Your Guide to Visiting Virginia in May

One of the most delightful months to travel in Virginia due to abundant spring blooms and outdoor activities like hiking and biking, May is a great time to head to historic sites with magnificent gardens. 

Virginia is well known for its history, with dozens of notable historic destinations spread throughout the Commonwealth. A top choice for travelers is Colonial Williamsburg. The recreated 18th-century city is reconstructed on over 300 acres, making it the largest living history museum in the United States. Many of the original buildings from the era remain, and visitors wandering the grounds will feel like they have stepped back into a colonial village. 

Along with the historic structures, Colonial Williamsburg’s Gardens are an impressive aspect of the site. Don’t miss strolling the grounds of the Governor’s Palace, complete with a formal garden and nature park. The arboretum at Williamsburg, featuring over 100 species of trees and woody plants, is another prime spot for a relaxing walk within the grounds. Baby lambs roam fenced pastures in the spring, adding yet another charming touch to the bucolic scenery. With a total of 30 carefully manicured gardens, Colonial Williamsburg is a fantastic destination for visitors looking to take in a little history with a lot of natural beauty. 

Other historic sites with gorgeous gardens include three homes of American Presidents: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and James Madison’s Montpelier. 

Mount Vernon, located about 18 miles south of Washington, D.C., has a total of four separate gardens, as well as breathtaking views of the Potomac River. While some areas of the property are restricted to pets, guests are welcome to bring leashed pets along as they walk the grounds of America’s first President. 

If you’re visiting Charlottesville, both Monticello and Montpelier are a reasonable drive from the downtown area.

Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s architectural marvel, is surrounded by immaculate gardens designed by this Virginian Founding Father. Combining ornamental flower beds, gardens and orchards utilized as a source of food for the residents, and an experimental laboratory for creating new botanic blooms, Jefferson’s gardens are considered an agricultural masterpiece.

Roughly 45 minutes from Monticello, Montpelier’s expansive grounds are more pastoral than either Mount Vernon or Monticello, but you’ll find plenty of flowers in bloom spread throughout the property. 

Looking for more destinations that showcase the best spring flowers? Consider visiting one of Virginia’s botanical gardens, such as Norfolk Botanical Garden, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Northern Virginia, or Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. 

We've also got more recommendations of historic trips for outdoor lovers. 

Where to Stay

Colonial Williamsburg has a variety of on-site accommodations, from family-friendly cabins to upscale resort rooms. Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites is suited for those traveling with children, while the Williamsburg Inn offers luxurious, five-star accommodations. Maintain the 18th-century atmosphere of Colonial Williamsburg when you stay in their uniquely-decorated Colonial Houses. 

Another choice for an overnight stay in Williamsburg is the Great Wolf Lodge, a family-friendly resort with a cavernous indoor water park, themed suites, laser tag, a Build-A-Bear Workshop, and an outdoor ropes course. 

Near George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Morrison House is only a block away from King Street, where you’ll find countless options for excellent dining and shopping. The rooms are elegant yet approachable, enveloping guests in comfortable luxury. 

Charlottesville has a wide array of accommodations that range from the most basic hotels to upscale resorts suited for even the most discerning traveler. The Draftsman Hotel is conveniently located on Main Street and is within walking distance of several of Charlottesville’s finest restaurants as well as the University of Virginia campus. 

A second luxury lodging option on Main Street is the Doyle Hotel, where a rooftop bar welcomes visitors to grab a drink and enjoy prime views of the city. 

Where to Eat

There are many on-site restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg, such as King’s Arms Tavern, Chowning’s Tavern, and other historic eateries. You can also sample more modern fare at restaurants like Traditions, Rockefeller's, and Sweet Tea & Barley. 

You can also find fine dining right around the corner from Colonial Williamsburg at places like Fat Canary, Amber Ox Public House, and Cochon On 2nd. 

If visiting Mount Vernon, dine on Modern American cuisine at The Study, the Morrison House's on-site restaurant. Chef Tomas Chavarria serves up regionally sourced plates which pair well with the classic cocktails made by the experienced bartenders. There is no shortage of award-winning restaurants in downtown Alexandria, however. No matter what type of cuisine you’re craving, this historic Northern Virginia city will hit the spot. 

Check out Michie Tavern, just half a mile from Monticello, to get a taste of the 18th century. Built in 1784, this historic restaurant features servers in period attire and southern foods traditionally eaten by colonists in Virginia.

If staying in Charlottesville, you'll find a plethora of dining options near the Draftsman and the Doyle. Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar has classic Mediterranean recipes from Italy, Spain, Greece, and the South of France on the menu, or try out Asian fustion tapas at Bang! on 2nd Street. 

After touring Montpelier, head to The Market at Grelen, a farm-to-table cafe, European-style boutique, garden nursery, and pick-your-own farm—all located within a sprawling 1,000-acre landscape surrounded by the rolling hills of Virginia’s Piedmont region. Miles of walking trails run throughout the property, and guests are welcome to explore at their leisure, setting down a picnic at their favorite spot.

What to Do

The first thing to do when visiting Virginia’s Presidential estates is of course to explore the historic homes and exhibits. As with many early American historic sites, these properties continuously grapple with the horrifying truth of slavery and how these massive estates were fueled by forced labor. In addition to touring the spaces where these early American Presidents lived, worked, and dreamed of our country’s future, be sure to check out the exhibits that share the lesser stories of the enslaved peoples that once did the same. 

George Washington's Mount Vernon was not only home to the first American President and his family, but also over 600 enslaved men, women, and children. After the Revolutionary War, Washington began rethinking his stance on slavery in private, but avoided the topic in public, as he felt it would break the shaky foundation upon which the country was recently built.

It wasn’t until his death that Washington freed the enslaved people he owned at Mount Vernon, although this was less than half the enslaved population on the estate, as Martha owned the rest and did not free them after her husband’s death. While touring Mount Vernon, you’ll learn about the meals, housing, and family life of the enslaved people who worked the grounds. 

Monticello's "The Life of Sally Hemings" exhibit is just one of the showcases that sheds light on the enslaved people forced to live and work on Thomas Jefferson's estate. Like many enslaved women, Sally Hemings bore children fathered by her owner, but unlike most, she was able to negotiate with Jefferson to arrange for the emancipation of her children. This unique story sheds light on the unequal balance of power between enslaved women and their owners, as well as the fundamental paradox of the Founding Fathers, who fought for the freedom of a nation, yet would not grant the same for the people they owned. 

At Montpelier, “The Mere Distinction of Colour” exhibit opened in 2017 after years of archaeological and historical research. The moving displays tell a more complete American story, highlighting the economic, ideological, and political factors that cemented slavery into the newly founded country. While the general history of slavery is covered, there are also personal stories of specific enslaved people who once lived on the Montpelier estate. 

These iconic American history destinations have become synonymous with Virginia, but the lesser-known stories of the enslaved communities are just as important in understanding the founding of our country, better completing the narrative of how these early Americans forever changed the world. Get even more recommendations for historic sites where the stories of enslaved communities are told. 

More Virginia Vacation Ideas for May

Mark your calendar for these special events. 

Snag your tickets for the Virginia Gold Cup, happening Saturday, May 3 at Great Meadows in the Plains. The oldest and largest steeplechase event celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. Spectators come out to socialize, entertain, and participate in the competitive hat contest, where celebrity judges will choose their favorites—this is also a fun spectator sport, as the over-the-top hats tend to be extremely entertaining.

Head to Norfolk on May 3-4 for the Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival or on May 16-18 for the Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Music & Food Festival, where the flavors of New Orleans come north for a weekend. 

Richmond hosts the annual Dominion Energy Riverrock festival on May 16-18. The nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival is held on and around Brown’s Island along the James River. Sign up for events like the Mountain Bike Time Trial, Trail Takedown, or enter water-loving pups in the Ultimate Air Dogs competition. You’ll also have the chance to try out outdoor gear such as kayaks, SUPs, slacklines, and even bouldering courses. 

Now that you’ve got a few ideas for a May vacation to Virginia, it’s time to start planning! Experience all there is to LOVE about Virginia when you explore a few of the historic sites and gardens across the Commonwealth.