We get it. Vacations can be expensive. Maybe you splurged on a really nice rental home, spent a fortune in travel to get here, and are just looking for ways to have fun on a budget. Finding free activities to enjoy in an area you're unfamiliar with can be daunting, which is why we've curated a list just for you! Virginia offers plenty of free attractions that allow you to experience local culture, connect with nature, step into history, and make everlasting memories with family and friends.
Scenic overlooks. Winding roads. Crisp mountain air. All of this and more can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Pack your whole crew in the car for a drive along this famous roadway that spans the length of the southern and central Appalachian Mountains. The Ridge Region begins in Afton, VA, and offers visitors a glimpse at local geological and agricultural landscapes. And the best part is there’s no entrance fee, which means you can spend an entire day, or several, exploring everything from mountain peaks to waterfalls.
Farmer's Market
Take a stroll through Downtown Harrisonburg and check out the Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market! Every week, the local community gathers at the market to provide locals and visitors alike with access to locally grown agricultural goods as well as high-quality crafts. This local staple is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 AM – 1 PM and is the perfect spot to spend the morning browsing local offerings!
Centers & Pools
Guests staying at any of TripForth's vacation rentals in the Shenandoah Valley receive free entry to Massanutten Resort's recreation centers! The whole family will enjoy access to two outdoor and one indoor pool as well as exciting activities like ping pong, racquetball, tennis, basketball, and more! There's a ton of free fun to be had at this four-season, vacation destination.
Storybook Trail
Searching for an easy hike with stunning views that isn't in Shenandoah National Park? Check out the Massanutten Storybook Trail! Located just 30 minutes from the town of Elkton, VA, this paved trail is wheelchair accessible and offers a relaxing, 0.5-mile trek through the George Washington National Forest. Perfect for children and adults alike, this trail features impressive rock formations and a peaceful wilderness setting before ending at a scenic overlook deck that boasts panoramic views of the mountains.
Battlefield Tours
Central VA is full of history and much of it can be accessed free of charge! The Chancellorsville and Wilderness Battlefields are some of the most well-known in the area and offer visitors the opportunity to conduct self-guided driving or walking tours. Visit the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center for American Civil War exhibits, embark on a driving tour to eight different Wilderness Battlefield sites, or check out any number of walking trails through the very fields where American soldiers tread over 150 years ago.
Soak up some free fun in the sun at Yorktown Beach! This public beach is located just 20 minutes from Williamsburg, VA and offers a casual, coastal vibe year-round. Swim in the cool waters of the York River, pack a picnic to enjoy on the sandy shoreline, bring your fishing pole and tackle box to the Yorktown Fishing Pier, or just sit back and relax. The beach, the pier, and parking are all free, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
