Virginia is known for its beautiful scenery and historic towns, but it’s also home to some of the most unique amusement parks in the country. A little ways outside of Richmond, you’ll find two different parks that will leave your senses thoroughly entertained. Busch Gardens is a world-class amusement park with over 100 rides and attractions all under one roof. It’s also been voted as one of the top 10 theme parks in North America by TripAdvisor reviewers. That’s a pretty big honor! If you have kids, definitely stop by during their peak tourist season (May-September) when prices are lower and the lines tend to be shorter than other times of year. If you don’t have kids and are just looking for something fun to do on a spring or fall weekend, I recommend keeping an eye out for special events like their Halloween Haunt or Christmas throughout the year.
Visit the Rose Center at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is home to the Rose Center, a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The Rose Center can seat up to 2,500 people for concerts, trade shows, and special events. You can also book the Center for your next corporate event or wedding. They have a full service catering department, and a varied selection of menu options for any budget. They have a large outdoor seating area, shaded by trees, where you and your guests can enjoy the view and have a casual conversation. They have a full service kitchen where you can prepare food to be served to your guests.
Enjoy the Nature Coast Trail
Before you visit Busch Gardens, make sure you spend some time on the nearby Nature Coast Trail. This easy, scenic trail winds its way along the Virginia coast, with access points near the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. You can choose to walk, jog, or bike the trail, which is paved and has interpretive signs along the way. The trail follows Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, where it passes through forests and by creeks, and ends at Virginia Beach. Along the way, you can visit several cultural, historical, and natural points of interest. You can also camp at a few of the access points along the trail, or stay near the city of Virginia Beach within a few miles of the trail.
See the wildlife at Sea World of Virginia
If you love animals, you’ll love Sea World of Virginia. This park is home to white tigers, dolphins, wolves, and other animals you might expect at a marine park. The park offers a full range of experiences, including rides that let you swim with dolphins, meet the Shamu show, and even take a ride in a huge aquarium. There are also several shows that let you interact with the actors and see trained sea animals up close. You can also choose from a variety of high-quality, family-friendly restaurants, or relax by the pool. Although Sea World is close to Busch Gardens, it could be a quick drive- or bus-ride away from another Virginia city. Busch Gardens in Richmond, VA is one of the most popular destinations in the state. With over 100 rides and attractions under one roof, it’s easy to see why this park is packed all year long. What makes this place stand out is that it’s also home to some of the most unique animal exhibits found in all of the theme parks across the country. You can see all kinds of exotic animals like Bengal tigers, black bears, and sharks that roam the park grounds. There are also tons of birds like flamingos and herons. Basically, if you have ever wanted to step foot on an island where wild animals roam free, then this is the place for you! Busch Gardens is a one-of-a-kind adventure in the heart of Virginia.
