Few places offer the variety of things to see and do that you’ll find in the dynamic Hampton Roads metro area. And Chesapeake, Virginia sits in the center of it all, making it the perfect launch-point for your next getaway. Easy access off I-64 puts us 20 minutes from the oceanfront, 15 minutes from Norfolk, and 40 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. Of course, Chesapeake has plenty of attractions, golf, history, waterways, and parks to fill your days too. And, we think you’ll find our vacation packages surprisingly affordable.
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
Thousands of boats ply the Intracoastal Waterway passing through the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Albemarle Chesapeake Canal annually. The waterway links the Chesapeake Bay to North Carolina’s sounds providing a vital east coast connection between Boston and Key West, Florida. Whether you are sailing or watching from the shore, you’ll enjoy the sights along this historic waterway. Parks at Deep Creek and Great Bridge provide excellent observation points.
Chesapeake Arboretum
Return to nature at this 48-acre “natural classroom” dedicated to promoting horticulture and environmental awareness. One of Virginia’s finest trail systems meanders through a mature hardwood forest with many varieties of native plants and trees. The Arboretum headquarters is an eighteenth century farmhouse with theme gardens that include a fragrance and antique rose garden. The farmhouse was built in 1730 with an addition built in 1822.
(757) 382-7060 | 624 Oak Grove Road
Chesapeake City Park
This 75-acre site has 45 acres of open space with the remainder rows of reforested pine trees. Electric and water service is in place to support outdoor events and large outings. The site is divided by roadways into segments which may be rented acording to the space needed. City Park is the location of Chesapeake Skate Park and the site of the annual Chesapeake Jubilee and Symphony Under the Stars. On three acres is Fun Forest, the ultimate children's playground. City Park is also the location of twelve regulation/competition class horseshoe courts and home to the city's annual horseshoe tournament brought to you by the Chesapeake Horseshoe Club and Chesapeake Parks and Recreation. The park also has the city's first dog park, opened in the fall of 2002.
(757) 382-6411 | 900 Greenbrier Parkway
Fenced in for off-leash dogs, parks contain benches, water fountains for dogs and owners, poop-scoop bags, and covered trash cans.
(757) 382-6411 | 900 Greenbrier Parkway
Chesapeake Planetarium
Explore the wonders of the universe. Located at the Chesapeake Municipal Center, the Chesapeake Planetarium was the first planetarium built by a public school system in the state of Virginia. Free public programs, including telescope observations, are offered each week.
Reservations: (757) 547-0153 | 24-hour information: (757) 547-STAR (7827)
310 Shea Drive
Located on the grounds of Chesapeake City Park and open for participants who wish to skateboard or in-line skate, Skate Park includes a spine ramp, hip ramp, three-quarter pipe, and a street area that has a series of smaller ramps, boxed platforms, and obstacles that can be moved around to offer different courses. Passes can be purchased at the Ranger's Station at City Park during normal business hours and cost $5 per visit.
(757) 382-6411 | 900 Greenbrier Parkway
Chesapeake Veterans’ Memorial
The Chesapeake Veterans’ Memorial commemorates the service and sacrifice of Chesapeake citizens and loved ones who are serving or who have served in all branches of the military. The memorial is located on the municipal grounds and is made up of a marble structure and more than 1,000 individual memorial pavers.
(757) 382-6151 | 306 Cedar Road
Deep Creek Lock Park
The park is named for the Corps of Engineers’ lock that separates the saltwater of Deep Creek from the freshwater of the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. Deep Creek Lock Park is heavily wooded with a pedestrian bridge and elevated walkway system to traverse a tidal inlet and marsh area. Other features include foot trails that wind through the woods.
(757) 382-6411 | 300 Luray Street
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
Formerly US Route 17, this multipurpose use trail accommodates horse owners, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, and boat owners. It runs 8.5 miles along the Dismal Swamp Canal. It is a nature and history devotee's delight. An outdoor recreation playground for serious and casual outdoor recreation enthusiasts, the trail is home to the annual Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon and Paddle for the Border. Open sunrise to sunset.
(757) 382-6411 | 1200 Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
Fun Forest
Spread over three acres of Chesapeake City Park, Fun Forest is the ultimate children’s playground, imagination center, and family adventure area. It was built by over 1,800 volunteers from the community. Fun Forest was the winner of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society “Best New Facility in Virginia” award in 1996. The playground has an area for older children that features a dragon, three-way underground telephone, shaky bridge, dolphin tunnel slide, and many more challenges. The science and learning area teaches mathematics and science while children have fun playing with mirrors, whisper dishes, and a planet walk. The toddler playground invites little ones to steer a plane or truck, swing, slide and more. Fun Forest is truly a place for the entire family.
(757) 382-6411 | 900 Greenbrier Parkway
Great Bridge Lock Park
The park, located along the Intracoastal Waterway just off Battlefield Blvd., is named for the Corps of Engineers' lock which separates the saltwater of the river from the freshwater of the canal. This 19 acre features a two-lane boat ramp, picnic shelters, and a foot trail along the north shoreline and through the wooded western portion of the park. There is a large play area, provisions for indoor toilets, and extensive fishing and crabbing areas. Bleachers permit spectators to view the many yachts that transit the lock.
(757) 382-6411 | 100 Locks Road
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1973, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge now consists of over 111,200 acres of forested wetlands in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The 3.100 acre Lake Drummond lies at the center of the swamp. The refuge is a favorite with sportsmen for hunting white tailed deer in October and black bear in late November. Birding is popular in April-May, as over 200 species of birds have been identified on the refuge. Refuge trails are open daily sunrise to sunset for hiking and biking.
(757) 986-3705 | Headquarters at 3100 Dessert Road, Suffolk, VA
Northwest River Park
This park was developed as a natural recreation area incorporating camping, an extensive trail system, picnic shelters, play areas, and an equestrian area for horse owners. There is fishing, miniature golf, the Marjorie Rein Memorial Walkway, and plenty of open areas. Rental boats, canoes, and fishing poles are available. A camp store, fragrance garden for the visually impaired and a classroom building are located at the north end. The lake stretches almost to the southern activity area on the banks of the Northwest River.
(757) 421-7151 | 1733 Indian Creek Road
Portlock Galleries at SoNo
This renovated contemporary art gallery features unique meeting space and a gift shop provides a unique opportunity for visitors and locals alike. Portlock Galleries hosts local and traveling art exhibits, art education for area schools, summer art camps, and more. You will also find assistance at the visitor information center located here.
(757) 502-4901 | 3815 Bainbridge Boulevard
Virginia Civil War Trails
Tour stops in Chesapeake for the Virginia Civil War Trails include the Dismal Swamp Canal, Village of Deep Creek, Village of Great Bridge, Glencoe, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Seven Patriot Heroes, and Gabriel Chapel/Cuffeytown Cemetery.
(888) CIVIL WAR