Virginia 2025 Boasts Exciting Openings, Historical Commemorations, and Unique Experiences to Make Your Next US Trip Unforgettable with Endless Opportunities for Adventure

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Virginia in 2025 is set to captivate travelers with a diverse range of exciting new openings, landmark historical commemorations, and unique experiences that promise to make your next U.S. trip truly unforgettable. From the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States’ founding to new luxury accommodations, thrilling events like the iconic Chincoteague Pony Swim, and the debut of world-class attractions, Virginia offers endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or someone in search of memorable cultural experiences, Virginia in 2025 has something for everyone, ensuring a journey packed with excitement and discovery.

Virginia is poised to captivate visitors in 2025 with an exciting array of new openings, milestone anniversaries, special events, and unparalleled experiences. From thrilling attractions to new luxury accommodations and gastronomic delights, the state promises something for everyone, ensuring a fun and memorable trip for all ages.

Events and Anniversaries

America’s 250th Anniversary
In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Virginia is rolling out a series of signature events. The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) will lead the commemoration of the nation’s founding, offering special exhibits and interactive experiences that culminate in 2026. One major highlight is the “Give Me Liberty” exhibition, a 5,000 square foot display hosted at both the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This landmark exhibition will run from 2025 to 2027. Additionally, in Richmond, St. John’s Church, the site of Patrick Henry’s famous speech, will host reenactments and live-streamed historical events for visitors to experience the past firsthand.

100th Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim
The iconic Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction will celebrate its centennial year on July 30-31, 2025. This beloved tradition, which dates back to 1925, involves the famous swim of wild ponies across the channel, guided by the Saltwater Cowboys. This event funds the protection and care of these horses, and the celebrations will include a sunrise beach walk, carnival festivities, and much more.

50th Anniversary of Virginia’s Amusement Parks
Virginia’s premier amusement parks are commemorating their golden anniversaries. Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA, will introduce Rapterra, the world’s tallest and fastest launched wing coaster, while Busch Gardens Williamsburg will thrill visitors with a new coaster called Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge. Both parks will celebrate 50 years of providing family-friendly thrills.

USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships
Virginia’s Blue Ridge region will host the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships in July 2025 and 2026. The event will feature seven days of exhilarating races across renowned trails at Explore Park, Elmwood Park, and Carvins Cove, drawing over 1,500 athletes. Spectators will have ample opportunities to witness world-class cycling action.

World Pride 2025
Taking place in June 2025, World Pride will be celebrated in nearby Washington D.C., and Virginia will be the perfect base for visitors attending this global event. Whether you’re planning to relax on the beaches of Virginia Beach, indulge in a wine-tasting adventure in Loudoun County’s DC Wine Country, or immerse yourself in the rich history of Richmond, the state offers an incredible variety of experiences for every traveler.

New in Accommodations

Caesars Virginia
Opening in December 2024, Caesars Virginia in Danville promises a blend of Roman luxury with Southern charm. This resort will feature a 320-room hotel, a casino, a full-service spa, upscale dining options, and entertainment venues, including a first for Virginia: Ramsay’s Kitchen by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
Launched in November 2024, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol combines luxury accommodations with the vibrant energy of Southwest Virginia. The 300-room hotel will include an expansive casino, world-class dining, bars, lounges, a Rock Spa®, and live entertainment.

AC Marriott & Residence Inn Reston
In early 2025, AC Marriott & Residence Inn Reston opened in Reston, marking Marriott’s first dual-concept property. The hotel combines sleek, modern accommodations with culinary offerings like the SEVEN Restaurant & Bar and the SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge, offering a perfect base for both business and leisure travelers.

The Birdwood Mansion
Located at Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, the Birdwood Mansion is undergoing a renovation and will open its doors by Fall 2025. The property will feature four luxurious accommodations within the mansion, complemented by three adjacent cottages, and a culinary program with top chefs from around the world.

Shenandoah Mansions
A new historic hotel, Shenandoah Mansions, is set to open in the Fan District of Richmond in 2025. This beautifully restored six-story building will house 73 rooms that seamlessly blend old-world charm with modern amenities, offering visitors a unique and intimate lodging experience.

New in Dining and Drinks

Ebbitt House
The celebrated Old Ebbitt Grill from Washington, D.C., is expanding to Reston Station in 2025 with a 300-seat indoor dining area and additional outdoor seating. Guests will enjoy classic American fare in a contemporary, yet timeless, setting.

Electric Bull Steakhouse
Opening in Vienna in summer 2025, Electric Bull Steakhouse will bring a boutique South American steakhouse experience to Virginia, courtesy of famed chef Victor Albisu. This new restaurant promises to delight meat lovers with expertly prepared steaks and unique dishes.

Local Lion Brewery
Virginia’s Loudoun County is seeing a rise in breweries, and the latest addition, Local Lion, will open in April 2025 in Hillsboro. Named after two African lions once kept on a nearby farm, the brewery will offer a variety of craft beers, enhancing the region’s vibrant LoCo Ale Trail.

Virginia Wine Collective
Virginia’s wine scene continues to grow with the upcoming Virginia Wine Collective, which will open in May 2025 just south of Charlottesville. The new facility will house seven winemaker studios and a tasting room where visitors can sample the best wines from local winemakers.

Chef’s Market
Located in Newport News, Chef’s Market opened in October 2024, offering a 17,000 square-foot food hall that features diverse dining options, including a grilled cheese bar, taco bar, and brewery. It also offers entertainment with duckpin bowling and arcade games.

New in Experiences

National Museum of the United States Army
In June 2025, the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir will unveil a new exhibit titled “CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War”. This exhibit will feature over 280 artifacts and provide visitors with a unique insight into the Revolutionary War through the eyes of the soldiers who fought in it.

Level99
Opening at Tysons Corner Center in 2025, Level99 will be a first-of-its-kind destination for adults seeking interactive, social gaming. The space will feature over 50 physical and mental challenges in immersive environments, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for groups and individuals alike.

Allianz Amphitheater
In summer 2025, Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront in Downtown Richmond will offer a new venue for live performances, set against the backdrop of the historic James River.

Science Museum of Virginia
From February to August 2025, the Science Museum of Virginia will host Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks, an exhibition showcasing 20 of the world’s most innovative skyscrapers built using half a million LEGO® bricks. Visitors will learn about the science, technology, engineering, and math behind these architectural wonders.

Muscarelle Museum of Art
In 2025, the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary will commemorate the 550th anniversary of Michelangelo’s birth with the exhibition “Michelangelo: The Genesis of the Sistine.” This exclusive exhibition will unveil new discoveries about the artist’s work, drawing art lovers from around the world.

Virginia in 2025 promises an unforgettable U.S. trip with exciting new openings, historic commemorations, and unique experiences, offering endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Atlantic Park
Scheduled for a Spring 2025 opening, Atlantic Park in Virginia Beach will be the brainchild of music producer Pharrell Williams. The park will provide visitors with the opportunity to surf year-round in the birthplace of East Coast surfing, with the accompanying entertainment venue, The Dome, offering yet another reason to visit.