New hotels, cultural landmarks, dining destinations, and large-scale attractions are bringing fresh energy to Virginia in 2026. From luxury stays and waterfront developments to anniversary celebrations and immersive family experiences, the year ahead offers travelers new reasons to explore the Commonwealth across every season.
Major Openings and Statewide Highlights
One of the year’s most anticipated launches is the arrival of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Spotsylvania. Scheduled to open in Fall 2026, the expansive destination resort will feature more than 175,000 square feet of indoor waterpark attractions, 900 suites, and a large convention center, creating a major family travel and meetings destination along the I-95 corridor.
Virginia will also mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with statewide programming led by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. Signature events include celebrations at Colonial Williamsburg, the traveling VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, and Sail250®, which will bring international tall ships and military vessels to Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region in June 2026.
At Massanutten Resort, expansion plans include a new five-story hotel connected directly to the resort’s Indoor WaterPark. The development will also introduce new slides, family attractions, and an expanded children’s play area.
In Charlottesville, the upcoming Virginia Guesthouse will open in Spring 2026 within the University of Virginia’s Ivy Corridor. The hotel and conference center will offer more than 200 guest rooms along with extensive event and meeting facilities.
Sports and entertainment are also receiving major additions. The Richmond Flying Squirrels will move into the new CarMax Park in April 2026, while golf fans can look forward to the Korn Ferry Tour Championship arriving in Glen Allen in October.
Virginia Beach will welcome a new boutique stay with The Sitio opening in Atlantic Park. The coastal property will feature lagoon-view accommodations, an elevated pool deck, and curated surf experiences.
New Hotels and Luxury Escapes
Luxury and boutique hospitality continue to expand across Virginia in 2026.
At Boar’s Head Resort, the historic Birdwood Mansion is undergoing a renovation ahead of its reopening in April 2026. The restored estate will include private accommodations, cottages, and a seasonal tasting menu program led by internationally experienced chefs.
In Halifax County, Wilde Manor will introduce a luxury wildlife retreat centered on immersive nature experiences and elegant suites.
Travelers seeking elevated outdoor stays can look forward to Camp Yellow Cardinal, where geodesic dome accommodations with hot tubs, fire pits, and king-size beds will create a luxury glamping experience near Richmond.
Danville’s hospitality landscape will expand with the opening of The Laurel Hotel in the historic Schoolfield Village district.
Northern Virginia recently welcomed its first JW Marriott property at Reston Station. The hotel includes luxury accommodations, meeting spaces, chef-led dining concepts, wellness-focused rooms, and curated public art installations.
In Roanoke, The Promissory Hotel has transformed a former historic bank building into a boutique hotel complete with loft-style suites, a music venue, and a Spanish restaurant.
Another anticipated opening is Three Hill Historic Estate and Spa, a boutique wellness retreat set across 44 acres in Warm Springs Valley.
Virginia’s Dining and Beverage Scene
Virginia’s culinary landscape continues to grow with new wineries, breweries, and destination restaurants opening across the state.
R Kohls Winery is expected to open in May 2026 with a focus on varietals including Albariño and Chardonnay.
Hopewell recently welcomed its first brewery with the opening of Good Ship Brewing & Eatery, featuring a beer garden, fire pits, and live music spaces.
Orange County will debut the Elijah Craig History and Cocktail Trail, connecting historic landmarks, distilleries, and restaurants through curated bourbon-inspired experiences.
On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chef Shannon Andes will open Bread & Butter, bringing globally inspired cuisine to the region through a refined and ingredient-focused menu.
Farm-to-table dining remains central to Virginia’s food culture with the arrival of Waverly Springs, a new restaurant and boutique inn located inside a restored 1600s stone farmhouse.
Sparkling wine is also gaining attention through Petit Domaine and Estate, Virginia’s first winery dedicated entirely to sparkling wines.
In Augusta County, Stone Ledge Cider will debut a new tasting room and cider production facility while reopening its restored on-site bed and breakfast.
Travelers exploring Virginia’s beverage culture can also experience the new Bottoms Up Beverage Trail connecting breweries, wineries, cideries, and meaderies across Front Royal, Berryville, Warren County, and Clarke County.
Arts, Attractions, and Cultural Experiences
Several major public attractions are set to debut or reopen in 2026.
Richmond’s Brown’s Island will reopen following a large-scale renovation introducing new riverfront terraces, shaded seating, and expanded accessibility features.
Lynchburg’s Riverfront Park will welcome a new amphitheater designed to host national touring acts and annual live performances.
The multi-year “Garden of Tomorrow” expansion at Norfolk Botanical Garden will conclude in Spring 2026, adding a conservatory, elevated skywalk, and installations featuring Chihuly glass art.
Sports tourism continues to grow with the opening of the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, a 200,000-square-foot indoor complex designed for tournaments, events, and spectator experiences.
Williamsburg will also debut the Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail, a 2.5-mile experience exploring more than three centuries of Black history through public art, digital storytelling, and interpretive installations.
Families visiting Fairfax can look forward to the opening of Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, an interactive attraction featuring hands-on activities and immersive chocolate-themed experiences.
Milestone Anniversaries Across Virginia
Virginia’s cultural institutions and historic landmarks will celebrate significant anniversaries throughout 2026.
Richmond’s Main Street Station marks its 125th anniversary, continuing its legacy as one of the country’s most recognized Beaux-Arts train stations.
Agecroft Hall celebrates 100 years in Virginia with special events including a Roaring Twenties-themed anniversary gathering.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will commemorate its centennial with dedicated programming, educational initiatives, and accommodation packages.
Maymont also turns 100 in 2026, alongside the reopening of the renovated Dooley Mansion and expanded wildlife habitats.
Additional milestones include the centennial of the John Jasper Memorial Room & Museum at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church and the 100th anniversary of the Hampton Cup Regatta, North America’s oldest continuously operating hydroplane boat race.
For more information, visit Virginia Tourism Corporation.
