A Destination Full of Stories
Virginia Student Tours
Educational Travel, Performance Tours & Historic Adventures
Virginia is where America’s story began. From the nation’s capital and Colonial Williamsburg to the beaches of the Atlantic coast and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia offers student groups an extraordinary blend of history, government, military heritage, performing arts, and outdoor adventure.
Explore. Learn. Experience.
Whether you’re planning a history-focused educational tour, concert band performance, choir festival, orchestra trip, dance competition, senior class trip, or church youth retreat, Virginia provides unforgettable experiences that inspire learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Why Choose Virginia for Student Travel?
Virginia is one of the nation’s premier educational travel destinations, offering students the opportunity to experience American history where it happened.Â
Highlights include:Â
- America’s colonial historyÂ
- The nation’s capitalÂ
- Presidential landmarksÂ
- Military museums and naval historyÂ
- Beautiful Atlantic beachesÂ
- Theme parks and water parksÂ
- Professional sportsÂ
- Outstanding student performance opportunitiesÂ
- Scenic mountain landscapesÂ
Virginia combines education, entertainment, and hands-on learning into one unforgettable student travel experience.Â
Top Student Destinations in Virginia
Washington, DC & Northern Virginia – America’s Classroom
While Washington, DC is its own destination, many student groups stay in Northern Virginia, making this region one of the most popular educational travel destinations in the United States.
- U.S. CapitolÂ
- White House (photo stop)Â
- National MallÂ
- Smithsonian MuseumsÂ
- Arlington National CemeteryÂ
- Mount VernonÂ
- National ArchivesÂ
- Lincoln MemorialÂ
- Jefferson MemorialÂ
- Vietnam Veterans MemorialÂ
- National Museum of African American History and CultureÂ
- Washington Commanders (NFL)Â
- Washington Nationals (MLB)Â
- Washington Capitals (NHL)Â
- Washington Wizards (NBA)Â
- D.C. United (MLS)Â
- National Symphony Orchestra
- The Kennedy Center
- Washington National Opera
Student groups regularly participate in:
- National concert festivalsÂ
- Choir festivalsÂ
- Orchestra adjudicationsÂ
- Patriotic ceremoniesÂ
- Memorial performancesÂ
- Educational clinicsÂ
- Performance exchangesÂ
Williamsburg – Step Into Colonial America
Williamsburg offers one of the nation’s finest living history experiences. Students can walk the streets of Colonial America while exploring the events that helped shape the United States.
- Colonial WilliamsburgÂ
- Jamestown SettlementÂ
- Historic JamestowneÂ
- American Revolution Museum at YorktownÂ
- Busch Gardens WilliamsburgÂ
- Yorktown BattlefieldÂ
Williamsburg does not have major professional sports teams, but nearby Hampton Roads offers several minor league and collegiate sporting events.
- Williamsburg Symphony OrchestraÂ
- Kimball TheatreÂ
- William & Mary Performing ArtsÂ
Williamsburg is a favorite destination for school music groups with opportunities including:Â
- Heritage FestivalsÂ
- Music in the ParksÂ
- Choir festivalsÂ
- Concert band adjudicationsÂ
- Orchestra performancesÂ
- Educational workshopsÂ
- Busch Gardens WilliamsburgÂ
- Water Country USAÂ
Virginia Beach & Norfolk – Coastal Learning and Naval History
Virginia Beach and neighboring Norfolk provide students with beautiful beaches, marine science, military history, and one of the world’s largest naval bases.Â
- Virginia Beach BoardwalkÂ
- First Landing State ParkÂ
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science CenterÂ
- NauticusÂ
- Battleship WisconsinÂ
- Naval Station Norfolk (when available through approved tours)Â
- Military Aviation MuseumÂ
The Hampton Roads region does not currently have major league professional teams but offers outstanding collegiate athletics and minor league sports.
- Virginia Symphony OrchestraÂ
- Virginia OperaÂ
- Sandler Center for the Performing ArtsÂ
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Student groups frequently enjoy:Â
- Beach concertsÂ
- Music festivalsÂ
- Community performancesÂ
- Educational music clinicsÂ
- Choir and orchestra festivalsÂ
- Ocean Breeze WaterparkÂ
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg (approximately one hour away)Â
Roanoke & Virginia’s Blue Ridge – Outdoor Adventure Meets Appalachian Culture
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke offers students breathtaking scenery, outdoor education, transportation history, and Appalachian culture.
- Mill Mountain StarÂ
- Virginia Museum of TransportationÂ
- Blue Ridge ParkwayÂ
- Explore ParkÂ
- Taubman Museum of ArtÂ
- Natural Bridge State ParkÂ
- Salem Red Sox (MiLB)Â
- Roanoke Symphony OrchestraÂ
- Mill Mountain TheatreÂ
- Jefferson CenterÂ
Student groups can participate in:
- Regional music festivals
- Concert exchanges
- Educational clinics
- Community arts performances
- Appalachian cultural events
Roanoke is primarily known for outdoor recreation rather than theme parks, making it an excellent complement to Williamsburg or Washington, DC itineraries.Â
Sample 3-Day Virginia Student Tour
Day 1 – Washington, DC
MorningÂ
- Arrive in the Washington, DC areaÂ
- Guided tour of the U.S. Capitol groundsÂ
- National Mall walking tourÂ
Afternoon
- Smithsonian museum visitsÂ
- Lunch on the National MallÂ
Evening
- Memorial illumination tourÂ
- Student performance or patriotic concert (when available)Â
Day 2 – Williamsburg
MorningÂ
- Colonial Williamsburg guided experienceÂ
- Living history demonstrationsÂ
Afternoon
- Jamestown SettlementÂ
- American Revolution Museum at YorktownÂ
Evening
- Busch Gardens WilliamsburgÂ
- Festival awards ceremony or group dinnerÂ
Day 3 – Virginia Beach & Norfolk
MorningÂ
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science CenterÂ
- Virginia Beach BoardwalkÂ
Afternoon
- NauticusÂ
- Battleship WisconsinÂ
Evening
- Student performance, beach celebration, or depart for homeÂ
Perfect for Every Student Group
Virginia tours are ideal for:Â
- Concert BandsÂ
- Marching BandsÂ
- ChoirsÂ
- OrchestrasÂ
- Dance TeamsÂ
- Theater ProgramsÂ
- History ClassesÂ
- Government & Civics ClassesÂ
- STEM ProgramsÂ
- Church Youth GroupsÂ
- Senior Class TripsÂ
- Educational Travel ProgramsÂ
Every itinerary can be customized to include student performances, educational workshops, historical tours, sporting events, and Virginia’s most iconic attractions.Â
Start Planning Your Virginia Student Tour
From the monuments of Washington, DC and the living history of Williamsburg to the beaches of Virginia Beach and the mountain scenery of Roanoke, Virginia offers an educational journey unlike any other.Â
Our travel specialists will work with you to create a customized itinerary that blends history, performance opportunities, recreation, and hands-on learning into an unforgettable student travel experience. Whether your group is performing at a music festival, exploring America’s beginnings, or discovering the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia is a destination that inspires every student.