Virginia VA250 Guide: Mount Vernon, Museums, and the Best Ways to Celebrate the 250th

Whether you’re a nature lover, beach lover, museum lover, foodie, or even a budget-conscious traveller, Virginia makes an exceptional vacation destination. The state may not be the largest, but it punches well above its weight, especially considering the outsized role it played in the birth of the United States. With the nation preparing to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Virginia’s wealth of museums, historic sites, and outdoor adventures makes it an ideal place to explore.

We kicked off our Virginia journey with a visit to Great Falls Park. Tucked into a residential area along the Potomac River, just 15 miles from Washington, D.C., the 800-acre park is the perfect place to stretch your legs after a travel day, and a great spot for kids to burn off some energy.

National Park Service Ranger Mark Malloy points to the location of Great Falls and its proximity to Washington, D.C.

Named for its dramatic waterfall, the park is both beautiful and intimidating. Jagged rocks slice through the rushing water, creating frothy white rapids below. If you’re lucky, you may even spot members of the U.S. National Whitewater Teams training upriver. Swimming and climbing on the falls are prohibited, however, as the currents are simply too dangerous.

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For more information on travel to Virginia, visit www.virginia.org