10 Easy Road Trips From Norfolk, VA: Fun Things To Do Just Outside The City
Looking for
fun day trips from Norfolk, VA that don’t require a long drive? You’re in luck. Within about an hour, you can hit beaches, lighthouses, small towns, and waterfront boardwalks that feel like a mini vacation.
To keep things simple, this guide focuses on spots
outside Norfolk and outside Norfolk city limits, in nearby places like
Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Northampton County on the Eastern Shore.
Gas up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.
1. Virginia Beach Oceanfront & Boardwalk (Virginia Beach City, VA)
If you live in Norfolk and still haven’t done a full day at the
Virginia Beach Oceanfront, it’s time.
Only about a 25–30 minute drive away (traffic depending), the Oceanfront is one of the most classic
road trip ideas near Norfolk.
- Walk or bike the 3-mile-long boardwalk.
- Snap a photo with the giant King Neptune statue at 31st Street.
- Grab a cone from a walk-up ice cream stand and people-watch.
- Rent a surrey bike and cruise along the path.
On summer weekends, you’ll often find live music, festivals, and street performers. Parking can fill up fast, so going early in the day or later in the evening helps.
2. First Landing State Park: Trails, Beach & History (Virginia Beach City, VA)
Just up Shore Drive in Virginia Beach,
First Landing State Park feels like a totally different world from the busy Oceanfront. It’s where English settlers first landed in 1607 before heading to Jamestown.
Here you can:
- Walk shady cypress swamp trails with wooden boardwalks.
- Relax on a quieter stretch of Chesapeake Bay beach.
- Launch a kayak from the beach area.
- Spot herons, ospreys, and sometimes dolphins offshore.
It’s a great pick if you want
outdoor things to do near Norfolk but prefer something calmer than the main beach. Bring water, bug spray, and comfortable shoes—the trails can be sandy and a bit uneven in spots.
3. Chesapeake Arboretum & Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail (Chesapeake City, VA)
In nearby
Chesapeake, you’ll find two peaceful escapes that work nicely together for a half-day trip.
Chesapeake Arboretum:
- About 48 acres of woodland and gardens.
- Easy walking trails with small bridges and streams.
- Great for a quiet morning walk or casual photo session.
Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail (also in Chesapeake, along the historic canal):
- Flat, paved path perfect for biking, walking, or jogging.
- Runs alongside a historic canal that once carried boats and goods.
- Plenty of wildlife spotting—turtles, birds, and sometimes deer.
If you’re craving some nature but don’t want to drive far, this is an easy, low-cost way to get outdoors.
4. Chesapeake’s Oak Grove Lake Park (Chesapeake City, VA)
Want a simple, family-friendly park with room to stretch your legs?
Oak Grove Lake Park is a favorite with locals.
What you can do there:
- Walk or run the 1.5-mile loop around the lake.
- Let kids burn energy on the playground.
- Bring lunch and use the picnic shelters.
- Try a little fishing from the shore (check local rules).
It’s a calm spot that’s perfect for a quick afternoon escape. If you like walking around Norfolk’s neighborhoods, this feels like the “wooded version” of that—just with more ducks.
5. Downtown Portsmouth & The Seawall (Portsmouth City, VA)
Just across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, you’ll find
historic downtown Portsmouth. Even though it’s so close, it still counts as a fun
out-of-county day trip, and it has a very different vibe.
Highlights include:
- Olde Towne Portsmouth – brick sidewalks, historic homes, cozy cafes.
- Portsmouth Seawall – walk along the waterfront and watch ships, tugs, and ferries.
- Cool local restaurants and breweries within a few blocks.
You can drive through the tunnel or even take the small pedestrian ferry from the Norfolk side if you want to make it feel like more of an adventure.
6. Children’s Museum of Virginia (Portsmouth City, VA)
If you have kids, the
Children’s Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth is one of the best
family day trips from Norfolk.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Hands-on science and art exhibits.
- A pretend grocery store and city setup for imaginative play.
- Trains, space-themed areas, and rotating exhibits.
It’s easy to pair a morning at the museum with lunch in Olde Towne and a short walk along the seawall. On rainy or cold days, this place is a lifesaver.
7. Buckroe Beach & Park (Hampton City, VA)
Head across the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel to
Buckroe Beach in Hampton, and you’ll discover a smaller, laid-back alternative to Virginia Beach.
What makes Buckroe special:
- Wide sandy beach with gentle waves.
- Nice playgrounds and picnic shelters.
- Seasonal concerts and events at the pavilion.
- Beautiful sunrise views over the Chesapeake Bay.
It’s an easy option if you want a beach day without the crowds and high-rise hotels. Bring a cooler, a beach chair, and maybe a frisbee, and you’re set.
8. Fort Monroe National Monument (Hampton City, VA)
Also in Hampton,
Fort Monroe combines history, water views, and quiet beaches in one spot.
You can:
- Walk the old stone fort walls and explore the casemates.
- Learn about Civil War and African American history at the museum.
- Stroll along the waterfront and check out the fishing pier.
- Relax on the small beaches tucked around the property.
If you like places where you can both
learn something and
stretch your legs, this is a perfect day trip. The mix of cannons, old brick buildings, and open water feels almost like stepping into a different era.
9. Virginia Beach Sandbridge & Back Bay (Virginia Beach City, VA)
Drive about 40–45 minutes south from central Norfolk and you’ll reach
Sandbridge Beach, often called the “quiet cousin” of the main Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Here’s why it’s worth the trip:
You can spend the morning on the beach, then head into Back Bay to walk the trails or look for birds and other wildlife. It’s a great escape when you want more nature and fewer neon signs.
10. Cape Charles & Kiptopeke State Park (Northampton County, VA)
For a slightly longer drive (about an hour from Norfolk, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel),
Cape Charles and nearby
Kiptopeke State Park in Northampton County feel like a true getaway.
In
Cape Charles:
- Stroll the small-town main street with ice cream shops and boutiques.
- Walk or sit on the town beach and watch the sunset.
- Check out the fishing pier and watch boats come and go.
At
Kiptopeke State Park (just down the road):
- Walk out to the overlooks and see the old concrete ship “ghost fleet” offshore.
- Use the fishing pier or launch a kayak.
- Explore forest and shoreline trails.
This is one of the best
weekend road trips from Norfolk if you want a slower pace, cute streets, and big water views.
Tips for Planning Your Norfolk Road Trips
To make these
short trips from Norfolk more enjoyable, keep a few things in mind:
- Check traffic – Tunnels and bridges can back up at rush hour and on summer weekends.
- Pack a small car kit – Sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, and a light jacket go a long way.
- Look up parking options – Some beaches and parks charge a small fee or fill up early.
- Have a backup plan – If one spot is crowded, pick a nearby park, trail, or cafe as a Plan B.
Sometimes the best part of a road trip isn’t just the destination, but the little discoveries along the way—a roadside stand, a random coffee shop, or a quiet pier you stumble across.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip From Norfolk?
If you live in or near Norfolk, you know how many options you have for quick getaways—beaches, historic forts, small coastal towns, forest trails, and more, all within a short drive.
Have you tried any of these
10 road trips from Norfolk, VA?
- Which one is your favorite?
- Did I miss a hidden gem in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, or Northampton County?
Share your go-to spots in the comments and let other travelers know what you’ve discovered.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy things to do near Norfolk, Virginia. Your shares and comments help more people discover new places to explore just a short drive from home.
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