10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Virginia Beach You’ll Actually Want to Take
If you’re based in
Virginia Beach, you probably love the ocean, the boardwalk, and all the classic beach-town fun. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, drive an hour or two, and discover something new.
The good news? There are tons of amazing
day trips near Virginia Beach in the surrounding areas of
Currituck County (NC),
Northampton County (VA),
Chesapeake,
Hampton, and
Norfolk.
Below are 10 short road trips that are perfect for a Saturday, a lazy Sunday, or even a midweek escape.
1. Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, NC
Hop over the state line into
Currituck County, North Carolina and head for the charming village of
Corolla, about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Virginia Beach, depending on traffic.
The star of the show here is the
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a 162-foot brick lighthouse you can actually climb.
- Climb the spiral staircase to the top for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound.
- Walk around the historic light station grounds with their red-brick buildings and shady trees.
- Explore the nearby shops and grab some ice cream or a casual beach-town lunch.
If you’re the type who loves lighthouses, ocean breezes, and a little bit of history, this is an easy
North Carolina day trip from Virginia Beach you’ll want on your list.
2. See Wild Horses and Wide Beaches in the Currituck Outer Banks
While you’re already in Currituck County, take your day a little further north along the sand roads of the
4x4 beach area near Corolla.
This stretch of beach is famous for its
wild Spanish mustangs that roam the dunes.
- Book a guided wild horse tour in an open-air vehicle (most recommend 2 hours).
- Drive right on the beach (if you have a 4-wheel drive and the required permits).
- Enjoy wide, uncrowded sands and calmer vibes than many busier beaches.
Keep your camera ready, but remember: the wild horses are protected. No touching, and give them plenty of space. Watching them wander across the dunes at sunset is one of those experiences that sticks with you.
3. Discover the Eastern Shore at Cape Charles, Northampton County, VA
Looking for a laid-back small town with friendly locals and a slower pace? Cross the dramatic
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and head into
Northampton County, about an hour from Virginia Beach, to the waterfront town of
Cape Charles.
Here’s what you can enjoy:
- A calm bayfront beach with gentle, shallow water—great for families.
- Colorful historic homes and tree-lined streets that are fun to stroll.
- Local shops, bakeries, and ice cream spots along Mason Avenue.
Cape Charles has a nostalgic, almost old-timey feel. It’s the kind of place where you park once, walk everywhere, and slow down without even trying.
4. Explore Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore
Just a little farther up the road from Cape Charles in
Northampton County is
Kiptopeke State Park, one of the most underrated
Virginia state parks near Virginia Beach.
At Kiptopeke, you can:
- Walk the long fishing pier and look out at the old concrete “ghost ships” offshore.
- Enjoy sandy bay beaches with calmer waves than the ocean side.
- Hike short trails through coastal forest and along the bluffs.
If you like birdwatching, this is a great spot—especially during migration seasons. Bring some snacks, a cooler, and spend a full afternoon. It’s close enough for a quick road trip, but peaceful enough to feel like a real getaway.
5. Paddle and Picnic at Northwest River Park in Chesapeake, VA
Drive inland to
Chesapeake for a relaxed nature day at
Northwest River Park, about 45–60 minutes from most parts of Virginia Beach.
This park offers a nice mix of water and woods:
- Rent canoes, kayaks, or pedal boats on the quiet lake.
- Hike shady trails that wind through forest and wetlands.
- Enjoy big picnic areas, grills, and playgrounds for kids.
If you’ve been craving a break from surf and sand, this is a refreshing change of scenery. It’s a great spot for couples, families, or a low-key hangout with friends.
6. Visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Don’t let the name scare you off. The
Great Dismal Swamp, stretching into the
Chesapeake area, is a fascinating and beautiful place, about an hour from Virginia Beach depending on your starting point.
At the refuge, you can:
- Walk or bike wide, flat trails through a historic swamp and forest.
- Visit Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.
- Look for black bears, deer, turtles, and lots of bird species.
I remember the first time I visited: I expected something creepy and gloomy, but it was actually peaceful and quiet, with sunlight filtering through the trees. It’s a unique, off-the-beaten-path
outdoor trip near Virginia Beach.
7. Stroll the Downtown Waterfront and Museums in Norfolk, VA
If you’re in the mood for a more urban adventure, head to
Norfolk, just across the water from Virginia Beach.
In downtown Norfolk, you can:
- Walk along the Waterside District and enjoy harbor views.
- Visit the Nauticus maritime museum and tour the massive battleship USS Wisconsin.
- Explore nearby neighborhoods with cafes, breweries, and local restaurants.
Norfolk offers a nice change of pace from beach-town life, but it’s still close enough to feel like an easy, low-stress
day trip from Virginia Beach.
8. Relax in the Norfolk Botanical Garden
Also in
Norfolk, just a bit away from downtown, is the lush
Norfolk Botanical Garden, a great option if you want something peaceful without driving too far.
Here’s why it’s worth the short trip:
- Dozens of themed gardens—from roses and azaleas to children’s areas.
- Plenty of walking paths and benches for slow, relaxing strolls.
- Seasonal events, lights, and special exhibits throughout the year.
On a warm spring or fall day, it feels like stepping into another world. It’s also an easy place to bring family members of all ages—there’s something for everyone.
9. Walk the Hampton Waterfront and Explore History
Cross the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and head to
Hampton, about 40–50 minutes from Virginia Beach, for a mix of waterfront views and local history.
Things to do in Hampton:
- Stroll around the downtown waterfront and marinas.
- Visit historic Fort Monroe nearby (and its beach) for a dose of American history.
- Grab seafood at a local spot and watch boats come and go.
Hampton has a laid-back, coastal feel without the crowds you might see in peak season at Virginia Beach. It’s an easy way to feel like you’ve gone “somewhere else” without spending hours on the road.
10. Get Curious at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in Hampton
Still in
Hampton, the
Virginia Air & Space Science Center is a great stop for science and history fans, kids, and anyone who’s ever looked up at the sky and wondered what’s out there.
At this museum, you can:
- See real aircraft and space-related exhibits up close.
- Learn about NASA’s local research and the history of flight.
- Catch an IMAX-style film experience if it fits into your schedule.
If you’re looking for a rainy-day road trip from Virginia Beach, this is a strong choice. It’s educational, but still fun and hands-on.
Tips for Planning Your Virginia Beach Road Trips
To make these
out-of-county road trips from Virginia Beach as smooth and fun as possible, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Watch bridge and tunnel traffic: Bay and Hampton Roads crossings can back up at rush hour.
- Pack a small cooler: Drinks and snacks go a long way, especially with kids.
- Bring layers: Coastal weather changes fast—wind off the water can feel cooler than you expect.
- Look up hours: Parks, tours, and museums may have seasonal hours or ticket requirements.
Where Will You Go First?
From
Currituck’s wild horses to the
Eastern Shore’s small towns, from
Chesapeake’s quiet parks to
Norfolk and Hampton’s waterfronts and museums, there’s a lot to explore without ever getting too far from home.
These short road trips are perfect if you:
- Want a break from the same old beach routine.
- Need ideas for weekend adventures near Virginia Beach.
- Love discovering local spots you can return to again and again.
Have you tried any of these trips yet? Or do you have a favorite hidden gem just outside Virginia Beach that others should know about?
Share your experiences in the comments—where you went, what you loved, and any tips you’d give a first-time visitor.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are always asking, “What else is there to do near Virginia Beach?” You might just inspire their next little adventure.
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