Exploring Coastal Virginia with the Family

Coastal Virginia is located in the southeastern portion of Virginia and is filled with tons of fun things to do with the family! Many of these cities are only a short drive from each other. The region consists of the main 7 cities referred to as Hampton Roads and includes the Tidewater Region along with the Eastern Shore of Virginia. From beautiful beaches and nature walks to museums and amusement parks, Coastal Virginia is filled with family-friendly activities!

The Road Knott Taken is thrilled to bring you the expertise and insight of Wander with Alex, a Virginia travel guru! Learn all the inside info perfect for planning your family visit to Williamsburg, Virginia. Ready to learn more? Check out the post about Planning the Perfect Family Trip to Virginia for more inspiration.

So without further ado here we go…

Virginia Beach 

Virginia Beach is a top destination spot for visitors and locals alike. Once you’ve had time to spend at the beach and on the boardwalk, check out some of these other activities Virginia Beach has to offer. 

If the kids like amusement parks, then you’ll want to consider the Atlantic Fun Park, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, or Motorworld. If you’re into art and museums, be sure to visit the ViBE Creative District, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum, or the Military Aviation Museum in Pungo. In addition, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum comes highly recommended and even have an adventure park that offers ziplining! And if you love the outdoors, head over to First Landing Park and go Kayaking at the Narrows on 64th Street. 

You may also like: Planning a Vacation to Virginia Beach.

Norfolk, Virginia

Take a 15-20 minute down the road and you’ll be in Norfolk, Virginia— home to the largest Naval Base in the world! Start off by visiting Nauticus, a maritime museum, and then tour the battleship Wisconsin! Then take a tour of Norfolk! There are walking tours, peddle bike tours, and even cruise tours of the naval base. 

Next stop by the Waterside District for a bite and a little entertainment along the Elizabeth River. If you’re an art lover, then you’ll want to make sure you check out the Neon and Railroad District murals and art exhibits. You’ll also love the Chrysler Museum of Arts and Perry Glass Studio. Lastly, take the kids to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens which features a World of Wonders Children’s Garden, or check out the Virginia Zoo!

Portsmouth, Virginia

If you’re staying or visiting Norfolk, you can take the Elizabeth River Ferry across the water to Portsmouth, Virginia! The views of the shipyard, tugboats, sailboats, ships, and other vessels are incredibly unique! Once you get to Historic Downtown Portsmouth, be sure to walk around and check out the sights. Then stop by the Children’s Museum of Virginia for a little fun for the kids. And if the weather is just right, take the kids over to Splash Park! Lastly, if you can’t get enough of the area’s maritime culture, don’t forget to check out the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum!

Chesapeake, Virginia

If your family loves being outdoors, there are tons of parks and trails in Chesapeake. Start by checking out Battlefield Park which is a tribute to the Battle of Great Bridge. Check out their schedule and for a walking tour or a reenactment! And if you’re looking for the ultimate children’s playground, head over to the Fun Forest! If the kids are a little older, go kayaking and stand up paddleboarding with the dolphins at Adventure Kayak tours! You also have the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Chesapeake Arboretum nearby with lots of hiking and birdwatching. 

Hampton, Virginia

When visiting Hampton, Virginia, you’ll want to be sure to explore the Fort Monroe area. There are beautiful beaches, good food, and the Fort Monroe National Monument which features a lighthouse, moat, and other historic sights. You’re even likely to see huge container ships pass by when visiting the Fort Monroe beaches. How cool is that?! Then you’ll want to take the kids over to the Virginia Air and Space Museum for some intergalactic fun! And if you can’t get enough of the beach, check out Buckroe Beach which hosts a large Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, or check out Huntington Beach. 

Newport News, Virginia

Newport News, Virginia is located very near Hampton. If your family loves museums and history, then you’ve come to the right place! Your family will love the Virginia Living Museum which is an aquarium, planetarium, botanical garden, and zoo all wrapped in one! You’ve also got the Mariner’s Museum and the Virginia more museum if you’re looking to learn more about the area. Oh, and let’s not forget about the Peninsula SPCA’s petting zoo! The kids will love the alpacas!

Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk, Virginia is known for peanuts and is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World.” There is an annual peanut festival in October each year that the family will love! And don’t forget to visit the Planter’s Peanut Center! Suffolk also has lots of beautiful parks to hike as well. Check out the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Sleepyhole, or Lone Star Lakes Park.

Williamsburg, Virginia

If you love history, then you’ll love historic Williamsburg, Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement are two outstanding Living Museums that provide hands-on learning. Both living museums have original buildings and artifacts, and Jamestown has reconstructed ships you can tour! Williamsburg is also home to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. And if you like barbecue, be sure to stop by Pierce’s Pit Bar-B-Que, a long-time local favorite for pulled chicken and pork! For more fun things to do with the family in Williamsburg, visit our article: Visiting Historic Williamsburg, Virginia.

Eastern Shore of Virginia

Just 45-minutes from Virginia Beach, you’ll cross a 17-mile bridge across the Chesapeake Bay before entering Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The Eastern Shore’s slogan is “You’ll Love Our Nature,” and for good reason. Go camping with the family at Kiptopeke State Park and enjoy hiking, biking, boating, and the beach! Visit the Eastern Shore’s National Wildlife Refuge, but be sure to only leave footprints! Or visit the charming beach town of Cape Charles, rent a golf cart, and explore the town. Then finish the day off playing in the Chesapeake Bay with the kids!

About the Author: Alex Sumuel is the Founder of Wander With Alex (link), a blog dedicated to travel around Virginia and beyond. Wander With Alex offers trip ideas, travel tips, and inspiration to help others get out and wander too! For more information visit wanderwithalex.com or connect with Alex on Instagram @alexsumuel