Things to do in Hampton Roads

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches for 3 miles (5 kilometers) along Virginia Beach. Lined with bars, restaurants and hotels, this concrete esplanade features an adjacent bike path for cyclists and skaters. Enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant overlooking the ocean, watch buskers perform and inspect the sculptures and monuments along the boardwalk.

Get close to destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault vehicles, submarines and frigates by taking a bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk. Navy personnel narrate details of vessels, their histories and roles, as well as providing a few insights into life at this sprawling military base.

Sandbridge Beach is a serene, golden-sand beach just south of busy Virginia Beach. A secluded alternative to its popular neighbor, Sandbridge Beach is an ideal place to get away from the crowds. Kayak or hike in nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, dine on fresh seafood and spend an evening stargazing.

When you drive into Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you might see oystercatchers or piping plovers flying overhead before you even hear the waves on the beach. These are signs of the magical place you’re entering. Spend at least a weekend exploring the 70 miles (110 kilometers) of coastline that are part of this remarkable preserve.

Jamestown National Historic Site, also known as Historic Jamestowne, is the site of the first permanent English settlement in the United States. Set within Colonial National Historical Park, the site is the location of continuing archeological investigations. Walk around the ruins of the colony, learn about important archeological discoveries made on the site and attend craft demonstrations.