Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Chesapeake

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Chesapeake from other articles such as Attractions of America, Norfolk Arts, Virginia Travel Tips.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Chesapeake

First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park
4.7 (4337 ratings)4.5 (983 ratings)
Cape Henry beachfront park & historic site with marshes, maritime forest, hiking & canoe trails.
2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
State parkSights & LandmarksParkEducational sitesNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by Virginia Beach CVB
7 Parks to Explore in Virginia Beach
"First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp. A registered Natural Landmark, First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia and contains one of the most endangered habitat types in the world, the maritime forest community. Campers can find refuge within the park, as well."
Mentioned by Busy Tourist
42 Best & Fun Things To Do In Virginia Beach (Virginia)
"First Landing State Park is a beautiful combination of nature and history. It is named as such because it is here that colonists from England first arrived on American shores centuries ago in 1607, making it one of the top Virginia Beach attractions for its contextual importance and natural serenity alike. First Landing State Park was built in the 1930s and is situated in Virginia Beach’s heart, where it has become the wider state’s most-visited park."
Mentioned by tripbuzz.com
99 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Virginia Beach, VA
"National & State Parks2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451MoreLess Info. The site of the First Landing State Park is considered to be the location where the Jamestown colonists first arrived. The park itself offers several trails, picnic areas, and the potential for a wide range of birdwatching."
Mount Trashmore Park
Mount Trashmore Park
4.7 (5633 ratings)4.5 (434 ratings)
Former landfill now a city recreational area with a skate park, picnicking & sports facilities.
310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksPlaygroundSkateboard parkScenic Walking Areas
Mentioned by Traveling Mom
Fun Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids
"It opens up a great discussion about our responsibilities to be great stewards of this earth. You see, Mount Trashmore was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Mount Trashmore Park is a whopping 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skate park, paths, and so much more."
Mentioned by Virginia Beach, VA
Amusement Parks in or nearwww.vabeach.com
"Activity Type:Amusements and Amusement Parks, Outdoor and Adventure Tours. Once a landfill, over 60 feet high, 800 feet long and 165 acres. Home to Kids Cove playground, skate ramps, and many special events."
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
4.8 (1137 ratings)4.5 (317 ratings)
Wetlands refuge that hosts thousands of migratory waterfowl, including snow geese & tundra swans.
4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Wildlife refugeNature & ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
Mentioned by planetware.com
12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Virginia Beach | PlanetWare
"Behind Sandbridge Beach is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, with more than 9,000 acres of beach, freshwater marshes, dunes, and forested areas. The refuge protects important habitat for migratory birds, but is also a pleasant place for a wander along nature trails or paddleboarding in the still waters. From the visitor center, the view extends out across the waters and islands of Back Bay."
Mentioned by Virginia Beach 1 day itinerary
Virginia Beach: 6 adventurous itineraries for your summer vacation
"In Virginia Beach, you’ll also find Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Both have miles of pristine beaches, barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, and ponds. On False Cape, hop on a bike tour with Surf & Adventure Co. — there’s no better way to get acquainted with the more remote areas of these sands."
Mentioned by Carousel of Chaos
30 Best Things to do in Virginia Beach: The Ultimate Guide
"As such, it’s something that quite a few locals miss out on because it is nestled away. But, I promise it’s worth the ride to the opposite end of Virginia Beach. There are beaches there as well, numerous hiking trails, kayak opportunities, and stunning views of the marshes."
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park
4.8 (287 ratings)4.5 (106 ratings)
Pristine maritime forest & coastline not accessible by private car, with biking trails & kayaking.
4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
ParkNature & ParksHiking areaNature preserveState parkWildlife refuge
Mentioned by Virginia Beach CVB
7 Parks to Explore in Virginia Beach
"Featuring six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat and 15.3 miles of trails, False Cape State Park is one of our favorite spots to explore. With dunes, woodlands, farm fields, salt marshes and more, this coastal landscape is unmatched, and the 15 hiking and biking trails, varying in length and ranging from easy to difficult, provide many ways to explore one of the last remaining undeveloped areas on the east coast. Located in southern Virginia Beach, False Cape is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean offering primitive beachfront camping, where you can camp in near complete isolation right on the beach."
Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Hermitage Museum and Gardens
4.7 (567 ratings)4.5 (119 ratings)
Historic home & picturesque gardens offering a fine art collection, professional program & classes.
7637 N Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505, USA
Art museumMuseumsGardenHistory Museums
Mentioned by Virginia Travel Tips
18 Best Things to Do in Norfolk, VA for First-Timers
"The Hermitage Museum and Gardens is another famous art museum in Norfolk, Virginia featuring pieces of art that date back 5,000 years. Visitors will also be able to check out indoor and outdoor exhibitions that change regularly, as well as the Visual Arts Studio and the 12 acres of land outside where it is possible to view art and culture. Check out the website frequently to see the different events that are hosted by the museum, many of which are child-friendly."
Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
15 Best Things to Do in Norfolk (VA
"For a taste of how Norfolk would have looked in the days of old check out the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, now a home and art museum. The Sloane House here stands on the banks of the scenic Lafayette River and dates from the beginning of the 20th century. The house has over 40,000 period objects on show and the gardens here spread for 12 acres that include lush forests as well as wetlands."
Mentioned by Southern Trippers
14 Best Things To Do In Norfolk VA You Shouldn't Miss
"For an eclectic day of history, arts, and creativity, you can go wrong with a visit to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens!. One of the best things to do in Norfolk VA, you’ll get a little bit of everything when touring this historic home!. The 20th Century house doubles as a museum with a world-wide collection of art."
Jeff Robertson Park
Jeff Robertson Park
Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
Park
Mentioned by Norfolk 3 days itinerary
Virginia Itinerary: Norfolk Remix
"Other notable parks include the Weyanoke Audubon Sanctuary, Jeff Robertson Park and the Plum Point Park. If your group is interested in retail therapy, Historic Ghent has plenty of boutiques and specialty stores to appeal to shopaholics in your party. A visit to Norfolk is incomplete without a taste of hearty Southern cuisine, and there are countless memorable restaurants for your group to sample. Handsome Biscuit serves enormous sandwiches covered in specialty red eye sausage gravy, Smartmouth Brewing Company has India Pale Ales and saisons on tap and Cure Coffeehouse & Brasserie is known for flavorful coffees and freshly baked desserts."
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
4.6 (217 ratings)4.5 (14 ratings)
Built in the early 1800s, this iconic lighthouse is made of hand-cut stone & offers scenic views.
69 Fenwick Rd, Fort Monroe, VA 23651, USA
LighthouseSights & Landmarks
Naval Aviation Monument Park
Naval Aviation Monument Park
4.7 (926 ratings)4.5 (125 ratings)
Small park with 9 bronze statues depicting early local naval history, WWII & the modern day.
25th St & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksMonuments & StatuesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by TripSavvy
10 Best Things to Do and See at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
"The Naval Aviation Monument pays tribute to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation from the early 1900s through the present and acknowledges the connected and vital role of the Virginia Beach and greater Hampton Roads area. Next to the Norwegian Lady monument, the Naval Aviation Monument features bronze sculptures by renowned artist Mike Maiden and laser-etched granite storyboards of historic aviation events."
Mentioned by Traveling Mom
Fun Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids
"As a homeschooling, roadschooling, education fanatic, I try to incorporate as many educational activities as possible into every trip we take. I usually do this on the downlow, meaning I research interesting, remarkable and mostly free things for us to visit. The Naval Aviation Monument is one of those free things to do in Virginia Beach I could not pass up."
Mentioned by vbgov.com
Attractions :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach
"A compelling memorial to recognize and honor the rich naval aviation heritage that is an integral part of the city’s history and culture. 25th Street and oceanfront on the boardwalk"
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
4.6 (1839 ratings)4.5 (101 ratings)
Environmental education preserve on 456 acres with a lake & nature center set on reclaimed land.
1255 Big Bethel Rd, Hampton, VA 23666, USA
City parkNature & ParksCampgroundDog parkFishing pondPark
Pleasure House Point Natural Area
Pleasure House Point Natural Area
4.8 (438 ratings)
Natural spot for relaxed recreation on 118 acres of marshlands & wildlife habitat, with boat access.
3957 Marlin Bay Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
Park
Mentioned by Urban Outdoors
11 Gorgeous Hikes In & Around Virginia Beach
"For an easy, rugged dirt trail with some beautiful photo opportunities, look no further than the Pleasure House Point trail. Situated close to the shoreline in a marshy area, this sunset favorite offers fabulous bird watching opportunities on its 2.3 mile stretch of trail. The trails here are largely surrounded by tall grasses with views of the calm wetlands of the area, a great spot for enjoying nature on one of the most tranquil hikes in Virginia Beach."
Mentioned by virginiabeach.guide
Hiking in Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach Visitors Guide
"Just west of the Lesner Bridge, off of Shore Drive near Chic’s Beach, the Pleasure House Point Natural Area boasts 118 acres of water, tidal marsh, secluded shores and maritime forests. The area features designated hiking trails, on natural terrain, that take hikers along the Pleasure House Creek. These soft trails are great for hikers of all ages and skill levels, while offering a great view."
Mentioned by Virginia Moving Company
5 Amazing Family-Friendly Trails You Didn't Know About in Virginia Beach
"The Pleasure House Point Natural Area boasts more than 118 acres of forests, marshland, and beaches. It includes three sandy trails ideal for hikers of all skill levels. The park’s location between the Lynnhaven River and the Chesapeake Bay, make this nature sanctuary an ideal setting to spend the day."

Best Museums in Chesapeake

The Mariners' Museum and Park
The Mariners' Museum and Park
4.8 (1930 ratings)5 (813 ratings)
Remains of the ironclad USS Monitor anchor this extensive museum exploring global maritime history.
100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
Maritime museumMuseumsCafeHiking areaHistory museumMovie theaterSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Virginia
"One of the biggest, most comprehensive maritime museums in the world. The on-site USS Monitor Center houses parts of the Civil War–era Monitor, one of the world's first ironclad warships, as well as a huge number of artifacts associated with it. There's also a life-sized replica of the real deal. Or perhaps you're more interested in speed than history? The America's Cup exhibit spotlights the sleek Oracle Team USA catamaran that won the 2013 international racing competition."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads
"A world history of seagoing vessels and the people who sailed them occupies the outstanding Mariners' Museum, inside a 550-acre park."
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
4.5 (617 ratings)4 (124 ratings)
Regularly changing exhibitions of art such as paintings, sculptures & photography, plus classes.
2200 Parks Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Art museumMuseums
Mentioned by Virginia Moving Company
5 Virginia Beach Museums That Are More Than Worth the Visit
"Rather than famous art from antiquity, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) keeps a fresh stock of new art by acclaimed artists of today. An excellent museum for locals, MOCA constantly refreshes its collection with new exhibits. But MOCA is more than a stand-and-stare art gallery."
Mentioned by GPSmyCity
City Walk: Virginia Beach Cultural Venues, Virginia Beach, Virginia
"The Contemporary Art Center in Virginia Beach is a vibrant exhibition space for all the latest art. Here you can see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography and glass-works by local artists as well as artists from around the world. Operation hours: Tuesday - Friday: 10 am - 5 pm."
Chrysler Museum of Art
Chrysler Museum of Art
4.8 (2249 ratings)5 (885 ratings)
Esteemed museum with a broad collection of ancient to contemporary art, including glass & sculpture.
1 Memorial Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
Art museumMuseums

Top Best American Restaurants in Chesapeake

Streats
Streats
4.6 (279 ratings)
Low-key, casual eatery serving American staples from burgers to tacos plus beer & cocktails.
915 W 21st St suite a, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
American restaurantBarBar & grill
Mentioned by restaurantji.com
The Best American Restaurants in Norfolk, VA
"This was a happy accident because we couldn't bring our dog to the place we had initially planned to go. Sat down at Streats and immediately experie..."
1608 Crafthouse
1608 Crafthouse
4.7 (643 ratings)
Hip restaurant & bar emphasizing locally sourced New American fare & regional craft brews.
1608 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
American restaurantBarGastropub
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Ruth's Chris Steak House
4.6 (1166 ratings)
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting
205 Central Park Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
RestaurantAmerican restaurantCatererFine dining restaurantSeafood restaurantSteak house

Best Lunch Restaurants in Chesapeake

Taco Bell
Taco Bell
3.7 (959 ratings)
Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.
2011 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
Fast food restaurantBreakfast restaurantBurrito restaurantLunch restaurantTakeout RestaurantMexican restaurantRestaurantTaco restaurantTex-Mex restaurantVegetarian restaurant
Waffles & Co
Waffles & Co
3.6 (816 ratings)
Classic American breakfast offerings alongside Greek food & brunch cocktails in a diner-style space.
1710 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Breakfast restaurantAmerican restaurantBrunch restaurantBuffet restaurantCoffee shopGreek restaurantGyro restaurantHamburger restaurantLunch restaurantPancake restaurant
Mentioned by Virginia Beach, VA
American Food and American Cuisine Restaurants in
"This Restaurant has not set up any of its highlights and features. Visitors will need to visit the location to view the highlights and features. Owners can contact VABeach.com at 757-460-9000 to enable your account so you can add your own highlights and features."
Mosaic Cafe Eatery
Mosaic Cafe Eatery
4.5 (366 ratings)
2118 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Turkish restaurantBreakfast restaurantCoffee shopDinerFruit parlorHookah barLunch restaurantMediterranean restaurantPizza Takeout

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Chesapeake

3.0 (1300 reviews)
Quality Suites Lake Wright - Norfolk Airport
Hotel
$85 /night
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Quality Inn & Suites Olde Town
Hotel
$126 /night
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3.8 (293 reviews)
Hilton Garden Inn Chesapeake
Hotel
$117 /night
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