Every season brings a new reason to fall in love with the Commonwealth. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, feel-good festivals, or peaceful moments, there’s something special to experience year-round. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Learn How Deep Daffodil Roots Run The Gloucester Daffodil Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in late March 2026, honoring the town’s heritage and spring spirit. (The daffodil has grown here since 1651!) This event features a colorful parade, arts and crafts, local foods, and thousands of blooming daffodils, bringing the community and visitors together. SPRING Soak Up the Sun in Virginia Beach SUMMER Cool Off in Clarksville Buggs Island Lake makes Clarksville a go-to for boating, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing on sandy beaches. It culminates in mid-July with live music, food, fireworks, and hot air balloons at the Virginia Lake Festival. When you’re ready to get your land legs back, hit up Buggs Island Brewing or stroll on Virginia Avenue. Catch the National Cherry Blossom Festival In Northern Virginia, including Alexandria and Arlington, the National Cherry Blossom Festival paints the region in soft pink hues. The monthlong event celebrates the mayor of Tokyo’s gift of cherry trees to Washington, D.C., in 1912. Stroll riverside parks, attend lively events, and snap postcard-worthy photos during this cherished springtime celebration. Virginia Beach heats up with summer fun. Ride the waves, sample local seafood, or simply relax on golden sand beaches. Get your daily steps in by perusing the 3-mile boardwalk, walking the fishing pier, or strolling to 31st Street Park to catch a concert or outdoor movie. Long, sunny days make this the season for classic coastal memories. Beat the Heat at Melrose Caverns When temperatures climb, head underground. Melrose Caverns in Harrisonburg offers a naturally cool retreat, where you can explore stunning rock formations and hidden rooms filled with history dating back to Civil War times. A cavern tour includes a captivating walk through the very places where Union soldiers camped over 150 years ago. Falling Spring Falls Kayak the Marshlands & Meet Wild Ponies Paddle through the scenic marshlands and calm back bays of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge or Assateague Island National Seashore. Spring is ideal for a kayak tour while the weather is pleasantly warm and nature is in full swing. Keep an eye out for eagles soaring above or wild ponies roaming free along the shoreline. Ride the Rapids on the James River Whitewater rafting through the heart of downtown Richmond is an adrenaline-pumping way to cool off. Navigate the exciting rapids of the Lower James and enjoy riverfront city views on one of the only urban whitewater routes in the country. For those looking for a more relaxing float, grab an inner tube and hop in the Upper James. SAR AH ANN ATKINS; HANNAH ARMSTRONG Virginia Travel Guide 15
Virginia Travel Guide Virginia Travel Guide 2026: Page 15
