Welcome to costal Virginia, where history, beaches, and fun abound. From the golden shores of Virginia Beach, to hiking at First Landing State Park, to touring the Fort Monroe National Monument or the Chrysler Museum of Art, to watching the sunset over the Chesapeake bay on a private dolphin cruise, the Hampton Roads area offers unique things to do for all ages and budgets.
Whether you're looking for a day trip, weekend getaway, or staycation, we've compiled the top 5 things to do in the 757 Hampton Roads area.
1. Visit Virginia Beach
If you're looking for things to do in Virginia Beach, you'll certainly find tons of options! Whether you take a stroll along the three-mile boardwalk at the Oceanfront, splash in the waves at a local beach, or check out the city's vibrant nightlife, Virginia Beach offers activities and attractions for all ages. After living here for over eleven years, we've collected a list of the best things to do in Virginia Beach:
Walk, run, bike, and shop at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Take a coastal boat tour on the Rudee Rocket
Check out the free nightly entertainment along Atlantic Ave. Memorial Day - Labor Day, you'll find street performers like magicians, carnivals, flame throwers, and more
Bodyboard in the waves, or surf at 1st street
Enjoy a local bite to eat at Doughboys, Pelons, or Waterman's Surfside Grill
Take in the lights & sights of the city on the ferris wheel at the Fun Park--don't forget to get frozen yogurt from Sweet Frog or custard from Khor Bros!
Walk under the 14th street pier
Explore the Virginia Beach Aquarium on a rainy day
Looking to vacation more like a local and beat some tourist crowds? Check out beaches such as Croatan, North End, Sandbridge, and Chix Beach.
2. Hike, Kayak, or Camp at First Landing State Park
Looking to go on an outdoor adventure through a diverse, marshy ecosystem? Look no further than First Landing State Park!
Located north of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, First Landing State Park features two entrances: a kayak launch and inlet beach at 64th street, and hiking trails along Shore Drive. Entry is $10/vehicle for an all day pass.
At the 64th street entrance, you can hike some kid-friendly hiking trails, lounge on the beach, and splash in the inlet water. Put in your kayak at the boat launch for a sunset paddle, pull up on shore and hang your hammock, and relax as the setting sun sinks over the vast water.
The Shore Drive entrance features a multiple hiking and biking trails. While Cape Henry (6.1 miles) is perfect for biking, notable walking/hiking trails include High Dune to Fox Run, and Osprey Trail. These dirt and sand trails follow the bank of Broad Bay, and provide opportunities to see wildlife. The Spanish moss drapes the trees in a way that makes you feel like you've escaped into a tropical paradise.
3. Tour Fort Monroe National Monument & Casemate Museum
Are you a history buff looking for a half-day trip? Check out the Fort Monroe National Monument and Casemate Museum.
This free, self-guided tour takes you through the first defensive fortification built in 1609, along with the incredible history that ensued after its creation. The museum borders the Chesapeake bay, and the local area offers restaurants such as the scenic Deadrise Seafood, Firehouse Coffee 1881, and more.
4. Experience the Chrysler Art Museum in Norfolk
Looking for a rainy day activity in Hampton Roads? Tour the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk. This free museum features outdoor and indoor art exhibits and rotates its collection frequently to provide new and thought-provoking pieces.
Norfolk is a great place to spend a rainy day. From coffee shops like Cure and Coalescence to rooftop beer gardens like Grain, to classic downtown nightlife on Granby street or Waterside, Norfolk is a great place for downtown adventures.
5. Go on a Sunset Dolphin Adventure with Noah Jenda Cruises
Imagine yourself on a pontoon boat, bobbing in the waves while dolphins jump and the sun sets over the Chesapeake Bay/Bridge Tunnel. You sip a glass of your preferred drink and think, "man, does it get any better than this?" Welcome to Noah Jenda Cruises.
Noah Jenda Cruises is a privately owned, local sunset cruise tour provided by Captain Bob. As a a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain, Captain Bob has lived enough lives--and stories to follow--to fill your evening with unbelievable tales and excitement. While the sunset cruise is an unforgettable experience, the Captain is just as fantastic and unforgettable!
Though you might think we're a little biased because a Noah Jenda sunset cruise played a big part in our proposal, we've gone on several tours with him, and have only grown to love them more each time!
To get an idea of what an evening might look like, check out the video from our proposal!
The 757 Hampton Roads area offers some of the best and most unique things to do in Virginia. Whether you're looking for a romantic couples retreat, a family getaway, or a staycation, you'll find plenty to do for all ages.
From beachin' it at in Virginia Beach, to exploring First Landing State Park, to touring Fort Monroe and the Chrysler Museum, to enjoying. a private sunset cruise, we've just scratched the surface on all of the incredible things to do in the Hampton Roads area.
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