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Day Trips from Virginia Beach

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Day Trips from Virginia Beach: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Virginia Beach, VA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Virginia Beach

Pleasure House Point Natural Area, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Pleasure House Point Natural Area

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Just 21 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 791 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

21 min4.8 (791)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve, VA 23310, USA

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve

VA 23310, USA

Just 1 hr 6 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 6 min4.8 (54)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

False Cape State Park

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Just 36 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 495 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

36 min4.8 (495)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve, VA 22482, USA

Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve

VA 22482, USA

Just 2 hrs 2 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 349 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 2 min4.8 (349)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Just 33 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 1,795 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

33 min4.8 (1,795)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Northwest River Natural Area Preserve, Chesapeake, VA 23322

Northwest River Natural Area Preserve

Chesapeake, VA 23322

Just 36 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

36 min4.8 (82)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Nags Head Woods Preserve, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Nags Head Woods Preserve

Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Just 1 hr 45 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.8 stars by 267 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 45 min4.8 (267)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Savage Neck Dunes State Natural Area Preserve Parking Lot, Cape Charles, VA 23310

Savage Neck Dunes State Natural Area Preserve Parking Lot

Cape Charles, VA 23310

Just 1 hr 5 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.7 stars by 252 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 5 min4.7 (252)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Prince William Forest Park, Triangle, VA 22172

Prince William Forest Park

Triangle, VA 22172

Just 2 hrs 41 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.7 stars by 2,381 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 41 min4.7 (2,381)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

York River State Park, Williamsburg, VA 23188

York River State Park

Williamsburg, VA 23188

Just 1 hr 11 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.7 stars by 1,520 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 11 min4.7 (1,520)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, VA 23832

Pocahontas State Park

Chesterfield, VA 23832

Just 1 hr 56 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.7 stars by 4,180 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 56 min4.7 (4,180)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Caledon State Park, King George, VA 22485

Caledon State Park

King George, VA 22485

Just 2 hrs 49 min from Virginia Beach, rated 4.7 stars by 776 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 49 min4.7 (776)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Virginia Beach

What are the best state parks near Virginia Beach, VA?

The best state parks near Virginia Beach offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Virginia Beach?

Most state parks near Virginia Beach charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Virginia Beach are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Virginia Beach offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Virginia Beach?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Virginia Beach. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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