Road trip from DC to Richmond Va

Question

We are leaving DC June 24 at 9:30am. We have a day to pass by we don’t need to finish the skyline drive, up to where should we stop to accommodate other places we plan to visit that day?, Drive by University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson Monticello (stay for 2 hours) , drive by William & Mary university of. Then sleep Williamsburg. June 25 whole day at Williamsburg then drive to Richmond, sleep there to get our flight on June 26 at noon.

Please guide us on our trip, any suggestions.

Very much appreciated

Answer

Your road trip plan from Washington DC to Richmond, VA looks doable and can be structured to make the most of your day while seeing the key sights you mentioned. Here’s a detailed guide:

June 24 – DC to Williamsburg

Leaving DC at 9:30am gives you a comfortable start. Your first major stop can be Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic home near Charlottesville. It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive from DC, so expect to arrive around lunchtime.

Spend approximately 2 hours touring Monticello, which should give enough time to see the house, gardens, and visitor center.
After Monticello, if time allows, you can drive by the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville. A brief walk around the Rotunda and Lawn area is beautiful and historic. 30–45 minutes is usually sufficient for a quick stop.
From Charlottesville, continue southeast toward Williamsburg. This drive is roughly 2.5–3 hours, so expect to arrive in Williamsburg in the late afternoon or early evening. Check into your hotel and enjoy a casual evening exploring Colonial Williamsburg if time and energy allow.

June 25 – Williamsburg full day

Spend the day enjoying Colonial Williamsburg, which is rich with historic buildings, reenactments, and shops. Highlights include:

Historic area with costumed interpreters and museums.
Governor’s Palace and the Capitol building.
Consider adding a tour at the nearby Jamestown Settlement or Yorktown Battlefield for a broader colonial history experience.

Since you plan to sleep in Williamsburg, this is a good day to fully immerse in history without rushing.

June 26 – Williamsburg to Richmond

Depart Williamsburg in the morning for Richmond; it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive.
If your flight is around noon, consider leaving Williamsburg early enough to allow for car return, check-in, and security at Richmond International Airport.

Additional Tips:

Make sure to check timed-entry tickets for Monticello in advance to avoid delays.
Plan lunch either near Charlottesville or along the route to Williamsburg. There are several charming small towns with cafes along the way.
If you enjoy scenic driving, consider taking a slightly more leisurely route on US-250 through the foothills before reaching Charlottesville.
Parking in Williamsburg and Richmond is generally easy, but check hotel policies and allow time for historic districts with limited parking.

This itinerary balances driving with sightseeing and ensures you get quality time at each major stop without feeling rushed.