10 Best Day Trips from Virginia Beach!
Virginia Beach is a wonderful place to spend time, but one of the best parts of visiting here is how many great destinations are close by. Families, couples, and solo travelers can all enjoy short trips that take only a few hours from the city. In this guide, we’ll take you through 10 best day trips from Virginia Beach, explain each trip in detail, what makes the destination special, how families can enjoy it, and tips to make the most of the visit.
1. Williamsburg
Planning a day trip to Williamsburg takes about an hour from Virginia Beach and is one of the best ways to spend a day learning history. The main draw is Colonial Williamsburg, where old buildings, costumed guides, and historic streets make the past feel real. Walking through the area feels like stepping back in time, with blacksmith shops, taverns, and homes showing how early Americans lived. Close by, Jamestown Settlement showcase exhibits and recreated ships that show what life was like for the first English settlers in the 1600s. Together, these sites give visitors a clear picture of how America began.
2. Norfolk
A day trip from Virginia Beach to Norfolk is enjoyable, with the drive taking about 30 minutes depending on traffic. Many visitors start with the USS Wisconsin, a retired battleship that can be toured, and the Nauticus museum next to it, which has hands‑on exhibits about naval history and marine life. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a favorite stop, with walking paths, seasonal flowers, and a special garden designed for children that makes it enjoyable for families. The waterfront area has plenty of restaurants, making it a convenient place to sit down for lunch or dinner while enjoying harbor views.
3. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
From Virginia Beach, you can also plan a trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which takes about an hour by car, making it easy to spend the whole day at the park exploring rides, shows, and themed areas. The park is famous for its themed areas, each designed to look like a different part of Europe, with rides, food, and buildings matching the style of that region. Roller coasters are a big highlight, with choices ranging from fast and thrilling to smoother rides that families can enjoy together. Visitors can also watch live shows, enjoy seeing animals, and explore smaller attractions around the park.
4. Newport News
Leaving Virginia Beach early in the morning, you can reach Newport News in about 45 minutes, making it a simple day trip filled with history, nature, and local sights. The Mariners’ Museum is a must‑see, with exhibits about shipwrecks, naval battles, and artifacts found underwater. One of the highlights is a real piece of the USS Monitor, a famous Civil War ship. Close by, the Virginia Living Museum combines indoor and outdoor displays, showing native wildlife and nature trails that families enjoy. Many visitors stop at the Victory Arch, a landmark built to honor men and women who served during wartime.
5. Richmond
Taking a day trip to Richmond that takes about two hours from Virginia Beach, giving travelers plenty of time to enjoy the city’s highlights in one day. Many visitors begin at the Virginia State Capitol, which shows the state’s history and government roots. Families often head to the Science Museum of Virginia, where kids can explore hands‑on exhibits and planetarium shows. Art lovers spend time at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which has collections from around the world. Carytown is a popular stop for shopping and casual dining, offering local stores, cafes and variety of food options.
6. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Starting from Virginia Beach, you can reach the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in about an hour. The refuge is home to many animals such as deer, black bears, and a wide variety of birds, which makes it a favorite spot for people who enjoy watching wildlife. At the center of the refuge sits Lake Drummond, where visitors can spend time fishing or kayaking. The walking paths allow guests to explore without needing special gear, passing through shady trees and open areas. Some parts of the refuge feel untouched, giving a strong sense of nature far away from city noise and crowds.
7. First Landing State Park
Sitting along the Chesapeake Bay, First Landing State Park is well known for its quiet trails, shaded woods, and beaches that are often less crowded. Visitors can walk for miles through marshes, cypress groves, and sandy paths that make the park feel both natural and welcoming. The site also carries important history, as it marks where the first English settlers arrived in 1607 before moving further inland. One of the most popular routes is the Cape Henry Trail, which stretches across the park and people come here to enjoy the outdoors, whether they are walking, riding bikes, or relaxing by the water.
8. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge sits along the coast and offers wide open views of wetlands, forests, and beaches, making it a peaceful place to explore. Walking the trails, visitors often spot birds, deer, and other animals in a natural setting. The refuge is especially important for migrating birds, so different species can be seen depending on the season. Kayaking is a popular way to explore more of the area, giving people a chance to paddle through calm waters and enjoy the surroundings. The trails are easy to follow, letting guests take in the scenery without needing to hike long distances.
9. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Planning a day trip from Virginia Beach to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge takes about two hours by car, giving travelers time to explore wide natural areas filled with wildlife. The refuge is home to animals like black bears, red wolves, and alligators, all living in their natural environment. The best way to see the area is by driving along the wildlife trails or paddling through the water in a kayak or canoe. Some paths allow visitors to walk through the landscape, while the calm waters are also good for kayaking or paddleboarding, with plenty of chances to watch wildlife along the shoreline.
10. Raleigh, NC
From Virginia Beach, a day trip to Raleigh in North Carolina takes about 3.5 hours by car, so it works best if you start early in the morning. Many travelers begin at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which has live animals, showcase large exhibits, and hands‑on displays that keep both kids and adults interested. Families often enjoy Pullen Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, where children can ride a carousel, play on playgrounds, or rent pedal boats. Downtown Raleigh has casual restaurants and shops, making it easy to stop for lunch or dinner before heading back.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the most popular day trips from Virginia Beach?
Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown are often chosen for history lovers, while Busch Gardens Williamsburg is popular for rides and live shows, and Norfolk bring visitors with battleship USS Wisconsin and many museums. Many travelers also enjoy nature spots like First Landing State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the Great Dismal Swamp. Each of these places can be reached in about one to two hours, making them easy to plan.
2. Are there any family-friendly day trips from Virginia Beach?
Yes, there are many day trips that work well for families. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a favorite because it has rides for all ages and live shows. The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is another good choice, with easy walking paths and animals kids enjoy. First Landing State Park and Back Bay Refuge are simple outdoor spots where children can walk short trails and see nature. Museums like the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News also mix learning with fun.
3. What’s the cheapest way to travel for a day trip from Virginia Beach?
The cheapest way is usually by car, especially if you are traveling with family or friends and can share fuel costs. Public buses can be an option for nearby cities like Norfolk, though they may take longer. Some attractions also offer group discounts, so traveling together can save money. Packing your own snacks and water helps reduce food costs during the trip. Choosing free or low‑cost destinations like parks, beaches, or wildlife refuges also keeps expenses down.
4. Which day trips are best for nature lovers from Virginia Beach?
Nature lovers often enjoy First Landing State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the Great Dismal Swamp. Chincoteague Island is another well‑liked trip for nature lovers, especially for its wild ponies and coastal scenery. Lake Drummond inside the Great Dismal Swamp is popular for kayaking and fishing. These trips give travelers a chance to spend time outdoors, away from city noise, and enjoy simple natural surroundings.
5. Are there guided tours available for day trips from Virginia Beach?
Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement both offer guided tours led by interpreters who explain history in simple ways. Norfolk has guided tours of the USS Wisconsin battleship and boat tours along the waterfront. Some nature areas, like Chincoteague Island, also have guided boat trips to see ponies and birds. Guided tours are helpful because they give background stories and make it easier to understand the place you are visiting.
6. What should I pack for a day trip from Virginia Beach?
Packing depends on where you are going, but some basics are always useful. Carry water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially for outdoor trips. Comfortable shoes are important since most places involve walking. When planning for the day, it’s smart to carry a light jacket or raincoat since the weather can change quickly, and being prepared makes the trip more comfortable. If you plan to visit nature areas or do camping, bug spray and a hat are good to bring.
