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.
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.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is a stunning lighthouse that dates back to 1792. This archaic structure boasts amazing architecture that makes it a worthwhile tourist attraction. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular views it affords. There is also an onsite museum store.
The False Cape State Park is named after the on-site False Cape and is located between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. At this state park, you can indulge in kayaking, hiking, biking and other outdoor and recreational activities. There is no vehicular access to the park, so campers and adventurers access the area by biking, hiking or by means of a boat. Those who walk the extra mile (literally) are rewarded with scenic landscapes comprising of beaches, dunes, maritime forests and miles of untouched nature. Camping is a popular activity for those who wish to spend more time here. However,only 12 sites are available hence reservations are recommended.
Upper Wolfsnare is a colonial 18th-century house that was home to the Walke family, one of the most influential families in the city. The house is an excellent example of Georgian architecture and bears much of the original antiques and furniture within its walls. The house is currently occupied by tenants and is open to visitors only in the months of July and August, hence, call before visiting.
This historic home was built in 1854 for James Hunter, his wife Lizzie, and their three children. All of the children remained unmarried, and the youngest, Eloise, converted the house to the museum as part of her Hunter Foundation. The museum opened in 1988 and gives visitors a glimpse into lives of a wealthy family at the end of the 19th Century. Friendly docents conduct tours every half hour, explaining the history of the house as well as the lives of the Hunter family.
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.