Urban energy and lush wilderness in Virginia’s Chesapeake
Chesapeake is a large and buzzing city in Virginia, grouped around the mighty deep-blue Elizabeth River, which surges north into the Atlantic Ocean. The city is surrounded by nature and wilderness – from protected swampland to dense, leafy forests. Downtown Chesapeake offers independent and mall shopping, plenty of movie theaters, and a wealth of family-friendly restaurants. And with such a range of Chesapeake vacation rentals available – modern apartments, family homes, and historic townhouses – you’re sure to find the perfectly personalized place for you.
Activities and attractions in and around Chesapeake
Are you hoping to discover top things to see and do in the city? Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and check out everything that Chesapeake has to offer. These are some of the most popular attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Virginia Zoo (7.7 mi / 12.3 km)
- Ocean Breeze Waterpark (16.6 mi / 26.7 km)
- Cypress Point Country Club (10.1 mi / 16.3 km)
- Virginia Beach National Golf Club (11.7 mi / 18.9 km)
- Signature at West Neck (12.7 mi / 20.5 km)
- Heron Ridge Golf Club (14.3 mi / 23.1 km)
Swampland adventures and indulgent shopping
Nature lovers can explore the vast Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This epic, Eden-like wilderness is covered in cypress, tupelo, and pine trees, with patches and pools of bird and amphibian-covered wetland. You can hike along the swamp trail, or venture to Lake Drummond – a circular freshwater lake in the middle of the swamp – which offers fishing and camping. Back in Chesapeake, shoppers can splurge at the modern Chesapeake Square mall – with its clothing and cosmetic stores – or take the family to Towne Place at Greenbrier, a flashy family shopping, entertainment, and dining destination.
Spring is a fine time to travel to Chesapeake
Chesapeake experiences a humid subtropical climate, which means hot, sun-struck, and humid summers – with bursts of heavy rainfall – and cool winters, which can see snow and freezing temperatures. A perfect time to book a Chesapeake vacation rental is in late spring – late April or May – when temperatures are balmy, and before the summer wave of travelers hits the city. During this season you’ll be able to engage in plenty of outdoor activities without overheating. Early fall is a fine time to visit too, particularly as the Chesapeake foliage sings with fiery reds and yellows.
Chesapeake’s wetland and wilderness areas
Chesapeake is bordered by the bustling high-rise studded metropolis of Norfolk to the north, the relaxed beachside city of Virginia Beach to the east, and the quaint heritage-rich city of Suffolk to the west. Southwest of Chesapeake, the Great Dismal Swamp stretches to the horizon, where the wetlands and thick forest house black bears, bobcats, and otters. Further east, the swamp gives way to the Cavalier Wildlife Management Area – full of songbirds, wild turkeys, rattlesnakes and white-tailed deer – which eventually breaks into the shimmering Back Bay waters, itself encased by wildlife refuges and state parks.
Traveling to and around Chesapeake
The nearest airport is in Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF), located 10.1 mi (16.3 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF), which is 27.6 mi (44.5 km) away.
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