17 Best Places to Stop on I-95 in Virginia
- 1 day ago
- 13 min read
You've probably driven I-95 through Virginia treating it like an obstacle — something to survive before reaching your destination. That's a mistake a lot of people make, and honestly, it's understandable. The highway has a reputation. But tucked just off nearly every exit along this interstate is something genuinely worth pulling over for.
Virginia's stretch of Interstate 95 runs 179 miles from the DC suburbs all the way down to the North Carolina border. It passes through colonial towns, Civil War battlegrounds, a world-class capital city, and some of the friendliest small communities on the East Coast. The best places to stop on I-95 in Virginia aren't hard to find — you just have to know where to look.
These 17 stops will make your drive feel less like a chore and more like the trip itself.
Key Takeaways
The best stops along I-95 in Virginia include Old Town Alexandria, Fredericksburg's Civil War sites, Kings Dominion, Richmond's free museums, Petersburg National Battlefield, and the charming mill town of Occoquan — all easy on, easy off the highway. Most are free or low-cost, and several work great for families, history lovers, and anyone who just needs a good meal and a stretch.
Stop | Exit | Best For | Cost |
Old Town Alexandria | 177 | History, dining | Free–$ |
Mount Vernon | Near 177 | History, families | $28 |
Occoquan | 160 | Shopping, art | Free |
Potomac Mills | 161 | Shopping | Free |
National Museum of the Marine Corps | 150 | Families, history | Free |
Prince William Forest Park | Near 150 | Nature, hiking | Free |
Fredericksburg | 126–133 | History, food | Free–$ |
Hanover Tavern/Ashland | 92 | History, dining | $ |
Kings Dominion | 98 | Families | $$ |
Richmond Canal Walk | 74–78 | Quick stretch | Free |
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | 79 | Art, culture | Free |
Maymont | Near Richmond | Families, nature | Free |
Poe Museum | Richmond | Literature, history | $ |
Petersburg Battlefield | 52 | History | Free–$ |
Blandford Church | Petersburg | History, art | $ |
Emporia | 11–13 | Food, fuel | $ |
Virginia Welcome Center | Near 1 | Rest, info | Free |
Why Most Drivers Miss the Best Parts of Virginia
Most people treat I-95 through Virginia like a countdown. Eyes on the GPS, foot on the gas, just trying to get through it. And honestly, that's the whole problem.
Virginia's highway corridor is packed with history, food, and unexpected gems sitting just one or two exits off the main road. But if you never slow down, you'd never know. The towns don't advertise loudly. The museums don't have billboards every half mile. You just have to know they're there.
That's exactly what this list is for.
What Makes a Good Road Trip Stop on I-95?
Not every exit is worth taking. A good stop has to earn your time — and that means it needs to be close to the highway, worth the detour, and easy to get back on the road from.
The stops on this list check those boxes. Some are free. Some cost a little. Some take 15 minutes and some could honestly take half a day. The best ones tend to surprise you — a tiny town with incredible food, a free museum that turns out to be world-class, a waterfront view you weren't expecting.
A good road trip stop leaves you glad you pulled over. Every stop here does exactly that.
How Long Does It Take to Drive I-95 Through Virginia?
Virginia's stretch of I-95 runs about 179 miles from the Maryland border down to North Carolina. Under perfect conditions, that's roughly 2.5 to 3 hours of driving.
Except conditions are rarely perfect. The Northern Virginia corridor near Springfield is one of the most congested stretches of highway in the entire country. Richmond can slow things down too, especially on weekends. Add in a few stops and a full day can go by fast.
The good news? Planned stops actually make the drive easier. You break up the monotony, avoid sitting in traffic, and arrive feeling like you did something — not just survived something.
The Best Places to Stop on I-95 in Virginia, From North to South
Before the list kicks in, here's one thing worth knowing: these stops are organized from north to south — starting near the DC border in Alexandria and ending at the North Carolina line. That way, you can pick up wherever you enter Virginia and follow along naturally.
Some stops are full afternoons. Others are 20-minute breathers that break up the drive perfectly. Either way, every single one is easy to reach right off the highway.
1. Old Town Alexandria
Step off the interstate and suddenly it's 1749. Old Town Alexandria has cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and more history per square foot than almost anywhere in the state.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
Gadsby's Tavern Museum is where George Washington celebrated his own birthday — twice. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a former WWII munitions plant now packed with working artists and free galleries. King Street runs a full walkable mile straight to the Potomac River, lined with restaurants and coffee shops.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 177, about 1 mile off I-95
Open daily; most attractions 10am–5pm
Cost: Free to walk around; museum admission $6–$12
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Essential stop for anyone who loves history, waterfront dining, or a genuinely beautiful American town.
2. George Washington's Mount Vernon
This isn't just a house tour. Mount Vernon sits on the banks of the Potomac River with sweeping views that haven't changed much since Washington himself stood there.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
The estate is remarkably well preserved, with gardens, a working farm, and a museum that goes deep on Washington's real life — including stories most textbooks skip. It's about 8 miles from I-95 but absolutely worth the detour.
What you need to know before you go:
Near Exit 177 via the George Washington Parkway
Open daily 9am–5pm (seasonal variations)
Cost: $28 adults, $15 children
Time needed: 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth every minute for history lovers and families — one of the most well-done historic sites in the country.
3. Occoquan
Most people on an i-95 road trip blow right past Exit 160 without a second thought. That's a shame, because Occoquan is one of Virginia's best-kept secrets.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
This 18th-century mill town along the Occoquan River has over 100 art galleries and boutiques tucked into historic buildings. Mom's Apple Pie is reason enough to stop — it feels like a country general store and smells even better. Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant has deck seating that's hard to leave on a nice day.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 160, about 2 miles off I-95
Most shops open Tue–Sun, 11am–5pm
Cost: Free to explore; dining $10–$30
Time needed: 45 minutes–1 hour
Worth it or skip it? Perfect quick stop for shoppers, art lovers, or anyone craving something homemade.
4. Potomac Mills Outlet Mall
Sometimes you just need a good walk and a meal that isn't fast food. Potomac Mills delivers both.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
One of the largest outlet malls in Virginia, Potomac Mills sits right off i95 with easy access and hundreds of stores. It's a genuinely useful stop — especially for families on long drives who need to burn some energy.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 161
Open daily 10am–9pm (Sun until 7pm)
Cost: Free to browse
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Great practical stop for families or deal-hunters; easy to skip if shopping isn't your thing.
5. National Museum of the Marine Corps
You can see the building before you even take the exit. That dramatic spike rising above the trees near Triangle isn't an accident — it's designed to grab your attention.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
This is one of Virginia's most visited attractions along the highway, drawing over 500,000 people a year — and admission is completely free. The exhibits are immersive and genuinely moving, covering every era of Marine Corps history with life-size recreations, aircraft, and personal stories.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 150 (Triangle), 1 mile off I-95
Open daily 9am–5pm
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? One of the best free stops along i-95 in Virginia — don't pass it up.
Wayback Tours pairs perfectly with stops like this one — combine museum visits with a guided history experience that connects the dots between Virginia's past and present.
6. Prince William Forest Park
Need to actually breathe for a few minutes? This is your spot.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
The largest piedmont forest in the National Park System sits just minutes from the highway — 16,000+ acres of trails, picnic spots, and quiet. It's the easiest nature escape along the i-95 corridor between DC and Richmond.
What you need to know before you go:
Near Exit 150, about 3 miles west
Open daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Time needed: 30 minutes–1 hour
Worth it or skip it? Perfect for families, hikers, or anyone who just needs to hear something other than highway noise.
7. Fredericksburg
Pull off at Fredericksburg and you're stepping into a city that saw some of the Civil War's most brutal fighting — and somehow came out beautiful.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
The Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park covers four major battlefields with free entry and self-guided tours. Downtown has the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, the Rising Sun Tavern (once owned by George Washington's brother), and Carl's Frozen Custard — a local institution since the 1950s that regulars plan their drives around.
What you need to know before you go:
Exits 126–133
Battlefield open daily; downtown shops vary
Cost: Free–$12
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? A must for Civil War history fans; even casual visitors will find the downtown charming and the food worth the stop.
8. Hanover Tavern and Ashland
Locals call Ashland "The Center of the Universe." Ambitious, sure — but spend an hour here and you'll see why they feel that way.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
Hanover Tavern is one of the only surviving colonial taverns in Virginia and you can actually eat there — make a reservation. This is also Patrick Henry territory: the nearby Hanover Courthouse is where he made arguments in 1763 that historians credit as sparking the American Revolution. The annual Hanover Tomato Festival in July draws visitors from across the region for what many consider the best-tasting tomatoes in the country.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 92 east on Patrick Henry Highway
Tavern open for lunch and dinner; check seasonal hours
Cost: Free to explore; dining $15–$30
Time needed: 45 minutes
Worth it or skip it? A great stop for history buffs and food lovers — the tomato festival alone is worth timing your trip around.
9. Kings Dominion
If you've got kids in the car, they already know about this one. They've probably been asking since the DC suburbs.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
Four hundred acres of rides, roller coasters, and a full water park included with admission. Intimidator 305 hits 90+ mph. The newer Rapterra is one of the tallest launched wing coasters in the world. Planet Snoopy handles the little ones. The State Fair of Virginia sets up here every fall and draws 250,000+ visitors over 10 days.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 98, 0.5 miles east
Open spring/fall weekends; daily in summer
Cost: $35–$75+ (check site for current pricing)
Time needed: 4–6 hours
Worth it or skip it? If you have kids, this might be the whole point of the trip — plan your day around it.
10. Richmond Canal Walk
Richmond doesn't have to be a traffic slog. This stop takes 30 minutes and costs nothing.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
The Canal Walk follows a historic stretch of the James River and Kanawha Canal right through downtown. You get city views, river sounds, and a genuine sense of Richmond's industrial and cultural history — all on foot, all free.
What you need to know before you go:
Exits 74–78
Open daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Time needed: 30 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Great quick stop for a leg stretch with actual scenery.
11. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Free, world-class, and genuinely impressive — the VMFA is one of the Southeast's best art museums and most drivers have no idea it's right there.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
Massive permanent collection spanning thousands of years and cultures. The building itself is stunning. There's a solid café inside. This is an easy stop along 95 that feels like a real cultural experience, not just a pit stop.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 79 (Richmond)
Open Wed–Mon, 10am–5pm (Fri until 9pm)
Cost: Free general admission
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it — especially on a rainy day or if you want a break that actually refreshes you.
12. Maymont
A 100-acre Victorian estate with formal gardens, a nature center, and free-roaming animals. In the middle of a city. For free.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
Maymont was gifted to the city of Richmond in 1925 and has been open to the public ever since. The Italian and Japanese gardens are stunning. Kids love the wildlife exhibits. It's one of those places that feels like a reward.
What you need to know before you go:
Near Richmond, off Boulevard
Open Tue–Sun, 10am–5pm
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
Worth it or skip it? One of Richmond's most underrated gems — great for families and nature lovers.
13. Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Richmond was Poe's childhood home, and this small museum does justice to one of America's most fascinating writers.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
The museum is intimate, well-curated, and genuinely interesting even if you're not a die-hard Poe fan. The oldest building in Richmond sits on the property. It's a memorable stop that most people don't expect to love — and do.
What you need to know before you go:
Richmond, near Exit 74
Open Tue–Sun, 10am–5pm
Cost: $8–$10
Time needed: 45 minutes–1 hour
Worth it or skip it? A great pick for curious travelers who want something a little different.
14. Petersburg National Battlefield
The Siege of Petersburg lasted 9.5 months and directly ended the Civil War. Most people drive right past it.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
The self-guided driving tour covers miles of preserved trenches, forts, and earthworks. The visitor center puts the siege in context quickly and clearly. This is powerful, quiet history — the kind that stays with you.
What you need to know before you go:
Exit 52
Open daily 9am–5pm
Cost: Free–$10
Time needed: 45 minutes–1 hour
Worth it or skip it? Essential for Civil War enthusiasts; worth 45 minutes for any curious traveler.
15. Blandford Church and Cemetery
Fifteen original Tiffany stained-glass windows inside a church built in 1735. This one surprises people every time.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
Each window was donated by a different Confederate state as a memorial. The artistry is extraordinary, and the history is layered and complex. The cemetery grounds themselves are quietly beautiful.
What you need to know before you go:
Petersburg, near Exit 52
Open Mon–Sat 10am–4pm; Sun noon–4pm
Cost: $7 adults
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Worth it or skip it? A genuine hidden gem — one of the most surprisingly beautiful stops along the i-95 in Virginia.
16. Emporia
Emporia sits exactly halfway between New York City and Walt Disney World. Everybody stops here eventually — you might as well stop on purpose.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
It's the place to stop when you need fuel, food, and a moment to breathe. Local favorites like Homeplate Grill sit alongside familiar chains. The Emporia Peanut Festival each fall is a genuinely fun regional event — Virginia is serious about its peanuts. Lake Gaston is 30 minutes away if you want fishing or boating.
What you need to know before you go:
Exits 11–13
Most restaurants open daily
Cost: $ (dining and fuel)
Time needed: 30 minutes
Worth it or skip it? The smartest fuel-and-food stop in southern Virginia — don't skip it.
17. Virginia Welcome Center
The first (or last) official stop in Virginia. Simple, clean, and more useful than it sounds.
Why this stop is worth pulling off the highway:
The giant LOVE sign here is one of the most photographed spots along i-95 in Virginia. Inside you'll find updated travel maps, knowledgeable staff, and clean restrooms. It's a genuine travel resource — especially useful if you're planning more stops heading north.
What you need to know before you go:
Near Exit 1, northbound (NC border)
Open daily
Cost: Free
Time needed: 10–15 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Always worth the 10-minute stop — grab a map, stretch, and take the photo.
Quick Tips for Driving I-95 Through Virginia
Avoid the DC/Springfield interchange during morning and evening rush hours — it's brutal
Use E-ZPass for the Express Lanes north of Fredericksburg
Many of the best stops are completely free
Stretch every 2 hours — this is a long drive
VDOT rest areas now offer Wi-Fi and EV charging at select locations
Conclusion
Virginia's 179-mile stretch of I-95 is one of the most interesting drives on the East Coast — if you're willing to slow down for it. Colonial history, Civil War battlegrounds, a thriving capital city, a world-class theme park, free museums, charming small towns, and some genuinely great food are all sitting right off the exit ramp waiting for you. The best places to stop on I-95 in Virginia aren't hard to find once you know where to look.
Whether you're heading north toward DC or south toward the Carolinas, Virginia keeps delivering — exit after exit. Don't just pass through. Pull over. Explore. The drive is better when the drive is the destination.
Ready to dig deeper into Virginia's incredible history? Let Wayback Tours be your guide — because the best road trips always come with a great story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an I-95 exit guide for Virginia?
The I-95 Exit Guide (i95exitguide.com) is a great free resource that lists services, rest areas, and attractions along every exit in Virginia from Alexandria to the NC border.
What is the speed limit on I-95 in Virginia?
Speed limits on I-95 in Virginia are generally 65–70 mph in rural areas and 55–65 mph near urban zones like Richmond and Northern Virginia — always watch for posted signs.
Is Virginia Beach accessible from I-95?
Virginia Beach is about 90 miles east of I-95 via I-64 — a worthwhile detour if you have extra time, especially from the Richmond exits.
How does I-95 in North Carolina compare to Virginia's stretch?
I-95 in North Carolina is longer but less densely packed with historic attractions — Virginia's corridor is harder to rival for the sheer variety of stops within a short distance of the highway.
Are there good antique shops near I-95 in Virginia?
Yes — Fredericksburg and Occoquan both have excellent antique shops and boutiques just minutes off the highway, making them top picks for treasure hunters on a road trip.
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