The Ultimate Virginia Fall Travel Guide: Where to Go, What to Do & Where to Stay

Crisp mountain air. Hillsides brushed with red, orange, and gold. Harvest markets and hometown festivals buzzing with music and the smell of cinnamon donuts. Fall in Virginia feels like it was made for slow drives, scenic hikes, and weekend getaways.

From September through November, the state offers a delightful mix of peak foliage, mild weather, and festive energy. Whether you’re chasing mountain views or coastal color, Virginia fall invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best places to see Virginia fall foliage, seasonal activities you won’t want to miss, and cozy Sonesta stays that make the perfect home base for your trip.

Northern Virginia: Historic Trails & Skyline Views

Fall settles into Northern Virginia with a quiet kind of drama, oak-lined trails glowing in afternoon light, historic estates framed by golden leaves, and crisp air cutting through the Potomac breeze.

It’s a region where the season feels both grand and grounded, perfect for travelers who want a dose of nature without leaving behind creature comforts.

Where to See Foliage

In Northern Virginia, some of the season’s richest colors unfold along rivers, ridges, and trails just beyond the city.

1. Great Falls Park

Just 15 miles from D.C., Great Falls Park offers one of the most dramatic leaf-peeping spots in Northern Virginia. Watch the Potomac River crash through jagged rocks, framed by fiery trees that line the cliffs.

For the best views, hit the overlook trails in the early morning when the light catches the water and foliage just right.

Fall color frames the rugged beauty of Great Falls Park in Northern Virginia.

2. Mount Vernon Trail

Stretching 18 miles along the Potomac, this riverside path connects urban views with peaceful wooded stretches. It’s ideal for walking or biking under a canopy of fall color, especially near Dyke Marsh and Gravelly Point.

Bring a thermos and pause along the way for skyline views across the river.

3. Skyline Drive (Northern Access Point)

While most associate Skyline Drive with Central Virginia, its northern entrance at Front Royal is an easy day trip from Fairfax or Arlington. This scenic byway winds through Shenandoah National Park, delivering sweeping mountain views painted in deep reds and golden hues.

Go early for fewer crowds, and consider packing a picnic for one of the overlooks.

Wild ponies are the stars of Mount Rogers.

Fall Events & Experiences

Northern Virginia’s fall calendar pairs festive charm with seasonal flavor, offering plenty of reasons to linger outdoors.

1. Reston Fall Festival

Each October, the Reston Fall Festival brings together live music, local food, crafts, and family-friendly activities in a vibrant, tree-lined setting.

It’s a great way to experience Northern Virginia’s community spirit while soaking in peak foliage all around the open-air grounds of Reston Town Center.

2. Farmers Markets in Arlington & Fairfax

Fall is harvest season, and Northern Virginia’s farmers markets are overflowing with tart apples, warm cider, handmade pies, and vibrant gourds.

Don’t miss the Saturday markets at Arlington Courthouse or Mosaic District in Fairfax—both are ideal for browsing seasonal produce, grabbing a bite, and enjoying the relaxed rhythm of an autumn morning.

Where to Stay

From modern, well-equipped properties to homelike, extended stays, Sonesta offers a variety of accommodations in Arlington and Fairfax for travelers looking to explore Northern Virginia in the fall.

Central Virginia: Wine Country, Blue Ridge Views & Jeffersonian Charm

In Central Virginia, fall arrives with a slower rhythm and wide-open views. Rolling vineyards, wooded hills, and centuries-old estates glow under the changing leaves.

This region simply invites you to linger over a glass of wine, a scenic overlook, or a quiet walk through history.

Where to See Foliage

Here, fall color shows up in layers, from mountain peaks to vineyard rows to tree-lined rivers winding through the city.

1. Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive)

This stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the crown jewel of Virginia’s fall landscape. Winding through dense forests and sweeping vistas, Skyline Drive offers one breathtaking overlook after another.

October is the sweet spot for color, and each mile brings a new perspective.

Skyline Drive winds through Shenandoah National Park, offering sweeping views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge blanketed in fall color.

2. Monticello Gardens

The grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello are especially striking in fall, when the surrounding trees blaze with color and the historic gardens take on a golden glow.

Stroll the terraces for a quiet, reflective view of the season’s shift.

3. James River Parks

For a more urban foliage fix, the James River Park System in Richmond offers wooded trails, riverfront views, and suspended walkways that put you right in the canopy.

Belle Isle and Pony Pasture are local favorites for fall walks with a view.

Fall Events & Experiences

From hillside tastings to music-filled weekends, fall in Central Virginia pairs scenic beauty with experiences rooted in local flavor and culture.

1. Charlottesville Wine Tours

Fall is harvest season in Virginia wine country, and the rolling hills around Charlottesville come alive with color and flavor alike. Many vineyards offer guided tastings, live music, and small-batch pours with a view.

Book a tour to sample the region’s award-winning reds and whites while taking in the foliage-covered landscapes that stretch to the Blue Ridge.

Charlottesville’s wineries are at their most scenic in fall, offering tastings, live music, and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge dressed in color.

2. Richmond Folk Festival

Held each October along the James River, the Richmond Folk Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Dozens of musical acts from around the world take the stage, while food vendors, craft booths, and storytelling sessions add to the festive energy.

Where to Stay

Start your Central Virginia fall pursuits from one of Sonesta’s conveniently located hotels in Charlottesville or Richmond, each offering a comfortable home base within easy reach of the region’s standout views, festivals, and historic sites.

Southern Virginia: Hidden Gems & Mountain Magic

Southern Virginia is where fall feels a little quieter, a little wilder, and a lot more personal. Tucked between mountain ridges and storybook towns, this part of the state offers space to roam, local traditions to discover, and landscapes that glow with the soft light of the season.

Where to See Foliage

Expect wide-open views and lesser-known trails that reward anyone willing to wander.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Winding along the state’s southwest edge, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the most peaceful and painterly drives in the state.

Pull off at overlooks to soak in miles of layered color and rolling Appalachian peaks.

2. New River Trail State Park

This 57-mile rail trail follows the river through quiet woodlands and past small towns, perfect for biking, hiking, or horseback riding under a canopy of fall leaves.

3. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Virginia’s highest peak is surrounded by highland meadows and rugged trails that erupt in vibrant color each October.

Don’t miss the chance to hike through open balds and catch a glimpse of the area’s wild ponies along the way.

Fall Events & Experiences

In these mountain towns, fall traditions run deep, and music, food, and community take center stage.

1. Galax Autumn Leaves Festival

Known for its long-running music scene and mountain-town charm, this festival celebrates the season with live performances, handmade crafts, and hometown cooking. It’s the kind of event that brings everyone out—not flashy, just full of warmth and good company.

2. Floyd Country Store Bluegrass Nights

Every Friday, this no-frills general store comes alive with foot-stomping tunes, hot drinks, and a packed house of locals and travelers alike.

Come for the music, stay for the front-porch atmosphere that makes fall here feel like something shared.

Where to Stay

For travelers looking to stay close to Southern Virginia’s fall experiences or planning a stopover as they explore more of the state, Sonesta offers convenient, comfortable stays in both Independence and Wytheville.

Coastal Virginia: Autumn by the Water

Fall in Coastal Virginia doesn’t rush. Here, the season rolls in with soft breezes, salt air, and golden light reflecting off quiet shorelines. The trees turn slower near the coast, giving you more time to enjoy every leaf, every trail, and every bite from a local seafood shack before winter sets in.

Where to See Foliage

While the coast may not boast mountain vistas, it offers a different kind of fall—subtle, scenic, and often right along the water.

1. Fort Monroe Walking Paths

Wander through tree-lined paths along this historic fort’s waterfront, where cannons meet cottonwoods and the fall colors reflect in the bay.

2. Chesapeake Bay Coastal Trails

Stretching along the bay, these trails give you a front-row seat to marsh grasses and hardwoods glowing in late-season light. A great option for birdwatchers and slow-paced cyclists.

Along the Chesapeake Bay, fall settles in slowly—color clings to the trees, grasses turn golden, and the shoreline offers a quiet kind of beauty.

3. Elizabeth River Trail

This urban trail blends city and sea, winding through parks, shipyards, and tree-covered neighborhoods with pops of gold and amber. It’s one of the best ways to see Norfolk in motion.

Fall Events & Experiences

Coastal Virginia’s fall festivals bring together art, history, and local flavor, often with a waterfront view.

1. Norfolk NEON Festival

Norfolk’s creative district lights up with public art, installations, and live performances during this two-day celebration of the city’s creative energy.

Come after sunset to see murals, lights, and music spill into the streets.

2. Phoebus Fall Festival

Every October, the historic district of Phoebus turns into a lively mix of music, makers, and fall flavors.

Local artists, food vendors, and craft brewers line the streets, creating a walkable celebration that feels as warm and inviting as the season itself.

Where to Stay

If your Virginia travels take you toward the coast, Hampton offers a practical and peaceful place to recharge. Whether you’re starting your journey here or pausing between destinations, Sonesta provides a stay that balances comfort with convenience.

Fall Travel Tips for Virginia

Planning a fall getaway in Virginia is part timing, part packing, and part knowing where to look. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the season, whether you’re chasing peak color or cozy comforts.

When to Go for Peak Color

Foliage timing varies by region. In the mountains of Southern and Central Virginia, colors typically peak from mid to late October.

Coastal areas and lower elevations turn a little later, usually in early November, giving you more than one window to catch the show.

Mt. Vernon Trail. Mid to late October brings peak color to Virginia’s mountains, painting the landscape in a vibrant patchwork of reds, oranges, and golds.

What to Pack

Virginia fall weather can swing between sunlit afternoons and chilly evenings. Bring layers you can peel off or pile on: light sweaters, a warm jacket, waterproof shoes, and a scarf or hat for cooler mornings. Don’t forget a daypack for hikes or market strolls.

Driving Tips

Some of Virginia’s best views are roadside. Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are fall icons, but smaller routes, like Route 58 in the south or backroads through wine country, offer quieter, equally stunning drives.

Weekdays are less crowded, and sunrise or golden hour will give you the best light.

Extra Essentials

• Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks for scenic stops.
• Download offline maps—cell service can be spotty in rural or mountainous areas.
• Book accommodations early—fall weekends tend to fill up fast, especially near foliage hotspots.

Don’t Forget: Sonesta Travel Pass

If you’re planning a multi-stop itinerary or even just a long weekend, join the Sonesta Travel Pass program to earn points on your stay. Members enjoy perks like free nights, room upgrades, and late checkout—perfect for stretching out those fall mornings just a little longer.

Wrap-Up: Your Virginia Fall Starts Here

Whether you’re winding through the mountains, wandering a riverside trail, or strolling a small-town main street, Virginia fall offers a season full of color, flavor, and discovery.

With thoughtful stays from Sonesta across the state, it’s easy to turn a leaf-peeping day trip into a cozy, well-earned getaway.

Wherever the road takes you, fall is calling, so start planning, and let Virginia show you why it’s at its best when the leaves begin to turn.