10 Easy Road Trips from Chesapeake, Virginia for Weekend Adventure

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Chesapeake, VA: Fun Things To Do Just Outside The City

Planning a day trip from Chesapeake, Virginia and want to get out of the county for a bit? You’re in a great spot. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got beaches, lighthouses, wild horses, small towns, and big-city waterfronts all lined up around you. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Chesapeake, focusing on nearby places in: Each one is perfect for a quick escape, a simple weekend adventure, or a “let’s just get in the car and go” kind of day.

1. Norfolk’s Waterside District & Downtown Waterfront (Norfolk, VA)

If you want big-city energy without a long drive, Norfolk’s Waterside District is an easy win. It’s only about a 20–30 minute drive from most parts of Chesapeake, depending on traffic. Walk along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront, watch the ships on the Elizabeth River, and grab a bite with a view. The whole area is super walkable, which makes it great for families, couples, or even a solo wander.
  • What to do: Eat at waterfront restaurants, enjoy outdoor patios, watch boats and Navy ships, explore street art.
  • Good for: Date nights, casual evenings out, photo ops.
  • Bonus: After sunset, the lights along the river are gorgeous.
Thinking about a mini “city night” without a hotel stay? This is it.

2. Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin (Norfolk, VA)

While you’re in downtown Norfolk, don’t skip Nauticus, the maritime museum, and the massive USS Wisconsin
  • Highlights:
    • Explore the exterior and parts of the interior of the battleship
    • Hands-on exhibits about ships, storms, and sea life
    • Great riverfront views from the museum area
  • Travel time from Chesapeake: About 25–40 minutes.
    • If you have kids who love anything related to the Navy or big machines, this stop can easily fill a half day.

    3. Oceanfront Boardwalk & Beach Day (Virginia Beach, VA)

    Looking for the classic coastal experience? Head straight for the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, about 30–45 minutes from Chesapeake, depending on where you start. There’s a wide sandy beach, a long paved boardwalk, and a steady mix of shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants. It’s touristy in the best way when you’re in the mood for energy and people-watching.
    • Things to do:
      • Swim, sunbathe, or just walk the shoreline
      • Bike or rollerblade along the boardwalk
      • Check out the famous King Neptune statue
      • Grab ice cream, seafood, or a drink with an ocean view
    • Best time to go: Early morning for a peaceful walk, or late afternoon into sunset for a livelier vibe.
    If you grew up taking “beach runs” on hot days, this will feel familiar in the best way.

    4. First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach, VA)

    If you like the beach but don’t love crowds, First Landing State Park is an excellent alternative to the busy Oceanfront. It’s on the Chesapeake Bay side of Virginia Beach, about 35–45 minutes from Chesapeake. Here, you’ll find shady trails, Spanish moss, and quiet coves instead of neon lights and loud bars.
    • What you’ll find:
      • Miles of hiking and biking trails
      • Calmer bay-side beach (usually with smaller waves)
      • Picnic spots under tall pine trees
    • Good for: Nature lovers, families with younger kids, anyone needing some quiet time.
    • Tip: Bring bug spray and plenty of water, especially in summer.
    This is the kind of place where a “quick walk” can easily turn into a full afternoon.

    5. Cape Henry Lighthouses & Scenic Views (Virginia Beach, VA)

    On the northern tip of Virginia Beach, near the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, you’ll find the Cape Henry Lighthouses. Yes, there are two of them—an old brick one and a newer black-and-white one. The older lighthouse dates back to the 1700s and offers a cool mix of history and coastal scenery.
    • Why go:
      • Climb the historic lighthouse (when open) for sweeping views
      • Learn a bit about early American history and navigation
      • Check out the dramatic meeting point of bay and ocean
    • Drive time from Chesapeake: Around 40–50 minutes.
    • Important: The lighthouses sit on Fort Story, an active military base. You’ll need a valid ID and must follow posted security rules.
    If you like combining short walks, history, and big views, this makes for a neat half-day trip.

    6. Downtown Suffolk & The Planters Peanuts History (Suffolk, VA)

    Head west from Chesapeake and in about 30–40 minutes you’ll reach downtown Suffolk, a small city with a historic core and a laid-back pace. Suffolk is famously linked to Planters Peanuts, and you’ll spot reminders of that heritage around town. It has that “old main street” charm many people miss in bigger cities.
    • What to do:
      • Stroll through downtown and check out local shops
      • Look for Mr. Peanut statues and murals
      • Grab coffee or lunch at a local cafĂ©
      • Visit the Suffolk Visitor Center (inside an old train station)
    • Good for: Slow days, casual exploring, and people who enjoy small-town vibes.
    If you like to “window-shop and wander,” downtown Suffolk will fit your style.

    7. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Suffolk & Camden County, NC)

    For a more wild adventure, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge stretches into both Virginia and North Carolina, touching Suffolk and Camden County. Many folks are surprised to find such a big protected area so close to home. Despite the spooky name, it’s a beautiful, peaceful place for hiking, biking, bird-watching, and photography.
    • Highlights:
      • Trails along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal
      • Chances to spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife
      • Boardwalks and quiet forest roads
    • Drive time: Usually 30–50 minutes from Chesapeake, depending on which entrance you use.
    • Tip: Go earlier in the day, bring water, and be prepared for bugs in the warmer months.
    This makes a great unplugged day if you’ve been staring at screens all week.

    8. Courthouse Area & Back Roads of Camden County, NC

    Just south of the state line, Camden County, North Carolina gives you quiet country roads, farm fields, and a slower pace of life—without a long drive. The Camden courthouse area feels like a small, close-knit community. It’s not flashy, and that’s the point.
    • What to do:
      • Take a scenic drive along back roads and canals
      • Stop for photos by fields, old buildings, and waterways
      • Enjoy the simple, rural landscape just across the border
    • Drive time from Chesapeake: Often around 30–45 minutes.
    If you’ve ever said, “I just want to get out of town and drive,” this is a perfect direction to head.

    9. Waterfront Fun & Wild Horses in Currituck, NC

    Currituck County, North Carolina, stretches from farmland all the way out to the Outer Banks. Parts of it are a bit farther from Chesapeake, but still very doable as a day trip—especially if you start early. The Currituck mainland offers quiet waterfront areas and small-town stops, while the more famous parts of Currituck include Corolla and its wild horses.
    • Options in Currituck:
      • Visit waterfront parks on the Currituck Sound
      • Head toward Corolla to join a guided wild horse tour (usually in 4x4 vehicles)
      • Enjoy long stretches of beach and coastal views
    • Drive time: Varies a lot—roughly 45 minutes to over 1.5 hours depending where in Currituck you’re going.
    If you’ve ever seen photos of horses walking along the sand on the Outer Banks, this is where those memories are made.

    10. Olde Towne Portsmouth & The Elizabeth River Ferry (Portsmouth, VA)

    Right across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk is Olde Towne Portsmouth, a compact historic district with cobblestone-style streets, old homes, and a walkable waterfront. It has a more low-key feel than Norfolk, but still gives you that urban waterfront experience.
    • What to do:
      • Walk along High Street and explore local shops
      • Enjoy the waterfront area and views back toward Norfolk
      • Ride the Elizabeth River Ferry between Portsmouth and Norfolk for fun (and photos)
    • Drive time from Chesapeake: Around 20–35 minutes, depending on tunnels and traffic.
    If you like history, architecture, and a slower pace, Olde Towne is an easy, rewarding side trip.

    Final Thoughts: So Many Easy Road Trips from Chesapeake

    Living in or visiting Chesapeake, VA puts you in the middle of beaches, bays, small towns, and big-city waterfronts—all within roughly an hour’s drive. Whether you:
    • Want sand between your toes in Virginia Beach
    • Feel like exploring historic streets in Norfolk or Portsmouth
    • Crave quiet trails in Suffolk or the Great Dismal Swamp
    • Or want a taste of rural North Carolina in Camden and Currituck
    …there’s always somewhere new to point your car. If you’re planning a trip, try picking one “city day,” one “nature day,” and one “small-town day” from this list. It’s an easy way to build a long weekend that doesn’t feel repetitive.

    Share Your Favorite Day Trips Near Chesapeake

    Have you taken any of these road trips from Chesapeake? Did I miss a spot you love in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Camden, or Currituck? Share your experiences in the comments—your tips can help other travelers plan their own adventures. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for fun things to do near Chesapeake, VA. The more ideas we trade, the better our road trips get.
    Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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