Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charlotte, NC to Colonial Beach, VA

Traveling between Charlotte, North Carolina and Colonial Beach, Virginia is a fantastic road trip with plenty of exciting stops along the way. This journey covers a distance of approximately 360 miles and takes around 6 hours to complete without any stops. You will come across some captivating attractions, scenic landscapes, delectable eateries, and unique accommodations. Henderson, NC is nearly halfway between the two destinations and a great place to grab lunch. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Charlotte to Colonial Beach.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-see attraction for anyone traveling to the area. This 469-mile road connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia while traversing the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive encompasses stunning views, hiking trails, camping spots, and some picnic areas. Not only will you find breathtaking scenery, but you'll also have the chance to stop and snap photos.

Interesting Fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest linear park in the U.S. National Park system.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is a one-stop destination for art enthusiasts and culture vultures. It features famous art collections from around the world, including the largest collection of Fabergé eggs outside of Russia. The gallery includes Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, contemporary art, and ancient art from all over the world. The museum boasts more than 35,000 artworks, making it one of the largest art museums in North America.

Interesting Fact: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the few public arts institutions in the country that allows visitors to visit free of charge.

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park is located in Virginia and is a natural wonder that has drawn visitors since the 18th century. The area features a 215-foot-high natural limestone bridge that spans over a gorge. The structure showcases incredible geology that experts believe was created back when water covered the area millions of years ago. Visitors can explore the recreated Monacan Indian village, the Lost River Valley, and the natural tunnel. The park offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and opportunities to observe wildlife.

Interesting Fact: George Washington surveyed the area and acquired the land where Natural Bridge stands in 1774.

Lake Anna State Park

Lake Anna State Park spans across 2,500 acres of rolling Virginia countryside, featuring a warm-water 13,000-acre lake. The park offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. There are plenty of picnic spots and campsites for visitors and miles of trails for biking and horseback riding. The park attracts visitors from around the state, and the sandy beaches and swimming areas are perfect for families with young children.

Interesting Fact: Lake Anna is a popular destination because it's said to be one of the largest artificial lakes in the country.

Fredericksburg Battlefield and National Cemetery

The town of Fredericksburg, Virginia, witnessed one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War, and visitors can explore the battlefield and national cemetery to learn more about the history of the war and commemorate those who lost their lives. The park offers tours led by park rangers who guide visitors through the battlefields, the Union and Confederate cemeteries, and several historical landmarks, including the notorious stone wall.

Interesting Fact: The Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park covers over 30,000 acres and has several sites that were pivotal in the outcome of the Civil War.

After exploring these attractions, road trippers can expect to return home with memories that last a lifetime. The adventure between Charlotte, NC, and Colonial Beach, VA, takes around six hours, and with plenty of exciting things to see and do, every mile is worth it.