeny-in-size, and cardboard in taste.

I also enjoyed how this restaurant was a pleasant mix of tourists and locals – groups of construction workers and police officers getting a hearty start to their day.

Stop 2: Tour Ford’s Theater

I wasn’t sure if Ford’s Theater would be worth it, but given we’d heard so much about Lincoln during our time in DC – one of the greatest Presidents of all time – we’d be remiss not to visit the place where he was shot and later died.

After he was shot in the Presidential suite of the Ford Theater by Booth, he was taken across the road to a boarding house to die 9 hours later in dignity.

A visit to Ford’s Theater – a national park – allows you to see both.

The tour starts in the museum where you learn more about Lincoln’s family, the Civil War, and the timeline of his death. You then visit the theater to see where he was shot. If you’re lucky, there may be a rangers talk on, which I found informative and bought the assassination to live.

You then visit the Peterson House across the road to see the room where Lincoln died and to learn what happened to all those involved in the assassination.

It was very similar to the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, where Martin Luther King was assassinated.

Make sure you book your tickets in advance for this. We went in at the opening and when we walked out an hour later the line outside went all the way down the street.

They have timed-entry tickets every half hour, which are only $5.

A limited number of free entry tickets are available at the box office on a first-come basis.

A fun thing to do with kids in DC during the holidays would be to see A Christmas Carol performance at Ford’s Theater. In hindsight, I wish I did this, especially after visiting the Museum.

Stop 3: Visit Alexandria, Virginia

We decided to stop in at Old Town Alexandria, 15-minutes south of DC in Virginia on our way home to Raleigh as my research told me that Oprah thought this was the most “Christmassy town in the US.’

The girls were quite upset we stopped here, as they wanted to get home to their kittens, and there were very few Christmas decorations up yet (pre-Thanksgiving).

Alexandria is a nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, most noted for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18^th and 19^th-century architecture.

Old Town Alexandria is home to independent restaurants, boutique stores, and historic museums, with a modern waterfront area alongside the Potomac River.

It was a little underwhelming, but I would like to return and explore more deeply another time.

We didn’t spend too much time here. We explored the main street, had a delicious coffee at Misha’s (which also had delicious sausage rolls made just like back home in Australia), and a hearty Irish lunch at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub on King St.

We certainly needed it as the drive home took us almost 7 hours thanks to holiday traffic!

This may be something you want to skip on your DC family trip, depending on whether this is on your way home or not.

You may wish to visit Mt Vernon if you have more time in the afternoon. It’s meant to be very beautiful during the holidays with its Candlelight tour and decorations.

OR, you just may want to take your weary feet home to your kittens.

Top Tips for your Washington DC Vacation with Kids

Use this map to help you with your planning. Save a copy and adjust as you see fit. This will help you plan out your days, so you spend less time walking around. After you’ve done that, check out these other tips for visiting Washington DC:

• Book your top Washington DC attractions in advance. They are popular and will book quickly, especially during holiday season. Even though many of the museums and government attractions are free, many require timed entry passes. Your pre-booked tour times will determine how you schedule your days.
• If you are driving up from the South, give yourself extra traffic time as the stretch between DC and Richmond has to be one of the worst in the country. We’re currently sitting in traffic on our way home and we’re already 90 minutes delayed and circumnavigating around country roads – still the fastest way!
• If you’re visiting DC outside of the Holiday season, most of these attractions and tours are still relevant! Just substitute something else in for the Holiday attractions we experienced.
• Food is quite expensive in Washington DC, so we have mentioned a few places we thought were affordable and worth visiting. It was hard to find something in between awful fast food and expensive restaurants. I am gluten-free which means it’s hard to find easy breakfast options like bagels or muffins from the many bakeries around. I hope you can!
• If you plan on visiting a few paid attractions, you may save money with a Washington DC Sightseeing Pass. For example The International Spy Museum, guided bike tour of the National Mall, and a trip to George Washington’s Mt Vernon are all included on it, so it will save you money on your entrance passes.

Where to Stay in Washington DC

On this short 3-day family vacation to DC, it was ideal to choose a hotel within walking distance to the National Mall.

After applying our strategies to save on accommodation, we found the best deal via our American Express Gold credit card with their Hotel Collection.

If you stay more than 2 nights, you get a $100 credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities. You also get a room upgrade – if available- and it was to a deluxe queen.

We booked a room at The Madison on 15^th street only a couple of blocks away from the White House.

 We could walk everywhere – Georgetown was even a 3-minute walk from our hotel.

The room was comfortable but most important of all, was the convenient location.

Parking in DC

If you’re on a USA road trip and driving to DC, make sure to research the cost of parking at your hotel. Most have valet parking only and charge on average around $65 per night!

As we arrived on Sunday, street parking was free. So we parked the first night on the street and then moved it to a parking garage the next morning, which only charged $32 overnight (this does not include in and out privileges).

There are plenty of parking garages downtown that will have deals like this. Note, most are closed on a Sunday. (But you get the free street parking if you can jag a spot).

Once you park, you should not need your car for this trip. You’re better off taking an Uber/Lyft or riding the DC Metro.

Final Thoughts On This Washington DC Vacation

So there you have it, this is how you can spend three days in Washington DC with your tweens and teens and as you can see, there’s quite a lot to see and do.

I highly recommend hiring bikes and cycling from A to B on your trip. We were only able to cover all the stops we did on day two because we were able to cycle between them.

If you don’t feel like cycling, you will need to be prepared to cut a few things off on day two of this itinerary.

We hope that you found this guide useful and that it helped you plan your DC vacation. But, before you go…

Don’t forget Travel Insurance!

Travel insurance is the first thing we purchase before booking a trip so we’re protected should something go wrong while we’re waiting for our trip to begin! Thankfully travel insurance can be really affordable.

We are ambassadors for Allianz Travel Insurance and recommend them for your travel insurance plans. Consider their OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier travel insurance plans for a ton of Smart-Benefits.

We personally have an annual plan as we’re frequent travelers. We love packing our bags and walking out the door knowing we’re always covered. 

The free Allianz TravelSmart App makes it easy to manage your Allianz Travel Insurance plan on the go. It also has features to help you track flights, get updates about events that may impact your travels, and handy emergency numbers for the destination you are traveling to.

If you liked this post on Washington DC Vacation travel please consider sharing it. And if you are on Pinterest, you can pin the below image to save for later!

This richly fertile region is perfect for outdoor adventures, scenic viewpoints, farm-to-table dining experiences, family-owned wineries and breweries to explore, and U-Pick farms. Needless to say, there are tons of things to do in Shenandoah Valley.

We took a five-day family road trip here to kick off our summer vacation and discovered many top attractions in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in partnership with Visit Virginia.

If you’re looking to find out what to do in Shenandoah and need help planning your itinerary, don’t sweat, because this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

Where is the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia?

The Shenandoah Valley is sandwiched between the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghenies to the West.

It stretches approximately 200-miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Roanoke, Virginia, and is about two hours west of Washington D.C.

In between these two mountain ranges, and rising up from the Shenandoah Valley floor, is the 50-mile long, 6-mile wide Massanutten Mountain Range, which is home to the massive and popular Massanutten Resort, which was our home base for our trip. (See below)

History buffs will also love to know that the Shenandoah Valley was once considered the American Frontier and played a crucial role in the American Civil War.

Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

When researching what to do in Shenandoah Valley VA, the highlight for many visitors will be the spectacular Shenandoah National Park.

Opened in 1935, the park encompasses nearly 200,000 acres along the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy with dozens of waterfalls, 500 miles of hiking trails through lush forests, and 75 scenic overlooks of mountain vistas.

A long stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail winds through Shenandoah National Park.

We were disappointed we didn’t have more time and have bookmarked it for a return visit so we can hike and camp in this beautiful US national park. 

Here’s what we did.

1. Drive the Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park

Of course, we took the National Scenic Byway to Massanutten Resort.

The Skyline Drive catches the baton at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and runs through the entire 105-mile length of the Shenandoah Valley National Park on the crest of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s one of the USA’s best scenic drives in the USA.

Be prepared for endless viewpoints over the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Massanutten Mountain Range. Plan your drive well to incorporate hikes, picnic spots, the best viewpoints, and lodges.

There are viewpoints every couple of miles. Despite the beauty of each overlook, you can quickly catch fatigue, so plan your stops well on either side of the road as the views are different.

The East is more mountainous with lush forest, and the West is more mountains with expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Some notable viewpoints: Range View Overlook (one of the best views of the northern section of the park), South River Overlook (great for sunrise), Baldface Mountain Overlook, and Moormans River Overlook.

Here’s some more information on the different overlooks.

There are many entrances onto Skyline Drive, but the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station in the South or the Front Royal Entrance in the North tend to be the most popular as it allows you to drive from one side to the other.

The Thornton Gap Entrance is also popular as it’s located near a town you can stay in.

Driving the Skyline Drive is one of the top things to do in Shenandoah National Park and should not be rushed. If you want to have a full day exploring the drive, we recommend staying at Skyland Resort or Lewis Mountain Cabins, which are around halfway on the drive.

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center

If you want to get more information about the drive and the things to see, we recommend making a trip to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. It’s located to the North of the drive and is where you can get maps and information from park rangers.

You can learn all about the wildlife you might encounter, such as black bears, and what to do if you come across them.

It’s also one of the only restrooms on the drive, since there aren’t any along the way.

The park rangers are stationed here to be your resource on everything Shenandoah National Park, so it’s a good idea to get orientated, learn about the hikes and ranger programs.

2. Hike the Dark Hollow Falls Trail

We only had time for one hike on our road trip, so we chose the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park, which is also one of the best for families.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike down to the Dark Hollow Waterfall. Allow for at least an hour and pack a picnic lunch if you want to spend more time enjoying the falls.

The first viewpoint is not the bottom of the Falls but is the best view of the Falls. You can walk a little further down the trail to the very bottom of the falls.

It’s not spectacular, but I loved the perspective of the waterfall trickling down the moss-covered rocks, so definitely consider this when planning your Shenandoah Valley hiking trails.

It is a bit of a steep climb coming back out, the hardest part is from the bottom of the falls to the top of the falls. After that, it is more of a gradual climb.

If you have time, you can explore more of the Big Meadows area, such as the Byrd Visitor Center and camp at Big Meadows Campground (of Big Meadows Lodge if you don’t like camping).

3. Walk an Alpaca

Just how good can walking an alpaca across a field be? I pondered this when looking for fun things to do in the Shenandoah Valley.

It’s not something we’ve done before, and since we don’t have any pets, I knew the girls would love an opportunity to hang out with animals.

Let me tell you, walking an alpaca is a cool experience any family will love.

It’s like having your favorite teddy bear come to life: petting it as you walk and stopping for as many cuddles as you can fit into 60-minutes. I didn’t even care that my fifth gear walking place was dropped back into first. I could have hung out with these adorable, gentle animals all day.

We were all glowing after it and will forever remember our sweet time with the alpacas.

The farm also has a small store with products made from alpaca fiber – which is 8 times warmer than wool and much softer and more comfortable. You can pick up a scarf made from the fiber of the alpaca you walked.

The Point of View Alpaca Farm is located near Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley.

This Shenandoah Valley activity was definitely Teen Approved, and we all highly recommend it for your list of Shenandoah Valley things to do!

4. Explore the Luray Caverns

We have seen plenty of stalagmites and stalactites in caverns and caves all over the world, so I was uncertain as to just how good the Luray Caverns would be.

And as they are the largest and most popular caverns in the Eastern USA, I was worried how its popularity may have diminished their value.

I did not need to worry. It’s popular for a reason. The Luray Caverns are possibly the best I’ve ever seen.

I was stunned by the pristine condition and the abundance of stalagmites and stalactites formations, full-length draperies, and huge columns that this ancient cave has formed over millions of years.

It was enchanting.

Savannah stopped at every self-guided number to read the description and take in things like the Giant Redwood (biggest formation); the Double Column (where a stalagmite and stalactite grow connected next to each other); the Fallen Stalactite (a massive piece that fell in an earthquake 7,000 years ago); and the exquisite Dream Lake with the most stunning reflections you’ve ever seen.

So perfect that you can’t even tell it is a reflection, thinking instead it’s purely a floor of stalagmites reaching up to a ceiling of stalactites.

It now has the y Travel approval as a top USA attraction.

5. Horseback Riding with Jordan Hollow Stables

We love horseback riding, and the Virginia mountains are a beautiful place to soak up the views on the back of a horse.

We took a horseback ride on Bliss, Cloude, Jasmine, and Treena, beautiful gentle horses that took us across the small Hawksbill creek and winding through a series of trails winding through a 140-acre property.

The Jordan Hollow Stable trails also go through beautiful country fields surrounded by a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.

6. Explore Downtown Luray

Both the horse riding and Luray caverns are near the town of Luray. Spend time exploring the small downtown area and peruse a few local stores.

The 2-mile Hawksbill Greenway trail runs alongside Hawksbill Creek and through town. There are places to dip your feet in to cool off from the summer heat. We walked a small section of downtown past the lovely public spaces of the Cliffside Pocket Park and Butterfly Garden.

Stop in at The Valley Cork for a glass of local wine or beer, or an outstanding coffee at Broad Porch Coffee.

I’d rate it as a top 5 coffee I’ve had in the country. Yes. I get excited about those kinds of discoveries. Pair it with a gluten-free pound cake with whipped crème and lemon sauce. Taste sensation!

Moonshadows Restaurant is a favorite upscale dining experience in Luray. We splurged with a three-course meal of ceviche and mussels for apps; duck confit linguini and spring sirloin for mains; and chocolate panna cotta and strawberry cream puff for dessert.

6. Smell the Lavendar at White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple Wolf Vineyard

Visiting the White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple Wolf Vineyard, only 20 minutes from Massanutten was an unexpected favorite Shenandoah Valley attraction.

We visited last minute after our river tubing adventure was canceled due to flash-flood warnings.

Savannah considers herself a green witch, so part of my love for this place was watching her enthusiasm for picking lavender for her spells, purchasing a lavender plant, and diligently studying how to take care of them.

Giving our children opportunities to follow their passions is one of the reasons we love family travel so much. It’s beneficial to them but allows parents to experience so much joy watching and experiencing it alongside them.

The lavender farm has beautiful gardens you can wander around (for a small fee) that include farm animals, reflection chairs, and a labyrinth. (There is a section you can visit that does not require a fee).

Grab some lavender-flavored ice cream for the kid’s when you’re done and head to the wine tasting room and gardens for lavender wine tasting. You could also try some blackberry ice cream, which is a famous delicacy in the Shenandoah region (or look for wild blackberries when hiking).

The Purple Wolf Vineyard has six lavender-flavored wines you can try (white, rose, and red). If lavender-flavored wine is too flamboyant for you, there are more traditional whites and reds to try. But if you’re looking for Shenandoah Valley wineries with a difference, go here.

The wine garden is a tranquil spot to sit and savor. Be sure to adopt the mantra artistically displayed throughout the farm, “Just Breathe and Relax.”

The lavender aromas surrounding you definitely help you do that.

7. Go Peach Picking at Chiles Peach Orchard

Ready for the most delicious peaches you’ve ever tasted?

Just near the southern entrance to the Shenandoah Valley National Park is the Chiles Peach Orchard. The fields of pick-your-own-fruit (peaches, blueberries, and strawberries) are surrounded by beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There is also a farm market with fruit, jams, apple cider donuts, and ice cream.

Since we had never picked peaches before and were short on time, we chose peaches and are so thrilled we did. They were perfect snacks for us as we explored the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia mountains.

8. Try Craft Beer at Blue Mountain Brewery

Once you have finished your peach picking, head down the road to the Blue Mountain Brewery, a favorite for those on the Shenandoah Valley Road trip trail.

Opened in 2007 as the region’s first rural brewery. We arrived early at 11:30 and were surprised by how many people were strolling in. With its mountain setting, full-service restaurant, and a large selection of craft beers you can see why it’s a favorite.

They also have their own cider: pear and apple flavor, which I enjoyed.

9. Go Wine Tasting at Veritas Vineyards and Winery

Did you know that the Shenandoah Valley is Virginia’s premier wine-growing destination? I had no idea wines were even produced here.

Veritas Vineyards and Winery is close to Blue Mountain Brewery (and many other wineries) and your perfect introduction to Virginia wines.

It’s an elegant, yet homely vineyard started on a simple horse and cattle farm in 1999 by Andrew and Patricia Hodson. This 20-year-old family business produces outstanding wines, ranging from sparkling to beautifully balanced red wines.

We enjoyed a flight tasting sitting on Adirondack chairs on the lawn with those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views.

I want to return for a more in-depth experience of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. Girls’ trip anyone?

10. Explore Downtown Staunton

Staunton (pronounced Stanton) was our favorite of the small towns in the Shenandoah Valley (that we visited).

We enjoyed a delicious coffee from Crucible Coffee Roasters before walking along the streets admiring the historic homes into the pedestrian. street.

We stopped in at Blu Point Seafood for a delicious lunch outside. The fish and chips here were very similar to what you’d find in Australia, including the tartare sauce (I’ve never had anything in the US that remotely tastes the same).

Explore the downtown stores with cute local wares such as By the People, for the People, Latitudes Fair Trade Co., and Stanton Olive Oil.

A highlight was visiting the Sunspots Glass Blowing Studio for a glassblowing demonstration and to see the stunning glass products made on-site by various local artists.

The studio gallery is filled with one-of-a-kind art pieces, as well as functional art for the home and garden such as vases, hummingbird feeders, oil candles, and artisan jewelry.

This is the unique Virginia mountains souvenir you’re looking for. We purchased some drinking glasses and Savannah picked up a glow in the dark mushroom.

11. Enjoy Local Cider at Sagebird Ciderworks, Harrisonburg

What started as a way to save money for couple Amberlee and Zach Carlson has now turned into a popular and thriving local cidery in downtown Harrisonburg.

Word got out about the dry tart flavors of ciders they experimented with and produced from locally sourced fruit and flavor. They won a lot of awards, learned as much as they could, and eventually opened the first cidery in Harrisonburg, Sage Bird Ciderworks.

I enjoyed a tasting flight of five flavors. They also have a cider slush and cider mimosas, plus frozen lemonade for the kids.

12. Try Sushi at Mashita: Harrisonburg

What started as a Harrisonburg food truck favorite has now turned into a 14-seat restaurant in downtown Harrisonburg.

Chef and owner, Mikey Reisenberg, wanted to bring diversity to the local dining scene with innovative Korean dishes (his birth home). He began with a simple focus on steamed buns and Korean lettuce wraps called ssam and soon won multiple awards and expand his menu.

Mashita restaurant now offers finely crafted, made from scratch cuisine utilizing fresh ingredients from local suppliers and has many options for vegans and gluten-free requirements.

It was delicious.

Our Kimbap (Korean-style sushi) was up there with the best sushi I’ve had, and the Mashita Bibimbap with brisket took all the words out of mouth. I just wanted silence so I could savor the flavors.

13. Stay at Massanutten Resort, Virginia

Our friends visit Massanutten Resort every year to go skiing, so we were very aware of this premier year-round resort destination on the East Coast.

They were not lying when they spoke of how BIG Massanutten Resort is.

On over 6,000 acres, you’ll find condo and hotel accommodations and unique amenities like an Indoor/Outdoor Water Park, Ski and Adventure Park area, golf courses, farm-to-table dining experiences, shopping and recreation options, mountain biking and hiking trails and a day spa for complete relaxation and rejuvenation.

And deer. Everywhere we turned there were deer (and fawns!) grazing on the grass.

Its central location gives you easy access to all the amazing things to do in the Shenandoah Valley.

Summit Condo

We stayed in a spacious and comfortable 2-bedroom Summit Condo with beautiful views over the mountains. Enjoy it with your morning coffee on the screened-in porch.

The kitchen is huge allowing for self-catering and Savannah LOVED the gigantic jet bathtub.

For those now remote working and learning, I really liked the inclusion of a desk in the main bedroom. It’s often difficult to escape the busy family noise when working in the main living areas of your accommodations. This was a great feature.

14. Ziplining at the Family Adventure Park

The Massanutten Resort’s Family Adventure Park has a Kid’s Adventure Course (12 and under) a Ridge Rappel and Climbing Excursion, a Mega Zip, and tubing (summer and winter).

As we’re always up for a canopy adventure, Kalyra and I scaled up the trees together to take on hanging vines, bridges, and six zip lines – the longest at 470 ft long.

We LOVED the zip, where we could swing back and forth on the line in between the trees.

It was just Kalyra and I as there is a minimum weight of 78 pounds, which Savannah did not meet. So, this Canopy Adventure is teen approved!

I could imagine this activity would be a great thing to do in Shenandoah in October when the fall foliage is bright with oranges and yellows.

15. Splash Around the Indoor and Outdoor WaterPark

I was impressed by the size of the Indoor and Outdoor WaterPark at Massanutten. It’s a place the kids will want to spend hours.

Unfortunately, due to thunderstorms, the outdoor section was closed when we visited. We enjoyed a couple of hours in the indoor section instead of relaxing in the Lazy River and speeding through the dark down the Melting Mogul.

The Outdoor Waterpark has a wave pool and thrill waterslides and a 296 ft mat racer! Those water-slides looked amazing! There are also plenty of lounge chairs, swimming areas, hot springs, and kiddie splash pools.

For a more sedate swimming experience, Massanutten also has an indoor and outdoor pool at the main recreation building.

16. Escape from the MayDay Escape Room

Our first fun family attraction at Massanutten Resort was the Escape Room. It’s one of our favorite family activities to do for the team-building experience of trying to decipher clues together.

We escaped with one-minute to spare, sealing the ships doors, and saving the ship from sinking.

17. Try Casual Dining at the Base Camp

Base Camp is the place to chill out under the umbrellas on the ski lodge deck at the base of the mountain.

Enjoy the views, local craft beer, and a casual dinner of burgers, pizza, or seafood dishes. Don’t skimp on a brownie sundae for dessert.

18. Enjoy a Campfire Grill

The Campfire grill has a beautiful mountain setting with a large wraparound deck overlooking the golf course.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At night, you’ll find live music, camp stove chili, campfire chicken and pizzas, boned steaks and burgers, and S’mores. I loved my campfire skillet for breakfast.

19. Check out the Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge is a small town that connects to the Natural Bridge State Park, which has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s most well known for its caverns, which were opened to the public in 1977.

The caverns venture down 34 stories below the surface, offering an immense underground area to explore. You can explore the expansive rock chambers and discover cave formations such as the Colossal Dome.

The caverns are massive, and a guided tour will take around 45 minutes. It’s definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Shenandoah National Park.

20. Hike up Old Rag Mountain

Some of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah Valley are up Old Rag Mountain. These are challenging, rock scrambling hikes that are not for the faint-hearted.

There are two hikes up the mountain, the Old Rag Circuit, and Old Rag Summit via Berry Hollow. both are challenging hikes and require an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance.

For those serious adventurers, this one is for you.

21. Walk the Fridley Gap Loop

Located in George Washington National Forest, this 14.8km loop trail is a moderate hike in the Elkton area of Shenandoah.

It’s a reasonably challenging hike because it’s so long, and takes around 5.5 hours to complete. However, it’s definitely a rewarding experience. Not only because of the sense of achievement you get from it, but because it’s a great place to enjoy some quietness and solitude.

In the spring, the wildflowers are in bloom and the birds are churping. You can even camp if you have time to spare.

22. Visit the Frontier Culture Museum

The Frontier Culture Museum is an open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley. It brings history to life with costumed actors portraying information about the region’s past.

You’ll learn about Native American tribes, as well as about the arrival of German, English, and Irish immigrants who settled here, as well as learn about the jobs they had from blacksmithing, tailors, and yarn spinners.

You’ll also learn about the prominent slavery history of African people by British colonies in North America in a sensitive and child-friendly way.

This is a family-friendly attraction in Shenandoah that offers an insightful glimpse into Virginia’s history.

23. Hike up to Hawksbill Mountain

Hawksbill is the highest mountain in Shenandoah so if you’re a serious hiking fan, then this is one activity to add to the list.

Standing at 4,051 feet, this is undoubtedly the best place to see views of the Shenandoah Valley, as well as views as far as the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia Piedmont. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset,

There are three hiking trails to the Hawksbill Viewing Platform at the peak, but most people take the Hawksbill Loop Hike, which is less than 3 miles so not too long, but it is steep. The entire hike is about 690 feet of elevation gain.

The parking lot for the hiking trails is located on Skyline Drive between the Thornton Gap Entrance Station and the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station.

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are 23 of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park and as you can see, there is so much to do!

If you don’t have long to spend, I recommend you take a trip down Skyline Drive and stop off to do some hiking along the way. Stay in a small town and be sure to try some of the local wines and cider.

And above all, have a fantastic trip!

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We finally got to experience this National Scenic Byway on a summer road trip to the Shenandoah Valley; the Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park being a highlight of a visit to this region in Virginia.

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the iconic Appalachian Trail, the Skyline Drive encompasses the best of the national park without having the need to leave your vehicle (though we recommend you do!)

It passes dense forests, wetlands, and waterfalls, as well as along the foothills of craggy peaks like Hawksbill (the highest point in the park) and Old Rag Mountain.

While we drove, we kept our eyes on the lookout for some of the park’s most elusive animals, such as deer, squirrels, and of course, the black bear.

If you’re thinking of taking the Skyline Drive Shenandoah, but are not sure what to expect, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

Where is the Skyline Drive Shenandoah?

The Skyline Drive catches the baton at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and runs through the entire 105-mile length of the Shenandoah Valley National Park on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It is the ONLY road in the Shenandoah National Park, which is exciting as it allows you to experience two incredible natural Virginian wonders in one trip.

Be prepared for endless viewpoints over the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Massanutten Mountain Range. Plan your drive well to incorporate hikes, picnic areas, stopping at the best viewpoints, and lodges.

There are viewpoints every couple of miles. Despite the beauty of each overlook, you can quickly catch fatigue, so plan your stops well on either side of the road as the views are different.

The East is more mountainous with lush forests, while the West has more expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley.

When is the Best Time to Drive the Skyline Drive Shenandoah?

It really depends on what you want to experience. For me, I loved traveling during summer as everything is so lush and green – and I love hiking with a bit of humidity.

Fall is an especially popular time to travel along Skyline Drive, with its colorful foliage from late September to mid-November. Spring is also a great time to visit with spectacular views of wildflowers and mountain laurels.

Why not visit multiple times through the year and then choose your favorite!! (Be sure to share with us in the comments below!)

How Long Does the Skyline Drive Take?

At 105 miles long with a maximum 35 mph speed limit, it will take 3-4 hours to drive from one end to the other including a few stops.

If you want to add in a few hikes and see some of Shenandoah’s attractions, then you’re looking at a full-day adventure at least.

Adventurers will want to plan for a couple of days exploring the Shenandoah National Park and enjoying the Skyline Drive. Because it is also a national park, with many other great things to experience we recommend at least two days.

Shenandoah has multiple campgrounds that offer both first-come-first-served campsites and those you can reserve in advance.

To help you find features, facilities, and parking areas, concrete mileposts have been placed on the right-hand side of Skyline Drive as you head south. Mileposts will be included in various guides you get.

As we were driving south to north, we didn’t see any mile markers – or they were just difficult to see. This is a problem we’ve had at other national parks before as well. However, overlook signs will be easy to see with adequate warning.

Where Are the Skyline Drive Entrances & Fees

The national park is divided into three regions:

• North District (Dickey Ridge, Mathews Arm)
• Central District (Skyland, Big Meadows) This is the most popular section.
• South District (Loft Mountain)

There are four entrance stations to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, which will give you access to whatever region you want to explore most. (Do all three!)

The entrance you choose will largely depend on where you are driving from. If you are coming from Charlottesville or Richmond, the Rockfish Gap Entrance to the South will be better. If you’re coming from Harrisonburg or Elkton, then the Swift Run Gap is closer.

• Front Royal Entrance Station (Northern Entrance)
• Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Mile 31.5)
• Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Mile 65.7)
• Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (South Entrance)

As the Skyline Drive runs is operated by the National Park Service, there is an entrance fee. All passes are valid for 7 days and cost $30 for single vehicles, $25 for motorcycles, and $15 per person arriving vehicle free.

Motor homes, RVs, and camping trailers are welcome in the park.

Where to Find Skyline Drive Maps and Information

Be sure to grab a park map when you arrive at Skyline Drive Shenandoah.

Truthfully, national park maps aren’t all that good sources of information on things to see and do in a national park. They’re good for providing a map and historical, geological, and cultural information about a park.

Research before you get into the park or visit one of the two Visitor Centers for more in-depth assistance from Park Rangers. There are two in the park:

• Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is located at Mile 4.6
• Harry F Byrd Visitor Center is located at mile 51

For families, be sure to grab your Junior Ranger activity booklet (visitor centers and gift stores) and look for Junior Ranger activities that may be in the park. These programs are brilliant for helping your children connect more deeply to the experience.

And they will love receiving the badge at the end of it as a memento and a reminder of the importance of taking care of Mother Nature.

The Best Way to See Skyline Drive

With 75 scenic overlooks, it won’t be long before you start feeling stunning mountain viewpoint fatigue. Yes, it does happen.

Crazy to think, you can just wave another incredible viewpoint away as you keep driving. They can start looking the same.

A way to overcome that is to spread your Skyline Drive experience over multiple days. There is plenty to do in the nearby Shenandoah Valley to make this a wonderful extended trip with the national park as its focus.

We did the Southern part of the drive on our way to Massanutten Resort in the Shenandoah Valley Resort where we were staying.

The next morning, we did most of the rest of the drive north on our way to Luray. We still have the small northern section to do for next time.

What to See and Do Along Skyline Drive Shenandoah

While the Skyline Drive is a drive, you will want to make several stops along the way to see all the beautiful vistas and take in some of the attractions.

If you’re not sure what to see or do along the way, here are some stops we recommend.

Skyline Drive Viewpoints

As our time was short – and we experienced overlook fatigue – we did not visit every overlook. So, this is not a comprehensive guide to that. Here are a few that we enjoyed.

I’ve added some resources below to help you plan out other stops. Please leave a comment with some of your favorites for when we visit again, and for anyone reading this post looking for insider tips!

Mary’s Rock Tunnel at Mile 32

Everybody loves driving through tunnels, right? I was so busy taking a video of it (see our Reels) that I didn’t snap a photo.

This 600’ long tunnel was built in 1932 and was considered a marvel at its time. It was a welcome change from the multiple viewpoints and is a unique Skyline Drive feature.

There is a parking lot near here so you can take your photo.

Moormans River Overlook

I loved this perspective over Moormans River winding through the gently sloping mountains blanketed in a lush forest. It was so different from the other Skyline Drive overlooks and very peaceful. This is meant to be a good sunrise spot.

Stony Man Mountain Overlook at Mile 38.5

The Stony Man Mountain Overlook is a long, panoramic view of the valley floor with Massanutten Mountain in the distance. It has an elevation of 3100 feet so the air can feel a little thin up here.

This overlook is really all about vast greenery for miles on end. It really makes you realize the sheer size of the park!

Baldface Mountain Overlook

One of the most scenic overlooks on Skyline Drive is the Baldface Mountain. Many people recommend taking a walk through any gaps in the stone walls you find as they lead to better views.

We didn’t have time for that but the cut at Baldface is meant to lead to a rocky outcropping with better views.

• Range View Overlook (one of the best views of the northern section of the park)
• South River Overlook (great for sunrise)

Here’s a great post I used with in-depth information on the different overlooks.

Skyline Drive Hiking Trails

One of the best ways to experience Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive is to hike on one of the over 500 miles of trails that begin at Skyline Drive.

Stop in at the visitor center to find a trail that best suits your interest, style, and ability, as they range from ambling, strolls to challenging mountain scales. Some trails lead to a waterfall or spectacular viewpoints, and others go deep into the forested wilderness.

We want to return to Shenandoah National Park to experience more of the hikes. It was a short trip, and we could only fit in one short hike.

If you want to say you have hiked the legendary Appalachian Trail, it crisscrosses the Shenandoah National Park, and it is said to have some of the most impressive sections of the trail.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail

Located at mile point 50.7 is one of the most popular hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, especially for families.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike down to the cascading Dark Hollow Falls. Allow for at least an hour and pack a picnic lunch or a few sandwiches if you want to spend more time enjoying the falls.

The first viewpoint is not the bottom of the Falls but is the best view of the Falls. You can walk a little further down the trail to the very bottom of the falls.

It’s not a spectacular waterfall, but I loved the perspective of the waterfall trickling down the moss-covered rocks.

It is a bit of a steep climb coming back out, the hardest part is from the bottom of the falls to the top. After that it is more of a gradual climb.

Stop at the Skyline Drive Lodges with a View

There are three lodges along Skyline Drive: Skyland, Elkwallow Wayside and Big Meadows Lodge. They each hold events throughout the season, including Virginia wine tasting, night sky programs, and twilight hikes.

They also offer accommodation and restaurants and gift stores. Elkwallow is a great place to get ice cream, if you’re visiting during the summer. If you prefer to camp, there are also nearby camping spots such as the Big Meadows Campground.

You’ll love stopping in here for a bite to eat or a drink with magnificent views out over the Shenandoah Valley. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and take a break from the endless winding road and beautiful views.

Things to Do near the Skyline Drive Shenandoah

As mentioned, we have an in-depth post on things to do in the Shenandoah Valley, which outlines these activities in more depth.

If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, I suggest you plan for exploring the cute towns near the entrances to the national park. These towns also have some cool activities that surround them.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Luray Caverns
• Walking alpacas
• Wine tasting at Veritas Vineyards
• Horseback Riding at Jordan Hollow Stables
• White Oak Lavender Farm
• The town of Staunton

FAQs About Skyline Drive Shenandoah

Here’s what people usually ask us about Skyline Drive Shenandoah..

Where to Stay near Skyline Drive Shenandoah

We stayed at the Massanutten Resort, which gave us easy access to all the attractions in the Shenandoah Valley and to the Shenandoah National Park. Plus, the resort offers more than just lovely condo accommodations.

They have a fantastic indoor and outdoor Water Park, Ziplining courses, mountain biking trails, and several dining options. It’s a fantastic place for families to stay!

If you’re looking to spend a couple of days exploring the drive, then you might want to consider staying at one of the lodges in the park.

There are some other here are some other great options just outside the park as well, but as this is a very popular attraction in Virginia, especially in the summer, it’s best to plan ahead and book in advance.

Here are some other options for where to stay:

• Big Meadows Lodge: One of the few lodges in the park that offers cozy and affordable rooms.
• Skyland Lodge: Another one of the few lodges in the park with incredible views.
• Lafayette Bed and Breakfast: A great lodge at the South Entrance to Skyline Drive.
• Hopkins Ordinary Bed, Breakfast and Ale Works: Located just outside Thornton’s Gap. This would be a great option if you want to explore the Skyline Drive over multiple days.

Other Virginia Travel Tips

Are you thinking of visiting some other places in Virginia? Then check out some more helpful guides below.

• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• 10 Fun things to do in Williamsburg, VA
• See history come alive in Greater Williamsburg
• Spring mountain getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge

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They are the largest and most popular caverns in the Eastern USA, so I was worried how its popularity may have diminished their value.

I did not need to worry. It’s popular for a reason. The Luray Caverns are possibly the best I’ve ever seen.

I was stunned by the pristine condition and the abundance of stalagmites and stalactites formations, full-length draperies, huge columns, and dazzling mirror pools that this ancient caved has formed over millions of years.

It was enchanting and now has the y Travel approval as a top USA attraction.

We visited the Luray Caverns as part of our Shenandoah Valley road trip with kids. What makes this an extra wonderful place to visit in the Southeast USA is its close proximity to The Shenandoah National Park, and the famous national scenic Byway: The Skyline Drive.

You can see those places in our post on things to do in the Shenandoah Valley to incorporate into your trip.

The Luray Caverns Discovery

As with our recent exploration of Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, the thing that captured my awe was the discovery of these caves.

Imagine being the first to stumble upon them?

Well, that happened to the local men who discovered the Luray Caverns on August 13, 1878. Andrew Campbell, William Campbell, and Benton Stebbins.

They had an inkling that caverns were in the area due to the karst topography (limestone and dolomite sedimentary rock deposits). After feeling an odd, cool breeze originating from a depression on the hillside, they began digging at it.

Five hours later, Andrew Campbell and entered the caverns by sliding down into it. Their first sight was what would be dubbed the Washington Column, named after the first president of the United States.

Little did they know the rest of the beauty they were about to discover. Such beauty that has received world-class recognition and dubbed, “Geology’s Fall of Fame”.

The A Smithsonian Institution report of July 13 and 14, 1880, concluded: “It is safe to say that there is probably no other cave in the world more completely and profusely decorated with stalactite and stalagmite ornamentation than that of Luray.”

And National Geographic has said the draperies found at Luray at some of the “best in the world”.

Luray Caverns was designated a Registered Natural Landmark in 1974. This designation offers protection to this natural wonder forbidding the creation of any further embellishments (like the Fried Eggs and Organ created before this protection). It also means it can’t have any colored lights and exploration only on designated paths of which wind through only a third of the cave (what must lie beyond here?)

The first Grand Illumination of Luray Caverns occurred on November 9, 1878. This top Virginia attraction has been open every day since and attracts 500,000 people each year.

The Luray Caverns Tour Experience

Are you ready to explore a magical, secret underground world of draping flowstones, jaw-dropping formations, towering columns, massive chambers, calcite pools and more?

Paved and well-lit pathways lead you throughout the caverns that are 60 acres in size and reach 10 stories high. The easy trail is 1.25 miles and took us about an hour with all our gawking stops.

The tour is self-guided, and you are given a booklet with your ticket that lists the various attractions in Luray Caves given you information on each one.

Savannah stopped at every self-guided number to enthusiastically read each description. She was mesmerized by the magic of these formations that take 120 years to form just a cubic inch.

(Note: I have seen mentions of guided tours. There were none running when we visited, and I cannot see anything on their website in regards to this. Perhaps, because of COVID they are no longer running. I would love to do a guided tour so I can take in more stories of the caverns.)

Despite their popularity, the caverns say that they never run out of space. So, therefore it is not necessary to book ahead. There are no timed entries and you can enter as soon as you get your ticket.

The temperature in the caverns is around 54 degrees Fahrenheit, although with the humidity, feels warmer. I had a tank top on and didn’t feel cold once. We visited in summer. I’m sure winter is a different so come prepared with warm clothes.

Luray Cavern Highlights

The self-guided tour gives information on 19 stops. Each are incredible and worth spending time looking at.

Here are just a few of the Luray Cavern Highlights for us:

Dream Lake

Dream Lake is the most exquisite attraction in Luray Caverns. It’s the most stunning optical illusion and one you’ll never forget.

The stalactites on the ceiling are mirrored perfectly onto the flat surface below, creating the illusion of thousands of stalagmites rising up from the floor to reach to reach up to them.

It’s an illusion so real that you cannot see the real bottom of the lake, even though it’s only about 20 inches at its deepest point.

It’s one of the first stops on the tour and the point where I said, “Okay, well seeing this has made this tour worth it alone.”

Giant Redwood

The Giant Redwood is the oldest and biggest formation in the caverns. This huge piece of flowstone is 40 feet high and 120 feet in circumference. As flowstone takes 300 years to form one inch, it is estimated to be over 7 million years old!  

It’s just as magnificent as the trees it is named after.

Saracen’s Tent

This is where we find National Geographic’s best example of draperies in the world. It’s definitely the best example I have seen of these flowing delicate curtain formations.

Double Column

The Giant’s Hall is the deepest part of the caverns (164 ft below the surface of the earth) and has the largest airspace of any room in the caverns.

My favorite formation in here was the Double Column, the tallest formation in the cavern at 47ft high. On the front side is a stalactite reaching all the way to the floor from the ceiling.

Beside it, on the back side, is a stalagmite formed from the floor reaching almost to the ceiling. They do not meet but are joined side by side.

The Fallen Stalactite

I was fascinated by the Fallen Stalactite shaken off the ceiling by an earthquake 7,000 years ago. It was gigantic and sent a little nervous shiver through me thinking of earthquakes shaking up this cave. Don’t fear, this was the last disturbance of this magnitude!

Wishing Well

I found the Wishing Well fascinating, although I’m unsure of any damage it may do to the caves. I asked the ranger who said it doesn’t and is protected to ensure this.

It’s a beautiful crystal clear green pond – the deepest body of water in the caverns with a depth of six feet.

It’s popular for wish seekers to throw money in the pond. At the end of the year, two to three feet of coins will cover the pool. We saw plenty of notes as well, including $100 bills.

One positive is that the money is collected annually and donated to environmental and educational organizations. Over a million dollars has been collected over the years.

The Cathedral and Great Stalacpipe Organ

I loved envisioning the occasional dances that were held in the huge chamber called the Cathedral, (once known as the ballroom.)

It is here you’ll also find the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the largest musical instrument in the world, which uses the stalactites as tone sources. It’s meant to play at various times throughout the day, but I never heard it.

I was a bit nonplussed about this part of the tour, whereas for others it will be a highlight.

Other things to do at Luray Caverns

In addition to the Luray Caverns tour, your ticket entitles you to several other perks.

The Shenandoah Heritage Village and Luray Valley Museum

This museum shares more about the Shenandoah Valley with artifacts dating from the 1750s up to the 1920s. TI’s a gateway to how life was lived o the frontier’s edge.

Car & Carriage Museum

Car lovers will enjoy the vehicle exhibits that range a pre-Civil War bicycle, the oldest carriage on the continent and an 1897 Mercedes-Benz, one of the oldest cars in the country still in operating condition.

Toy Town Junction

This is a toy museum that displays thousands of historic toys and trains making it a favorite for kids.  

Luray Caverns Store

The tour finishes in the Luray Caverns Store, which has locally produced products such as jams, candies, and Virginia wine.

The Garden Maze and Rope Adventure Park

There are two separately ticketed attractions the kids will love. The Rope Adventure Park consists of three levels so the children can climb according to their ability, comfort, and confidence. The Garden Maze is where the whole family will enjoy getting lost together!

Things to do near Luray Caverns

The hilly mountain town will take you back to 19^th century charm with detailed brick architecture and storefronts housing local boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, wine bars and breweries.

• Pick up a coffee from Broad Porch Coffee
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at Moonshadows
• Walk the greenway trail through town
• Enjoy local wine and beer from The Valley Cork
• Go horseback riding with Jordan Hollow Stables
• The Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park

Where is the Shenandoah Valley?

The Shenandoah Valley is sandwiched between the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghenies to the West.

It stretches approximately 200 miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Roanoke, Virginia and is about two hours west of Washington D.C and two and a half hours from Richmond.

Check car rentals here.

Other Virginia Travel Tips

• Walking an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farms
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• 10 Fun things to do in Williamsburg, VA
• See history come alive in Greater Williamsburg
• Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive

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However, we recently visited an Alpaca farm in Virginia and walking an alpaca is starting to become a popular thing to do in many places around the world, and on our recent family road trip to the Shenandoah Valley we discovered why.

Alpacas are delightful animals with unique, gentle personalities. They are known as one of the most beautiful camelids in South America, the alpacas are indigenous to the Peruvian Andes.

They are a lot more chilled (and smaller) than their cousins, the llama. This makes trekking with them a great day out for the whole family, as children are usually strong enough to guide them unassisted.

Alpacas also have softer hair/fiber and are used for clothes, whereas llamas’ fiber will be used more for floor rugs.

It is said llamas have a personality more like a dog, and alpacas like cats. I prefer cats to dogs so no wonder walking alongside an alpaca brought me an insane amount of joy. (Just as joyful as the goat yoga I did in the Finger Lakes).

There are about 53,000 alpacas in the United States. They originally came over here in the 80s as an exotic animal and cost around $100,000. While they can still be showstoppers, they are no longer considered so exotic and cost far less.

The states with the largest number of alpacas are Ohio, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado, and California.

We visited the Point of View Alpaca Farm near Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley. Owned by Teri and Dave Grembi, the 25-acre farm is situated at the top a hill with 360-degree panoramic views of both the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains.

The Grembis started farming alpacas once their children moved out of home and were no longer riding their horses. They started looking for something new and different to do and came across alpaca farming.

They started in 2014 and since then the have been on a mission to provide a peaceful, loving environment to raise our alpacas and to provide a truly joyful and memorable experience to our guests. #NailingIt

Alpaca Walk Experience

Dave and Teri start with an introduction to proper handling techniques, how to safely walk with an alpaca, and potential risks – although they are few and there hasn’t been a problem, they are still livestock so caution and gentle treatment is required WITH lots of love. They soak it up!

You’re then paired with an alpaca, given an insight into their personalities, and then given the opportunity for a group photo with views of the Alleghany Mountains (sadly covered in clouds for us!)

We walked down the property, passed the aromatic lavender field and down to the small Miller River running through the property. We had beautiful views of the pastures, hills, woods, and mountains the entire way.

At the river, we had a chance to feed the alpacas. They mostly eat grass but will happily much on their high nutritional pellet grain treats throughout the day.

Meet our Alpacas

Fun Fact: All the alpacas at Point of View are named after Beatles members or Beatles songs.

From the minute we met Sunny during our introductory talk with Dave, I wanted to be his walking partner.

His doey eyes and tuft of hair sprouting between his hairs drew me in. He had such presence as he stood calmly checking us out.

He was the most experienced out of the alpacas for walking with humans, so he was paired with Savannah and me. You do have to be 12 years old to walk your own alpaca at Point of View.

We soon got to learn the different personalities of our family’s alpacas as we walked.

Kalyra’s Jo Jo barely made a sudden movement or emotive expression. She calmly walked beside Kalyra happy to be guided and so calm, steady, and peaceful.

Craig’s alpaca was also calm, cool, and curious.

Our Sunny was on high alert the entire time, looking all around and startling at sudden noises and movements. Then he’d stop and allow us a few cuddles before checking around for safety again.

Most alpacas love cuddles, but it depends on how used to humans they are. Get to know your alpaca and go slowly. They’ll let you know if they want a cuddle or not.

I think my water bottle sloshing around in my backpack was bringing him great confusion. It eased when I could finally move it to a position where it didn’t make a noise every step.

Alpacas are prey animal and so always on the lookout for threats. The biggest threats to them are coyotes, and strangely, dogs.

They have eyes on the side of their face and can be quite jumpy when something unexpected happens. They don’t like being touched on the head for this reason. You’re taught how to hold the lead in case they do suddenly jump, and you can maintain control.

Walking an alpaca was the perfect opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature. To drop all the stress of the past year and feel simple joy with your new walking buddy.

It was like having your favorite cuddly teddy bear come to life. You just wanted to hug and pat them endlessly.

They were so gentle and placid and curious, each with their own personality. Before we visited, the girls and I tried to guess the sound an alpaca makes. We were thrilled to hear one of the alpacas humming a tune near the river’s edge. Sunny made some low gravelly sounds at times.

I loved watching them all walking in a line to the right of their handlers, their necks craning on high alert for threats, and walking slightly behind us so we’d be the one to fall victim first!

Dave and Teri were fantastic, stopping to make sure everyone felt comfortable – including the alpacas. They taught us a lot about alpacas along the way and they also took lots of photos of us.

Their gentle, friendly spirits matched the alpacas, and you could tell they loved the animals and cared for them well.

So when you visit Virginia and are searching on your phones for an alpaca farm near me, we highly recommend Point of View Alpaca Farm!

Alpaca Products

Alpaca fiber was once reserved only for the Inca Gods and used to make clothing and blankets for royalty.

Alpaca fiber is 8 times warmer than wool and much softer, which is why it’s so revered. All those itchy and irritated wool wearers can now rejoice, as alpaca fiber contains no lanolin (the stuff that irritates you) so it’s hypoallergenic.

You can purchase alpaca products from the small store at Point of View when finished.

Many of the products have been made using the fiber from the alpacas on the farm, so we bought some scarves made from Sunny, and some socks. Note: the alpacas are treated and sheared humanly.

I think we’ll be searching alpaca experiences near me on our future travels. Look for guided tours, vineyard retreats and farm stays as a way to enjoy the most adorable of farm animals!

Be sure to arrive with arms ready for cuddles and a spirit open for de-stressing and joyful ease!

Other Virginia Travel Tips

• Family getaway to the Shenandoah Valley (what to do)
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• 10 Fun things to do in Williamsburg, VA
• See history come alive in Greater Williamsburg
• Visit to Luray Caverns, Virginia
• The Spectacular Skyline Drive

From theme parks, to living-history museums, to outdoor adventures, Greater Williamsburg Virginia is bursting with fun attractions and memory making opportunities.

Its location makes it quite accessible to many people living on the East Coast and an excellent location for a family getaway.

And it’s an easy three-hour drive from our home base in Raleigh, NC.

We spent five days in the region in partnership with Visit Williamsburg, exploring all the fun things to do in Williamsburg VA and the Greater Williamsburg area with kids.

Here’s what we recommend for your family vacation to Greater Williamsburg, VA.

Historic Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is where American history comes to life.

We visited back in 2010 when Kalyra was only two and a half with my parents. It was a noteworthy experience and we were excited to return to the Greater Williamsburg area to explore it in more depth.

I love slipping back to the easy pace of 18th Century Colonial Virginia where cars can’t be found, and only the gentle clip clop of hooves over the cobble stones can be heard.

The British certainly knew how to make charming villages.

The restored shops, taverns, homes, gardens and government buildings of historic Williamsburg VA are so pretty to explore. 

With live reenactments, noon day cannons, Patriots at Play games and inspiring speeches by George Washington, there is a lot to explore and enjoy in Colonial Williamsburg VA.

Plan to spend an entire day here, it’s one of the top things to do in Williamsburg VA.

Get your Colonial Williamsburg tickets here. 

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed park with a strong focus on thrill roller coasters!

It’s one of our favorite USA theme park experiences so far. The roller coasters were epic fun; The Griffon, one of the scariest and most intense roller coaster ride I’ve been on.

We have a lot of great family memories from Bush Gardens Williamsburg which I know we’ll be talking about for some time.

But, it’s not all thrill rides, there are plenty of tamer rides, like river cruises and swinging chairs.

Each themed land at Busch Gardens VA has entertainment shows which are great to stop and watch while having lunch or a break.

We enjoyed the Oktoberfest dancing and singing show in Germany land. Singing “Prost” certainly reminded me of my time at the Munich Oktoberfest in 1997.

There’s also a fun new 360-degree virtual reality ride The Battle of Eire.

Pop on your emerald green warrior helmet and some VR goggles and prepare to join the last fairy guardian, Addie and the dragon in a battle with the dark forces to recover the lost heart of Ireland. 

Busch Gardens is one of the most popular Williamsburg VA attractions. 

Get a good deal on your combination Busch Gardens and Water Country tickets here. 

Jamestown Settlement

Kids can climb into a sailor’s bunk, steer with a whipstaff, and wander through one of the three recreated ships that brought the first English colonists to Virginia in 1607.

Stroll through the Powhatan village to learn more about the Indigenous tribes that lived here before the colonists arrived.

Learn the story of the troublesome relationship between the two as the colonists tried to survive and create a settlement and how the Powhatan struggled to accept these foreign invaders.

The story of Pocahontas and how instrumental she was in helping to restore peace to the two is also told extensively at this museum.

Our girls were very excited to learn that she’s so much more than a Disney princess.

You can get your Americas Historic Triangle Colonial Williamsburg Historic Jamestown and Yorktown tickets here

Yorktown Sailing Charters

Climb aboard the Yorktown Schooner, Alliance & Serenity for a sail along the York River past the battlefield where the USA won its independence.

Yorktown Sailing Charters run multiple tall ship sails a day.

Our day sailing cruise on a schooner down the York River was pushed back to sunset due to the weather. Sunset is a peaceful time to be on the river sailing up and down and learning a little more of the history and local stories of the area.

We passed by the docking area where the naval warships offload their ammunition and the forest area where the CIA do secret training.

Do not go in there for a sticky beak. Someone will be escorting you back out in a matter of seconds after a few questions.

The girls loved helping to hoist up the sail. I was not shy in volunteering either.

The captain is very friendly and is happy to share many stories with you as you sail. You may even get to steer the ship for a bit.

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is a fascinating experience to do with kids in Greater Williamsburg.

The site of the first English settlement is a live archaeological site. You can see what has been recovered from the earth and may even see archaeologist at work uncovering more artifacts.

This is the area where the English settlement (and future United States of America) nearly failed.

You’ll learn more about life in the settlement and what obstacles the colonists had to overcome.

Don’t miss the Archearium, where you can see a couple of skeletons from the settlement and learn about their stories.

It is on Jamestown Island which is a pretty place to explore if you have time, so you can further gain an understanding of the landscape the English colonists encountered.

You can get your Americas Historic Triangle Colonial Williamsburg Historic Jamestown and Yorktown tickets here

Go-Karts Plus

Time for some old fashion family fun.

Go-Karts Plus has 8 acres of fun and games and, as the name suggests, are most noted for go- karts!

There are four go-kart tracks, Bumper Cars, Blaster Boats, a small roller coaster, an expanded arcade, and a mini golf course.

The Gold Rush Mini Golf was my most memorable course ever as I scored two holes in ones, got my lowest score ever, and came out family champion.

I’m usually the one going way over par or hitting constant gutter bowls if we play ten pin bowling, so please allow me my moment of glory.

Savannah nailed a hole in one with me on the first hole, and we did a victory boomerang dance together.

This is the stuff that makes long-term family memories and strengthens bonds.

After several laps around the various go-kart tracks, my racing sidekick, Savannah rushed to give me a gigantic hug.

“I had the best time with you Mummy. I love you so much. We’re best friends.” Heart melted all over the floor.

Thank you Go-Karts Plus for creating something so simple and fun to help families unplug and reconnect.

Put this on your list of fun things to do in Williamsburg VA!

Williamsburg Indoor Sports Center (WISC)

If you’re wondering what to do in Williamsburg VA with your kids that’s indoors, head to the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Center.

As the weather was not favorable, we could not go on our planned kayak and bike ride around Jamestown Island, so we headed to the WISC instead to play in their area called The Zone and had a blast.

It’s the first time we had played laser tag as a family. We’re quite the commandos and played a couple of games of simulated war games!

It was a load of fun and good sweaty exercise.

We also had fun pretending to be jewelry thieves maneuvering around laser beams in the laser maze to reach the buttons on the wall.

And then our family favorite – indoor rock climbing.

I loved the different walls they had here. It was fun when the girls raced each other up the Lego wall, and conquered the column climb.

I was the only one in the family that chickened out to that one!

Yorktown Battlefield & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

One of my favorite things to do in Greater Williamsburg was touring the Yorktown Battlefield.

After learning so much about the Revolutionary War, it was wonderful to see the area where the Americans defeated the British at Yorktown, which ultimately led to America’s Independence.

When you combine that visit with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown nearby, you get a profound sense of what they were fighting for and why.

While these attractions are separate entities with separate tickets, visiting both is a great way to round out the full story of the battle for America’s independence, especially since they’re only a 5-minute drive from each other and combo tickets are available.

I loved the interactive nature of the museum and the ability to further understand complicated documents like The Constitution and how it’s relevant to our current lives.

There are also live interpreters sharing what life was like at the time and giving demonstrations like musket firing.

Don’t miss “The Siege at Yorktown”, 180-degree movie reenactment and the award-winning Liberty Fever introductory movie.

Both are something special.

You can get your Americas Historic Triangle Colonial Williamsburg Historic Jamestown and Yorktown tickets here

Bike Riding

There’s nothing we love more to do as a family then explore destinations on bikes. The Greater Williamsburg area has miles of bike trails for you to explore.

Our bike ride on the Historic Jamestown Bike Trail was cancelled due to it being chillier than it usually is this time of year, but you can choose from a three-mile or five-mile loop on Island Drive which features a panoramic view of the James River and gives an insight into the landscape.

Freedom Park also has more than 20 miles of mountain biking trails wind through forests and along creeks and open meadows.

Places to Eat in Williamsburg VA

Retro’s Good Eats

For burgers, hot dogs, and loaded chili and cheese fries, Retro’s on Prince George Street will have you covered for a cheap, and old-style US meal.

Baker’s Crust

For omelet lovers, head to Baker’s Crust.

Innovative and delicious with a wide selection and they cater to gluten-free (with gluten-free English muffins even). There’s pancakes, French Toast, eggs benedict as well.

And flapjacks the size of your plate. For the Aussies, I thought a flap jack was small like a pikelet! No Ma’am. Big like a plate!

Second Street Bistro

If you’re ready for a hearty meal after all that roller coaster shaking and adrenalin at Busch Gardens, head to 2nd Street Bistro.

Delicious and upmarket food, with a casual vibe. The service was outstanding. Noticeably attentive and friendly from all servers passing by.

Don’t miss a bowl of the clam and corn chowder – simply the best I’ve had. And the lamb shanks just flake off the bone into the red wine jus. It’s full of flavor.

One of our favorite Williamsburg restaurants!

The Virginia Beer Company

Virginia Beer Company is a brewery, taproom and beer garden designed with families in mind.

Shelves full of games lay ready to entertain them, and you! Food trucks sit in the beer garden ready to satiate your stomach. Relax into the chilled atmosphere and play some games with your kids.

I had a giggly game of Like Minds with the girls while enjoying a Saving Daylight citrus wheat beer. They have regular brews to try plus limited creations and seasonal craft beers.

They host a variety of food trucks and live events on a weekly basis.

Greater Williamsburg is also home to the Williamsburg Tasting Trail, which includes five breweries, two distilleries and the Williamsburg Winery, Silver Hand Meadery (honey wine), all local to the area.

Duck Donuts

We made our girls grab a proper breakfast at the hotel before we set out for a traditional American breakfast of donuts!

The girls report that the donuts were sensational!

I loved that they make them to order, so they come up so fresh and still warm! I wish I could have eaten some.

Duck Donuts was the best coffee that we found in Greater Williamsburg. We returned there on our way back home to Raleigh make sure we had a good cup for the drive.

Culture Café

Culture Cafe strives to unite cultures and food by serving small plates in a uniquely communal dining experience.

It’s quite an eclectic cafe with plenty to look at.

The Sunday Brunch menu was limited for our gluten-free requirements, but Craig chowed down on a delicious cauliflower veggie burger and I enjoyed my shakshuka when of my favorite breakfast dishes.

The regular lunch menu looks sensational.

Don’t miss the lavender latte. It’s one of the cafe’s signature drinks.

Blue Talon Bistro

Blue Talon Bistro in the historic downtown provides serious comfort food in a warm and casual environment, and it was our favorite place to eat in Williamsburg.

It’s a French-inspired restaurant with a few American leanings.

Count how many roosters you can see within the restaurant while you’re waiting for you meal.

The girls each wrote their own myth of how the rooster got blue talons, which was cute and a terrific way to entertain them while we enjoyed a lovely bottle of French Pinot Noir to go with our delicious duck, which Craig says was the tastiest he has ever had. MMM. Love French duck!

We tried escargot (snails) for the first time. They were covered in a delicious garlic and parsley butter so tasted delicious. I’m not sure I’d order them all the time, but it was worth tasting them.

This is the restaurant to do that in.

And a pot of mussels steamed in white wine with shallots, butter, lemon, tomatoes & garlic also went down at treat. 

The service was also very good, and Savannah left with a comment to say our waitress was a very kind lady.

Where to Stay in Williamsburg VA

We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Inn which is one of the hotels near Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA.

Everything is relatively close in Greater Williamsburg, so you could stay closer to the historic Colonial Williamsburg area and still access the theme park easily.

Need More Virginia Travel Tips?

Check out these posts:

• Family getaway to the Shenandoah Valley (what to do)
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• See history come alive in Greater Williamsburg
• Visit to Luray Caverns, Virginia
• Spring getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge
• 22 Things to do in Roanoke, VA
• Walking an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farms

Planning a Trip to Williamsburg VA

For more tips on things to do in Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg area including places to eat and stay, visit the official Visit Williamsburg website.

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However, there are plenty of thrills and adventurous activities in Williamsburg VA waiting for you, and most in the beautiful outdoors. 

Take your pick from ziplining, segway tours, thrilling roller coasters or even a touch of ghostly shivers.

We partnered with Visit Williamsburg to bring you seven of our favorite adventures in the Greater Williamsburg area. 

What do in Williamsburg VA

1. Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventure Park

We’re not a family to shy away from a high ropes obstacle course. The girls amaze me with how fearless they are high above the ground with skimpy ropes under their feet.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure is a unique outdoor activity through the canopy of the forest.

You navigate through a variety of suspended obstacles that include single cable lines, rope ladders, Tarzan swings, and swinging bridges and culminating in a thrilling 600 ft zip line.

Go Ape in Williamsburg VA also has a junior adventure course which reaches heights of 20 feet and has two zip lines. 

You get one hour on the Go Ape Treetop Junior course. Children under 5 require adult supervision on the course. We were able to sit down and let the girls go around and around on their own!

There is a minimum age of 10 on the adult course. Kalyra would have done it for sure, but because of Savannah’s age and time limits, we stuck to the junior course.

Parents, you may just want to whiz around the junior course once with the kids and then let them go at it. The upper cable is low down, as it is a junior course, and so it can get in the way of your crossings and rub along your back.

However, it does make it more adventurous as you feel a little less stable walking across some of those crossings!

Perhaps you could sneak away to the adult adventure course next door, zip line into a giant net and climb your way back out.

2. Busch Gardens Williamsburg

If fast-paced roller coasters are your thing, then Busch Gardens Williamsburg will be high on your list of things to do in Williamsburg VA with kids.

They have more roller coasters than you could poke a scream at.

The Griffon, Alpengeist, and Apollo’s Chariot made the best roller coasters in the country list by Amusement Today.

Busch Gardens VA is one of the most popular Williamsburg VA attractions but had only just opened for the season when we arrived, and we timed it perfectly with warm weather and small crowds.

We had a blast and consider it one of our favorite USA theme parks.

The theme is classic Europe with artfully landscaped villages, like the Parisian streets of France, the hamlets of Scotland and the Oktoberfest celebrations of Germany.

There are nine villages centered around six countries for you to explore, which makes it an interesting theme park to visit. It’s circular in design which makes it easy to move around and explore.

There is a thrill roller coaster to experience in every land in Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA.

Our favorites include The Griffon (possibly the most terrifying ride I’ve been on but the most fun!), The Alpengeist (Kalyra’s favorite ride), and The Verbolten (there’s an awesome surprise on this one!).

And the Loch Ness Monster (fun and furious with interlocking loops and travels across a couple of lands).

Busch Gardens Williamsburg also has plenty to do for kids and adults of all ages and thrill levels with more sedate rides, shows and entertainment.

There are flume and rapid rides and a relaxing river cruise, as well as typical favorites such as spinning tea cups and carousels.

The Sesame Street Forest of Fun and the Little Dragon play area is designed for smaller children and the park has KIDsiderate® offerings around the park.

Look for the K sign on your map to find the child ride areas.

To avoid waiting in queues, consider getting the Quick Queue pass, particularly during busy periods. It will give you more time to experience more thrilling adventures!

Get a good deal on your combination Busch Gardens and Water Country tickets here. 

3. Go-Karts Plus

NASCAR and Formula One lovers strap yourself in and push that pedal to the medal. It’s time to live out your racing car fantasies at Go-Karts Plus.

It’s a thrill ride park designed for families and one of the fun things to do in Williamsburg VA with kids!

There is more family fun here than Go-Kart racing. But I’ll share more about that in an upcoming post. For this post, let’s focus on the thrill of the race.

Super Stockarts is a NASCAR style race around a high-banked oval track. It was neck and neck between Savannah and I and Craig and Kalyra for most of the race.

Savannah and I managed to find an open spot on the final bend to drop in front and win!!

The Figure 8 track is the more Grand Prix style course, competing with other cars, racing around curves and over and under a bridge.

My Tip:

Do not get in the yellow car. I had my foot all the way down and Savannah and I putted in last. However, in our next trip around, in the red car, we flew around the track and came in second.

And of course, who doesn’t agree that good ole side crush on a bumper car provides a thrill?

4. Water Country USA

Looking for activities in Williamsburg VA that involve getting wet? Then move your thrills to the pool! 

Water Country USA, one of the largest water parks in the country, is a 43-acre park dedicated to waterslide thrill rides.

With names like Jet Scream, Big Daddy Falls, and Colossal Curl, you know you’re going to scream your way through the wet zone.

We didn’t get to visit Water Country USA as it had not yet opened for the warmer season!

But it’s not just thrill waterslides, there’s an easy pace to enjoy in the park as well.

Soak up the sights on a free-floating river ride, cool off in the wave pool or explore the park’s KIDsiderate® water playgrounds.

Just like it’s sister park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, kid-friendly areas are denoted with a K!

Get a good deal on your combination Busch Gardens and Water Country tickets here. 

5. Kayaking

The Greater Williamsburg area is surrounded by water: the York and James River and tidal creeks leading to the Chesapeake Bay.

What better to way to enjoy it then from the low seat of a kayak?

You can learn about the history and wildlife on narrated, guided tours in New Quarter Park and other area locations with Bay Country Kayaking.

Look out for otter, muskrat, crabs, and deer.

James City County Marina on the historic Powhatan Creek, behind Jamestown Island and across the street from Jamestown Settlement offers kayak rentals for trips up the creek where you might see bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons.

You can also kayak along the York River or soak up the serenity on the York River State Park during sunsets on a Sunday.

6. Segway Tours

I don’t think anyone will forget their first time on a Segway.

There’s oodles of adventure just in learning how to balance, lean forward and make it move.

Once you do, cruising on a Segway is a fun way to explore, or even just to cruise up and down the beach or forest like we have experienced on previous trips.

Patriot Tours and Provisions runs one to two-hour guided Segway tours through Historic Yorktown. The tour along the scenic York River starts on the bluff near American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and goes to the entrance of the National Park Service visitor center near Yorktown Battlefield.

7. Ghosts of Williamsburg

When you visit Williamsburg VA, don’t leave all your thrills for the daytime and with those of the human form.

Seek out the spirit world with the Ghosts of Williamsburg Candlelight Tour.

The family-friendly tour is based on the book The Ghosts of Williamsburg by L.B. Taylor and is offered nightly at 8 p.m. 

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg while hearing eerie and spooky fun folklore from local guides.

If you want to up the shivers, find a sitter for the kids, and join the Extreme Tour for some professional ghost hunting.

You can even bring your own ghost hunting equipment.

More ghost tours are here. 

Where to Stay in Greater Williamsburg VA

We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Inn which is one of the hotels near Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA.

Everything is relatively close in Greater Williamsburg, so you could stay closer to the historic Colonial Williamsburg area and still access the theme park easily.

More Virginia Travel Tips

• Family getaway to the Shenandoah Valley (what to do)
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• See history come alive in Greater Williamsburg
• Visit to Luray Caverns, Virginia
• Spring getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge
• 22 Things to do in Roanoke, VA
• Walking an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farms

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What adventure activities in Williamsburg VA would you most like to do?

History can be difficult to learn, or teach, especially to children.

It’s a past filled with people, beliefs and lifestyles that seems to bear no significance on the present moment.

As a previous teacher, I know learning history from textbooks can be a boring a jumble of dates, battle names, a jigsaw puzzle of people and events, and meaningless facts to learn.

Children are so in tune with their imagination and present moment flow, that it’s hard to pull them into the past and understand something they can’t relate to.

Unless of course, you give them opportunities to live it in the present moment with their imagination.

Absorb the stories of the past

I don’t incorporate history lessons in my homeschooling, we instead experience history through our travel moments.

We give the girls the opportunities to experience the place history happened, so they can use their imagination to connect and their curiosity to explore.

I don’t want them to learn facts and historical timelines.

I want them to absorb the stories of the past and understand the strength of the human spirit, so they may recognize their own greatness, form a sense of their own beliefs, and use that to create a better future for all.

So far on America Unplugged road trip, they have studied the evolution of music in Tennessee and the Civil Rights Trail from Slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to the modern day movements of standing up for liberty for all, and the Civil War history at Franklin and Gettysburg.

I was inspired and proud when Kalyra was asked, at the  American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, what liberty means, and she wrote Equality.

Her lived experience of the Civil Rights Trail opened her eyes naturally to how intrinsically freedom is tied to equality.

In a crowded classroom with varying levels, interests, and focus abilities, it is extremely difficult to help kids make these connections.

Why learning about history is important?

History is the story that has helped create who we are, what we believe in, and shows us what we are capable of.

It (hopefully) inspires us to follow in the footsteps of those before us who created greatness, or, warns us to turn back from the path that creates the opposite.

Visiting  Greater Williamsburg, VA gave me a fascinating insight into the birth of the United States, a greater understanding of the American culture, and strangely enough, a better understanding of my own culture.

The top historic sites in Greater Williamsburg, Virginia are  made up of the Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg, The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Yorktown Battlefield.

What  Greater Williamsburg taught me about my own culture

Living this historical story in Greater Williamsburg helped me finally understand why, even in modern times, Americans talk about freedom like they invented it and no one else has it.

As an Australian, I feel very free and have access to many opportunities. So, I used to get annoyed when Americans talk like they are the only free country in the world.

Yet, thanks to this visit to  Greater Williamsburg, I understand it’s not a statement necessarily made in ignorance of other countries, but in celebration of how they arrived.

They believe in freedom for all as it’s what drove them to create the life they have now, which is why they are at the forefront of fighting for others to have it (most of the time – everything is mostly!)

We all travel with our own way of looking at the world. Many things we encounter will seem strange and we may be judgmental or overly critical of them.

But once we learn the stories and why they are so important, we can better understand. Our perspective changes and so we can connect more deeply to the culture.

It’s also only when we step outside of ourselves (or our own culture) that we can look back and understand ourselves better.

In learning more about America’s Revolution and their fight for liberty, I gained insights into the evolution of Australian culture.

Yes, I do feel freer, but my country is still under British Rule.

Over time, the Brits reign moved to merely just a figurehead, which has not restricted me from living a blossoming life, so I’m not too bothered.

Maybe I should be. Perhaps there are restrictions I am unaware of.

Perhaps Australians do have more of a “She’ll be right” attitude and acceptance of conditions rather than a fight for independence, liberty and constitutional rights like Americans do as we’ve always been subjugated into believing it is what it is and there is nothing we can do.

It’s why we have little faith or respect for our politicians and see them as crooks and liars out for no good.

It’s possibly why, when we see things as being wrong or unfair, we don’t turn out in thousands protesting on the streets like Americans do exercising their constitutional right to express their opinions and make change happen.

Because they are the government for the people by the people and they know they have the power to make a change. Look what they did during the Revolutionary War.

Perhaps, because we haven’t fought to create those rights ourselves, we aren’t so passionate about defending them, nor believe in our power to create change.

I don’t know the answers, but it’s interesting to consider. Without curiosity and connecting those dots of the past, we can’t evolve into something better.

Learning about the Revolutionary USA

After years of fighting for their own independence, they were able to create the vision of what they were fighting for.

These wise, brave men who had studied philosophies of visionaries and teachers were able to spend time crafting a document, and a road map for the people to follow so their society could be exemplary.

As George Washington told us during a re-enactment at Colonial Williamsburg, the constitution was written with amendments, so the constitution could be changed to evolve with society and what was best for the common good.

This was quite profound for its time and indeed revolutionary.

Now I understand why Americans worship the constitution, leaders and political figures like George Washington, and their soldiers.

I’m now in love with George Washington. I didn’t even know he was a General in the war (and a brave, inspiring leader at that).

The story has been brilliantly told at the different museums and historic spots of  Greater Williamsburg, VA.

The girls have no need for Social Studies lessons to learn the facts, dates and battle names.

They’ve walked the battlefields, heard the stories, learned the wisdom and the philosophies, and felt what the fight was for.

That’s all they need to know.

Follow America’s Enduring Story in Williamsburg Virginia

For a comprehensive history lesson on America’s Enduring Story, I recommend spending a day at each of the following:

1. Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne: where the first English colonists arrived and created the first settlement.
2. Colonial Williamsburg: where the ideals founding the Constitution began to grow.
3. Yorktown Battlefield and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: where those hard-fought ideals became reality.

We visited in partnership with Visit Williamsburg. As normal, all insights, opinions, and words are my own.

Jamestown Settlement

In 1607, English colonists arrived to establish a permanent English colony.

Despite enduring immense hardship, and almost failing several times, the settlement eventually grew and prospered.

Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that tells that story. The museum, operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Jamestown Yorktown Foundation is located a mile from the original site of the settlement.

Begin with the docudrama, 1607: A Nation Takes Root, which presents an overview of the first two decades of the Virginia colony.

Then explore the great hall of exhibits showcasing the journey from 1600 – 1699 when the capital of Virginia moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg.

The museum tells the different stories during this period from the English colonists, the local Powhatan Indian, and the West Central African cultures.

I had no idea that slaves were even a part of the beginnings of the English colony. I thought that came much later in US history.

The museum does a wonderful job of sharing the complexity of the relationship between the colonists and the Powhatan people.

I particularly loved the exhibit showing a life-size speaking Powhatan Indian girl, a slave boy, and a white colonist sharing their stories during this settlement period.

It’s so helpful for kids to make the perspective connection.

Outside is where the Jamestown Settlement comes alive for kids. There are three areas:

1. The Powhatan Village: where you can walk through tepees, play feather games, learn how their canoes were made, how they farmed, and handle their deerskin clothes and fur blankets. The story of Pocahontas and how instrumental she was in helping to restore peace to the two is told extensively at this museum. Our girls were very excited to learn that she’s so much more than a Disney princess.
2. The Jamestown Fort: historical interpreters demonstrate activities typical of daily life such as blacksmithing, farming, and domestic duties. Get a sense of the difficult living conditions endured by the colonists including starvation (and eating the dead bodies to survive) harsh weather, and frequent Indian attacks.
3. Recreated Ships: Down by the water, climb into a sailor’s bunk, steer with a whipstaff, and wander through the cramped decks below on one of three recreated ships that brought the first English colonists to Virginia in 1607.

There are free guided tours of the outside conducted throughout the day that are about an hour long.

We joined one for a brief time before the girls got a bit antsy, so we finished it on our own.

It’s well worth joining a tour to get more in-depth insights and stories.

Cost:

• $17 adults
• $8 ages 6-12
• Combination ticket with American Revolution Museum at Yorktown $25.50 adults, $12.25 (6-12)

Open: 9-5pm daily, year-round and closing 6 pm June 15 – August 15

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the 1607 Fort and the place where legendary figures John Smith, Pocahontas, John Rolfe and more walked and helped write the beginnings of the USA.

This is a preserved area where you’ll see crumbling walks and remains of the settlement that was unearthed by archaeologists in 1994.

You can possibly even see archaeologists at work as they continue to recover artifacts that give a deeper insight into the settlement story and life in Jamestown.

Don’t miss the Archearium, which showcases various artifacts as well as actual skeletons.

You’ll learn who they are, how they met their fate and what their role and life in the community was like.

It’s amazing how much they can learn from the bones of a person who has been dead for hundreds of years.

There is a 5-mile Island Loop Drive you can do to explore the natural environment of Jamestown Island. Waling and interpretative signs continue to tell the story.

We were going to explore on kayaks and then bikes, but the cold weather, unusual for this time of year in Greater Williamsburg, drove us indoors.

I know a living history experience is great when the girls ask many curious questions. Kalyra was baffled as to why the settlers chose Jamestown as the water was full of salt so undrinkable and conditions were so harsh.

It was great for us to use our skills of reasoning and prediction to solve the mystery.

When we reached the visitor center we discovered an exhibit on the wall explaining the reasons they did choose Jamestown and stay there despite it seeming like a bad choice.

Cost:

• $14 adults (7-day pass) 16 and over
• Under $15 free

Open: 8:30am – 4:30pm daily

You can get your Americas Historic Triangle Colonial Williamsburg Historic Jamestown and Yorktown tickets here

Colonial Williamsburg

Step away from the hustle and bustle of 2018 and into the world of horse and carts clipping over cobblestone streets.

Really. Slow down and amble beside them.

Listen to the leaves rustle as the breeze brushes past your face. It’s so quiet and slow here that you can’t miss the sounds of nature.

You will love exploring the beautiful restored 18th Century Colonial Williamsburg. It reminded me so much of Old Sydney Town back home in Australia, which was one of my favorite things to do with my family as a child.

At Old Sydney Town, we’d watch the live re-enactments of prisoners being whipped and sentenced and ride around in bullock trains.

It was the perfect way to engage with the past and understand who we were as Australians.

The live history at Colonial Williamsburg will not be as brutal, but the re-enactments and characters roaming the streets give you a profound sense of the evolving American story and help kids understand the ideas and values that crafted the world they live in today.

There are over 35 historical sites and 22 trade sites in Colonial Williamsburg, including the Capitol, where the people’s representatives voted for Independence; the opulent Governor’s Palace; and working trade shops including the apothecary, the shoemaker and more.

I loved the mesmerizing speech by George Washington at the Governor’s Palace and the firing of the noonday cannon.

We did not get to experience the Fife and Drums March, but we had many people on Instagram mention it as a must not miss experience.

The kids will love Patriots at Play where they can learn and play different 18th Century games.

There are eateries and taverns within the historical park if you want to really immerse yourself in 1770 Virginia.

The fun continues into the evening with music, dancing, ghost walks and live performances.

Plan your visit well as there are so many different shows happening and some of the homes and places like the Capitol run tours at certain times of the day.

The Colonial Williamsburg app is super helpful to know what is happening and where. It can also track certain characters around the historical park if you want to stalk them.

Cost: Start at

• $40.99 for 1-day adult ticket
• $20.49 for 1-day youth (6-12)

Open: 9 am – 5 pm daily

Get your Colonial Williamsburg tickets here. 

Yorktown Battlefield

Follow in the footsteps of the brave and determined soldiers sacrificing their lives for their ideals.

Start at the visitor’s center with the introductory video of The Siege of Yorktown. It will put everything into context when you explore the battlefields.

Otherwise, you are sort of just looking at mounds and open fields unaware of their significance.

You can browse through a collection of Revolutionary War artifacts, and see the tent that George Washington used to plan the siege.

Jump in your car and follow the self-guided auto tour map of the battlefields. The historical trail will take you to the significant spots of the siege.

Earthworks and siege lines mark the positions of the British and American troops.

It was fascinating to clearly see how close the two armies were in the battle and where the French and British took control of Redoubt 9 and 10, which ultimately lead to the surrender of the British.

Kalyra was able to understand how the Americans won and what retreat means.

She could clearly see how the British were backed right up to the river and the river was too dangerous for them to cross. So, it was surrender or risk losing all their men.

You then stop at the Moore House were the terms of the surrender were negotiated and the Surrender Field where the humiliated British troops marched to throw down their guns to the cheers of the victorious Patriots.

I think you may even let out a cheer yourself. Take that Red Coats!

Even six-year-old Savannah was so intrigued and asked lots of questions as she pieced together what she just watched the movie and tried to understand the relevance of this war.

Special props to the French, for their assistance in overthrowing the British.

The Patriots couldn’t have done it without them. I didn’t even know they were involved in it until visiting the Yorktown Battlefield!

Cost:

• $7 adults (7-day pass) 16 and over
• Under $15 free
• Keep your ticket to get 50% off the Historic Jamestowne

Open: 9 am – 5 pm daily

You can get your Americas Historic Triangle Colonial Williamsburg Historic Jamestown and Yorktown tickets here

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

The American Revolution Museum tells the story of the nation’s founding from the twilight of the Colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution.

Personal stories of citizens and soldiers involved are told in the introductory film “Liberty Fever”.

The film shows the events that lead  to the uprising, like the Boston Massacre, and took us through the Revolutionary story from the perspective of different people involved, such as a Native American fighting with the Americans; a fierce Irish Immigrant woman loyal to the Patriot Cause: a young terrified Patriot who found his strength and motivation to continue after George Washington fiercely rode into battle at Princeton to help bring back morale.

Begin there and then walk through the galleries and exhibits to learn the incredible story.

The “Siege of Yorktown” film within the galleries is a must.

It’s shown on a 180-degree screen with special effects that include gun smoke wafting through the air in front of you. It will transport you back to the 1781 battle and victory.

Wander outside to the re-created Continental Army encampment.

The girls loved looking inside the tiny tents that slept 6 soldiers to the more extravagant Commander’s tents.

Within the camp are interpreters dressed as soldiers who help to tell the stories.

The surgeon showed us his various tools for performing surgery and caring for his sick patients and one of the soldiers explained how effective the firing line was considering the challenging circumstances of war and why it was designed that way.

He then gave us a musket firing demonstration.

You can engage with the Declaration of Independence to understand it a little more.

There’s a neat section on the Constitution where you can click on various parts to see how it applies to various aspects of life in 2018.

I thought it was clever to make it so relevant for children and help them grasp its meaning.

Don’t forget to write what freedom means to you on the Liberty Tree.

Cost:

• $17 adults
• $8 ages 6-12
• Combination ticket with Jamestown Settlement $25.50 adults, $12.25 (6-12)

Open: 9-5pm daily, year-round and closing 6 pm June 15 – August 15

Learn more here.

I loved our time visiting  the historic areas of Greater Williamsburg with the girls.

It’s an invaluable learning experience for kids and adults. I gained so many insights and a new perspective on American culture and discovered some new heroes, as did the girls.

You can get your Americas Historic Triangle Colonial Williamsburg Historic Jamestown and Yorktown tickets here

Parents, want to take your kids out of school to travel?

No problem. Just let your child’s teacher know that you are going to make their teaching life a little easier.

You’ll take a few days off school to visit Greater Williamsburg and learn all about the beginnings of the United States and gain a firm understanding of the principles that govern the country.

You only need to live it in a day to know it forever.

Where to Stay in Greater Williamsburg VA

We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Inn which is one of the hotels near Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA.

Everything is relatively close in Greater Williamsburg, so you could stay closer to the historic Colonial Williamsburg area and still access the theme park easily.

More Virginia Travel Tips

• Family getaway to the Shenandoah Valley (what to do)
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• Visit to Luray Caverns, Virginia
• Spring getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge
• 22 Things to do in Roanoke, VA
• Walking an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farms

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Have you visited Greater Williamsburg VA before? What did you learn from the history there? What was your favorite part?