The Norfolk Botanical Gardens offer many different signature and theme gardens for guests to stroll around, such as the Virginia Native Plant Garden, the Bristow Butterfly Garden and the Enchanted Forest. In addition to the numerous beautiful gardens, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens also put on special events and exhibits. Among these are bike nights, sculpture exhibits and guided tours of the gardens.
Spread across an area of 2,888 acres (1168.73 hectares), First Landing State Park is a regularly visited destination that entices visitors with its tranquil atmosphere. The beautiful park gets its name due to its proximity to the site where the first colonists landed in Virginia in 1607. It features a recreational space, picnic areas, and facilities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Apart from these leisurely activities, the park is also a popular destination among hikers and bikers. There is a sprawling campground on-site where cabin rental facilities and modern amenities are available. The First Landing State Park plays host to various local events on a regular basis.
Created in 1974 by compressing layers and layers of solid waste, Mount Trashmore is an exemplary park. Spread over 165 acres (66.77 hectares), the park was initially an abandoned landfill but now comprises of basketball and volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and paths in addition to lakes and two man made mountains. Visitors also have access to a skate park, vending machines and outdoor fitness stations. They can also rent wheelchairs, footballs, frisbees and various other items for free from the park authorities. Open daily, you know where to go if you are looking for a fun day out.
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a freshwater refuge located in Virginia Beach, right on the Atlantic coast. The refuge provides a place for migratory birds to feed and rest during their long, seasonal journeys. Because of this, Back Bay is a bird-watcher's paradise. With over 9000 acres, there is more wildlife to be spotted than just birds, so grab your binoculars and head down for a day in the great outdoors.
Grommet Island Park is a fun park for both adults and kids. It is a great place for a family outing as it has play area along the beach, ice-cream parlours, boat ride, and many more activities to make your day fun and worth remembering.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is one of the very few bridge-tunnels in the world. This fixed link is also one of the longest bridges with a grand length of 23 miles (37 kilometres)! Crossing Chesapeake Bay, it connects the cities of Virginia Beach and Cape Charles. This iconic bridge was inaugurated in 1964 and continues to be one of the top attractions in the area. A drive over it affords a panoramic view of the bay and the vista of a glorious sunset during evening hours. There are stops in between for tourists to get down from their vehicles and enjoy capturing the scenery in photographs. The toll rate is quite high but well worth for the marvelous views and the thrill of the drive.
Kayak Nature Tours host a great range of water-based tours around Virginia. Intrepid adventurers can get up close to dolphins, or see ospreys and bald eagles in the peaceful surrounds of First Landing State Park. You can choose between single kayaks or two-person kayaks and whilst the trips are seasonal, there is a trip available for most times of the year. Kayaks are also available for individual hire if you fancy exploring the waterways of Virginia independently. Call for more details.
The American Rover Tall Ship Cruises offer visitors a unique way to tour the Hampton Roads harbor. Easily visible with its distinctive red sails, tours leave daily, rain or shine, from their dock by Town Point Park. Each tour is narrated and passengers can participate in the ship's operation. See their website for tour times and ticket prices.
The Norfolk Botanical Gardens offer many different signature and theme gardens for guests to stroll around, such as the Virginia Native Plant Garden, the Bristow Butterfly Garden and the Enchanted Forest. In addition to the numerous beautiful gardens, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens also put on special events and exhibits. Among these are bike nights, sculpture exhibits and guided tours of the gardens.
See Norfolk by water as well as by sea on one of the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises. This two hour narrated tour departs from Nauticus and cruises through Hampton Roads Harbor and on the Elizabeth River to give you a glimpse of the Naval Base from this aquatic view point. You will sail past submarines, aircraft carriers and other impressive military vehicles and installations. The interior of the boat is air conditioned and there is also a gift shop and snack bar. Check the website for schedules.
Spread across an area of 2,888 acres (1168.73 hectares), First Landing State Park is a regularly visited destination that entices visitors with its tranquil atmosphere. The beautiful park gets its name due to its proximity to the site where the first colonists landed in Virginia in 1607. It features a recreational space, picnic areas, and facilities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Apart from these leisurely activities, the park is also a popular destination among hikers and bikers. There is a sprawling campground on-site where cabin rental facilities and modern amenities are available. The First Landing State Park plays host to various local events on a regular basis.