Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Portsmouth

"There’s a reason First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia. It’s an outdoor lovers paradise with 2,888-acres, 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beaches, and 20 miles of hiking trails that weave through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, and cypress swamp. There is certainly no shortage of fun activities for the entire family including fishing, boating, camping and cabin accommodations, nature and history programs, hiking trails, and picnic facilities."

"First Landing State Park is brimming with exciting and relaxing activities for the whole family. The nearly 3,000-acre park boasts 20 miles of trails to explore on foot. While traversing First Landing’s trails, you’ll come across cypress swamps, maritime forests, freshwater wetlands, dunes, shoreline on the bay and salt marshes."

"First Landing State Park is located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. This 2,888 acre park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. You can go swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or enjoy a picnic when you visit First Landing."

"Distance/Time: Three miles of walking and biking paths scale the man-made mountains and lakes at the 165-acre Mount Trashmore Park. Shorter trails can be completed in 30 minutes, while longer walks may take over an hour.Admission: FreeWhat to expect: What was once somebody else’s trash, is now someone else’s park. The site of a former city landfill, Mount Trashmore repurposed the landscape by compacting layers of waste and clean soil into a 60-foot mountain with two lakes, a garden, skate park, children’s playground, and multi-use trails."

"You're not a true 757 resident if you don't know about Mount Trashmore. This 164-acre park features a hill 60 feet high and 800 feet long. It's an environmentalist's dream because it is a repurposed landfill built in 1974."

"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."

"Situated on North Shore Road, this historic home showcases opulent art pieces that date back more than 4,000 years ago."

"The beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden has over 60 themed gardens on the property and there is always something to explore. Most blooms can be spotted during the spring and summer months, but make sure to check out their year-round gardens too. The Sensory Garden is year-round and filled with plants that will please all of your senses."

"The Norfolk Botanical Garden, which is Virginia’s largest botanical garden, is a must-see when traveling to Norfolk. It is open every day from 9 AM-7 PM and a great place for both tours and as an event venue. The gardens feature 175 acres, 7 miles of paved paths, and 7 miles of unpathed paths that visitors can explore."

"I’ll be honest, there is an additional fee to do your session at the gardens – but oh so worth it!. We’ve done weddings at the gardens, a beautiful bridal session, and fun engagement photos."

"The Cape Henry Lighthouse is a neat one for history fanatics. Technically there are two Lighthouses by the same name, one “old” and one “new.” The first one was built in 1792 and is the one open for tours and climbs. And, the so to speak “newer” one was built in 1881, so it’s still old, and is currently closed to the public."

"The First Landing Cross marks the area where America’s first English settlers touched shore in the New World in 1607. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1791, is the oldest government-built lighthouse in America. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek / Fort Story, 89th St. and Atlantic Ave., (757) 422-9421"

"Distance/Time: The Pleasure House Point Natural Area sprawls over 118 acres with a network of three sandy trails winding over a mile among marshland and maritime forest to the beach. In its entirety, hikers can handle trails at an easy pace in an hour to two hour’s time.Admission: FreeWhat to expect: Located where the ebb of the Lynnhaven River reaches the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, this natural sanctuary was saved from property development in 2012 thanks to the efforts of community preservation groups. The area is also home to the Brock Environmental Center, recognized as one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world for its ability to produce more energy than it uses."

"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."

"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."

"Virginia Beach is home to 264 parks and park facilities, covering over 4,000 acres including neighborhood and community parks, metro parks, signature parks, natural areas, waterway accesses, trail linkages, open space preservation areas and park athletic facilities. Ranging from playgrounds to picnic shelters, ball fields to wide-open spaces, there’s a park for every personality. Parks are open from 7:30 a.m."

"Activity Type:Historical Sites, Museums, Sightseeing & Tours. A public monument honoring Navy SEALs was long overdue – until the Museum created one on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Although a great number of SEAL forerunners trained in Ft."

"The USS Wisconsin is famous for being a mighty battleship that was in operation during the Second World War as well as the Korean War. The ship was actually retired on the 1980s, only to be called up for service again in Operation Desert Storm in the 1990s. After such an illustrious history, the ship is now a nautical museum and you can take a self-guided tour here where you can visit different parts of the ship including offices, an onboard chapel, a mess, and the staterooms of the officers."

"We’ve already talked about the Nauticus National Maritime Center. Perched on the largest Naval Base in the world, you would also expect to see some pretty big ships too, right?. Well at this extension of the Maritime Center, you can."

"Great menu and located right on the Virginia Beach boardwalk at 22nd Street. Some great food and drinks with friends with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. Head over and check out a boardwalk favorite."

"This popular night club is located at 209 21st Street in Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451. This is a well-known night club in Virginia Beach for wild night out. This place is a perfect destination for College Nights and Ladies Nights."

"Peabody’s is a high energy Nightclub featuring the area’s hottest DJs, best sound and state of the art lighting. Located at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. We are 18 & Up and open every Thursday, Friday & Saturday."

"Peabody's is a high energy Nightclub featuring the area's hottest DJs, best sound and state of the art lighting. Located at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach."

"Coming soon to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is Lolly’s Creamery. Lolly’s homemade ice cream is locally made with fresh ingredients. The flavors rotate weekly with featured flavors that will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth."

"Main St. in Downtown, the spot to score desserts and more is the highest rated dessert spot in Norfolk, boasting five stars out of 40 reviews on Yelp."