The Ocean Meets the City in Coastal Hampton Roads
Anchored by big cities like Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, and Virginia Beach but set against a backdrop of sparkling bay waters and tidy small towns, Coastal Hampton Roads offers a unique setting full of sophistication and adventure.
Start your tour in Norfolk, which is home to a massive naval base on Chesapeake Bay. Visit Nauticus, a large maritime museum with science exhibits and an educational aquarium. Step aboard the U.S.S. Wisconsin, a massive World War II-era battleship, then pack a picnic and head to the Norfolk Botanical Garden. See the rhinos as the Virginia Zoological Park and walk amid the hushed glass and sculpture displays at the Chrysler Museum of Art, which boasts work by Rothko.
Anchored by big cities like Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, and Virginia Beach but set against a backdrop of sparkling bay waters and tidy small towns, Coastal Hampton Roads offers a unique setting full of sophistication and adventure.
U.S.S. Wisconsin in Norfolk, VA
Start your tour in Norfolk, which is home to a massive naval base on Chesapeake Bay. Visit Nauticus, a large maritime museum with science exhibits and an educational aquarium. Step aboard the U.S.S. Wisconsin, a massive World War II-era battleship, then pack a picnic and head to the Norfolk Botanical Garden. See the rhinos as the Virginia Zoological Park and walk amid the hushed glass and sculpture displays at the Chrysler Museum of Art, which boasts work by Rothko.
Three amazing major bridges lead the way out of Norfolk – the 17.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, and Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel. Hampton is bordered on three sides by water and has enough attractions to fill a week’s worth of exploring. Visit Fort Monroe and the Casemate Museum, or tour military artifacts at the Virginia War Museum. More local and racial history is on display at the Hampton University Museum and the Hampton History Museum, while plane buffs will want to check out Air Power Park, which has jets and rockets in an outdoor setting. Ready to hit the beach? Right in town you can spread your towel on the sand at Buckroe Beach.Next up is Newport News – stretch your legs at Newport News Park or visit the beach at King-Lincoln Park. There is a planetarium at the Virginia Living Museum and you can see the U.S.S. Monitor.
Need to cool off? Grab a tube and head for the watery slides at Water Country USA.
Virginia Beach has miles of sand right in town and stretching to the north and south. See seals, sea turtles, and Komodo dragons at the Virginia Aquarium or climb the tower at the Cape Henry Lighthouse. A former landfill was put to good use and it now Mount Trashmore Park – let the kids loose on the playground and enjoy a picnic in the shade. Learn more about the state’s maritime heritage at the Old Coast Guard Station Museum or see what’s on display at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, which has regularly changing exhibits.
So, bring your surfboard or bring your artist’s eye – you’ll find all that and more in Coastal Hampton Roads.
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You’ll Lose Count of The Attractions on Offer in Coastal Hampton Roads
Coastal Hampton Roads has it all – from living history museums to great beaches. Williamsburg played a key role in the founding of the nation, and you can stroll the streets to see and hear interpreters in historical dress describe what life was like. Nearby Newport News has great shopping – don’t miss City Center at Oyster Point. And speaking of oysters, head to Virginia Beach to get them as fresh as they come.
Slather on The Sunscreen and Hit the Beach
Coastal Hampton Roads has secluded beaches and big city stretches of sand – take your pick and pack your swimming suit. Hampton is home to Buckroe Beach, a quiet stretch of sand overlooking Chesapeake Bay, while you can find quiet white sandy coves near Bay Tree Point. Virginia Beach has miles of its namesake – pedal along the boardwalk downtown or head toward remote Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or False Cape State Park.
Head Outdoors for Real Adventure
From surfing to hiking, Coastal Hampton Roads offers plenty when it comes to outdoor adventure. The waves can get big in Virginia Beach, and those looking for remote surf can head to Back Bay. Sailors will find plenty of sheltered water – head down the James River then explore Chesapeake Bay. Ready to ride? Colonial Williamsburg offers leafy streets to cruise, or for the ultimate bike ride back in time, pedal down the Colonial Parkway.
Thrills Abound in Coastal Hampton Roads
Need a break from beaches and had your fill of history? Head to one of Coastal Hampton Road’s great amusement parks for a change of pace. Busch Gardens Williamsburg has thrill rides and family adventures, while Rebounderz of Newport News is a huge trampoline complex with a foam pit and dodge ball. In Norfolk you can cool off at the Portsmouth Splash Park, and in Virginia Beach you can race go-karts at Motor World.
Swing A Club at One of Coastal Hampton Roads’ Great Courses
Beautiful rolling scenery and mild weather means Coastal Hampton Roads has great golfing. Newport News has several outstanding courses – try Eaglewood, Peninsula, or Woodlands. Across the James River, Cypress Creek is the area’s top-rated course. In and around Norfolk you can swing at Sleepy Hole or Ocean View. Headed toward Virginia Beach? Bayville Golf Club is popular for its beautiful greens, while Red Wing Lake gets raves for its friendly staff and well-maintained course.