As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws fans from across the globe, Virginia invites travelers to explore beyond the pitch
By Christopher D. Silbernagel
With the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Virginia offers travelers at home and abroad a wealth of experiences that combine history, culture, outdoor adventure and coastal charm. From the rolling vineyards of Loudoun County to the sun-soaked shores of Virginia Beach, visitors can craft their own itinerary from 10 amazing destinations filled with scenic hikes, interactive museums, lively festivals and unforgettable dining.
Fredericksburg
With its deep ties to early American history, Fredericksburg offers World Cup travelers a chance to connect with the nation’s past while enjoying small-city charm. Visitors can explore five Washington Family Sites, including George Washington’s boyhood home, or walk the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail, part of the United States Civil Rights Trail. In 2026, special programs will highlight the city’s pivotal role as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
With tree-lined streets and centuries-old architecture, Fredericksburg surprises visitors with a lively cultural scene. Art galleries, independent boutiques and seasonal festivals bring energy to the historic core, while riverfront access along the Rappahannock River offers opportunities for kayaking, paddling and scenic walks.
Loudoun County
Home to Dulles International Airport and USL side Loudoun United, Loudoun County provides an effortless blend of sophistication and open-air escape.
“As visitors travel from around the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we invite fans to make Loudoun part of their journey,” said Beth Erickson, president and CEO of Visit Loudoun. “Loudoun is one of the most accessible wine destinations on the East Coast, offering visitors the chance to pair award-winning wines with global dining flavors as well as farm-to-table cuisine.”
Known as D.C.’s Wine Country®, the region boasts more than 50 wineries, where rolling hills frame panoramic vineyard views and tastings highlight everything from bold reds to crisp whites. If cocktails are your preference, Catoctin Creek Distillery is a must. Led by internationally award-winning distiller Becky Harris, enjoy a tour and a tasting of signature cocktails, spirits, whisky or brandy. Craft beer lovers can follow the LoCo Ale Trail, sampling brews at one of 30 breweries scattered across countryside landscapes and charming small towns.
Hotel Burg is an ideal base for exploration that’s located in the historic district of Leesburg, Virginia’s largest incorporated town. The beautiful boutique hotel offers chef-driven dining along with shops and art-filled streets that are just steps away.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers a break from the hustle and bustle, where adventure meets breathtaking scenery along one of the most iconic stretches of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can tackle the famed Triple Crown, which includes McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs, each offering sweeping panoramic views and some of the most photographed vistas on the trail.
After a day outdoors, nearby Salem invites visitors to unwind with local craft brews at Parkway Brewing Company and Olde Salem Brewing Company. For history enthusiasts, the Virginia Museum of Transportation highlights Roanoke’s role in railroad development, while nearby Franklin County, the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” offers tastings at Twin Creeks Distillery and exhibits at the Moonshine Explosion Museum, preserving its spirited past.
Pulaski County
With sparkling waters framed by rolling mountains, Pulaski County blends recreation and relaxation. At Claytor Lake State Park, travelers can spend the day boating across 4,500 acres of open water, kayaking quiet coves or paddleboarding along the shoreline. Sandy beaches and shaded picnic areas make it an ideal spot to unwind between matches, while fishing enthusiasts can cast for bass, walleye and catfish.
Nearby Mountain 2 Island brings the lakefront to life with boat and paddleboard rentals, a lively waterfront restaurant and live music spilling onto the docks. For a slower pace, Thee Draper Village offers boutique shopping, artisan crafts and an award-winning restaurant at the Draper Mercantile, where visitors can savor locally inspired dishes before cooling off with a cone from The Conery.
“There isn’t a better time to visit Virginia than June and July,” said Tim Miller, executive director of Pulaski County Sports and Entertainment. “Whether you are looking for outdoor recreation, live music, festivals or sporting events, the summers in Pulaski County are jam-packed with memory-making opportunities for everyone.”
Lynchburg
Set along the James River and surrounded by scenic hills, Lynchburg offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. Visitors can explore the Blackwater Creek Trail System, which weaves more than 40 miles of walking and biking paths through wooded landscapes and connects to the Percival’s Island Natural Area, where riverfront trails provide skyline views. Water lovers can enjoy kayaking, canoeing and tubing with James River Adventures, just minutes from downtown.
For a change of pace, the Academy Center of the Arts hosts live performances and galleries inside a beautifully restored historic theater, while nearby restaurants, coffee shops and craft breweries make downtown Lynchburg a lively spot to unwind after a day outdoors.
Chesterfield County
Just south of Richmond, Chesterfield County blends natural beauty with family-friendly attractions. Pocahontas State Park, one of Virginia’s largest parks, features winding trails through dense forests and open lakes for kayaking, fishing and swimming.
History buffs can explore Midlothian Mines Park, where interpretive trails reveal the remnants of one of America’s earliest coal mines, while families can enjoy high-energy fun at Surge Adventure Park with climbing walls, trampolines and obstacle courses.
Henrico County
Henrico County offers a variety of experiences near Richmond. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden invites visitors to stroll vibrant floral displays and sculpted gardens along peaceful walking paths. Families can head to Kings Dominion, one of Virginia’s premier amusement parks, featuring roller coasters, kid-friendly rides and seasonal events.
For a more leisurely day, Short Pump Town Center offers upscale shopping, dining and outdoor gathering spaces, while Taylor Farm Park provides open green fields and playgrounds perfect for picnics or a midday break.
Virginia Beach
With its three-mile boardwalk and vibrant Oceanfront, Virginia Beach offers endless ways to relax. Visitors can surf the Atlantic waves, jet ski across the water or set out on inshore fishing excursions, while dolphin-watching tours provide a chance to connect with marine life. Festivals and live concerts regularly fill the summer calendar.
“Virginia Beach is a place where every kind of traveler can find their rhythm,” said Dani Timm, director of sports tourism at Virginia Beach CVB. “One afternoon might mean catching a concert at the Oceanfront, jet skiing across the waves or shucking oysters straight from an oyster farm; the next could be filled with surfing, beach volleyball, fishing trips or celebrating at a local festival. These moments showcase not only the diversity of Virginia Beach, but the spirit of Virginia as a whole.”
Food lovers can experience Virginia’s coast-to-table story with an oyster farm tour, sampling fresh seafood while learning about sustainable aquaculture. Beach volleyball courts and other recreational options provide fun in the sun.
Hampton
Hampton combines centuries of history with hands-on learning. At Fort Monroe National Monument, travelers can explore the largest stone fort ever built in the United States, uncovering more than 400 years of military history. The Virginia Air & Space Science Center, an official NASA Visitor Center, brings STEM education to life with interactive exhibits and engaging programs.
In June, the Blackbeard Pirate Festival transforms the waterfront into an 18th-century port with tall ships, costumed performers and live music.
Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, history comes alive through experiences that blend adventure and education. Visitors can explore immersive museums with interactive exhibits, living-history demonstrations and archeological digs spanning more than four centuries. For thrills, Busch Gardens offers heart-pumping rides, including the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster, go-kart tracks and treetop ziplines.
Historic streets invite exploration of boutique shops, local dining and artisan galleries, reflecting the city’s colonial heritage while complementing the adrenaline-fueled attractions.
Virginia is guaranteed to instill lasting memories
From rolling vineyards and historic streets to river trails and coastal shores, Virginia offers FIFA World Cup travelers a chance to craft a journey as dynamic as the games themselves. Outdoor adventures, interactive museums, culinary experiences and vibrant festivals create opportunities to unwind, explore and connect with the state’s unique character. We invite visitors to see beyond the pitch and immerse themselves in moments that linger long after the Jules Rimet Trophy is lifted.
