Virginia's New Restaurants, Hotels, & Attractions You Need to Visit in 2025

Be the first to experience some of Virginia’s brand-new offerings in 2025, from upscale boutique hotels to restaurants helmed by noteworthy chefs.

Note: Openings, events, and other information in this article may be changed; please check with the individual location or business for more details.

BIG NEWS FOR 2025

USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships–Roanoke

Virginia’s Blue Ridge is set to host the 2025 and 2026 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships, with seven days of racing events and over 1,500 athletes in July 2025 and 2026. The races will go through the trails of Explore Park, Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke, and Carvin’s Cove.

Norfolk’s Carnival Cruises–Norfolk

Starting in February 2025, Carnival Cruise Line will offer year-round cruises from Norfolk to ports in the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas on the Carnival Sunshine, bringing a renewed sense of excitement for travelers to and from Mermaid City.

The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs–New Kent

The 2025 Virginia Derby, held on March 15, 2025, will become a Kentucky Derby Qualifier Race at Colonial Downs in New Kent. The winning horse will be guaranteed a starting position for the 151^st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. 

VIRginia International Raceway Inaugural Veterans Race of Remembrance–Alton

New for 2025, VIRginia International Raceway hosts the inaugural Veterans Race of Remembrance with Operation Motorsport, an international organization supporting injured and disabled veterans, over Veterans Day weekend (November 6-9, 2025). This event will be the first of its kind in North America motorsport and will feature a variety of activities to honor military veterans. 

The Artery District–Virginia Beach

The newly designated Artery District provides a primary access corridor for Virginia Beach visitors in the area surrounding Laskin Road. Home to more than a dozen restaurants and retail shops and anchored by the towering King Neptune statue on the Boardwalk, the district will host a series of specialty public events including a new spring strawberry festival, summer farmer’s market, and street parties in 2025.

For more statewide news and major openings in Virginia for 2025, click here

NEW HOTELS, RESORTS, & INNS IN VIRGINIA FOR 2025

Caesars Virginia–Danville

Expected to open in late 2024, Caesars Virginia is a $650 million destination resort and casino with a 320-room hotel and a world-class casino gaming floor. The resort will also feature a full-service spa, pool, fitness center, and 12 restaurants and bars. 

The Boardwalk–Lake Anna

Opened in late October 2024, The Boardwalk Hotel includes 34 rooms and a variety of amenities, from in-room kitchenettes to seamless virtual check-ins and guest services.

Birdwood Mansion at Boar’s Head Resort–Charlottesville

The Birdwood Mansion, located on the grounds of the Boar’s Head Resort, is being renovated and expects to open its doors by fall 2025. The historic property features four accommodations in the mansion, three adjacent cottages, and a culinary program that brings in some of the most experienced creative chefs from around the world to create seasonal, international tasting menus for the Birdwood Mansion’s dining room. 

Hotel Petersburg–Petersburg

The Hotel Petersburg is projected to open November 2024 and will be the first hotel of its kind for historic Old Towne Petersburg, located at the confluence of the Appomattox and James Rivers about 30 minutes south of Richmond. The upscale boutique hotel will be home to a full-service bar and restaurant, Shirley’s, a nod to the original hotel on the property, The Shirley Hotel.  A rooftop lounge, 20 West, will offer sweeping city views and the downstairs Boiler Room will be a spirits bar with speakeasy vibes.

Rochambeau Roadside Inn–Williamsburg

The Rochambeau Roadside Inn is a renovated new boutique hotel in Williamsburg that features 22 rooms. The property maintains all the nostalgic charm and character of the original 1954 classic roadside motel, but designer details and modern amenities perfectly blend the past and present. 

The Renaissance–Portsmouth

Undergoing a total renovation over the past couple of years, the Renaissance Hotel reopens with a new lounge and restaurant. 

The Lodge at Moss Neck–Fredericksburg

The Lodge at Moss Neck is an exclusive rustic-chic retreat set within 1,200 acres of Virginia’s picturesque countryside. It is fully inclusive of true elevated farm-to-table dining from the property’s on-site farm, and as only one group may enjoy the 15-room Lodge at a time, guests are ensured the ultimate in privacy, discretion and exclusivity. Several activities such as farm tours, pickleball, and archery are just some of the various amenities that The Lodge at Moss Neck has to offer.

Hotel Burg–Leesburg

Hotel Burg, the first hotel in downtown Leesburg’s historic district to open in 60 years, is coming in summer 2025, and will feature a private speakeasy, a 70-seat restaurant, and a rooftop area with stunning views of downtown.

JW Marriott at Reston Station–Reston 

Expected to open in mid-2025, the JW Marriott at Reston Station is a 28-story glass and concrete high-rise adjacent to the Wiehle-Reston East station on Metro's Silver Line. 

The Inn at Vaucluse Spring–Stephens City

After a $4.5 million renovation, the Inn at Vaucluse Spring reopens in 2025 under new ownership. Nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, this reimagined luxury boutique inn offers a unique blend of European elegance and local charm.The highlight of this transformation is the culinary program led by Chef Proprietor Jan Van Haute, renowned for his innovative farm-to-table cuisine.

Mountain Mayhem Coaster at Massanutten Resort–McGaheysville

In 2025, Massanutten Resort welcomes the Mountain Mayhem Coaster, a thrilling downhill coaster experience at the Family Adventure Park. The coaster will cover 2,156 feet of terrain with two 360-degree spirals along the track. 

Additionally, major enhancements are underway at the Indoor WaterPark, including a 28,000 square-foot expansion which will include the addition of a three-lane mat racing slide, a family raft with unique sound and design features, a new kiddie area, and more. The WaterPark will be attached to a new 144-room hotel which features a 6,500 square-foot atrium for seamless guest access. 

Three Hills Estate–Warm Springs

Three Hills Estate is a 64-room boutique inn in the former residence of Mary Johnston, the first woman to top the New York Times Bestseller list, and a regional treasure built in 1913. Planned opening  for summer 2025, with a spa to come in the fall of 2025.

Hotel Fauna–Bedford

Hotel Fauna offers more than just a place to stay—it's a re-imagined piece of history. The old Bedford Middle School was transformed into a 30-room hotel with plans to open late summer 2025. 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino–Bristol

Opened in late 2024, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol resort features a 300-room hotel, five restaurants, four bars and lounges, new entertainment options, wedding and convention facilities, top-notch retailers, and a concert venue that will further solidify Bristol as the true “Birthplace of Country Music.”

Shenandoah Mansions–Richmond

Expected to open in February 2025, Shenandoah Mansions is a redbrick 73-key hotel inhabiting a six-story historic apartment building dating back to the 20th century. Shenandoah Mansions exudes old-world charm through cinematic interiors with Richmond influence and references to local myths and legends. The property sits just off Monument Avenue, offering sweeping views of treetops and steeples as one of the tallest buildings in the neighborhood. 

Virginia Guesthouse–Charlottesville

The Virginia Guesthouse, coming in fall 2025, will replace the previous Cavalier Inn on Emmett Street (though in a new location) and feature 214 guest rooms, including nine suites, a rooftop space, and nearly 29,000 square feet of conference and meeting space.

For more options on Where to Stay in Virginia for 2025, click here

NEW RESTAURANTS & BREWERIES IN 2025

Renewal Brewing–Martinsville

Martinsville is opening their first craft brewery in June 2025. Housed in a historic building from 1893, the brewery will have a cozy and relaxing atmosphere with a speakeasy vibe.

Sojourn Fermentory–Suffolk

Sojourn Fermentory, a new brewery and cidery with an outdoor beer garden, is now open in Suffolk and features European-style lagers, ciders, American ales, and 72-hour fermented Roman-style pizzas and small plates.

2D Cafe & Eatery–Virginia Beach

The recently-opened 2D Cafe & Eatery isn’t your typical coffee shop; in addition to great food and coffee, the cafe is designed to look two-dimensional, with white and black furniture and walls. The unique concept and stark contrast make the colors of the food pop even more, making for an Instagrammable moment.

Local Lion Brewery–Hillsboro

Set to open in April 2025, Local Lion is the latest brewery on Loudoun’s booming LoCo Ale Trail and is named for two African lions, once part of a privately owned game park on a neighboring farm. buried on the property.

Electric Bull Steakhouse–Vienna 

Electric Bull Steakhouse is a boutique South American steakhouse by famed Chef Victor Albisu opening in the summer of 2025.

Show Pony–Roanoke

A late-night comfort food hot spot, Show Pony is set to open in Roanoke’s Historic Grandin Village in early 2025.

 Harrisonburg Coffee Trail–Harrisonburg

The Harrisonburg Coffee Trail is a new trail that features 11 independent coffee shops in the Harrisonburg area. Visit their website to download your “passport”, then visit at least six coffee shops and redeem for a free mug. 

Victoria’s Pizza–Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach’s newest pizzeria, Victoria’s Pizza, is shaking up the pizza scene by putting a focus on homegrown, organic ingredients.

For more options on Where to Eat & Drink in Virginia for 2025, click here

WHAT TO DO IN VIRGINIA IN 2025

Visit the Newly Reopened Virginia Beach Red Wing Park–Virginia Beach

After a temporary closure, Red Wing Park reopens in early 2025. The park is favored for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival in March, featuring more than 150 Yoshino cherry trees and a festive schedule of festive Japanese music and art activities. Returning visitors will enjoy a variety of athletic facilities, a dog park, and a bee pollinator garden.

Ride a New Coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg–Williamsburg

Busch Gardens launches its newest roller coaster in 2025, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge. Riders will experience over 2,500 feet of track traveling up to 40 miles per hour while bolting through the streets of an abandoned Bavarian village on Busch Gardens' all-new, family-friendly inverted roller coaster.

Catch a Show at Allianz Amphitheater–Richmond

The Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront will be ready to host a variety of live performances starting in Summer 2025.

Get Virtual at LeMans Karting Zero Latency Virtual Reality Arena–Portsmouth

LeMans Karting opened Virginia’s first and only Zero Latency Virtual Reality Arena.  Experience total immersion as you tackle new worlds and trippy adventures with pinpoint accuracy. Each player has their own headset and handheld and can join up in a max group of eight. 

Surf Waves Year-Round at Atlantic Park & The Dome–Virginia Beach

On track for a Spring 2025 opening, the highly-anticipated Atlantic Park is coming to the birthplace of East Coast surfing, allowing visitors to surf year-round. 

Set to open in tandem with Atlantic Park, the new entertainment venue The Dome will overlook the surf lagoon. With its flexible design and option to open up to the outdoors, The Dome promises to be a popular venue for a variety of year-round shows, from music to comedy.

See the Bay from Above with Coastal Seaplanes

Take a scenic flight above the Chesapeake Bay when you book a tour with Coastal Seaplanes, a unique aviation experience based out of Yorktown, Virginia. In addition to scenic tours, you can book fly-in kayak and fishing adventures, a round-trip journey to the luxurious Tides Inn for a waterfront dining experience, and romantic champagne sunset flights for two. 

Shop at Cooper Mill–Alexandria

In winter 2025, one of Alexandria’s last remaining historic waterfront warehouses will be transformed into Cooper Mill, a new upscale market and relaxed tavern space in Robinson Landing.

Explore Level99–Tysons Corner

Level99 opens at Tysons Corner Center in 2025 as a first-of-its-kind destination for adults. Featuring real-world, interactive, social gaming with over 50 physical and mental challenges set in immersive, artistic environments, the space will include installations from local artists, opportunities for groups and player-vs-player, and a food and beverage area.

Get Active at Movement Fairfax–Fairfax

Movement Fairfax is opening late 2025 as a climbing and fitness hub that features 37,000+ square-feet of climbing, yoga, and fitness areas, plus 27,000+ square-feet of climbing terrain.

Catch the New Exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Army–Fort Belvoir

The National Museum of the United States Army unveils a new exhibit in June 2025 that is curated specifically for the U.S. Army’s 250^th Birthday and America’s 250^th Anniversary commemoration. The exhibit, called CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War, features more than 280 artifacts in a 5,000 square-foot space.

Head to the Newly Renovated Nauticus–Norfolk

 The $21.5 million Reimagine Nauticus project features new interactive exhibits, a planetarium, a maritime simulator, and a public plaza with stunning views of the Elizabeth River. These new exhibits focus on interactive play, teaching visitors about our history as a port city, how we impact our environment, exhibits that dive into the design of sailboats, and more.

Take a Food Tour with Virginialicious–Annandale

Take an exclusive food tour with Virginialicious, a local woman-owned company that guides visitors through Annandale's Korean food scene, exploring the food, the culture, and the community that helps establish Annandale as some of the best Korean food in the United States.

Tour the Moonshine Capital Heritage Museum–Rocky Mount

Opening in 2025, the museum and store will highlight the history of Rocky Mount and surrounding Franklin County as the Moonshine Capital of the World.

For more options on What to Do in Virginia for 2025, click here

This is just a small sample of the new restaurants, shops, breweries, hotels, and other big attractions coming to Virginia in 2025! Stay tuned as we share more exciting news for the Commonwealth this year.