Road Trips from Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth is a solid launchpad for exploring Virginia's diverse landscapes. You've got options ranging from short, half-day drives to the mountains with multiple historical parks nearby, to longer hauls that still keep you on mostly highway routes. Several of these are quick enough for a day trip, but if you want to explore more extensively, consider the longer drives. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, and you'll find historical park access is a common thread across many of these routes.
Total Routes
15
Shortest
3.1h
With Parks Nearby
15
Full-day getaway
Pantops, VA
3h 8m164.2 mi one way
This is your most direct route to the western Virginia mountains, clocking in at just over 3 hours. It's almost entirely highway, making for a straightforward drive with a high drive score of 9. You'll have access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield along the way, all within a mostly flat terrain.
Verona, VA
3h 56m206.5 mi one way
A slightly longer highway drive than Pantops, this 3.9-hour trip to Verona offers a similar drive score of 9. The terrain shifts to gently rolling, and you still have the option to visit Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield. It's a good choice if you don't mind a bit more time on the road for a similar experience.
Wolf Trap, VA
3h 59m202.6 mi one way
Staunton, VA
3h 54m204.1 mi one way
Similar in distance and time to Verona, this 3.9-hour drive also scores a 9 for its highway profile. The terrain is gently rolling, and the same three major parks are accessible: Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield. It's a comparable alternative to Verona if Staunton itself is your target.
Weekend trip
11 total in this range
Roanoke, VA
5h 20m247.5 mi one way
Reston, VA
4h 2m205.2 mi one way
Richlands, VA
7h 58m419.8 mi one way
This is the longest option, an 8-hour drive that pushes the limits for a day trip but offers a different geographic reach. Despite the distance, it maintains a drive score of 9. The terrain is gently rolling, and you can visit Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Booker T Washington National Monument. This is for when you want to cover significant ground.
Dranesville, VA
4h 3m207 mi one way
Countryside, VA
4h 10m210.6 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Roanoke, VA
5h 20m247.5 mi one way
Reston, VA
4h 2m205.2 mi one way
Richlands, VA
7h 58m419.8 mi one way
Pantops, VA
3h 8m164.2 mi one way
Roanoke, VA
5h 20m247.5 mi one way
Reston, VA
4h 2m205.2 mi one way
Belmont, VA
4h 18m218.8 mi one way
Bedford, VA
4h 39m219 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild weather for exploring the historical parks like Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument, with gently rolling terrain providing pleasant driving.
Summer
Summer is ideal for longer drives to western Virginia's mountains. The highway routes are efficient, and the parks remain open for exploration.
Fall
Enjoy the gently rolling terrain and highway drives in the fall, with the historical parks offering a chance to reflect amidst changing foliage.
Winter
Winter drives are manageable on the predominantly highway routes, though park access might be more limited. The mostly flat to gently rolling terrain remains consistent.
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Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Portsmouth, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.