With a blend of natural beauty, rich history and plenty of events and attractions, Chesapeake, Virginia, offers a delightful vacation destination. Whether you want to paddle down tranquil rivers or do some shopping, the city has a place for you to do it. Start planning your trip with these picks of the top things to do.
Attractions
Whatever your interests, find an activity in Chesapeake. Here are a few categories to explore.
Family Activities
If you want things to do near Chesapeake, Virginia, with kids, consider visiting Chesapeake City Park. The area includes a skate park, playground, trails, and basketball and volleyball courts. You can also enjoy some fun indoors with bowling at Bowlero Western Branch or viewing art exhibitions at the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center.
History
Chesapeake has a long history stretching back to the earliest days of European settlement. Learn more with a visit to the African American Heritage Trail, a self-guided driving tour with multiple sites. Otherwise, check out the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Museum, preserving the history of the Revolutionary War Battle of Great Bridge.
Shopping
The Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake has all your favorite stores, making it a fun shopping destination. The city also features unique shopping locations like 3 Little Black Birds for vintage and handcrafted items or Aimaleigh’s Boutique for clothing and gifts.
Indoor Fun
There is plenty to do indoors, including pottery painting at GLäZENFYRE. Other indoor attractions include the FunVille Indoor Playground or Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex.
Outdoor Activities
Spend some time in nature at various parks and other outdoor locations around Chesapeake. The city has parks, trails, bird watching, fishing, sports and recreation opportunities. Here are a few top options:
- Oak Grove Lake Park: This park offers a beautiful lake view, a playground, and walking trails for those seeking free things to do in Chesapeake, Virginia.
- Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: Explore the beauty of one of the most critical wildlife habitats in the mid-Atlantic region. Activities include hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing and hunting.
- Chesapeake Arboretum: Explore several miles of hiking and walking trails with bridges and a gazebo. Along the way, learn about various tree species and visit the Caleb Williamson Farm House.
- Hickory Ridge Farm: This family-owned farm offers pick-your-own fruits, veggies and flowers. It also has a play area, goats, pony rides, a barrel train and homemade goodies to buy.
- Great Bridge Lock Park: See the lock separating the Elizabeth River and the oldest continually operating artificial U.S. canal. Recreational activities include crabbing, boating, fishing and picnicking.
- Elizabeth River Park: This location features a public boat ramp and a crabbing and fishing pier you can use for free without a fishing license. Other park amenities include a playground and an accessible paved path.
Events
Chesapeake always has something exciting to do during your visit. Here are a few things to do near Chesapeake, Virginia, for couples, families and groups:
- Chesapeake Jubilee: Visit the Chesapeake City Park for this exciting carnival event. Activities include fireworks, music, entertainment, a shrimp feast, rides and games.
- Chesapeake Wine Festival: This festival features live music, delicious food, shopping opportunities and quality wines. Proceeds go to local charities.
- Holiday Craft Show: Start your holiday shopping with this November craft show featuring over 90 crafters with handmade gifts and decor. Kids can visit Santa and make crafts during the event at Santa’s Workshop.
- KayaXpedition: Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard for this water event. It also features live music and a food truck.
- Pugh Family Christmas Light Show: Celebrate the winter holidays with a dazzling light show. Drive by the house and tune your radio to the right station to sync up to the music.
- Restaurant Week: Experience the culinary delights across Chesapeake, Virginia. Participating restaurants serve delicious meals starting at $15 and increasing in five-dollar increments.
Restaurants
Taste the local flavors with Chesapeake’s many restaurant options. Pirate’s Cove Restaurant is a local favorite known for seafood, steak and other dishes. Another seafood destination is the Black Pelican Seafood Company. It offers delicious food, excellent service and a peaceful atmosphere.
If you are looking for things to do in Chesapeake, Virginia, for adults, the city has many bars and breweries to check out. The Garage Brewery offers a construction scene vibe with recycled materials and has a mix of traditional and trailblazing sips. Studly Brewing celebrates America’s pastime of baseball. It is a seven-barrel brewpub with food options like craft pizzas and salads. Big Ugly Brewing lets you choose food from a food truck and pick a drink from the brewery. It offers various events like bingo and trivia.
The Egg Bistro is another popular spot to grab a bite. It features a breakfast menu during the day and American bistro food at night. Try Jamaican and Southern barbecue at Cutlass Grille. The restaurant features a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. You can also visit the Butcher’s Son chophouse for organic steak and seafood. Light music offers a chill vibe for your dinner.
Day Trips
Chesapeake offers proximity to many other towns if you seek a change of scenery. Check out these locations for day trip destinations.
Virginia Beach
Bask in the sun on gorgeous oceanfront beaches and visit the well-known Virginia Beach Boardwalk during your trip. Other attractions include the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. This location is only about 20 miles from Chesapeake.
Norfolk
Just 6 miles away, Norfolk, Virginia, offers much to explore. Visit the Virginia Zoo or the Chrysler Museum of Art. Other attractions include the USS Wisconsin BB-64 and various shops and restaurants.
Hampton
About 30 miles from Chesapeake, Virginia, experience the Virginia Air and Space Science Center, the Fort Monroe National Monument and Buckroe Beach.
Top Tips for Travelers in the Area
As you seek unique things to do in Chesapeake, Virginia, keep a few tips in mind to support your planning and travels:
- Plan for traffic, especially during day trips to nearby cities.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes while exploring.
- Check typical weather conditions for the time you plan to visit.
- Try the local seafood.
- Go off the beaten path and find lesser-known gems.
- Stop by the visitor center for recommendations and tips.
Start Your Vacation Planning
Whether you need things to do in Chesapeake, Virginia, for couples or family-focused attractions, you will find plenty in and around the city. As you plan your vacation, consider reserving a site at Kampgrounds of America. KOA offers various campgrounds across Virginia with excellent amenities to enhance your trip. Find a campground and reserve a site online.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
