Virginia Peninsula Travel Guide

Discover Virginia Peninsula with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out everything you need to know about the region, its popular attractions, food and drink, accommodations, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Virginia Peninsula

Virginia Peninsula is situated in Eastern Virginia, bordered on three sides by water - Chesapeake Bay to the north, James River to the south, and Hampton Roads to the east. The peninsula is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and recreational opportunities. It’s a popular destination for travelers from all over the world who come to experience its unique charm.

List of Places to Visit in Virginia Peninsula

Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Virginia Peninsula:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Colonial Williamsburg: This reconstructed 18th-century village lets you experience life as it was in the colonial period.
  • Jamestown Settlement: Explore the site of America’s first permanent English colony and learn about its history through interactive exhibits and outdoor living history.
  • Yorktown Battlefield: Visit the site of the siege and surrender of British General Cornwallis to the Continental Army in 1781, which helped end the Revolutionary War.
  • Virginia Living Museum: This natural science museum showcases Virginia’s wildlife and marine life and offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a nature trail.
  • Peninsula Fine Arts Center: This museum features contemporary art exhibitions, classes, and events.

Natural Attractions of Virginia Peninsula: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Virginia Beach: This popular beach town offers miles of sandy beaches, oceanfront boardwalk, and a variety of water sports, dining, and entertainment options.
  • York River State Park: This park offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating, and camping opportunities, and scenic views of the York River.
  • Newport News Park: This is one of the largest municipal parks in the country, offering hiking and biking trails, camping, fishing, boating, and a variety of recreational activities.
  • Mariners’ Museum and Park: This maritime museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, the Civil War, and the Age of Exploration. The park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a lake for fishing and boating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Virginia Peninsula

Virginia Peninsula offers a variety of scenic and challenging hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the popular ones are:

  • Virginia Capital Trail: This 52-mile trail connects Jamestown and Richmond along the scenic Route 5 corridor, passing through historical sites, farms, and forests.
  • Noland Trail: This 5-mile loop trail traverses through the Mariners’ Museum and Park, offering scenic views of Lake Maury and the surrounding forests.
  • Newport News Park Trail System: This park offers over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the multi-use Newport News Park Bikeway and the challenging Big Woods Trail.
  • York River State Park trail system: This park features several hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, offering scenic views of the York River and the park’s natural landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Virginia Peninsula: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Virginia Peninsula:

  • Ghost tours: Take a spooky nighttime tour of historic Williamsburg or Yorktown and hear stories of Virginia ghosts and hauntings.
  • Fishing and boating: Virginia Peninsula offers ample opportunities for fishing and boating, with its many lakes, rivers, and bays.
  • Golfing: Virginia Peninsula boasts several world-class golf courses, such as the Kingsmill Resort and the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.
  • Shopping: Virginia Peninsula offers a variety of shopping destinations, including outlet malls, specialty shops, and antique stores.
  • Wine tours: Visit the local wineries and vineyards of Virginia Peninsula and sample some of the region’s best wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Virginia Peninsula

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Virginia Peninsula:

Day Activity
1 Visit Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement
2 Explore Yorktown Battlefield and Riverwalk Landing
3 Spend the day at Virginia Beach
4 Hike or bike the Virginia Capital Trail
5 Take a ghost tour of Williamsburg or Yorktown
6 Visit the Mariners’ Museum and Park
7 Do a wine tour and tasting at local wineries

Food and Drink Scene of Virginia Peninsula

Virginia Peninsula is renowned for its fresh seafood, regional cuisine, and craft beers and spirits. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crabcakes: Made with locally caught blue crabs, crabcakes are a staple of Virginia Peninsula cuisine.
  • Brunswick Stew: This hearty stew is made with lima beans, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and meat (usually chicken or rabbit) and seasoned with spices.
  • Virginia Ham: This cured and smoked ham is a Virginia Peninsula specialty, with its own designation of origin.
  • Oysters: Virginia Peninsula is one of the largest producers of oysters in the country, with several types of oysters grown locally.

Local Beverages

  • Virginia Wines: Virginia Peninsula is part of Virginia wine country, with more than 300 wineries producing a variety of vintages, such as Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
  • Craft Beers: Virginia Peninsula boasts several craft breweries, such as Oozlefinch Craft Brewery, Aleworks Brewing Company, and The Virginia Beer Company, offering a variety of beer styles.
  • Spirits: Virginia Peninsula is also home to several craft distilleries, such as Copper Fox Distillery, Ironclad Distillery, and Williamsburg Distillery, producing whiskey, rum, gin, and other spirits.

Where to Stay in Virginia Peninsula: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Virginia Peninsula offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some popular ones are:

  • Kingsmill Resort: This luxury resort offers hotel rooms, suites, and villas, as well as a variety of amenities, such as golf courses, spa, pools, tennis courts, and restaurants.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Newport News: This mid-range hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant, fitness center, and indoor pool.
  • Hampton Inn and Suites Williamsburg Historic District: This budget-friendly hotel offers easy access to Colonial Williamsburg and other attractions, as well as complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool.
  • Williamsburg Hostel: This hostel offers budget-friendly dormitory and private rooms, as well as a shared kitchen, lounge, and laundry facilities.

What to Buy in Virginia Peninsula: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back from Virginia Peninsula:

  • Virginia Ham: Take home a Virginia ham for yourself or as a gift for foodie friends and family.
  • Colonial Williamsburg souvenirs: Buy souvenirs and gifts from the stores in the colonial village, such as handmade crafts, books, and period clothing.
  • Virginia wines: Bring back a bottle or two of Virginia wines to enjoy later or share with friends.
  • Local honey: Virginia Peninsula is known for its delicious honey, with several beekeepers producing and selling it.

Local Culture and Customs of Virginia Peninsula

Virginia Peninsula has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its history, geography, and diverse population. The region is known for its hospitality, friendliness, and love for outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The locals take pride in their community, traditions, and cuisine, and are always happy to share them with visitors.

Best Time to Visit Virginia Peninsula

The best time to visit Virginia Peninsula depends on your interests and preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, visit during the summer months (June to August), when the temperatures are high and the beaches, parks, and waterways are bustling with activity. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, visit in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the temperatures are mild and the foliage is colorful. Winter (December to February) is the least busy season, with lower rates but colder temperatures and fewer outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Virginia Peninsula

Do:

  • Do explore the history and culture of Virginia Peninsula: Visit the museums, historical sites, and cultural festivals to learn about the region’s rich heritage.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages: sample the seafood, Virginia ham, oysters, wines, and craft beers and spirits that are unique to the region.
  • Do respect nature and the environment: Follow the Leave No Trace principles when hiking, biking, or camping, and do not litter or disturb wildlife.
  • Do be friendly and courteous: Virginia Peninsula is known for its Southern hospitality, so be polite and respectful to locals and fellow travelers.

Don’t:

  • Don’t ignore the weather and the environment: Virginia Peninsula can experience extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves, so be aware and prepared.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to historical sites and monuments: Virginia Peninsula has a rich history, and its monuments, statues, and memorials are an important part of it. Do not deface, vandalize, or disrespect them in any way.
  • Don’t drive under the influence: DUI laws are strict in Virginia Peninsula, so do not drink and drive or use drugs and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Virginia Peninsula

Virginia Peninsula is a safe and friendly destination for travelers, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay in well-lit and populated areas: Avoid walking alone in dark or deserted streets, especially at night.
  • Be cautious when using public transportation: Use licensed taxis, buses, or recognized ride-sharing services, and avoid unmarked or unregistered vehicles.
  • Be aware of potential weather hazards: Virginia Peninsula can experience sudden storms, hurricanes, and floods, so stay informed and follow the local authorities’ instructions.

Health in Virginia Peninsula

Virginia Peninsula has excellent healthcare facilities, with several hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers available. It’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, as healthcare in the US can be expensive.

Getting to Virginia Peninsula: Transportation Options and Logistics

Virginia Peninsula is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as:

Airports Near Virginia Peninsula

The following airports serve Virginia Peninsula:

  • Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport: Located in Newport News, VA, this airport serves several domestic destinations and offers car rental and ground transportation services.
  • Norfolk International Airport: Located in Norfolk, VA, this airport serves several domestic and international destinations and offers car rental and ground transportation services.
  • Richmond International Airport: Located in Richmond, VA, this airport serves several domestic and international destinations and offers car rental and ground transportation services.

Bus Stations Near Virginia Peninsula

The following bus stations serve Virginia Peninsula:

  • Williamsburg Bus Station: Operated by Greyhound, this station serves several destinations in Virginia and beyond.
  • Hampton Bus Station: Operated by Greyhound, this station serves several destinations in Virginia and beyond.
  • Newport News Bus Station: Operated by Greyhound, this station serves several destinations in Virginia and beyond.

Other Options

If you prefer to drive, Virginia Peninsula is easily accessible by several major highways, such as I-64, I-664, and Route 17. If you prefer to take the train, the closest Amtrak stations are in Newport News and Williamsburg, serving several destinations along the East Coast.

How to Get Around in Virginia Peninsula

Virginia Peninsula is best explored by car or bike, as public transportation options are limited. Car rental agencies can be found at the airports and in the major towns. Some areas, such as Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown, can be explored on foot. Biking is also popular, with several bike-friendly trails and routes available.

Where to Go Next from Virginia Peninsula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time, consider visiting these nearby destinations and excursions from Virginia Peninsula:

  • Norfolk: This coastal city is known for its naval history, museums, art galleries, and top-rated restaurants.
  • Virginia Beach: This popular beach town offers miles of sandy beaches, oceanfront boardwalk, and a variety of water sports, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Chincoteague Island: This quiet island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is known for its wild ponies, wildlife refuge, and pristine beaches.
  • Richmond: Virginia’s capital city offers a rich history, vibrant food and drink scene, architecture, and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Virginia Peninsula is a unique and exciting destination, with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or food and drink, you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy in this beautiful region. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next trip to Virginia Peninsula and make the most of your visit.