10 Easy Road Trips From Suffolk, Virginia: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond The County Line
If you live in or around
Suffolk, Virginia, you know it has a cozy, small-town feel. But every now and then, it’s nice to hop in the car and explore someplace new—without driving all day.
That’s where short, out-of-county road trips come in.
All of the spots below are
outside Suffolk and Suffolk City, but still close enough for a simple day trip. We’ll wander through nearby parts of:
Most of these places are within about a 30–75 minute drive from Suffolk, so you can leave in the morning and be back home by evening—no hotel needed.
1. Enjoy Small-Town Charm in Smithfield, VA (Isle of Wight County)
If you’re craving a relaxed day with pretty streets and good food,
Smithfield is a perfect first stop. It’s only about a 30–40 minute drive from Suffolk and feels like stepping into a postcard.
- Stroll the historic downtown with its antique shops and boutiques.
- Walk along the Windsor Castle Park trails by the Pagan River.
- Sample famous Smithfield ham at a local restaurant or market.
I remember the first time I walked through downtown Smithfield on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Church bells rang in the distance, people sat out on porches, and the whole town had this “old Virginia” charm that’s hard to fake.
If you want an easy-going, low-stress day trip from Suffolk, this is it.
2. Go Back in Time at Fort Boykin & Fort Huger (Isle of Wight County)
Love history but don’t want to fight big-city crowds? Try the quieter Civil War-era sites in Isle of Wight.
Check out:
- Fort Boykin Historic Park – Overlooks the James River with walking paths, earthworks, and river views.
- Fort Huger – Another Confederate fort with interpretive signs, trails, and a peaceful vibe.
Both parks are great if you:
- Like short hikes or nature walks
- Enjoy Civil War history
- Have kids who need room to run around
Think of these spots as outdoor museums where you can learn a little, breathe some fresh air, and enjoy river scenery—all within an easy drive from Suffolk.
3. Paddle the Blackwater River in Southampton County, VA
If you’re in the mood for a true “country escape,” head out toward
Southampton County and the
Blackwater River. It’s a calm, blackwater river lined with trees and wildlife. On a sunny day, it’s one of the most relaxing things you can do near Suffolk.
You can:
- Rent a kayak or canoe from local outfitters (check in towns like Courtland or nearby stops).
- Bring your own gear and put in at public boat ramps.
- Fish for bass or catfish along the shore.
The Blackwater feels a world away from traffic and noise. It’s quiet, peaceful, and slow-moving. If your idea of heaven is gliding on the water with nothing but birds and frogs for company, this road trip is for you.
4. Taste Country Life in Franklin, VA (Southampton Area)
Just west of Suffolk, but in neighboring Southampton area, you’ll find
Franklin—a small city with a down-home, friendly atmosphere.
Here’s what you can do:
- Walk through the small but charming downtown Franklin shops and cafes.
- Relax at local parks along the river.
- Time your visit with a festival or event—Franklin often hosts fairs, music, and seasonal celebrations.
Franklin is one of those places where people still wave at you from their front porch. It makes for a simple, laid-back day trip when you just want to slow down and enjoy small-town Virginia outside Suffolk.
5. Explore Nature at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Chesapeake, VA & Gates County, NC)
The name sounds scary, but the
Great Dismal Swamp is actually one of the most unique outdoor experiences near Suffolk. The refuge stretches into both
Chesapeake, VA and
Gates County, NC, and parts of it are only about a 30–45 minute drive away.
At the refuge, you can:
- Walk or bike the wide gravel roads and trails.
- Visit Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.
- Look for black bears, deer, birds, and other wildlife.
It’s quiet, wild, and surprisingly beautiful. Just remember to bring bug spray and water, especially in summer.
If you’ve ever wanted to say you hiked in a swamp and actually enjoyed it, this is your chance.
6. Take a Scenic Drive Through Gates County, North Carolina
If you don’t have a strict plan and just feel like “going for a drive,” cross the state line into
Gates County, NC.
You’ll find:
- Two-lane country roads lined with fields and forests.
- Small churches, old farmhouses, and roadside stands.
- Easy access to more of the Great Dismal Swamp on the North Carolina side.
This is a good short trip if you love photography or just like rolling down the windows and cruising. Pack some snacks, put on your favorite playlist, and wander a bit. Sometimes the best road trips from Suffolk are the unplanned ones.
7. Get on the Water in Camden County, North Carolina
Looking for another peaceful escape? Head to
Camden County, NC, just over the border, along the
Pasquotank River and the
Intracoastal Waterway.
Here you can:
- Launch a kayak or small boat at public ramps.
- Fish along the riverbanks.
- Enjoy wide, open skies and quiet country views.
Camden County has that “edge of the water” feel without the busy beach traffic. If you like waterfront views but want to avoid crowds, this is a solid day trip option from Suffolk.
8. Family Fun at Chesapeake City Park & Greenbrier Area (Chesapeake, VA)
Sometimes you just want easy: parking, bathrooms, playgrounds, and food options nearby. For that, head to
Chesapeake, especially the
Greenbrier area and
Chesapeake City Park.
You can:
- Let kids run wild at Chesapeake City Park’s playgrounds and open fields.
- Walk the trails or bring a picnic blanket and just relax.
- Hit nearby shopping centers and restaurants afterward.
It’s an ideal quick trip if you live in Suffolk and need a change of scenery that’s still very easy and family-friendly. Think of it as a “suburban adventure” with just enough green space to reset your mind.
9. Harbor Views and History in Portsmouth, VA
Just across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk,
Portsmouth offers a walkable historic downtown and waterfront views—without the busier feel of bigger cities.
Highlights include:
- Olde Towne Portsmouth – Brick sidewalks, historic homes, local shops, and restaurants.
- Waterfront area – Sit by the harbor and watch ships, tugboats, and ferries go by.
- Museums and historic churches dotted around the neighborhood.
Portsmouth makes a fun day trip from Suffolk when you want a mix of history, food, and harbor scenery. Park the car once, then explore on foot.
10. Museums and the Riverfront in Newport News, VA
If you’re craving a little more “big attraction” energy, drive up to
Newport News. It’s still a manageable day trip from Suffolk, but you’ll find more structured things to do.
Consider:
- Virginia Living Museum – A mix of zoo, aquarium, and science center with native animals and interactive exhibits.
- Newport News Park – One of the largest city parks in the country, with trails, water views, and picnic areas.
- Riverfront spots along the James River for sunset views.
This is a great choice if you want a full day of activities for kids or visiting family. You can learn, explore, and then grab dinner nearby before heading back to Suffolk.
Tips for Road Trips From Suffolk, VA
To make the most of these short out-of-county trips:
- Check drive times: Most places above are roughly 30–75 minutes away, depending on traffic and your side of Suffolk.
- Pack basics: Water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket never hurt.
- Look up hours: Parks, museums, and shops may have seasonal or weekend hours.
- Have a backup plan: If a spot is closed or crowded, pick a nearby second choice.
Think of Suffolk as your home base. From here, you can easily reach country rivers, small towns, swamps, parks, and waterfronts—without a long, exhausting drive.
Where Will You Go Next?
Each of these
short road trips from Suffolk, Virginia offers something different:
- Small-town charm in Smithfield and Franklin
- Outdoor adventure in the Great Dismal Swamp, Camden County, and Southampton County
- Family-friendly fun in Chesapeake and Newport News
- Harbor views and historic streets in Portsmouth
So, which one would you try first? The quiet swamp trails? The riverside parks? Or maybe a lazy afternoon in a small downtown with good food?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.
Have you taken a favorite day trip from Suffolk that’s outside the county? Drop your suggestions in the comments so other readers can discover new places too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for fun, easy things to do near Suffolk. A simple share might be the start of someone’s next great little adventure.
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