Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Chesapeake

"Behind Sandbridge Beach is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, with more than 9,000 acres of beach, freshwater marshes, dunes, and forested areas. The refuge protects important habitat for migratory birds, but is also a pleasant place for a wander along nature trails or paddleboarding in the still waters. From the visitor center, the view extends out across the waters and islands of Back Bay."

"In Virginia Beach, you’ll also find Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Both have miles of pristine beaches, barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, and ponds. On False Cape, hop on a bike tour with Surf & Adventure Co. — there’s no better way to get acquainted with the more remote areas of these sands."

"As such, it’s something that quite a few locals miss out on because it is nestled away. But, I promise it’s worth the ride to the opposite end of Virginia Beach. There are beaches there as well, numerous hiking trails, kayak opportunities, and stunning views of the marshes."

"Featuring six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat and 15.3 miles of trails, False Cape State Park is one of our favorite spots to explore. With dunes, woodlands, farm fields, salt marshes and more, this coastal landscape is unmatched, and the 15 hiking and biking trails, varying in length and ranging from easy to difficult, provide many ways to explore one of the last remaining undeveloped areas on the east coast. Located in southern Virginia Beach, False Cape is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean offering primitive beachfront camping, where you can camp in near complete isolation right on the beach."

"If your family is looking for places that offer free kid-friendly things to do in Virginia Beach, then look no further than the False Cape State Park."

"The Norfolk Botanical Garden is Norfolk’s biggest botanical garden – and, by extension, that means it’s Virginia Beach’s, too, though it is about half a day away. It spans 158 acres and regularly puts on all sorts of events, sometimes even daily. Situated in Hampton Roads, it’s a must-see for nature-lovers and anyone who appreciates a little serene beauty."

"I’ll be honest, there is an additional fee to do your session at the gardens – but oh so worth it!. We’ve done weddings at the gardens, a beautiful bridal session, and fun engagement photos."

"The King Neptune Statue is situated at the entrance area of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and is something that is worth the title of one of the city’s tourist attractions in its own right. Standing at 34 feet in height and fashioned from aesthetically pleasing bronze, it rises out of the Atlantic and stares down over Neptune Park. The money used to construct the King Neptune Statue was raised at the Neptune Festival, an annual event that has been held since 1973 as one of America’s greatest festivals."

"On the boardwalk next to the Hilton Hotel, Neptune Park is home to a number of popular outdoor annual events including the Boardwalk Art Show and the Neptune Festival, which has sand-sculpting competitions, wine tastings, Symphony by the Sea concerts, volleyball tournaments, a sailboat regatta, and more. There's also a free summer concert series that lets musicians perform for the public during the weekends."

"Parks3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451MoreLess Info. Neptune's Park provides views of the beach from the board walk and a large statue of Neptune standing guard over the park. In addition to the large 34 foot statue, the park also offers live bands."

"There’s so much natural beauty in the state of Virginia, and the 1,422-acre Stumpy Lake Natural Area is one of the best. The property consists of a 278-acre lake, 174-acre golf course, 970 plus acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake, and 1.65 miles of trails.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. Enjoy hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature observation, and photography in a beautiful, picturesque setting."

"Situated right at the Virginia Beach city limit, the Stumpy Lake Natural Area’s centerpiece is a 178-acre lake with an overlook. Explore the 1.65-mile soft mixed-use trial that goes through the dense forest."

"Located in Downtown Norfolk, Town Point Park provides eight acres of peaceful outdoor space, nestled right on the banks of the beautiful Elizabeth River. Sit and enjoy the stunning sunset view while watching sailboats float by on the shimmering water. @__d_w_p__, Instagram"

"Termed as one of the best places to visit in Virginia, the Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area is one of the most stunning natural destinations in Virginia Beach. It rests in the Bayside Borough, covering 42 acres and 12,000 feet of shoreline. There is a range of diverse habitats scattered about the expanse, and it’s a great place for many different activities."

"This park in the Virginia Beach area features a beautiful 42 acres of nature. You'll enjoy it whether you have your hiking shoes on, or if you're trying to put your feet to your bike pedals. You can complete the trail in about a half-hour, and there are plenty of areas where you can take a dip or catch some fish."

"• 2012 Inside Business Award of Merit from HRACRE for Civic Service • 2012 City of Virginia Beach Planning Commission Design Honor Award in Public Facilities"

"Wells Theater first opened to the public in 1913, so if you want to catch a glimpse of a period architectural wonder in Norfolk, then this is the place to come. Many top performers in the United States at the time performed in this theater, and a large movie screen was erected in 1916. Over the years the theater took many different forms, including becoming a gin house and brothel for a short time, before being listed on the Register of Historic Places in the 1980s."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Landstown Commons is home to some big stores, and there are a lot of them. The area has a lot to offer no matter what you’re looking for—from electronics to fitness and, of course, a food court."

"One of the coolest things to do in Norfolk is to visit the Selden Market – a place where you can experience and enjoy many of the city’s newer concepts in fashion, food, coffee, and more!. Located in the famous Selden Arcade building in downtown Norfolk, the repurposed space is paving the way for local businesses in Hampton Roads. View this post on Instagram"

"208 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510-1608+1 757-510-2740[email protected]http://seldenmarket.com. Selden Market is Norfolk's first retail incubator. We offer a mix up-and-coming concepts in retail, food and more from local, small businesses."

"Open today 12:00am to 12:00am"

"Fellini's is a Colley Avenue institution at this point, with almost three decades of business under its belt — and despite its location near Old Dominion University, the vibe is low-key and filled with families and older couples. But the décor skews delightfully weird, with 1980s action-movie glass bricks going toe-to-toe with mini chandeliers and large mirrors. The place is named after the Italian cinema giant, whose portrait adorns not only the mural outside but the staff's shirts."

"When i first moved to Norfolk, Fellini's came highly suggested so i tried it. Fellini's has great pasta dishes & an awesome alfredo sauce."

"Located in Renaissance Place, When In Rome offers a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Virginia Beach. Located on Highway 35, When In Rome features a small batch kitchen and a cozy dining room with a black ceiling and crisp white walls that can seat up to 42 people, and Rome-born Chef Marco de Rossi creates a menu of traditional Italian fare that is paired with wines chosen by Sommelier Don Paul. The menu boasts all the favorites of antipasti, insalate, pasta autentica, Carne e Pesce, contorni, or sides, and dolci and focuses on the five different ages and textures of parmesan."

"EXPERIENCE A ROMAN TRATTORIA MINUS THE EXPENSIVE AIRFARE. HAND CRAFTED MENU ITEMS WITH THE FINEST INGREDIENTS, EXQUISITELY PREPARED AND PROFESSIONALLY SERVED"