Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Portsmouth

"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 King Neptune Statue is situated at the entrance area of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and is something that is worth the title of one of the city’s tourist attractions in its own right. Standing at 34 feet in height and fashioned from aesthetically pleasing bronze, it rises out of the Atlantic and stares down over Neptune Park. The money used to construct the King Neptune Statue was raised at the Neptune Festival, an annual event that has been held since 1973 as one of America’s greatest festivals."

"You don't need a lot of time to check out the King Neptune Statue along the boardwalk, but it is still worth adding to your checklist. This bronze statue is 34 feet high and seems to rise right out of the Atlantic Ocean from the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 31st Street, where it overlooks Neptune Park. This statue honors the Neptune Festival held in September and volunteers from this festival raised the money to hire Paul DiPasquale to design and create this famous statue."

"On the boardwalk next to the Hilton Hotel, Neptune Park is home to a number of popular outdoor annual events including the Boardwalk Art Show and the Neptune Festival, which has sand-sculpting competitions, wine tastings, Symphony by the Sea concerts, volleyball tournaments, a sailboat regatta, and more. There's also a free summer concert series that lets musicians perform for the public during the weekends."

"There’s so much natural beauty in the state of Virginia, and the 1,422-acre Stumpy Lake Natural Area is one of the best. The property consists of a 278-acre lake, 174-acre golf course, 970 plus acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake, and 1.65 miles of trails.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. Enjoy hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature observation, and photography in a beautiful, picturesque setting."

"Situated right at the Virginia Beach city limit, the Stumpy Lake Natural Area’s centerpiece is a 178-acre lake with an overlook. Explore the 1.65-mile soft mixed-use trial that goes through the dense forest."

"Whether you prefer to bike or hike, you can find a route that serves your needs on the Elizabeth River Trail or Fort Norfolk walkways. 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."

"The Elizabeth River Trail features nine miles of scenic views from Norfolk State University to Terminal Boulevard. Here, you will be able to start your tour from an abandoned railroad that was transformed into a walking trail and one of the best bike trails in VA. The trail is paved to be accessible to anyone with physical disabilities."

"The Elizabeth River Trail or as locals call it, the ERT, is a 10.5-mile biking and pedestrian urban trail that will satisfy the highly active. Rental bikes (Pedego) are located downtown so you don’t even have to worry about having a bike!"

"Located in Downtown Norfolk, Town Point Park provides eight acres of peaceful outdoor space, nestled right on the banks of the beautiful Elizabeth River. Sit and enjoy the stunning sunset view while watching sailboats float by on the shimmering water. @__d_w_p__, Instagram"

"Termed as one of the best places to visit in Virginia, the Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area is one of the most stunning natural destinations in Virginia Beach. It rests in the Bayside Borough, covering 42 acres and 12,000 feet of shoreline. There is a range of diverse habitats scattered about the expanse, and it’s a great place for many different activities."

"This park in the Virginia Beach area features a beautiful 42 acres of nature. You'll enjoy it whether you have your hiking shoes on, or if you're trying to put your feet to your bike pedals. You can complete the trail in about a half-hour, and there are plenty of areas where you can take a dip or catch some fish."

"Virginia Beach, a coastal city in southeastern Virginia, lies where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. A 3-mile boardwalk stretches along its beach-lined oceanfront. The bayside First Landing State Park marks the 1607 arrival of the Jamestown colonists from England."

"Take a stroll along the oceanfront and before you reach Atlantic Fun Park, you will find La La Land Sugar Candy Kingdom. The name makes no attempt to hide what’s in store for those who step into the shop. This haven is packed to the brim with all sorts of candies, gourmet chocolate, candy floss, taffy, fudge and really good gelato!"

"Finally, Pelican's SnoBalls, a spot to score desserts and shaved ice, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 24 Yelp reviews. Head over to 6011 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. to see for yourself."

"• 2012 Inside Business Award of Merit from HRACRE for Civic Service • 2012 City of Virginia Beach Planning Commission Design Honor Award in Public Facilities"

"Croatan Beach looks towards the Atlantic Ocean and is near Rudee Inlet and Camp Pendleton. It is mostly found in a residential area."

"Ocean View and East Beach are stunning beaches located in Norfolk, Virginia and both beaches are filled with plenty of exciting activities for people of all ages to do. Some of the popular activities that people participate in at the beach include kayaking, sailing, fishing, crabbing, swimming, and relaxing. You can also check out the beach parks for live music performances and festivals."