The wildlife refuge near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel did not seem to offer a ton of access to…read morebeachy areas, instead containing a visitor center and some trails through reasonably pleasant forest. Stopping in at the visitor center got me a lot of welcomes, including from a retired physician with a biology background (this sounds like a nice way to spend one's retirement). Among other things, I was informed that the island which the bridge runs through is only open for tours a few weeks a year, and I received information on how to pursue those tours, which I might follow through on. Otherwise, I refilled my water bottles and got in a nice little walk.

Worthy of a stop in my book, but don't go out of your way if not passing by. There are two parts…read more The Eastern Shore Visitors Center which has its own listing and the grounds. I would recommend doing both and have enjoyed for years. The location is just a few miles from the Bay Bridge with good signage. If you plan on doing both park at the visitors center there is a grassy path to the refuge. It's approximately a mile walk. If refuge only drive past the VC and hang a right to a small lot. The entrance is under a WW II concrete bunker with a surprise upon passing through. A powerful gun originally mounted in the rear turret of the Missouri. A cool side note. The USS Missouri was the site of the 1945 Japanese surrender ceremony. The 16 inch 50 caliber gun saw extensive action in both WW II and in the Korean War. The weapon was placed inside the refuge in 2013 to represent the original that sat in the very same bunker. The 2,100 pound round could fire at a distance of 21 miles across the bay and then some. On top of the bunker is an over look and worth the climb. Stairs are located on the side and are in great shape. Unfortunately it's not the best Kodak moment with a lot of over growth that needs cleared. If you bring a selfie stick or foot ladder that's best to elevate. There is not a large trail network which is a limiting factor. However, the refugee itself is hundreds of acres all Federally protected. Along the trail to a second overlook is a small cemetery which is nothing of interest. The second overlook located just mInutes from the bunker is the ideal photo op location. It's green, it's marshy and it's expansive. So snap away. For lovers of birds you will see water fowl. I'm a bit surprised that the refuge has so few reviews with a lot of traffic that passes by nearby Highway 13. If time permits go for it. Both the ES Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center and can be done in less than two hours easy.

A Hidden gem in Newport News Victory Landing Park, located…read morein Newport News, Virginia, is a waterfront spot hidden from view by an office building and a memorial arch. Newport News near this part seems a little run down. It is a very nice place for relaxing or taking in scenic views of the James River. Nestled near the city's downtown area, this small park offers a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike. There is not much parking right next to the park but there seems to be street parking up the hill. The surrounding area is not the nicest area but if you can get to it, I think it is worth it. One of the nice features is the wide, unobstructed view of the river, where you can watch boats and ships pass by. The park is often quiet, making it an ideal spot for reflection or reading. Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout, offering seating options for those who want to enjoy the fresh air. A paved walking path is also great for a leisurely stroll. While the park doesn't have a playground or large recreational facilities, it's well-maintained and offers clean surroundings. A short walk brings you to a beautifully landscaped area with neatly trimmed grass and thoughtfully placed flowers. There is an aircraft carrier to one side and 2 large support ships to the other. Informational plaques in the park provide historical context about Newport News' maritime heritage. The plaque tells the story of how ¼ of all the soldiers returning from World War I came through this park to come home. You can visit the large arch just up the hill if you want to learn more of the history of this spot. Overall, Victory Landing Park is a hidden gem for anyone seeking tranquility or waterfront beauty. While small, it's a charming spot to unwind and appreciate the natural and historical significance of the area.

A solid park that gives you water views. It also has a nice wide sidewalk that is clearly marked…read more Where you get to the water you can see some of the big military boats. The sidewalk is tree lined with old oak trees that are pretty and unique looking. This is a nice place to go for a walk.

It's a strange thing to try to put a Yelp rating to, because this is a small park. When they say…read moreonly eight parking spots and nowhere else in the area to park or access the trails, they mean it. And when you hit the beach, you'll struggle to walk far in either direction amongst the driftwood. It was maybe a little over an hour visit for me, and maybe you could push it a little more if you did all the side trails. But I guess the thing for me is that I don't really have any desire to see them do anything different with the space. While much of the shoreline is developed or inaccessible, this area offers a fascinating variety of landscapes. The flora shift dramatically and suddenly, and you don't need signage to tell you where one zone ends and another begins. The diversion off of the main highway is not a huge one, and it is an interesting and worthwhile site.

Full disclosure. We weren't able to fully experience this area because sunset was already…read morehappening. If coming from downtown Cape Charles, the parking lot will be on your right. Look for the kiosk sign, it's a small dirt parking lot. It's easy to miss if you don't pay attention. The lot is said to house 8 cars. Trails are not paved and consist of a mixture of dirt, root laden and sand terrain. There is a small boardwalk to cross on one of the trails that leads to beach access that veers to the right. The trail that leads to the right is roughly Half a mile to slightly a 3/4 mile to the beach. I recommend wearing shoes and not flip flops. I did have shoes on. The starting trails have plenty of shade. We only took one of the three trails due to limited time and it was dark by the time we made it back. They do close the gate by sunset. I happened to be too busy looking at my phone on the way back and actually walked right into the gate. If you do go to catch the sunset, make sure you give yourself at least 10-15 minutes to get back or else you will be stuck using your cellphone flashlight to find your way back or maybe bring a headlight just in case. Also, I didn't have cellphone service, so make sure if you visit in the evening, that you let people know of your whereabouts, prior to heading out in case of an emergency. On the website they say there are no bathrooms, but I happened to see a port a potty on one part of the trail. It looks like a nice place to take walks and explore. I would like to go back and check out the other trails.

One day when I was looking around on the National Park Service website, I spotted the Captain John…read moreSmith Chesapeake National Historical Trail (JST). There is nothing I love more than trails, but when you combine history with nature, I get damn giddy! 400 years ago, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay, and covered over 3,000 miles of trails--most of it being water. In 2006, Congress designated Smith's voyages as the first national water trail. Because of that, there is not one main trail for JST. There are several "trails" throughout Hampton Roads (HR). Each site has a sign and logo (see pictures) representing its inclusion with JST. Here is a list of the places you can visit in HR to check out JST: * Fort Boykin--Smithfield * Windsor Castle Park--Smithfield (Technically, Smithfield is not included in HR, but close enough to Suffolk, and many HR residents visit often.) * Mariners' Museum--Newport News * Virginia Living Museum--Newport News * Fort Monroe National Monument--Hampton * Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve--Portsmouth * First Landing State Park--Virginia Beach * Lynnhaven River NOW--Virginia Beach * Great Bridge Lock Park--Chesapeake TIPS: * Download the Chesapeake Explorer App (http://chesapeakeexplorerapp.com/) * Check out A Boater's Guide to the JST (http://goo.gl/dLi34r) * Here is the historical map from John Smith voyages: http://goo.gl/rGvgDA And here is the current map for JST: http://smithtrail.net/visit-the-trail/index * There is a Junior Ranger badge specifically for JST--ages 6 - 12. Go to this website and follow the directions: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-kids * Calling educators/parents! They offer lesson plans on the website: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-educators * Many of the water trails are accessible to kayaks and canoes! * Take a driving tour. (http://goo.gl/C4b7jk)

I went on a trip to visit my grandfather, with my father. And while we were down there I got to…read morejoin the Junior Ranger Scouts where I developed my passion for protecting parks and natural resources. Who knew an adult can join. For children ages it goes from 8-26 years old I caught it before it ended. I am so happy, and I talked to a park ranger there. It's true there are two different parts of the job there is law and enforcement, and then there is criminal law and justice. Which one do I prefer when I was speaking to someone? I chose educational studies, which is most of the time maintenance.

A hidden jewel!!!' Wild horse and deer roaming freely!! White sand and blue water!! So clean way…read morebetter than Virginia Beach!!! Kick ass beach!!! A perfect camping site!!!!

It was a minute since I took a walk here. A friend and myself decided to take a morning stroll in…read morethe morning back in July. And it was one that was needed. We both met at the beginning of the trail which is located on the side of the Hampton Police Academy building. The trail itself is 3 miles all paved. So you don't have to worry about your shoes getting dirty unless there's a mud puddle. For the most part, tall trees provided much needed shade from the sunlight. As mentioned in my past interviews, the trail is narrow as you run into fellow walkers or joggers going on the opposide side or behind you. Some parts of the trail were marked for repaving but nothing that halted our walk. Again, it was a really nice time to do a trail walk during the Summer. Hot, but one that was needed to sweat the right way. As always, this trail will be one of my go-to's :)

Amazing trail! I had this place saved on this app & I've been wanting to walk here for a while. My…read morefamily & i decided to check it out, & we walked the whole thing. It took us 1 hour & 39 minutes, but it was worth it. It's near a police training center; i had to use the restroom & the staff were kind enough to let me in. They even gave me water for my long, hot walk.

Winslow Battery, Cape Charles VA…read more Location: Hallett Cir, Cape Charles, VA 23310 Located in: Eastern Shore Of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Hours : open 24hrs Restrooms : no restrooms Accessibility : trails are wheelchairs accessible, in grass or gravel. Parking : parking lot free around the conservatory ℹ : fws.gov A very cool place to explore, and experience the history. The fort is hidden between small forests and the large gun barrel is underneath the underpass of the fort with the projectiles nearby. There's trails around, one that walk to the visitor center and the other one going to the pollinators garden and go around the fort overlook the bay. Being in the middle of the hunting season stops us exploring the trails. #batterywilson #easternshoreofVA #virginianationalwildliferefuge #preservefootprints

I have always driven right past this visitor's center but had to use the restroom after a bunch of…read moremorning coffee this past weekend so, we pulled in so I could run in. It's nice! Restroom was large and clean, there is a small information center with loads of brochures and two friendly ladies inside greeting people and happy to answer questions, and there was even a small gift shop with a penny press! WIN! This is a place I wish I had stopped sooner - and if you are a newbie to the Eastern shore - be sure to stop in so you can get your bearings and get some tips from locals who run the place!

We absolutely love this park…read more It is so nice that there is rubber down instead of mulch that gets stuck in the children's shoes. There are several slides so everyone can go down. There is a sunshade over top to help cut down on it being hot from the sun. There is plenty of grass around for children to run in as well if they wanna bring a ball. There are 2 tables with a shade so that you can sit and eat. Plenty of parking and clean restrooms.