Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
discover Discover

Hampton Roads visitor guide from a local!
Purple Star emoji 42 items
By
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Jennifer Sokolowski
Planning a trip to Hampton Roads? I have lived in the Hampton Roads area for about 5 years in total! I have put together a list that includes must-see attractions, local dining, family-friendly activities, historic sites, and hidden gems across Norfo...
Sections
6
 
Outdoor Activities
 
Restaurants
 
Breweries
 
Arts & Entertainment
 
Local Favorites
 
Places of History

Outdoor Activities

Enjoy Virginia’s scenic nature and coastal vibe.

 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Family fun! My kiddos love the parks here!
Mount Trashmore Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Enjoy some outdoors time! It is so beautiful!
Norfolk Botanical Garden
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Great option in Va Beach area! Not as many crowds as Va beach!
Sandbridge, Virginia Beach
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Love walking this in the morning and seeing dolphins!
Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Great place to check out local vendors! Check our the permanent jewlery stand!
Old Beach Farmers Market
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. with trails, archery, and wildlife.
Newport News Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Restored 1920 carousel near downtown Hampton. Something so magical about it!
Hampton Carousel
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
I love a great location for the whole family! This is great for kayaking, fishing, and fossil hunting.
York River State Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Another option to see the sights! Hike, bike, or relax along the Chesapeake Bay’s quiet shores.
First Landing State Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Fun for the whole family! You have to try the grilled pretzels!
Norfolk Tides
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder

Restaurants

From upscale bites to casual eats, there’s something for every craving.

 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
So good and so many great options!
Sunnyside Cafe and Restaurant
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Southern-inspired fare with a modern twist
Amber Ox Public House
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Famous for sweet potato biscuit sandwiches. They are oh so yummy!
Handsome Biscuit
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Oceanfront seafood & legendary Orange Crush drinks.
Waterman's Surfside Grille
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Local coffee shop with baked goods and casual meals.
Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Hidden gem with great food!
Leaping Lizard Cafe
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Fun military themed restaurant and great service!
Anchor Allie's
placeholderplaceholder

Breweries

Relax and sip some locally brewed craft beer.

 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
One of many local breweries. Can even enjoy it with the whole family!
New Realm Brewing Co.
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Check out their page for any events that they maybe having!
Smartmouth Brewing Co.
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Love it! Great to hang out with friends!
Three Notch'd Brewery & Craft Kitchen
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Taproom, food trucks, and great community vibe.
The Virginia Beer Company
placeholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Coastal-themed brewery with IPAs and sours.
Reaver Beach Brewing Co.
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder

Arts & Entertainment

Catch a show, enjoy live music, or admire local art.

 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Professional theater in a historic setting.
Wells Theatre — Virginia Stage Company
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Intimate venue with concerts, comedy, and cultural performances.
The American Theatre
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Big shows, symphonies, and festivals.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Free admission, impressive collections, and glass-blowing demos.
Chrysler Museum of Art
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Part aquarium, zoo, planetarium, and science center. They have special laser light shows available, so check out their website!
Virginia Living Museum
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Theme park with world-class rides and seasonal shows. Definetely check it out during the holidays!
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder

Local Favorites

Hidden gems and must-visit spots locals love.

 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Great for an afternoon activity! Check out extra tours that you can add to your visit!
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Old-school drive-in known for inventing the ice cream cone. One of my favorite places for burgers!
Doumar's Cones & Barbecue
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Grab a sandwich or charcuterie and enjoy it outside on Duke of Gloucester Street.
The Cheese Shop
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Low-key park with boating, trails, and a nature center.
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
One of the longest piers on the East Coast.
Ocean View Pier in Norfolk, Virginia
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Fascinating ship exhibits, including the USS Monitor Center.
The Mariners' Museum and Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Interactive exhibits plus an IMAX theater.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
I used to work here! The Green Cat has some great year round treats! All natural, vegan and gluten free!
The Green Cat Juice Bar & Market
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder

Places of History

Explore the rich historical roots of Virginia.

 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
A living history museum and historic district that brings 18th-century America to life.
Colonial Williamsburg
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Re-creation of the first permanent English settlement, with ships, a fort, and museum exhibits.
Jamestown Settlement
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.
Yorktown Battlefield
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Historic military fort and museum with views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Fort Monroe
placeholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Located within Fort Monroe, showcasing military history and Jefferson Davis’ imprisonment.
Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
Jennifer Sokolowski profile picture
Naval museum and massive battleship you can explore.
Nauticus
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder