20+ Spring Break Ideas In Virginia: Fun VA Getaways For 2024

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Spending Spring Break in Virginia?

The Old Dominion has a lot of fun attractions, activities, and getaways to enjoy–theme parks, water parks, state parks, zoos, aquariums, kayak tours, indoor skydiving, and more.

As such, we’re going to look at a Virginian’s (yours truly) recommendations for the best Spring Break ideas in Virginia.

You’ve got a vacation to enjoy, so let’s get to it!

Related Reading: 25 Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday In Virginia

Spring Break Ideas In Virginia

Virginia offers a myriad of opportunities for a memorable spring break adventure, from the thrill of roller coasters at premier amusement parks to serene beach escapes and historical explorations. Here are the top destinations to consider for your spring break in Virginia.

1 – Kings Dominion

One of the fun Spring Break ideas in Virginia, Kings Dominion is an amusement park option in central VA. It’s a great day trip that features a wide variety of roller coasters, fun thrill rides, and family-friendly activities. Later in the spring, their Soak City water park will be open and is included with admission.

You can get $20 off your Kings Dominion discount tickets, which include a best-price guarantee, no extra fees, free shipping, and already include tax.

2 – Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a great way to get a taste of Europe without having to cross the Atlantic Ocean and make off for Florida. The world’s most beautiful theme park includes world-class roller coasters, live shows, unique dining, and more entertainment.

You can get up to $25 off of your Busch Gardens tickets which are good for one year from the date of purchase and can be fully refunded with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your trip.

Related Reading: How To Visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg On A Budget

3 – Water Country USA

If your Spring Break is falling later (in May), Water Country USA is one of the best outdoor water parks in Virginia. It’s a great spot for college students or the entire family alike, with many unique slides, water coasters, splash pools, and more.

You can purchase your discounted Water Country USA ticket through the link for a lowest price guarantee. They include options to reserve now and pay anytime up to 2 days before your trip, free cancellation for a full refund until 24 hours before your trip, and ticket upgrades to include BG admission as well.

4 -Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is another one of the best Spring Break ideas in Virginia for families! What kid isn’t going to love an indoor water park, bowling alley, arcade, and lodge resort bundled as one? And, Great Wolf Lodge’s not just one for the kids, but for the whole family too. Snag a deal on your stay here.

5 -Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is one of the most popular Spring Break destinations in Virginia for the sandy beaches, live music festivals, and a variety of activities you can get into.

Dolphin kayak tours? Check. Beachfront accommodation options? Check. Best seafood by the Chesapeake Bay? Also, check.

The Oceanfront offers a lot of outdoor recreation options, Town Center has novelty shopping and dining choices, and everywhere in between has a hidden gem or two lurking about. You can read about 40+ more things to do in Virginia Beach.

6 – Shenandoah National Park

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah National Park features stunning vistas, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. The park also has a lot of wildlife, including deer and black bears.

With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah National Park is also a great place to go camping and enjoy outdoor activities. So if you’re looking for one of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of Virginia for Spring Break, this park is your go-to!

Related Reading: Best Resorts In The Shenandoah Valley

7 – Colonial Williamsburg

A favorite among both locals and tourists, Colonial Williamsburg offers a charming setting for your Spring Break in Virginia. It’s littered with historic sites, beautiful gardens, art galleries, living history museums, ghost tours, great food, and more outdoor adventures.

To make the most of your Colonial Williamsburg visit, the Colonial History Guided Tour includes the best sites and little-known secrets of Colonial Williamsburg, complete with recreations of 18th-century history and a personal guide donned in period attire.

Related Reading: Most Unique Tours In Colonial Williamsburg

8 – False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park is six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat with dunes, woodland, and farm fields. It’s the perfect place for a Spring Break full of hiking, kayaking, and camping on the East Coast. The park features miles of trails through forests, wetlands, and beaches, offering a unique nature experience.

9 – Skyline Drive

The Skyline Drive along the Shenandoah National Park is a lovely, scenic four-wheel hike about the Blue Ridge Mountains. And, it can carry on for as long as you’d like it to. 

Spanning 100 miles, it features 75 overlooks that include sweeping views, trailheads, campgrounds, and picnic areas. This time of year offers gorgeous scenery, making it one of the prettiest Spring Break ideas in Virginia.

Related Reading: Best Places Resorts In The Shenandoah Valley

10 – Jamestown Settlement

Step back in time this Spring Break with a visit to Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English colony in America. This living history museum brings the 17th century to life through reenactments, replicas of the original ships, and immersive exhibits. Explore the fort, meet costumed interpreters, and learn about the early days of Virginia.

11 – Appalachian Trail

For adventurous nature lovers, tackling a section of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia during Spring Break is a must-do! Spanning hundreds of miles through the state, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, serene forests, and picturesque waterfalls. Whether you prefer a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, the Appalachian Trail is the perfect Spring Break adventure.

12 – Mason Neck State Park

Mason Neck State Park offers miles of hiking trails, opportunities for bird watching, including a chance to spot some bald eagles, and kayaking along its peaceful waters. With its rich biodiversity, stunning views, and a variety of recreational activities, the park is a perfect Spring Break idea for families and adventurers alike.

13 – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has over 50 acres of gorgeous gardens, making it one of the prettiest ways to spend Spring Break in Virginia. You can roam through a myriad of floral displays, dine amidst the botanical setting, and explore the classical conservatory. It’s a perfect spot for families and couples alike.

14 – Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague Island is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore. The Island is known for the many wild Chincoteague ponies that run freely about the marshes and beaches. So, if horses are your forte, this would be a great place to spend your Spring Break!

15 – American Revolution Museum

The American Revolution Museum is a must-see for those interested in the history of the United States. Visitors can explore artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of how our nation was born. Additionally, visitors can experience what life was like during this period through reenactments and living history programs.

16 – Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is another American history Spring Break idea. Overlooking the Potomac River, this iconic estate offers a glimpse into the life of US President George Washington, with preserved rooms, expansive gardens, and engaging museum exhibits. You can learn about the legacy of Washington through interactive tours, hands-on activities, and stunning scenery.

17 – First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is a nearly 3,000-acre park known for its beaches, dunes, maritime forests, freshwater ponds, and marshes. It’s a great mix of history and natural beauty, being known for its role in the English colonists’ arrival in 1607. The park also provides educational programs and facilities for camping, making it a favored Spring Break retreat. 

18 – Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is a small National Park Service site that offers stunning views of the Potomac River. The park’s main attraction is the falls, which cascade over the rocks down through the Mather Gorge. People spending Spring Break here can explore the park’s many hiking trails and learn about the region’s early history.

19 – Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Back Bay is a hidden gem in Virginia Beach with beautiful beaches, numerous hiking trails, kayak opportunities, and stunning views of the marshes. It’s a really serene area that takes you from the modern world and puts you in the middle of natural beauty. Definitely a lovely way to spend Spring Break in Virginia!

Related Reading: Best National Parks In Virginia

20 – Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Aquarium is another fun, indoor way to enjoy Spring Break in Virginia with a convenient location near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront–great for the super hot days. It boasts over 12,000 aquatic animals from seals to sharks within their exhibits of 800,000 gallons of water. A treat with this is that there is an outdoor exhibit at its entrance that’s free. So, if you don’t have the time for a full aquarium excursion, you can still check out some seals.

21 – Norfolk Zoo

Instead of our aquatic-based critters, the Norfolk Virginia Zoo spotlights nearly 1,000 animals from nearly 200 different species. Behind-the-scenes tours are also offered if you’d like to hang out with sloths or feed giraffes. What better way to spend your Spring Break in Virginia, honestly?

22 – Ocean Breeze

This is another great option if you’re having a late Spring Break in Virginia (circa May)! Ocean Breeze is the Virginia Beach water park located by the Oceanfront. It includes raft slides, body slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. The Jungle Falls attraction, a series of multiple flume slides and interconnected pools, is worth the visit to Ocean Breeze alone.

23 – Luray Caverns

Returning to the Shenandoah, the Luray Caverns offers a range of activities for your Spring Break getaway. The caverns are the largest in the east, dating back 4 million years and spanning 10 stories high. Admission to the Luray Caverns also includes the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and Shenandoah Heritage Village. 

Wrap Up

If you’re still looking for even more ideas or are interested in specific regions of the state, I’ve got more fun attractions in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, the Shenandoah… and then the best boat tours, dolphin excursions, ghost tours, Virginia state parks… fall activities, Christmas attractions, New Years Eve celebrations…

You get the point.

Poke about the Carousel if you’re interested in other neat finds in Virginia!

You won’t be at a loss for a fun Spring Break getaway in Virginia.

Have fun!

How will you be spending Spring Break in Virginia?

For more Virginia travel guides, you can also check out:

• 25 Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday In Virginia
• Best Things To Do In Virginia Beach
• Most Unique Tours In Williamsburg VA
• Top Beaches In Hampton Virginia
• Must Visit Virginia National Parks

Thanks for reading!