10 Unforgettable Road Trips Within 3 Hours of Portsmouth, Virginia

on

10 Easy Road Trips From Portsmouth, VA: Fun Things To Do Nearby

Living in or visiting Portsmouth, Virginia and itching to get out of town for the day? You’re in luck. Within about a 15–45 minute drive, you can hit beaches, battleships, wildlife refuges, and some seriously good food in the surrounding areas of Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News. These short out-of-county road trips from Portsmouth are perfect when you don’t want to spend hours on the highway but still want a change of scenery.

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

Downtown Norfolk is one of the easiest and most popular road trips from Portsmouth. Just cross the river, and you’re in a totally different scene. What to do:
  • Stroll along the Waterside District for riverfront views, live music, and plenty of places to eat.
  • Grab a drink or casual bite at one of the open-air spots overlooking the Elizabeth River.
  • Walk the nearby streets to check out public art, murals, and historic buildings.
If you like city energy but don’t want to deal with big-city traffic, Norfolk hits that sweet spot. It feels like a mini city escape without the long drive.

2. Battleship Wisconsin & Nauticus (Norfolk, VA)

History lovers, this one’s for you. Right in downtown Norfolk, the Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus museum take you deep into naval history. Highlights:
  • Walk the decks of the giant USS Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships the U.S. Navy ever built.
  • Explore Nauticus with its hands-on exhibits about ships, the sea, and maritime history.
  • Great for kids and adults who like interactive displays and “wow” moments.
If you’ve ever looked across the water from Portsmouth and wondered what’s over there, this is a great place to start.

3. Norfolk Botanical Garden: A Calm Nature Escape

When you need a break from traffic, noise, and screens, head to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, not far from the Norfolk airport. Why it’s worth the trip:
  • Miles of walking paths through themed gardens (rose garden, Japanese garden, butterfly garden, and more).
  • Seasonal events like holiday lights, children’s activities, and special exhibits.
  • Plenty of shady spots to sit and just breathe for a minute.
It’s one of those places where you start out “just walking for an hour” and suddenly realize you’ve spent half the day there.

4. Chesapeake Arboretum & Great Bridge Area (Chesapeake, VA)

Looking for a low-key nature walk that’s close by and easy? Head to the Chesapeake Arboretum, tucked into a quiet neighborhood in Chesapeake. Things to do:
  • Walk wooded trails with small bridges, creeks, and labeled trees.
  • Enjoy a peaceful, shady escape that’s great for kids, couples, or solo strolls.
  • Pair your visit with a stop in the Great Bridge area for lunch or coffee.
It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm. It feels like a hidden gem just outside the city.

5. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Suffolk, VA)

Don’t let the name scare you—this place is actually beautiful and full of wildlife. A short drive from Portsmouth, the Great Dismal Swamp in Suffolk is perfect if you like the outdoors. Why go:
  • Hike or bike miles of flat trails surrounded by forest and wetlands.
  • Look for birds, turtles, deer, and maybe even a black bear if you’re lucky (and from a distance!).
  • Visit Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.
Bring water, bug spray, and your sense of adventure. It feels like you’ve driven hours into the wild, but you’re still close to home.

6. Downtown Suffolk & Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum

If you like small-town charm and history, downtown Suffolk makes a great half-day road trip from Portsmouth. What to check out:
  • Walk the historic streets with their mix of old buildings, shops, and local restaurants.
  • Visit the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum in a restored 1885 train station.
  • Grab coffee or a sweet treat at a local cafĂ© and just wander.
It’s a nice change of pace from the busier waterfront areas around Hampton Roads.

7. Buckroe Beach & Park (Hampton, VA)

Want a beach day without driving all the way to the Outer Banks or Virginia Beach? Buckroe Beach in Hampton is an easy road trip from Portsmouth. Beach day perks:
  • Sandy beach with lifeguards in season and views across the Chesapeake Bay.
  • A wide, paved boardwalk that’s perfect for walking, jogging, or pushing a stroller.
  • Playground, picnic areas, and often seasonal events like concerts or markets.
You get that “beach trip” feeling in under an hour, which is hard to beat.

8. Fort Monroe National Monument (Hampton, VA)

This one mixes history, water views, and wide-open spaces. Fort Monroe sits right on the Chesapeake Bay and is full of Civil War and military history. Don’t miss:
  • Walking the old stone fort walls and exploring the moat.
  • Visiting the small museum to learn how Fort Monroe played a key role in American history.
  • Relaxing on the nearby beaches or along the seawall with a picnic.
It’s the kind of place where you can learn something, but it still feels like a relaxed day out.

9. Virginia Living Museum (Newport News, VA)

If you’ve got kids—or you just like animals and hands-on exhibits—the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News is a must-do. Why families love it:
  • See native Virginia animals like otters, bobcats, owls, and turtles.
  • Walk the outdoor boardwalk through wooded habitats and marsh areas.
  • Explore indoor exhibits and a planetarium that make science feel fun and approachable.
It’s part zoo, part museum, part nature center, and a great choice for any weather.

10. Mariners’ Museum & Noland Trail (Newport News, VA)

For another great out-of-county road trip from Portsmouth, head to the Mariners’ Museum, recognized as one of the best maritime museums in the world. What to do there:
  • Explore exhibits on ships, sailors, and famous naval stories, including the Civil War “Monitor.”
  • Walk the Noland Trail, a 5-mile loop around Lake Maury with bridges and scenic views.
  • Bring comfortable shoes; you can easily spend a full day between the museum and the trail.
If you’re into history, ships, or just lake views and a solid walk, this is a perfect day trip.

Tips for Planning Your Portsmouth Road Trips

To make your short getaways from Portsmouth even better, keep these simple tips in mind:
  • Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 15–45 minutes, but tunnels and bridges can back up.
  • Watch for events: Local festivals, markets, and concerts can make a trip extra fun—but also busier.
  • Pack light but smart: Sunscreen, water, snacks, and a light jacket go a long way.
  • Have a backup plan: If one place is crowded, there’s usually another nearby option to explore.

Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Portsmouth

Now it’s your turn. Which of these road trips from Portsmouth, VA have you tried? Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, or Newport News that should be on this list? Drop a comment with your best recommendations, funny road trip stories, or must-try restaurants along the way. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends, family, or anyone looking for easy day trips near Portsmouth. The more ideas we swap, the better our weekend adventures get.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment