Day Trips & Excursions: Virginia Beach

Nearby Destinations

Colonial Williamsburg (approx. 1 hour drive): A living history museum depicting colonial life. Step back in time and interact with historical interpreters.

Jamestown and Yorktown (approx. 1 hour drive): These historic sites mark early American settlement and a decisive Revolutionary War victory. Explore the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Battlefield.

Transportation Options

Colonial Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown: Best reached by car. Public transport connections from Virginia Beach are limited and indirect.
Norfolk: Accessible by car, taxi, rideshare, or HRT public bus. The HRT Light Rail also operates within Norfolk.
Outer Banks: Requires a car due to limited public transport options.
Richmond: Reach Richmond by car, or take an Amtrak train from Norfolk.

Exploring Natural & Cultural Sites

Beyond Virginia Beach's immediate coast, find additional natural areas for exploration and explore rich historical narratives.

Natural Escapes

Beyond Virginia Beach's immediate coast, find additional natural areas for exploration.

Parks and Scenic Views

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (approx. 45 minutes drive): Wildlife viewing, hiking, and kayaking available.
False Cape State Park: A remote park with a wild coastal experience, accessible by foot, bicycle, or tram.
Driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers stunning views of the bay and ocean.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your historical and cultural awareness with excursions outside Virginia Beach.

Historical & Local Interests

Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown): Deep dives into early American history.
Civil War Battlefields: Richmond and Petersburg hold significant Civil War sites.
Drive south into Currituck County, NC, for agricultural landscapes and charming small towns.

Planning Your Day Trip

Time & Itineraries

Colonial Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown: A full day (8-10 hours) for one or two sites.
Norfolk: A half to full day depending on your interests.
Outer Banks (Northern part): A full day for a scenic drive and lighthouse exploration.
Richmond: A full day for exploring a museum, historical site, and meal.

Seasonal Phenomena

Whale Watching: Available off the coast from December to March.
Foliage: Peak season generally runs October to November.

Organized vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tours:Less common from Virginia Beach.
Pros:Hassle-free travel and guided insights.
Cons:Less flexibility and potentially higher costs.

Independent Travel:Recommended for most day trips.
Pros:Flexible scheduling and exploration at your own pace.
Cons:Usually requires your own transportation.

Day Trip Tip

Consider booking day trips in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. For a wide array of options, explore GetYourGuide.

Multi-Day Adventures

Extend your Virginia Beach stay with multi-day regional explorations.

Historic Triangle

Spend 1-2 nights in Williamsburg to fully explore its living history museum and surrounding sites.

Outer Banks, NC

Spend 2-3 nights to explore more of the barrier islands, climb lighthouses, and experience the coastal culture.

Washington D.C.

A logical next destination, with iconic monuments and world-class museums, reachable by car or Amtrak.

Shenandoah National Park

Ideal for scenic mountain drives, hiking, and natural beauty.

Transportation

Best undertaken by car for flexibility.
Amtrak connects Norfolk to Richmond.
From Richmond, continue by train to Washington D.C.

Suggested Longer Routes

Plan diverse journeys across Virginia and beyond.

Route Ideas

Coastal Loop: Virginia Beach to Outer Banks, then coastal North Carolina.
History & Culture: Virginia Beach, Historic Triangle, Richmond, Washington D.C.
Mountains to Sea: Shenandoah, Charlottesville, Richmond, Virginia Beach.

Planning Your Extended Trip

All these extensions are best undertaken by car for maximum flexibility.

Amtrak provides train connections for inter-city travel.

Travel Tip

Always check opening hours and booking requirements for attractions in advance.
Consider traffic, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
Pack essentials for day trips: water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
For the Outer Banks, check ferry schedules if traveling beyond Hatteras.
Richmond and Washington D.C. Parking may be challenging; consider public transport.

Day Trips & Excursions