Ourdoor recreation

 First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach) – Miles of scenic trails through maritime forests and wetlands.

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Suffolk/Chesapeake) – Beautiful wooded trails and the stunning Lake Drummond.

Newport News Park (Newport News) – One of the largest municipal parks in the country, featuring scenic hiking and biking trails.

Windsor Castle Park (Smithfield) – Peaceful trails along the Pagan River with wooded paths and open fields.

Bells Mill Park (Chesapeake) – A quiet, underrated park with wooded trails along the Elizabeth River. Great for spotting wildlife!

Indian River Park (Chesapeake) – A hidden oasis with winding forest trails, great for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park (Hampton) – While it's growing in popularity, this spot still offers peaceful wooded trails, scenic overlooks, and a beautiful lake.

Sleepy Hole Park (Suffolk) – A small but scenic park with wooded trails leading to a peaceful view of the Nansemond River.

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve (Portsmouth) – A secluded nature preserve with beautiful marsh and forest trails, plus kayaking options.

Stumpy Lake Natural Area (Virginia Beach) – A hidden nature escape with hiking trails winding around a peaceful lake, perfect for sunrise walks.

Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area (Virginia Beach) – A quiet nature retreat with scenic walking trails around two connected lakes

Lone Star Lakes Park (Suffolk) – Several freshwater lakes great for bass fishing.

James River Fishing Pier (Newport News) – Popular for saltwater fishing, open to the public.

Northwest River Park (Chesapeake) – A quiet spot with a stocked lake and plenty of fishing spots.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia Beach) – Offers fishing opportunities surrounded by incredible wildlife.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia Beach) – A must-visit for birdwatchers, especially in the fall and winter.

Great Dismal Swamp (Suffolk/Chesapeake) – Home to diverse wildlife, including black bears and rare bird species.

Grandview Nature Preserve (Hampton) – A peaceful spot for birdwatching and walking along the marshes.

Stumpy Lake Natural Area (Virginia Beach) – A quiet lake with a surrounding forest, ideal for spotting eagles and herons.

Newport News Park Trail Extensions (Newport News) – Most people know the main park, but the less-traveled trails on the outskirts offer some of the best birdwatching and solitude. 

Lynnhaven River (Virginia Beach) – Calm waters, perfect for beginners, with lots of wildlife.

York River State Park (Williamsburg) – Serene waters with beautiful marsh views.

Blackwater River (Suffolk/Franklin) – A hidden gem with peaceful, shaded waters.

Nansemond River (Suffolk) – A great spot for kayaking with a mix of open water and marshlands.