Must See Sights and Landmarks in Portsmouth Area

"There’s a reason First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia. It’s an outdoor lovers paradise with 2,888-acres, 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beaches, and 20 miles of hiking trails that weave through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, and cypress swamp. There is certainly no shortage of fun activities for the entire family including fishing, boating, camping and cabin accommodations, nature and history programs, hiking trails, and picnic facilities."

"First Landing State Park is brimming with exciting and relaxing activities for the whole family. The nearly 3,000-acre park boasts 20 miles of trails to explore on foot. While traversing First Landing’s trails, you’ll come across cypress swamps, maritime forests, freshwater wetlands, dunes, shoreline on the bay and salt marshes."

"First Landing State Park is located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. This 2,888 acre park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. You can go swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or enjoy a picnic when you visit First Landing."

"Distance/Time: Three miles of walking and biking paths scale the man-made mountains and lakes at the 165-acre Mount Trashmore Park. Shorter trails can be completed in 30 minutes, while longer walks may take over an hour.Admission: FreeWhat to expect: What was once somebody else’s trash, is now someone else’s park. The site of a former city landfill, Mount Trashmore repurposed the landscape by compacting layers of waste and clean soil into a 60-foot mountain with two lakes, a garden, skate park, children’s playground, and multi-use trails."

"You're not a true 757 resident if you don't know about Mount Trashmore. This 164-acre park features a hill 60 feet high and 800 feet long. It's an environmentalist's dream because it is a repurposed landfill built in 1974."

"The Cape Henry Lighthouse is a neat one for history fanatics. Technically there are two Lighthouses by the same name, one “old” and one “new.” The first one was built in 1792 and is the one open for tours and climbs. And, the so to speak “newer” one was built in 1881, so it’s still old, and is currently closed to the public."

"The First Landing Cross marks the area where America’s first English settlers touched shore in the New World in 1607. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1791, is the oldest government-built lighthouse in America. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek / Fort Story, 89th St. and Atlantic Ave., (757) 422-9421"

"Hunt Club Farm showcases the lesser thought of aspect to Virginia Beach. There was a time where there was pretty much nothing but fields for farming and beaches. But, a piece of that lives on through this 35 acre family owned farm land."

"Hunt Club Farm is Virginia Beach's premier farm attraction with over 30 acres of fun activities for the whole family."

"The Naval Aviation Monument pays tribute to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation from the early 1900s through the present and acknowledges the connected and vital role of the Virginia Beach and greater Hampton Roads area. Next to the Norwegian Lady monument, the Naval Aviation Monument features bronze sculptures by renowned artist Mike Maiden and laser-etched granite storyboards of historic aviation events."

"Set on the Oceanfront, the Naval Aviation Monument is dedicated to the aviation of the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. The monument is made up of several beautiful bronze statues created by master sculptor Mike Maiden. There are also a number of other historical monuments here, including a statue of World War II pilot Eugene Ely, who was the first to land successfully on a shipboard."

"A compelling memorial to recognize and honor the rich naval aviation heritage that is an integral part of the city’s history and culture. 25th Street and oceanfront on the boardwalk"

"The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a hot spot for its activities. There is the fishing and crabbing, rentals for both are available, but the pier is also open to spectators, shoppers, and diners. Additionally, multiple reviews online vouch for the prime catch of both fish and crabs, as well as the food from Ocean Eddie’s."

"Continuing north along the Boardwalk, you will find the popular Virginia Beach Pier, which operates from April through October. During the summer season, from Memorial Day until Labor Day, it is open 24/7. Fees are charged to fish on the pier, but a fishing license is not required."

"If you want a specific location along the beach in Virginia Beach to visit, head to the fishing pier. This pier measures 1,000 feet long and is along the boardwalk on 15th street. This attraction is right in the middle of the resort area, making it a popular attraction."

"First of all, with a name like the Mermaid Factory, you have to know you’re in for a good time!. One of the favorite things to do in Norfolk VA, you’ll love making crafts and browsing the art at Mermaid Factory!. At the Mermaid Factory, you’re getting a unique gift shop and a “paint your own” art studio all in one!"

"Resting on West 21st Street, this craft store is known for selling artsy items based on the city’s symbol, the mermaid."

"1-2 pm Explore the Virginia Beach Boardwalk or rent a bike, surrey, or blades. 2-5 Explore Atlantic Avenue family fun attractions!"

"When you are at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach and are ready for some delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine, head over to Soya Sushi located at 31 Ocean. Come and sample from their extensive sushi, hibachi, noodle and entrée selections, All food is prepared to order with prime ingredients and a c… Read More"

"Coastal Grill has been a local haven for fresh seafood done right since 1989, and consistently brings one of the area’s best soft shell crabs to the table year after year. Fresh crab is lightly coated in a simple milk and flour coating, fried and served with their homemade scallion butter. Simple, crispy, and juicy."

"One of tonight’s features is a king salmon topped with bearnaise and served with a side of asparagus. #coastalgrill #dinner #freshfood. This restaurant with a home-style interior has been serving the best seafood dishes since 1989."

"The beautiful bar invites easy conversation and casual dining. Located on the affluent Great Neck corridor in Virginia Beach, just three miles from the …"

"Located on top of the Virginia Beach Hilton on 31st Street, Sky Bar is a private club that requires a valid membership card to gain entry; additionally access to the club is contingent on compliance to a strictly enforced dress code. Resort casual is the customary attire. No tank tops, ripped jean… Read More"

"Sky Bar at Virginia Beach is located at apex of Hilton Hotel. This is a perfect venue for the most happening nightlife and has a wonderful swimming pool with crystal blue water. This place is usually for the VIPs and have a bar that is operated in open air and has got a typical tropical feel."

"Other notable parks include the Weyanoke Audubon Sanctuary, Jeff Robertson Park and the Plum Point Park. If your group is interested in retail therapy, Historic Ghent has plenty of boutiques and specialty stores to appeal to shopaholics in your party. A visit to Norfolk is incomplete without a taste of hearty Southern cuisine, and there are countless memorable restaurants for your group to sample. Handsome Biscuit serves enormous sandwiches covered in specialty red eye sausage gravy, Smartmouth Brewing Company has India Pale Ales and saisons on tap and Cure Coffeehouse & Brasserie is known for flavorful coffees and freshly baked desserts."

"• 2015 HRACRE Excellence in Design Award for Juror’s Choice Award • 2015 APA Sustainability Award • 2015 HRACRE Excellence in Design Award for Best Master Planning Project Award of Excellence • 2015 HRACRE Excellence in Design Award for Best Sustainable Design Award of Excellence • Sustainability Initiatives of the Year, Business Intelligence Group’s 2016 Sustainability Awards Program • BeyondGreen Honor Award for a High-Performance Building in the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council’s (SBIC) 2016 Beyond Green High Performance Building Awards"

"The Chesapeake Bay Foundation built the Brock Environmental Center to engage, inform, and inspire generations about the environment and how we can all help Save the Bay. The Center, located at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an innovative example of environmentally sensitive and… Read More"

"To start off, the Thoroughgood House was once the home of an indentured servant who became a prominent member of the community and the House of Burgesses. This place’ll give you a pretty good idea of what life was like in Virginia Beach in the early days. Other historic homes in Virginia Beach open to the public include the Lynnhaven House, the Ferry Plantation House, and the Frances Land House. One of them is bound to be haunted, speaking of which…"

"Visit the Thoroughgood House to hear of the achievements of Adam Thoroughgood, one of Virginia’s first colonists. See and admire the elements for which the house is known; its extensive wainscoting and panelling and its dramatically turned staircase. The Adam Thoroughgood House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960."