Road Trip from Charleston, WV to Woodbridge, VA: The Best Things to Do

Charleston, WV and Woodbridge, VA are two cities full of history, natural beauty, and fascinating attractions. Embarking on a road trip from one to the other is a great way to explore the scenic route that goes through the heart of Virginia. The trip is around 400 miles long, so it's best to take at least a few days to enjoy everything the area has to offer. The halfway point of the trip is Lexington, VA, a charming town with a rich history and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Top Five Things to Do:

1. Visit the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV

The Greenbrier Resort is a luxurious hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens, golf courses, and wooded hills. It has been visited by many celebrities and presidents, and it played an important role during World War II as a secret bunker for the U.S. government. Today, visitors can explore the hotel's grand rooms, enjoy the spa facilities, take a guided tour of the bunker, or go hiking or biking in the nearby trails.

Interesting fact: During the Cold War, the government bunker was designed to shelter the president and congressional leaders for up to 60 days in case of a nuclear attack.

2. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that starts in Virginia and ends in North Carolina. The parkway offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and forests, as well as access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and overlooks. The drive can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on how much time you want to spend enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Interesting fact: The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway is at Richland Balsam in North Carolina, which reaches an elevation of 6,053 feet.

3. Visit the Natural Bridge in Natural Bridge, VA

The Natural Bridge is a natural limestone arch that stands 215 feet high and 90 feet wide. It was once owned by Thomas Jefferson, who is said to have carved his initials on one of the walls. Visitors can walk under the arch, follow the trails that lead to a waterfall and a Native American village, or take a tour of the nearby Caverns at Natural Bridge, which showcase beautiful underground formations.

Interesting fact: The Natural Bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998 and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

4. Explore the Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge, VA

The Virginia Safari Park is a 180-acre drive-through animal park that allows visitors to get up close with over 1,000 animals from six continents. Guests can feed the animals from their car or from a bucket, watch them roam free in their habitats, and learn about their behaviors and habits. The park also has a walk-through section with monkeys, kangaroos, and giraffes, as well as a petting zoo and a gift shop.

Interesting fact: The Virginia Safari Park is the only drive-through safari park in Virginia and one of the few in the United States.

5. Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a state-of-the-art museum that showcases the history, artifacts, and innovations of the United States Marine Corps. It features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a vast collection of objects related to the Marines, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Visitors can also explore the nearby Marine Corps Base Quantico, which has a rich military history and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Interesting fact: The National Museum of the Marine Corps was designed to look like the iconic image of Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II.

Conclusion

This road trip from Charleston, WV to Woodbridge, VA offers travelers a diverse range of experiences, from luxury resorts to scenic routes, natural wonders, and cultural landmarks. The trip takes around 6 hours without stops, but it's best to take at least a few days to fully enjoy each location. Travelers will encounter history, beauty, and adventure along the way, making it one of the best road trips in the country.