Beyond the Boardwalk: Day Trips From Virginia Beach

Where to go if you need a break from the sun and sand

King Neptune stands watch over the Virginia Beach boardwalk. This imposing figure also marks the entrance to Neptune’s Park, where they have a series of free summer concerts. (Courtesy of Virginia Beach CVB)

Boardwalks are one of the main attractions for many beaches, and Virginia Beach is no exception. Ranked No. 7 for “Best Beach Boardwalk” by Reader’s Digest in 2022, its gigantic statue of King Neptune looming over the 31st Street section of the Boardwalk is clearly the face of Virginia Beach.

With its lively night scene, bustling outdoor eateries, and amusement park rides, there truly is something for everyone. The beach itself is teeming with water activities for surfers, water-skiers, water-boarders, kayakers, and, of course, swimmers and sunbathers.

You may never want to leave the beach. However, should you decide to do a mini-break from the water, here are some day trips that can be taken for a change of pace.

Cape Henry

At the northern end of the beach lies the site where the English colonists made landfall in 1607—hence the name: First Landing State Park. Aside from marking the location where The Virginia Company landed, it has seen soldiers from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War rest under its canopy of trees, and even the notorious pirate Blackbeard has made camp there. It has been named a National Natural Landmark, and it’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places. No wonder it’s the most visited park in Virginia. It’s free to enter on foot or by bike.

This cypress swamp at First Landing State Park is one of the many protected areas in the park. (Courtesy of Virginia Beach CVB)

Norfolk

Take a day off from the beach and head 18 miles west inland and visit the nautical city of Norfolk. There, you will find the USS Wisconsin, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy, at the maritime discovery museum Nauticus. Visitors can board and explore below decks to get a feel for what life is like living at sea. Short films, exhibits, and hands-on activities help visitors do a deep dive into the history of the battleship and where it saw action. With so much to see and do here, it’s worth the price of admission. Allot at least two hours for this visit.

One of the more touching aspects of the tour is seeing the veterans’ names attached to the lockers they actually used while deployed on “Big Whiskey.” (Lynn Topel)

Still in Norfolk, a visit to the Chrysler Museum of Art is a must to view one of the greatest glass art collections in the United States—from statues to stained glass, and from painted vases to colorful Tiffany lamps. If you want to see a glassblowing demonstration, walk over to the Perry Glass Studio—but keep in mind it can get really hot! With no charge for admission and plenty of free parking, it’s a can’t-miss stop.

This daunting naval ship earned five battle stars and housed the sailors’ sleeping quarters, mess halls, and even a barber shop during World War II. (Lynn Topel)

The Chrysler Museum of Art has a collection of more than 30,000 objects. These beautifully painted vases make up but a small part of it. (Lynn Topel)

Travel north a few more miles for a change of scenery as you visit the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. The 12 acres of gardens and the Lafayette River offer breathtaking views, making it a favorite for wedding photography. The museum, which was the estate owned by the Sloane family (wealthy New Yorkers who eventually settled in Norfolk), houses their eclectic art collection. From Tang Dynasty figurines and brightly colored snuff bottles to European paintings and Russian icons, these are the treasured possessions of a couple who also helped found the Chrysler Museum of Art. The museum and the grounds are open to the public.

Take in the tranquil views of the Lafayette River, which runs through the Sloane property that is now the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. (Lynn Topel)

Sitting on 12 acres of land, the Hermitage Museum and Gardens is an Arts and Crafts home from the early 20th century. (Lynn Topel)

Hampton

Fort Monroe, located in Hampton, is 30-something miles from the boardwalk. Known as the “Gibraltar of the Chesapeake,” its strategic location served as an important line of defense. History is alive throughout this masonry fort: the first group of enslaved Africans landed in colonial America, and the first baby of African descent was born; Jefferson Davis was held prisoner; Abraham Lincoln stayed for a few days on its property while seeking to negotiate peace with the Confederate leaders; and an 1802 lighthouse, in addition to multiple cannons and artillery from various wars and skirmishes, are scattered throughout its grounds. With 400 years of history to explore, it is definitely worth at least a half-day visit. There is no charge to enter and explore the fort.

These Russian icons are part of the 5,000-object private art collection of Florence Sloane, whose collection spans 5,000 years of art history from 30 different countries. (Lynn Topel)

Located at the southern tip of the Virginia peninsula, it sits adjacent to Norfolk. Fort Monroe is known as the “Gibraltar of the Chesapeake” and has seen its share of history. (Zack Frank/Shutterstock)

Beach Pie

Pizza seems to taste better by the beach. And it would be a mistake to not visit the “Home of the Virginia Slice.” Benny’s serves jumbo slices cut from a 28-inch pie. This home-grown chain, which started from a backyard brick oven, now has locations in almost every major Virginia city (and beyond!). Each Benny restaurant is named differently depending on its location. Check out Benny’s on the Ocean for some beachside pie, and Benny Damato’s (named after the battleship USS Damato) is just a couple of blocks from the other battleship at the Nauticus. One pie feeds all!

Each slice from Benny’s needs two plates to hold it. With limited topping choices, they keep it simple so they can focus on providing the finest ingredients in each pie. (Lynn Topel)

A surfer is challenged by the waves near Virginia Beach. (Virginia Beach CVB)

Back to the Beach

There’s a lot of excitement at Virginia Beach and beyond, but should you be in the area from Aug. 20 to 27, 2023, catch the Annual East Coast Surfing Championships to watch some surf action, or ride the waves yourself. There is so much to see and do, and don’t limit yourself to the enticing three-mile boardwalk.