Chesapeake Virginia Tourism

Come explore the Chesapeake’s bevy of attractions, special events, golf, historical sites, winding waterways and lively parks. And, while you’re here, let Chesapeake be your home base for adventures to the shores of neighboring Virginia Beach, trips back in time at Colonial Williamsburg or to stroll the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Easily accessible from major interstate highways, Chesapeake is the final destination of a fun road trip, situated within a day’s drive or less from two-thirds of the country’s population. Or, hop a flight into Norfolk International Airport, just 15 minutes from the heart of the city. The city’s proximity to the best of the Hampton Roads region makes it an ideal spot to call home while traveling, a gateway to all the enticing amenities in the area.

Chesapeake boasts a selection of unique recreational activities to entice outdoor enthusiasts, including the 763-acre Northwest River Park. The park offers canoeing, fishing, birding, hiking and a popular Ropes & Initiatives course for group teambuilding. The park hosts themed nature hikes throughout the year, is a favorite among campers and also offers seasonal specialty programming from stargazing to owl calling and fine arts to fly-fishing. Chesapeake City Park is a 75-acre open space featuring the award-winning Fun Forest children’s playground, Chesapeake Skate Park for skateboarders and festival grounds which host the American Indian Festival and the Chesapeake Jubilee each year. The park’s outdoor Buddy G. Bagley stage also welcomes a variety of musical and family events year-round.

Water is an integral part of the Hampton Roads landscape, and Chesapeake is no exception. The Great Dismal Swamp Canal, first envisioned by George Washington, is the oldest operating artificial waterway in the country. The canal functions as a portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, providing a vital waterborne path between Boston, Massachusetts, and Key West, Florida. During the Antebellum Era, runaway slaves often hid in the Swamp which served as a north-south route on the Underground Railroad. Officially recognized by the National Park Service as part of the national Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program, the waterway also is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Complementing the canal and Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a new Dismal Swamp Trail opened in May, 2006. The 8-mile trail system parallels the historic waterway and welcomes bikers, walkers, runners and equestrians on a spectacular journey through both lush landscape and rich history.

The newest addition to the city’s entertainment landscape is Towneplace at Greenbrier, a lifestyle destination center that features delectable restaurants, upscale retail shops and unique boutiques, accessible pedestrian walkways and a large outdoor plaza for al fresco dining and entertainment.

Savvy shoppers also won’t want to miss a cruise through the city’s Antique Alley. The half-mile stretch of road is home to nearly a dozen antique and collectible shops and hosts auctions and flea markets year-round.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Chesapeake’s accessible location, bevy of special events and variety of activities are sure to please – just come see for yourself.