If you want to see the best attractions in Virginia , there's a whole lot of ground to cover. The state is deceptively large; driving from one side to the other could be a roughly 300-mile journey. No matter where you're exploring, though, you're almost certain to find an underrated tourist spot there. The following list of destinations may not be the most famous attractions in Virginia, but according to local Redditors, they're the most underrated. Ready to start exploring? We're right there with you!

1. The Great Dismal Swamp

The Great Dismal Swamp is one of the region's most vital wildlife habitats, measuring an impressive 113,000 acres. At one time, however, the area was part of a much larger swamp that covered over one million acres. This natural wonder is shared between southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina and its focal point is Lake Drummond, one of just two freshwater lakes in Virginia. The swamp is home to a vast number of creatures, ranging from bobcats, weasels, and bears, to reptiles, amphibians, and an estimated 213 bird species. There's a network of trails throughout the park , most of which are well-maintained, but visitors recommend watching your step and definitely bringing bug spray.

2. Machicomoco State Park

Located along the lovely York River, Machicomoco State Park is one of the newest Virginia State Parks . This peaceful, scenic state park features an open-air interpretive pavilion that sheds light on the landscape and culture of the Virginia Indians who moved through and lived in this region. The park offers a walking path, paved trail, and pier for fishing and boating. Reviewers appreciate the quiet beauty of the park along with the top-notch campsites.

3. Fort Monroe

Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Fort Monroe has witnessed some of the most significant moments in Virginia's history. Visit today and you can immerse yourself in its expansive stories while also enjoying panoramic water views, restaurants, beaches, and more. Visit throughout the year and you'll find something different to explore; in the summer, there's a beautiful concert series and the fall brings some hair-raising ghost walk tours .

4. Grandview Nature Preserve

Another gem of the Chesapeake Bay, Grandview Nature Preserve is made up of 500 acres that are only accessible by foot. A trail will take you through marsh and wetlands until you reach a 2.5-mile stretch of the beach. If you enjoy observing birds, you'll be in heaven here; nearly 400 different species have been seen on the preserve. Visitors should note that between April 1st and September 15th, the tip of the preserve is closed to protect migrating birds.

5. Hull's Drive-In

Nothing beats the magic of a drive-in movie theatre, and Hull's Drive-In in Lexington is one of the best. It's one of only a handful that still operate in Virginia and it's been open since 1950. Plus, it's a non-profit business and it's community-owned and operated. Hull's typically opens for the season in March, and you can stay up-to-date on all the scheduled showings when you visit the website. Don't forget to stop by the concession stand to stock up on all your favorite movie treats!

6. Udvar-Hazy Center

Two massive hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, many of which are historically significant. Whether you consider yourself a history buff or an aviation enthusiast, you'll find a lot to appreciate about the impeccably curated displays. Some of the world-class collections include Early Flight, America by Air, Destination Moon, Nation of Speed, and One World Connected. It's a Smithsonian Museum, so admission is free; however, there is a $15 parking fee. Plan your visit to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center today!

7. Hanging Rock Trail

"A view worth every step" is how one hiker recently described Hanging Rock Trail in Tyro, Virginia , a 7-mile trek considered challenging by most. If you don't shy away from difficult hikes, this one might just become your new favorite. It's part of the longer Three Ridges Trail and follows the Appalachian Trail leading to the overlook. You'll be gaining some serious elevation almost the entire way, but by all accounts, the view is worth the effort! When you're ready to tackle this trail, it's a good idea to start early and bring your hiking essentials with you.

Do you agree that these are some seriously underrated destinations in Virginia? If you see any that you'd like to explore, be sure to share this article with a fellow travel enthusiast! For related content, check out these 12 hidden gems in Virginia we've always known about but can't stop exploring.