Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"1-2 pm Explore the Virginia Beach Boardwalk or rent a bike, surrey, or blades. 2-5 Explore Atlantic Avenue family fun attractions!"

"First of all, with a name like the Mermaid Factory, you have to know you’re in for a good time!. One of the favorite things to do in Norfolk VA, you’ll love making crafts and browsing the art at Mermaid Factory!. At the Mermaid Factory, you’re getting a unique gift shop and a “paint your own” art studio all in one!"

"Resting on West 21st Street, this craft store is known for selling artsy items based on the city’s symbol, the mermaid."

"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"

"Other historic homes in Virginia Beach open to the public include the Lynnhaven House, the Ferry Plantation House, and the Frances Land House. One of them is bound to be haunted, speaking of which…"

"The Ferry Plantation House has many names, Old Donation Farm, Walke Manor House, and Ferry Farm. It is a brick house built in the 1800s and reportedly haunted by eleven ghosts."

"Ocean View Beach Park is the perfect spot for the best beach vacations from Virginia Beach. It is located in Norfolk and is only 26 minutes away, making it the nearest beach spot outside the city."

"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."