Alexandria to Williamsburg

First timers in Virginia arriving from the UK.Have only one day to travel between Alexandria to Williamsburg but would like a scenic route.Is it possible to take in a part of the Skyline Drive and if so how many hours would this take? I realise that it is not the direct route but would like to do it anyway.Any suggestions appreciated.

Alexandria to Williamsburg

Alexandria and Williamsburg are both on the east coast of VA, the Skyline Dr. is in the western part of the state which is about 3 hours west of either city. You could do it in about 7 to 8 hours just driving time, not taking into consideration meals, restroom breaks, or sightseeing. Otherwise, the drive from Alexandria straight to Williamsburg is about 3 hours.

Alexandria to Williamsburg

For a different type of scenic, you could come down via US-301 and US-17. Unless you%26#39;re set on mountains and not water, you%26#39;ll like this route. It%26#39;s a slightly longer route than I-95, but much prettier and more relaxing.

As you say, Skyline Drive is certainly not the direct route to Williamsburg, but well worth the time and effort. Go to your favorite map source (ie. mapquest etc), Start out going from Alexandria to Front Royal, Va (north entrance to Shenandoah National Park %26amp; Skyline Drive), continue to the exit for Route 33 east (Stamdardsville, Ruckersville), then take Route 29 south to Charlottesville and follow I64 east to Williamsburg. You will be able to drive about 2/3 of SD and experience many beautiful overlooks. The total trip will take about 6-7 hours, enjoy every minute! SD speed limit is 35 mph.

Happy trails

You could take Route 1 instead of I-95 for a slower paced drive.

Skyline Drive is way out of our way.

OUCH! I would NOT recommend U.S. Route 1 (';Richmond Highway';) it%26#39;s very slow-moving and unpleasant, with never-ending strip malls and heavy development. The stretch of Route 1 from south Alexandria (starting at the Beltway) to Quantico has about 60 traffic lights. From Quantico through Fredericksburg has about another 20 traffic lights, plus some awkward curves. Although you can avoid the northernmost/ugliest 10 miles or so of Route 1, by following the very scenic pretty Mount Vernon parkway from Alexandria for 9-10 miles to the Mount Vernon traffic circle, then bearing right and taking SR 235 south a few miles to Route 1 south and proceeding south (left) on Route 1 or 95 from there.

If you drive Route 301 through southern Maryland, be warned that the 2-mile Potomac River bridge is very narrow and makes some people nervous. My wife refuses to ride on it (although we live very close to it). Upon reaching the Virginia shore, however, the remainder of the drive on U.S. Route 17 is quite pleasant, scenic and relaxing. If you don%26#39;t want to take all motorways (interstates) to Williamsburg, I would recommend as an alternative that you drive I-95 from Alexandria to Fredericksburg and then exit onto U.S. Route 17 from there, to Gloucester and Williamsburg - a pleasant scenic drive.

If you%26#39;re looking for the Skyline Drive experience you can drive from Alexandria to Skyline and then take Skyline Drive all the way down to where it meets I-64 in Afton, VA and then take I-64 East all the way to Williamsburg. But this would be an all day car trip. If you%26#39;re going from Alexandria to Williamsburg and just want scenic I%26#39;d take the route Zooey suggested. And when you%26#39;re on 301 and you go through La Plata, MD make sure you stop at Johnnyboy%26#39;s Ribs for a kickbutt BBQ sandwich.

http://www.johnnyboysribs.com/index.htm

Yes-avoid Route 1! You will find dumpy America-not scenic America.

Thank you all for your advice.I think we will travel along the Skyline Drive on our return journey from West Virginia back to Washington,DC.On the outbound journey Zoey%26#39;s reply is appealing, so will give it a try! Can%26#39;t wait to see visit other states in the US not visited before.

We live about 4 miles from Skyline Drive and my sister lives in Alexandria. It takes us about an hour to get to her condo. It takes us about 3 hours to get to Busch Gardens from our home in Front Royal so it is definitely do-able in a day trip. When you are in Front Royal, definitely stop in at Splunker%26#39;s. It has the best burgers and cheesesteaks, but most importantly, home made custard. Everyday they have a special flavor of the day and then Chocolate and Vanilla. Awesome treat:)

Reddleigh,

Thanks for the tip about frozen custard, I%26#39;m a bit of a junkie (ice cream etc) and will try it next time I%26#39;m in the area. Another good reason to go to Shenandoah!

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