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Home » Destinations » North America » United States

Top 5 Budget Travel Activities in Virginia

Modified: Mar 8, 2025 · Published: Jun 22, 2012 by Guest Blogger |

These are not simple economic times; many of us have had to make sacrifices and find ways to do more with less. For many, a vacation is an apparent sacrifice, but we're here to show you that you can travel and have a great time even on a tight budget.

These types of opportunities exist in every state and province in North America, but this article will focus on Virginia. The following list presents five awesome Virginia travel activities that will not break your budget.

Table of Contents

  • 1. Appalachian Trail
  • 2. Virginia Beach
  • 3. Virginia Zoo
  • 4. Colonial Williamsburg
  • 5. Boating and Fishing

1. Appalachian Trail

McAfee Knob on the Appalachian Trail
McAfee Knob is the most photographed site on the Appalachian Trail (photo: Roanoke Outside)

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a marked hiking trail that runs for approximately 2,184 miles from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia. More than a quarter of the trail is in Virginia. Visitors can hike and bike the trail, and get access to secluded wilderness areas, national parks, formal campgrounds, and areas to fish.

Some of the parks and campgrounds charge fees, but most of the Appalachian Trail is free. You can easily create a family adventure that costs nothing other than food, supplies, and transportation to and from the trail.

2. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach (photo: Virgin)

Virginia offers a wide selection of beaches for tourists to enjoy. The most famous and popular is Virginia Beach. All public beaches in Virginia are free. They generally require a parking fee, but visitors can even avoid that if they're willing to walk a few blocks.

There are restaurants and vendors, especially near the boardwalks, but beachgoers can also bring their food and non-alcoholic beverages. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Surfing and rollerblading on the boardwalk are allowed, and areas have been assigned for dogs.

3. Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo
Giraffes at the Virginia Zoo (photo: Norfolk Visitor)

The Virginia Zoo is an excellent budget option. Kids from ages 2 to 11 get in for $9. Younger children get in free, adults for $11, and senior citizens for $10. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a ticket gives you all-day access.

The zoo is immense, and there is so much to do that you likely can't do it all in a single day. Almost all of the zoo's activities are free, but the train, which is one of the most popular, costs an additional $2 per head.

The zoo offers many dining opportunities, but families can pack their own lunches and dinners. There are also picnic areas where you can relax and eat.

4. Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg (photo: Travelmuse)

Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderfully diverse area with a lot to do. Outside of the immediate area, there are numerous battlefields and historic sites.

The majority of these places are completely free to visit. Even places within Colonial Williamsburg that charge usually only charge a few dollars or so.

The most significant costs associated with the area are food and lodging. Bringing your own food can limit food costs, and staying at a motel just outside of Colonial Williamsburg can save you a lot.

5. Boating and Fishing

Boating and fishing
Fishing boat (photo: Insider Passport)

Virginia provides numerous opportunities for boating and fishing, and it is certainly possible to have a good time on a limited budget.

If you plan to captain a motorized boat, the state does require you to pass a Virginia boater safety course, but it also accepts the equivalent from another state or province. Also, Virginia does have freshwater fishing licenses, but they are only used in specific areas.

There are numerous lakes and rivers in the state where you can camp and fish without paying anything at all. So grab your backpack and head for a fun-filled adventure in Virginia!

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About Guest Blogger

This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author's byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines. For information on advertising opportunities, go here.

Comments

  1. Taylor says

    June 24, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    Very nice post. I had no idea there was so much to do in Virginia. I might have to look into planning a road trip down there. I noticed this was done by a guest blogger and I just read your submission guidelines. Do you know when your guest blogging opportunities will be open again? Thanks.

  2. Daniella says

    February 16, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    What amazing photos!! Who would have thought that my next big adventure should be scheduled in Virginia!? Thanks for the inside and great travel ideas! -Daniella

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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