Atlantic Oceanfront
One of the biggest attractions in Coastal Virginia is the famous Virginia Beach Oceanfront! The oceanfront area offers public beach access, delicious restaurants (especially for seafood lovers), street performers, concerts and shopping on Atlantic Avenue. Come enjoy the famous three mile boardwalk, perfect for a walk or biking.
Chesapeake Bay
Whether its scenic hiking, fishing, birdwatching or water sports, the Chesapeake Bay has plenty to offer! There are numerous trails available for all levels of hikers and bikers. It’s easy to plan an adventure for yourself or for your family over the weekend within minutes of the many cities across Hampton Roads.
Virginia Beach Town Center
Shop, dine and experience the arts at one of Virginia’s finest plazas at Town Center in Virginia Beach. Discover new styles, savor unique flavors, and explore endless fun from arcades to live performances. Just a short drive from the beach, Town Center is a great stop on the weekend for everyone in the family.
Downtown Norfolk and Waterside
Downtown Norfolk and the Waterside District are home to beautiful harbors, fantastic dining, entertainment, and shopping. Enjoy the nightlife on Granby Street or catch a Norfolk Tides minor league baseball game at Harbor Park. Festivals and museums can be enjoyed year-round.
Outdoor Recreation and Camping
The Hamptom Roads area offers a variety of beautiful state parks, campgrounds, beach access points, and hiking trails to explore, including:
- False Cape State Park (South of Virginia Beach)
- Kiptopeke State Park (Eastern Shore)
- First Landing State Park
- North Landing Beach
- Cape Charles
- KOA campgrounds
Aquarium / Zoo / Living Museum
- The Virginia Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals of over 300+ species. In addition to boat trip outings for dolphin and whale-watching, the aquarium is partnered with a local Adventure Park for endless hours of fun.
- The Norfolk Zoo is home to more than 700 animals of over 150 species. The zoo also houses thrilling reptile exhibits, a petting farm and animals from all around the world.
- The Virginia Living Museum located in Newport News offers a sneak peak at animals that live in swamps, mountain caves and even in Chesapeake Bay. They offer a touch tank and an outdoor boardwalk to see birds, otters and so much more. Stop by the Planetarium for an out of this world viewing experience.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Get your fill of scenic mountain views, hiking, camping, vineyards, and more in the Blue Ridge Mountains & Shenandoah Valley.
- There’s so many hidden gems to experience throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. Visitors can enjoy much more than just beautiful hikes! There’s also music festivals, vineyards, breweries, orchards, farmers’ markets, and so much more to explore all year long.
- Shenandoah National Park is home to plentiful trails and beautiful views along the Blue Ridge Mountains line, and even connects to the iconic Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, this vast and majestic park features wetlands, waterfalls and beloved rocky peaks such as Hawksbill and Old Rag Mountain.
Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia is home to a vast amount of colonial history, fun parks, and plenty of dining & shopping options.
- Visit historical areas and sites such as the Governor’s Palace or Public Armory. Take a carriage or wagon ride or even a nighttime ghost tour and explore the beautiful gardens. With special events and seasonal activities, there is something for every history lover to enjoy.
- Williamsburg is also home to Busch Gardens, where thrill, food, culture, and nature meet to offer adventure to all ages! Explore the world as you walk around the park and get to visit places such as France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy, and Germany. Surrounded by forestry and nature, Busch Gardens is voted as one of the most beautiful theme parks year after year.