Halfway Between Williamsburg And Richmond Is Virginia's Best Rest Stop With Photo Ops And Clean Bathrooms

From historic sites to state parks, Virginia has a lot to offer travelers. However, there's one unusual accolade the state has earned — it's home to one of the best public rest stops in America. Road trippers who need a bathroom break or a snack on their way from Richmond to Williamsburg will be happy to learn that the New Kent East Rest Area at mile marker 213 on I-64 is one of the best in the country. Drivers say it's particularly clean and convenient for a fun photo op.

In 2025, American River Wellness Recovery surveyed over 3,000 truckers and car drivers to find the best rest stops in each state, as well as nationwide. The New Kent East Rest Area was voted best in Virginia and 10th best in the country. The rest stop, which opened in 2003, offers scenic grounds, vending machines with snacks, clean restrooms, a picnic area, a pet area, and a play area. In the writeup for the survey (via Fox61 News), American River Wellness Recovery called it "a little piece of polished rest area perfection" that's "perfect for history buffs headed toward Colonial Williamsburg."

While no one makes a destination out of a rest area, New Kent East Rest Area's placement on a well-traveled highway about 30 minutes from Williamsburg — a charming coastal gem with history and theme parks — means that it sees a lot of visitors who need a bathroom break or a pause to stretch. (It's also about 30 minutes from Richmond, a vibrant city known for its diverse culture and award-winning breweries.) 

One thing that makes this rest area stand out is a giant sculpture of the word "Love," perfect for a cute or cheesy photo op. (Kids like to pose with two arms up to make a V.) The sign is part of Virginia's LOVEworks public art series, celebrating the slogan "Virginia is for lovers." One Google reviewer writes, "My family and I are always sure to stop at this rest area when traveling through the area. My kids love the playground and my wife loves the giant 'LOVE' sign. What a great family photo op!"

In fact, the New Kent East Rest Area has inspired over 3,000 people to leave Google reviews, with a 4.5 average rating. Many mention the sparkling clean bathrooms as a reason to choose this rest stop, rather than others, as a place for a break. One Google reviewer remarks, "[The] bathrooms were super clean [and] there was an employee in the bathroom cleaning it with such care!" Wondering which rest stop was voted the best in the country? It's the Kula Forest Reserve Picnic Area on the Haleakala Highway in Maui, Hawaii. (Here's when to visit Maui to avoid peak crowds.)