10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Suffolk, Virginia

If you’re looking for a laid‑back Virginia getaway with small‑town charm and easy access to nature, Suffolk, VA deserves a spot on your list. Tucked in southeastern Virginia, this historic city feels worlds away from busy life, yet it’s only a short drive from Hampton Roads hot spots like and . Whether you love the outdoors, history, or slow Sunday drives, you’ll find plenty of things to do in and around Suffolk. Below are 10 fun activities near Suffolk, Virginia that are perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

1. Take a Guided Great Dismal Swamp Tour

One of the most unique things to do near Suffolk is visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t let the name scare you off — this place is beautiful, wild, and full of history. Suffolk is one of the main gateways to the swamp. You can book a guided Great Dismal Swamp tour through the Suffolk Visitor Center, or explore parts of it on your own.

Walk or bike peaceful trails under tall cypress trees
Look for black bears, otters, turtles, and countless birds
Learn about the swamp’s role as a refuge for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad

If you enjoy quiet places that feel untouched, you’ll love it here. Bring bug spray, comfortable shoes, and a camera — you’ll use all three.

2. Stroll Downtown Suffolk and the Historic District

has that classic small‑town Virginia feel — brick buildings, old churches, and mom‑and‑pop shops. It’s a great area to park once and wander. Some ideas while you walk:

Stop by local boutiques for antiques, gifts, and home décor
Grab coffee or homemade dessert at a downtown café
Check out historic homes and churches dating back to the 1700s and 1800s

If you enjoy photography, the mix of old architecture, murals, and tree‑lined streets makes downtown Suffolk a fun place to explore with a camera.

3. Tour the Riddick’s Folly House Museum

For a closer look at Suffolk’s past, head to Riddick’s Folly House Museum, a beautifully restored 1837 Greek Revival home. Inside, you’ll find:

Period furniture and original architectural details
Rooms set up as they would have been in the 1800s
Stories about Civil War history and Suffolk’s early days

Guided tours make the history come alive. It’s a good choice if you like historic homes in places like Williamsburg or Savannah but want a more low‑key experience without the crowds.

4. Walk the Lake Meade Park & Sleepy Hole Park Trails

If you’re searching for relaxing outdoor things to do in Suffolk, VA, the city parks are a great starting point. Lake Meade Park offers:

Paved walking trails
Playgrounds for kids
Shaded spots to sit and relax

A short drive away, Sleepy Hole Park sits along the and has:

Scenic river views
Picnic shelters and open grassy areas
A public disc golf course and fishing areas

On a sunny afternoon, bring a picnic, toss a frisbee, or just sit by the water and watch the boats go by. It’s simple, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

5. Go Peanut Crazy at the Planters Peanut Center

Suffolk is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World”, and you’ll see reminders of that all over town. One spot you shouldn’t miss is the Planters Peanut Center in downtown Suffolk. Inside, you’ll find:

Fresh‑roasted peanuts in all kinds of flavors
Old‑school candy and snacks
Fun Mr. Peanut memorabilia and photo ops

If you like to bring home edible souvenirs, this is your place. Grab a bag of hot roasted peanuts for the road — they’re hard to resist, especially when they’re still warm.

6. Enjoy a River Cruise on the Nansemond

From spring through fall, Suffolk often offers guided boat tours and river cruises on the Nansemond River. These are a relaxing way to see the area from a different angle. On a typical cruise, you might:

Learn local history from a guide
Spot herons, ospreys, and other wildlife
Glide past marshes and hidden coves you can’t see from the road

The pace is slow, the views are peaceful, and the breeze off the water feels great on a warm day. Check with the Suffolk Visitor Center for current schedules and reservations.

7. Play a Round at a Suffolk Golf Course

If golf is your thing, Suffolk has several courses that locals love. You’ll find a mix of public and semi‑private options with tree‑lined fairways and water views. Courses around Suffolk typically offer:

18‑hole layouts with a mix of challenging and forgiving holes
Practice ranges and putting greens
Clubhouses with snacks or full‑service restaurants

Even if you’re not a serious golfer, hitting a bucket of balls at the range or playing 9 holes at twilight can be a fun way to spend an evening.

8. Sample Local Flavor at Suffolk Breweries and Restaurants

Foodies will find plenty of local restaurants in Suffolk serving Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and creative modern dishes. In the last few years, craft beer has also taken root here. A simple plan for a relaxed afternoon:

Start with lunch at a locally owned spot downtown
Visit a Suffolk brewery for a flight of small‑batch beers
Walk off your meal with a stroll through the historic district

If you’re traveling with kids or don’t drink, many breweries are family‑friendly and have outdoor seating, games, and non‑alcoholic options.

9. Drive Scenic Back Roads and Visit Nearby Farms

One of the underrated things to do around Suffolk, VA is simply to drive. Outside the city center, you’ll find open fields, old barns, and quiet country roads that feel a world away from traffic and strip malls. Along the way, depending on the season, you might:

Stop at roadside stands for fresh produce
Pick up local honey, jams, or baked goods
Visit nearby farms or seasonal pumpkin patches and corn mazes

If you enjoy Sunday drives with no strict schedule, Suffolk’s rural side might be your favorite part of the trip.

10. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Coastal Cities

One of Suffolk’s biggest advantages is its central location in coastal Virginia. If you want more things to do beyond the city, you’re within easy driving distance of several popular spots:

Norfolk – Visit the USS Wisconsin battleship, Nauticus maritime museum, and the waterfront
Portsmouth – Enjoy the historic Olde Towne district and children’s museum
Virginia Beach – Spend a day on the sand or walking the famous oceanfront boardwalk

You can relax in peaceful Suffolk at night, then head out for a busier city or beach adventure during the day. It’s the best of both worlds.

Tips for Planning Your Suffolk, VA Trip

To make the most of your visit, keep these quick tips in mind:

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and pretty scenery. Summer is great for water activities but can be hot and humid.
Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking downtown, in parks, and on nature trails.
Stop at the Visitor Center: The Suffolk Visitor Center is a helpful first stop for maps, tour info, and local recommendations.
Plan ahead for tours: Guided swamp tours, river cruises, and some museums may require reservations or have limited hours.

Ready To Explore Suffolk, Virginia?

From peaceful swamps and river views to historic homes and peanut‑themed fun, Suffolk, Virginia offers a little bit of everything in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s an easy weekend trip for many East Coast travelers and a great base for exploring the wider Hampton Roads area. Have you been to Suffolk, VA or the Great Dismal Swamp? What were your favorite things to do? Share your experiences or questions in the comments — and if you found this guide helpful, please send it to a friend who’s planning a Virginia getaway or share it on your favorite social platform.

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10 Best Things To Do Near Suffolk, Virginia for Visitors