HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

4 Must-See Scenic Coastal Drives in Virginia This Fall

As vibrant fall colors sweep eastward across Virginia, extend your journey to the coast for stunning scenery and Coastal Virginia's signature flavors. Oyster season is here!

COLONIAL PARKWAY

4 Must-See Scenic Coastal Drives in Virginia This Fall

This 23-mile byway connects the key sites of America’s Historic Triangle, framed by brilliant seasonal foliage. Designed by the National Park Service over 26 years, it features unique 'historic brown' surfaces, brick bridges, and tunnels. With a 45 mph speed limit, it invites leisurely drives to fully appreciate the views.

Part of the 10,221-acre Colonial National Historical Park, it links Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Battlefield (both NPS-managed), and Colonial Williamsburg.

Savor local oysters at Williamsburg favorites like Waypoint Seafood & Grill and Fat Canary, both earning 4.5 stars on Yelp.

ALSO SEE: Virginia’s Coastal Spring Drives and 10 Virginia Bicycle Routes for Any Season

ROUTE 5

4 Must-See Scenic Coastal Drives in Virginia This Fall

This picturesque route links the Historic Triangle to Richmond, paralleled by the Virginia Capital Trail for pedestrians and cyclists. Discover historic plantations and the James River. Berkeley Plantation hosted America’s first Thanksgiving in 1619 and is a 1726 Georgian mansion, birthplace of President William Henry Harrison.

Shirley Plantation, America’s oldest family-owned business and farm, shines in fall with leaves reflecting on the James River.

ROUTE 10

4 Must-See Scenic Coastal Drives in Virginia This Fall

From Hopewell to Smithfield (or reverse), this short route dazzles in fall. Visit Chippokes Plantation State Park or Bacon’s Castle, the nation’s only surviving Jacobean architecture. Sample Virginia ham in Surry.

TIP: Loop it with Route 5 via Route 156, Benjamin Harrison Bridge (west), or Jamestown Ferry (east).

ROUTE 13

4 Must-See Scenic Coastal Drives in Virginia This Fall

Route 13 runs north-south on the Eastern Shore, with charming towns nearby. Watch for migrating birds at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

At the northern end, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers wild pony sightings—book a guided boat tour for an unforgettable experience.

4 Must-See Scenic Coastal Drives in Virginia This Fall

GOOD EATS: Off the Eaten Path: Business Route 13 on the Eastern Shore

Which coastal route is your fall favorite? Share your experiences in the comments.

Travel Notes
  • Discover 5 Top Fall Foodie Trips in New York State

    Harvest season is here! From the Hudson Valley to Buffalo, you’ll find tasty treats and delicious eats throughout New York State this Fall.For apple lovers: Hudson ValleyCooler temperatures mean sweater weather, hot cups of tea, and of course—apple season! Whether they’re in pies, cider, or munched right after picking, apples are always a palate pleaser. Some of the best apple orchards are situated right outside of New Yo

  • Classic Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Perfect Fall Baking Delight

    Since the pandemic began, I’ve made a point to fulfill a multi-year goal of baking more often. It’s relaxing, allows me to get creative, and it satisfies my ever-evolving sweet tooth. Now that the leaves have started turning, it seems as if there’s only one thing to do: bake something pumpkin. In this case I’ve opted for a classic pumpkin bread. My husband is quite the amateur chef, so even though baking is more my thing, he often ends up in the kitchen as my right hand guy. For this pumpkin

  • 8 Essential Fall Must-Reads for Every Traveler

    We think a good book is an essential part of any well-packed carry-on. Its also the best way to travel when you cant actually travel, which is why we were excited to partner with the book delivery service Quarterlane and curate their Fall Passport Collection. In return, we asked Quarterlane founder Elizabeth Lane to share the books on her autumn reading list.Like so many, I adore summer — the lazy days, dinners outside,