Located in the southeastern corner of Virginia, the city of Chesapeake, VA, is an excellent gateway to explore the nearby landmarks of the region and go on memorable adventures in your reliable Toyota vehicle. Whether you’re planning a day trip with your family or a weekend escape with a group of friends, here are three fantastic destinations within driving distance from Chesapeake.
1. First Landing State Park
Welcoming over one million visitors each year and featuring sprawling cypress swamps, hiking trails, a swimming beach, fishing spots, and designated wildlife-watching areas, First Landing State Park is one of the most popular weekend and day trip destinations among Chesapeake locals. Located near the site of the first landing of Christopher Newport and other English colonists, this place is one of the most historically significant spots in the region.
Spanning an area of almost 3,000 acres, First Landing State Park offers excellent opportunities for different recreational activities. Considered the most popular state park in Virginia, this place is located just 20 miles northeast of the city center and can be reached in about half an hour by car via route I-264. Some of the areas you should check out include the First Landing Cross, the Long Creek Trail, and the First Landing Beach.
2. Downtown Norfolk Historic District
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, Downtown Norfolk Historic District is an excellent destination for Chesapeake visitors looking for a charming urban area full of small cafés, beautiful historic buildings, and vibrant cultural centers. Covering an area of a little over 40 acres, this historic district features some of the most beautiful examples of Classic Revival, Beaux Arts, Colonial, Federalist, and Victorian architecture in the region.
Getting from the Chesapeake city center to downtown Norfolk takes a little over 10 minutes by car via route I-464, making it one of the most accessible and popular destinations among locals. Some of the attractions you should check out while exploring the area include the Moses Myers House Museum, MacArthur Memorial, Commercial Park, Town Point Park, and the USS Wisconsin BB-64.
3. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Another sprawling nature reserve featuring extensive hiking trails and large populations of birds, bears, otters, and other animals, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife watching, and selective hunting. Located just 25 miles southwest of downtown Chesapeake, this place can be reached in less than 40 minutes by car via routes US-13 and US-58.
These three areas are just a sampling of the possible outings you can easily enjoy with a short drive from Chesapeake. Start making plans to visit one – or all! – of them this weekend!
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