Central Virginia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Richmond showing central business district and a city
Central Virginia
Central Virginia
Central Virginia
Richmond featuring outdoor art and art as well as children

Where to stay in Central Virginia

Virginia showing a sunset

Downtown Richmond

4/5(1 area review)

Downtown Richmond is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shockoe Slip or Canal Walk.

Downtown Richmond
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Short Pump

Short Pump is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Short Pump Town Center, a top place to visit in the area.

Short Pump
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Fan District

You'll enjoy the live music and monuments in Fan District. You might want to make time for a stop at Monument Avenue or Jefferson Davis Monument.

Fan District
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North Chesterfield

While North Chesterfield isn't home to many top sights, Chesterfield Towne Center and River City Sportsplex are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Chesterfield
Charlottesville showing landscape views, farmland and tranquil scenes

North Downtown

While visiting North Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Historic Court Square and Paramount Theater.

North Downtown
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Tuckahoe

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and gardens in Tuckahoe. You might want to make time for a stop at James River or Regency Square Mall.

Tuckahoe
English Inn of Charlottesville

English Inn of Charlottesville

3 out of 5
2000 Morton Drive, Charlottesville, VA
The price is NZ$195 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$195
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Charlottesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,405 reviews)
"Very comfortable hotel with exceptionally welcoming staff, delicious breakfast buffet with many options and an English flair."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

English Inn of Charlottesville
The Jefferson Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel

5 out of 5
101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA
The price is NZ$560 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$560
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Best service ever
"Incredible service. Great food in hotel bar"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

The Jefferson Hotel
Omni Richmond Hotel

Omni Richmond Hotel

4 out of 5
100 S 12th St, Richmond, VA
The price is NZ$313 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
NZ$313
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Richmond. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,165 reviews)
"Everything was ABSOLUTELY lovely,"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Omni Richmond Hotel
See all 4,923 properties in Central Virginia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wilderness Presidential Resort

Wilderness Presidential Resort

3 out of 5
9220 Plank Rd, Spotsylvania, VA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Spotsylvania. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chancellorsville Battlefield ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (61 reviews)
"This was my first time here. We were visiting from Tennessee. The cabins were clean, the staff were very friendly and helpful. Check in was super easy and quick. The pools are nice, big and clean. There are plenty of activities to do at no extra cost. It was nice to have dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Wilderness Presidential Resort
Bright, Beautiful Smith Mountain Lakefront, Full Amenities & Perfect Location!

Bright, Beautiful Smith Mountain Lakefront, Full Amenities & Perfect Location!

Moneta
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Moneta. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Smith Mountain Lake and Hickory ...
10/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
SML Family Vacation 2025
"We've vacationed at SML many times throughout the years. It's a beautiful area.The rental house was perfect for our family. The grandkids loved the trampoline & jumping off the dock upper level. It was comfortable and easily fit all 11 of us.We brought our pontoon boat & the quiet cove allowed us ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Bright, Beautiful Smith Mountain Lakefront, Full Amenities & Perfect Location!
5 Bed 4 Bath Waterfront Home on Deep Water Cove Ideally located by car or boat!

5 Bed 4 Bath Waterfront Home on Deep Water Cove Ideally located by car or boat!

Moneta
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Moneta. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
"We had a great time at LakeLubbers!! Plenty of room for our party of 8, with fully stocked kitchen, and grill on the patio. The location is very convenient to Bridgewater Marina and shopping / restaurants, the dock was convenient for parking our boat, and the upper dock was a hit with the ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

5 Bed 4 Bath Waterfront Home on Deep Water Cove Ideally located by car or boat!
See all properties in Central Virginia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

University of Virginia

University of Virginia

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Virginia during your travels in Charlottesville. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

University of Virginia
Monticello featuring heritage architecture and a memorial

Monticello

You may recognise this elegant plantation estate, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, from its depiction on the back of some U.S. nickels.

Monticello
Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Explore the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University during your visit to Richmond. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its great live music.

Virginia Commonwealth University
Liberty University

Liberty University

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Liberty University during your trip to Lynchburg. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Liberty University
University of Richmond

University of Richmond

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Richmond during your trip to Richmond. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the cosy cafes while you're in the area.

University of Richmond
Richmond

Broad Street

During your trip to Richmond, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Broad Street. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Broad Street

Activities

Deck area aboard the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise in Virginia

Spirit of Norfolk Signature Dinner Cruise

NZ$208
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Spirit of Norfolk Signature Dinner Cruise
Virginia Zoo

Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin

NZ$67
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin
Picture 15 for Activity Virginia Beach: Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour

Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours

NZ$40
per adult
Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours
View of Spirit of Norfolk

Spirit of Norfolk Signature Brunch Cruise

NZ$184
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Spirit of Norfolk Signature Brunch Cruise
Fishing Charters Activity in Virginia Beach

Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach

NZ$1,180
per traveller
Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach
Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Virginia Beach

Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Virginia Beach

NZ$388
per adult
Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Virginia Beach
See all activities in Central Virginia

Cities near Central Virginia

Buchanan

Buchanan