Do you love spending time in nature? Here are the best gardens and parks in Virginia:
1Virginia State Capitol
Richmond, VAThe Virginia State Capitol, located in Richmond, serves as the seat of government for the state of Virginia. It is home to the Virginia General Assembly, which is the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere. This makes the Capitol a significant historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich political history of Virginia and the United States. 2Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk, VAThe Norfolk Botanical Garden is a sprawling 158-acre botanical garden and arboretum located at 6700 Azalea Garden Road in Norfolk, Virginia. This expansive garden is a haven for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna spread across its vast grounds. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or a casual visitor, the Norfolk Botanical Garden provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 3Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Richmond, VALewis Ginter Botanical Garden, located in Henrico County just outside of Richmond, Virginia, spans across 50 acres of land. The garden is home to over a dozen themed gardens, a conservatory, a library, and a café. Each of these features offers a unique experience for visitors, making it a diverse and engaging destination. 4Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Vienna, VAMeadowlark Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 95-acre property located in Vienna, Virginia. The gardens are a beautiful blend of nature and artistry, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can explore the gardens at their own pace, taking in the stunning landscapes and diverse plant life. 5Mary Washington House
Fredericksburg, VAThe Mary Washington House, situated at 1200 Charles Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a significant historical site. This is the house where George Washington's mother, Mary Ball Washington, resided during the latter part of her life. It offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of America's most famous families. 6Maymont Mansion
Richmond, VAMaymont is a sprawling 100-acre Victorian estate and public park located in Richmond, Virginia. The estate is home to the historic Maymont Mansion, an arboretum, formal gardens, a carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, a nature center, and a Children's Farm. This diverse range of attractions makes Maymont a versatile destination for tourists of all interests. 7Green Spring Gardens
Alexandria, VAGreen Spring Gardens is a public park that includes a historic 18th-century plantation house known as 'Green Spring'. This house is the centerpiece of a national historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The park is a testament to the rich history of the area and offers a unique glimpse into the past. 8Oatlands Historic House & Gardens
Leesburg, VAOatlands Historic House and Gardens is a significant estate located in Leesburg, Virginia. It is managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition underscores the historical importance and cultural value of the estate, making it a notable destination for those interested in American history and architecture. 9Occoneechee State Park
Clarksville, VAOcconeechee State Park is a state park situated near Clarksville, Virginia. It is located along Buggs Island Lake, providing a scenic and tranquil environment for visitors. The park's location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 10Historic Huntley
Alexandria, VAHistoric Huntley, also known as Huntley Hall, is a Federal-style villa and farm that dates back to the early 19th century. It is located in the Hybla Valley area of Fairfax County, Virginia. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing architecture and design from the Federal period. Visitors can explore the villa and farm, taking in the rich history and beautiful surroundings. 11Chesapeake Arboretum
Chesapeake, VAThe Chesapeake Arboretum, located at 624 Oak Grove Road, Chesapeake, Virginia, is a 48-acre arboretum. It is dedicated to promoting horticultural and environmental knowledge through exhibits, education, and research. Two acres of this vast space are dedicated to themed gardens, providing a diverse and enriching experience for visitors. 12Anne Spencer House
Lynchburg, VAThe Anne Spencer House, situated in Lynchburg, Virginia, served as the residence of Anne Spencer, a renowned poet of the Harlem Renaissance, from 1903 to 1975. This historic house provides a glimpse into the life and times of Anne Spencer, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the home of one of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance. 13Francis Land House
Virginia Beach, VAThe Francis Land House, also known as Rose Hall, is a historic brick house located in the Rose Hall District near Princess Anne Plaza in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was once the plantation home of the prominent Land family, who were among the founding families of Princess Anne County. The house has a rich history that spans from the 1630s to the 1850s, passing through six generations of the Land family before being sold to another family. 14Belle Grove Historic Plantation
Middletown, VABelle Grove Plantation is a historic site located in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. Specifically, it is situated in Frederick County, approximately a mile southwest of Middletown. This late-18th-century plantation house and estate offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural and cultural heritage of the era. 15Old City Cemetery
Lynchburg, VAThe Old City Cemetery, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, holds the distinction of being the oldest municipal cemetery still in use today in the state of Virginia, and one of the oldest in the United States. This historic cemetery serves as a testament to the long and varied history of the region, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. 16Hahn Horticulture Garden
Blacksburg, VAThe Hahn Horticulture Garden, previously known as the Virginia Tech Horticulture Garden, is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans across 7 acres. It is situated in Blacksburg, Virginia. This expansive garden is a part of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University campus. 17Lee Fendall House
Alexandria, VAThe Lee Fendall House, located at 614 Oronoco Street in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, United States, is a historic house museum and garden. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of American history, with the house itself dating back to 1785. The museum and garden provide a unique insight into the lives of the people who once lived there, including members of the Lee family, Union soldiers, and the family of labor leader John L. Lewis. 18Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden
Lexington, VABoxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden is a unique arboretum spanning 15 acres. It is situated at 963 Ross Road near Lexington in Rockbridge County, Virginia, United States, nestled within the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. This location offers visitors a chance to explore both native and unusual plant specimens in a serene and natural setting. 19Jackson House Museum
Lexington, VAThe Stonewall Jackson House, situated at 8 East Washington Street in the Historic District of Lexington, Virginia, served as the residence of Confederate general Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson from 1858 to 1861. This historic house provides a glimpse into the life of the famous general during the years leading up to the American Civil War. 20Pocahontas State Park
Chesterfield, VAPocahontas State Park is situated in Chesterfield, Virginia, a short distance from the state capital, Richmond. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are in or around the capital city. The park's proximity to Richmond also provides an opportunity for tourists to explore the rich history and culture of Virginia's capital alongside the natural beauty of the park. 21Williamsburg Botanical Garden
Williamsburg, VAThe Williamsburg Botanical Garden is a one-hectare botanical garden located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is managed by a non-profit committee from the local community. The garden is a testament to the community's commitment to preserving and showcasing the region's diverse flora. 22MacCallum More Museum and Gardens
Chase City, VAThe MacCallum More and Hudgins House Historic District is a significant location in Chase City, Mecklenburg County, Virginia. It comprises two historic homes that are part of a national historic district. This area is rich in history and offers a unique glimpse into the architectural styles and living conditions of the past. 23The Morven Park Mansion
Leesburg, VAMorven Park is a historic estate and horse park located in Leesburg, Virginia. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the park offers a unique blend of history, equestrian activities, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include the Morven Park Mansion, the Winmill Carriage Museum, formal boxwood gardens, and miles of hiking and riding trails. 24Glen Burnie Historic House and Gardens
Winchester, VAInteresting historical mansion and beautiful gardens, all nice and neat in one area. Go see it if you like history. 25Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Winchester, VAThe Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, situated at 901 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia, is a cultural hub dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Valley's rich cultural heritage. It serves as a testament to the region's history and offers a unique insight into its past.- 26
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Harrisonburg, VAThe Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a unique botanical garden and arboretum located on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States. It is nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of plant life in a beautiful setting. - 27
Bluebird Gap Farm
Hampton, VABluebird Gap Farm is a public city park and petting zoo situated in Hampton, Virginia, at 60 Pine Chapel Road. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with a variety of farm animals and fowl, as well as wild animals native to Virginia. - 28
William King Museum of Art
Abingdon, VAThe William King Museum of Art (WKMA) is a visual arts and cultural heritage museum situated in the charming town of Abingdon, Virginia. This museum is a hub for both contemporary and historic art, showcasing a variety of works from the region and around the world. - 29
Tidewater Arboretum
Virginia Beach, VAThe Tidewater Arboretum, also referred to as the Hampton Roads Arboretum, is a well-maintained site by the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, which is a part of Virginia Tech. This connection ensures that the arboretum is kept to a high standard, with expert knowledge and care applied to its upkeep.