Road Trips from Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is a great launchpad for exploring the historic heart of Virginia. You've got options for quick, easy drives to places like Woodlake, just under three hours away, or you can head west for longer adventures. Many of these routes offer access to significant national parks like Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument, all generally on flat terrain. If you're looking for a longer haul, consider the two-day trips to Appalachia or Coeburn, which offer a different, hillier landscape.
Total Routes
54
Shortest
2.2h
With Parks Nearby
49
Full-day getaway
25 total in this range
Burke, VA
3h 57m196.7 mi one way
Similar to the Lake Ridge drive, this route to Burke also takes about four hours and is primarily highway. It's one of the longer day trip options from Virginia Beach, offering access to parks like Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield.
Woodlake, VA
2h 42m126.6 mi one way
For a shorter excursion, Woodlake is your best bet, clocking in at just 2.7 hours. This drive is mainly highway, making it efficient. It also provides access to major historical parks like Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument.
Falmouth, VA
3h 11m157.9 mi one way
Falmouth is a 3.2-hour drive, predominantly highway, making it an easy day trip. It's a solid middle-ground option in terms of distance, and you'll pass by significant historical sites like Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield.
Central Garage, VA
2h 19m105.4 mi one way
This is the shortest option at 2.3 hours, offering a mix of highway and surface roads. It's a great choice if you want to get out of Virginia Beach quickly and still have access to parks like Fort Monroe National Monument.
Pantops, VA
3h 26m174.9 mi one way
Weekend trip
25 total in this range
Danville, VA
4h 44m213.6 mi one way
Alexandria, VA
4h 3m203.9 mi one way
Fort Hunt, VA
4h 3m199 mi one way
At nearly four hours and 200 miles, Fort Hunt is one of the longer day trip possibilities. The route is mostly highway, with access to national monuments like Fort Monroe and Colonial National Historical Park.
Amherst, VA
4h 28m206.6 mi one way
This 4.5-hour drive takes you to Amherst with a mix of highway and surface roads, and it's one of the longer options available. You'll be near Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, offering a significant historical destination.
Petersburg, VA
4h 30m217.8 mi one way
Driving to Petersburg takes about 4.5 hours, using a mix of highway and surface streets. This route offers access to multiple historical parks, including Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield.
Long-haul ideas
Appalachia, VA
9h 20m476.3 mi one way
This is a substantial trip, nearly 10 hours, and is recommended as an overnight stay. The terrain becomes hilly, a change from the mostly flat routes closer to the coast, and it's mostly highway driving. You'll have access to Booker T Washington National Monument.
Cedar Bluff, VA
8h 12m428.4 mi one way
Big Stone Gap, VA
9h 13m474.2 mi one way
Coeburn, VA
8h 48m455.8 mi one way
At 8.8 hours, Coeburn is another excellent option for an overnight trip. It features hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes, a departure from the flatter routes. This drive is mostly highway and includes access to Booker T Washington National Monument.
Browse by Mood
Danville, VA
4h 44m213.6 mi one way
Alexandria, VA
4h 3m203.9 mi one way
Fort Hunt, VA
4h 3m199 mi one way
Amherst, VA
4h 28m206.6 mi one way
Danville, VA
4h 44m213.6 mi one way
Alexandria, VA
4h 3m203.9 mi one way
Amherst, VA
4h 28m206.6 mi one way
Burke, VA
3h 57m196.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring brings mild weather, perfect for exploring the numerous historical parks accessible from Virginia Beach, such as Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument, on these mostly flat routes.
Summer
Summer's warmth makes the longer drives to areas with hilly terrain, like Appalachia, enjoyable, though these longer trips might be better suited for overnight stays.
Fall
Fall colors would complement the historical landscapes around parks like Petersburg National Battlefield and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park on these varied routes.
Winter
Winter driving conditions are generally favorable on the predominantly highway routes, and the mostly flat terrain makes shorter trips to places like Woodlake manageable.
Starting Somewhere Else?
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 Virginia Beach, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.