Things to do in Southern Virginia

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Things to do in Southern Virginia

Virginia regional guide

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REGIONAL GUIDE

Things to do in Southern Virginia

Follow country roads through tobacco-country towns, riverside trails, lake country, historic parks, and motorsports destinations.

Region
Southern Virginia, also called Southside Virginia

Experience
Outdoor recreation, history, small towns, motorsports

Landscape
Rivers, lakes, rolling countryside

Good starting points
Danville, Martinsville, Clarksville, South Boston

Southern Virginia rewards a road trip built around variety: walk a riverside trail in Danville, explore the lakeside setting of Clarksville, or plan a visit around the region’s racing venues. The state tourism region includes eight counties and communities such as Danville, Martinsville, South Boston, South Hill, Clarksville, and Emporia. Its visitor appeal draws on tobacco-era main streets, historic sites, state parks, waterways, and motorsports.

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Why go

Southern Virginia is a good fit for travelers who want outdoor time and local history without choosing just one kind of trip. Lake and river recreation sits alongside historic downtowns, trails, museums, and racing events. You can make one town your base, or connect several stops on a drive along U.S. Route 58 and the region’s smaller roads. The official state tourism guide presents Southern Virginia as a region of scenic drives, waterways, historic communities, and motorsports.

Highlights

Clarksville, Virginia

Explore a historic lakeside town and use it as a jumping-off point for boating, fishing, swimming, and other activities around Buggs Island Lake. The town’s tobacco-market past and the lake’s creation in the 1950s help explain how the local landscape and economy changed.

Occoneechee State Park

Spend time outdoors near Clarksville, with park trails and access to Buggs Island Lake. Check the Virginia State Parks site for current conditions, activities, and visitor information before setting out.

Staunton River State Park

Explore a park along the Dan and Staunton rivers, with woodland, meadow, shoreline, and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Check current park conditions and facility notices before visiting.

Danville, Virginia

Pair downtown exploring with a walk or bike ride on the Danville Riverwalk Trail. The city describes the route as connecting parks, historic sites, businesses, and downtown destinations along the Dan River; check the city’s site for current trail information.

Martinsville, Virginia

Make time for motorsports, outdoor recreation, arts, and cultural events. Martinsville is especially associated with its speedway, while the surrounding area offers trails and natural-history attractions. Check venue calendars before planning around a race or event.

Virginia’s motorsports destinations

Race fans can build a trip around the region’s speedways and racing venues, including Martinsville Speedway, South Boston Speedway, and Virginia International Raceway. Event calendars, admission details, and access can vary, so confirm directly with the venue before traveling.

History and character

Tobacco shaped Southern Virginia’s economy and the growth of many of its towns. Today, historic main streets, museums, and repurposed industrial buildings offer ways to explore that legacy, while rivers and rail trails connect local stories with the landscape. Clarksville’s town history, for example, describes its tobacco market and the later transformation brought by the creation of Buggs Island Lake.

The region’s character is not defined by history alone. Rural roads link small towns with lakes, parks, and venues that draw visitors for outdoor activities and motorsports. Virginia’s tourism guide highlights both the region’s heritage and its network of scenic drives, waterways, state parks, and racing destinations.

Planning a trip

Southern Virginia is easiest to explore by car, especially if you want to combine towns, state parks, and recreation areas. Choose a base around the places that interest you most: Danville for a downtown-and-riverwalk visit, Martinsville for racing and cultural stops, or Clarksville for a lakeside stay. Use official city, park, and venue websites to check current access, schedules, events, and any closures before you go.

For outdoor plans, confirm conditions and facilities directly with Virginia State Parks. Conditions can change, and park services or water access may be affected by maintenance or weather. If you are visiting for a race, check the venue’s own calendar and travel guidance, since event dates and visitor arrangements vary.

Explore nearby

Danville, Virginia
Downtown, local history, and the Danville Riverwalk Trail.

Martinsville, Virginia
Motorsports, outdoor recreation, arts, and cultural events.

Clarksville, Virginia
A historic town beside Buggs Island Lake.

South Boston, Virginia
A Southern Virginia town and a useful stop when exploring Halifax County.

Virginia State Parks
Explore state-managed parks and check official visitor information before traveling.

Virginia Scenic Drives
Plan a route through Southern Virginia’s towns and countryside.

Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon

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References

External links

• Southern Virginia — Virginia Is for Lovers
• Occoneechee State Park — Virginia State Parks
• Staunton River State Park — Virginia State Parks
• Tourism and visitor information — Town of Clarksville
• Danville Riverwalk Trail — City of Danville