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.
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.
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.
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 Hermitage Foundation Museum holds the Sloan art collection that includes pieces collected from across the world. The Chinese tomb figures and pieces from Czar Alexander's collection are particularly striking pieces. The museum also conducts art classes and holds workshops. Surrounded by 12 acres of well planned gardens, the Hermitage Foundation Gardens are a particularly picturesque. The gift shop sells creations of local artisans and designers.
Part of the Nauticus Maritime Center, the USS Wisconsin came to Norfolk in 2000. The ship is over 60 years old, first launched in 1943, and is one of the largest battleships ever built by the US Navy. Children and history buffs especially love it, and docents are placed in various spots on board to answer any questions about the ship's colorful history.
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.