VDOT operates 43 rest areas and welcome centers serving more than 36 million visitors each year

Virginia travelers looking for a safe place to take a break can find rest areas along several of the state’s busiest highways, offering everything from restrooms and vending machines to pet areas, picnic tables and travel information.

The Virginia Department of Transportation operates 43 safety rest areas across the state, including five truck-only locations and 11 rest areas with welcome centers. The facilities are located along Interstates 64, 66, 77, 81, 85 and 95, as well as Route 13.

More than 36 million people visit Virginia’s rest areas each year. The facilities are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

For drivers on long trips, rest areas provide a place to use the restroom, have a snack, walk a dog, stretch their legs, dispose of trash or simply step out of the vehicle for some fresh air before returning to the highway.

“Safety rest areas are more than just a place to pull over to use the restroom or eat a snack,” said Allen Campbell, state program director for Virginia Safety Rest Areas. “For people making long drives and becoming drowsy, rest areas provide a location to pull over and take a break to encourage safer travel to their destination.”

Amenities vary by location but may include accessible restrooms, family restrooms, baby-changing stations, drinking water, vending machines, trash receptacles, travel brochures, picnic tables and grills.

Many locations also include designated areas where travelers can exercise leashed dogs.

Rest areas are particularly useful for motorists driving recreational vehicles or towing trailers, which may be difficult to maneuver through crowded gas stations, restaurants and commercial parking lots. The larger parking areas give those travelers a more convenient place to stop, walk pets and take a break.

Some Virginia rest areas also provide opportunities to learn about the state’s history and culture.

Historical markers at certain locations identify significant people, places and events. Welcome centers operated by the Virginia Tourism Corporation also feature exhibits and information about regional attractions and history.

Travelers can pick up a Virginia 250 Passport at participating welcome centers. The passport highlights historic locations across the commonwealth, with some sites offering discounts during the observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

VDOT is also asking visitors to provide feedback about their stops. “Rate Your Experience” signs at rest areas direct travelers to online surveys that the agency uses to monitor conditions and identify ways to improve the facilities.

Travelers can locate rest areas and review the amenities available at each location through VDOT’s website or the Virginia 511 travel information system at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.