You don’t need an expensive itinerary to enjoy Hampton Roads.

From bayfront beaches and wooded trails to art galleries and waterfront walks, these 25 ideas offer ways to get out across the 757 while keeping spending in check.

Use each resource link to check visitor details and directions before you leave.

Free access does not always mean a zero-cost day: parking, tolls, rentals, food, special programs, and admission to nearby attractions can be extra.

Find your next outing by city

Hampton: Buckroe Beach and Park (free beach access; good for kids); Grandview Nature Preserve (free nature walk); Air Power Park (free admission; indoor exhibits for a rainy-day stop when open); Bluebird Gap Farm (free admission; good for kids); Downtown Hampton Waterfront (free public-area stroll).

Newport News: Noland Trail (free trail access); Newport News Park (free basic visit; good for kids; activities extra); Riverview Farm Park (free basic visit; good for kids).

Virginia Beach: Oceanfront Boardwalk (free access; parking may cost extra); Grommet Island Park (free playground; good for kids; parking may cost extra); ViBe murals (free outdoor art walk); Virginia Legends Walk (free outdoor attraction; parking may cost extra).

Chesapeake: Chesapeake Arboretum (free admission); Northwest River Park (free outdoor exploring; rentals and activities extra); Battlefield Park (outdoor outing; museum admission separate).

Norfolk: Chrysler Museum of Art (free general admission; rainy-day option); Hampton Roads Naval Museum (free admission; rainy-day option); Ocean View Beach Park (free beach access).

Portsmouth: Elizabeth River waterfront (free walk; parking may cost extra); Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum (rainy-day option; confirm admission).

Suffolk: Suffolk Art Gallery (free gallery admission; rainy-day option); Bennett’s Creek Park (free park entry; good for kids).

Suffolk/Chesapeake: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (outdoor trails; wildlife-drive vehicle fee applies).

Across the 757: Seasonal concerts and festivals (choose events advertising free admission); farmers markets (free to browse; purchases extra).

Want more affordable local outings? Get more free and affordable things to do across the 757 delivered every week when you subscribe to The 757 Rundown.

Already subscribed through our quiz? You’re all set—enjoy the guide and watch for your next issue.

1. Buckroe Beach and Park — Hampton

Free beach and park access.

Spend time on the sand, stroll beside the Chesapeake Bay, or let the kids enjoy the playground.

Bring a picnic for an inexpensive afternoon, and budget separately if you choose fishing-pier admission or rentals.

Visitor information: Buckroe Beach and Park

2. Grandview Nature Preserve — Hampton

Free entry.

Take the nature trail toward an undeveloped stretch of bay shoreline, with marsh scenery and opportunities to watch birds.

Wear shoes suited to a natural path and check the preserve’s access rules before bringing a pet.

Visitor information: Grandview Nature Preserve

3. Noland Trail — Newport News

Free trail access.

Explore the five-mile loop around Mariners’ Lake, or choose a shorter out-and-back walk.

Expect a natural trail with roots and some steps; it is a different experience from a fully paved waterfront promenade.

Visitor information: Noland Trail

Noland Trail area photo source · CC BY 2.0 license

4. Newport News Park — Newport News

Free basic park visit; paid activities available.

Make the trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas the focus of your visit.

Camping, equipment rentals, and other specialty activities can add to the bill, so decide what you want to do before heading out.

Visitor information: Newport News Park

5. Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk — Virginia Beach

Free boardwalk access; parking may cost extra.

Walk the three-mile oceanfront promenade for ocean views, public art, and people-watching.

You can enjoy the atmosphere without buying anything, but parking, restaurants, bike rentals, and amusement attractions are separate expenses.

Visitor information: Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk

6. Chesapeake Arboretum — Chesapeake

Free admission.

Follow wooded trails, cross small bridges, and explore the gardens at this nature-focused city park.

It is a good choice for a quiet walk with a camera; bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Visitor information: Chesapeake Arboretum

7. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge — Suffolk/Chesapeake

Hiking and biking options; vehicle-drive fee applies.

Choose a refuge trailhead for a walk or bike ride through forested wetlands.

Check the official map carefully: entrances serve different routes, and the Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive requires a vehicle permit and fee.

Visitor information: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

8. Chrysler Museum of Art — Norfolk

Free general admission and parking.

Explore paintings, sculpture, and the museum’s glass collection for an indoor outing that works well in rainy weather.

General admission is free, while some classes and special programs have fees; check opening days before traveling.

Visitor information: Chrysler Museum of Art

9. Air Power Park — Hampton

Free admission.

Get a closer look at outdoor aircraft and space-related displays, then explore the indoor exhibits when open.

The outdoor and indoor areas have different hours, so check both if you want the full visit.

Visitor information: Air Power Park

10. Hampton Roads Naval Museum — Norfolk

Free museum admission.

Learn about the Navy’s regional history through artifacts, ship models, and exhibits on the second level of Nauticus.

The free Naval Museum is separate from paid Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin experiences; confirm access and hours first.

Visitor information: Hampton Roads Naval Museum

11. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum — Portsmouth

Confirm current admission before visiting.

Explore ship models and artifacts connected with Portsmouth’s shipbuilding story at 2 High Street.

Published visitor listings differ on admission, so check directly with the museum before counting on a completely free visit.

Visitor information: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

12. Suffolk Art Gallery — Suffolk

Free gallery admission.

See rotating exhibitions featuring regional and local artists at 118 Bosley Avenue.

The changing displays make repeat visits worthwhile, but workshops and art classes are separate activities and may require registration or payment.

Visitor information: Suffolk Art Gallery

Chrysler Museum photo source and public-domain dedication

13. Bluebird Gap Farm — Hampton

Free admission.

Visit the farm animals, explore the grounds, and make time for the playground and picnic areas.

It is an easy family outing to keep inexpensive; check the operating schedule, including the regular Tuesday closure.

Visitor information: Bluebird Gap Farm

14. Grommet Island Park — Virginia Beach

Free park access; parking may cost extra.

This oceanfront playground at the Boardwalk and 2nd Street was designed for people of varying abilities.

Pair playtime with a short beach walk, and check current information if you need beach-accessible equipment.

Visitor information: Grommet Island Park

15. Riverview Farm Park — Newport News

Free basic park visit.

Make an afternoon of the playground and walking trails, with room to spread out for a picnic.

Check the park map and current notices before choosing your route, especially if you are visiting with a stroller.

Visitor information: Riverview Farm Park

16. Bennett’s Creek Park — Suffolk

Free park entry.

Enjoy open space, a nature trail, and waterfront scenery at this Suffolk park.

Bring your own snacks and outdoor gear; fishing and crabbing require attention to the applicable rules rather than assuming park access covers everything.

Visitor information: Bennett’s Creek Park

17. Northwest River Park — Chesapeake

Free outdoor exploring; paid extras available.

Walk the trails or settle in for a picnic at this large riverside park.

Keep the visit simple for a low-cost outing; camping, rentals, miniature golf, and organized activities may have separate charges or requirements.

Visitor information: Northwest River Park

18. ViBe Creative District Murals — Virginia Beach

Free self-guided public-art walk.

Use the district’s mural map to build your own outdoor art walk near the Oceanfront.

Enjoy artwork from public spaces, respect active businesses, and remember that a coffee or shopping stop is optional.

Visitor information: ViBe Creative District Murals

19. Elizabeth River Waterfront — Portsmouth

Free self-guided walk; parking may cost extra.

Follow the Portsmouth Seawall route for river views and a look at the area’s maritime setting.

The tourism office’s self-guided walking tour is a useful starting point; ferry rides, museums, and restaurant stops are separate purchases.

Visitor information: Elizabeth River Waterfront

20. Ocean View Beach Park — Norfolk

Free beach access.

Enjoy Chesapeake Bay scenery, sand, and a relaxed shoreline walk at 100 West Ocean View Avenue.

Check beach rules and seasonal lifeguard information before swimming; an open beach does not guarantee guarded swimming.

Visitor information: Ocean View Beach Park

21. Downtown Hampton Waterfront — Hampton

Free public-area stroll.

Walk beside the Hampton River, enjoy views of boats and marinas, and explore nearby downtown streets.

A waterfront stroll can stand on its own without paying for a restaurant meal, boat trip, or museum ticket.

Visitor information: Downtown Hampton Waterfront

22. Battlefield Park — Chesapeake

Outdoor park visit; museum admission separate.

Explore trails, water views, and the Great Bridge setting at 1775 Historic Way.

This entry refers to Battlefield Park, not Battlefield Park South; check separately if you also want to visit the nearby history museum.

Visitor information: Battlefield Park

23. Virginia Legends Walk — Virginia Beach

Free outdoor attraction; parking may cost extra.

Visit 13th Street Park between Atlantic and Pacific avenues to learn about notable Virginians.

Combine this short history stop with a Boardwalk walk rather than making a separate drive just for one attraction.

Visitor information: Virginia Legends Walk

24. Free Seasonal Concerts and Community Festivals — Throughout Hampton Roads

Free admission only where specifically advertised.

Watch official event calendars for outdoor music and community celebrations that clearly list free admission.

Dates and locations change with the season, and food, drinks, parking, or selected festival activities may still cost extra.

Visitor information: Free Seasonal Concerts and Community Festivals

25. Local Farmers Markets — Throughout Hampton Roads

Free to browse; purchases extra.

Meet vendors, browse produce and handmade goods, and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere without an obligation to buy.

Check each market’s season and operating days; Virginia Beach’s city market offers a year-round option.

Visitor information: Local Farmers Markets

Three easy outings to plan

Peninsula family afternoon: Start at Bluebird Gap Farm, then head to the Downtown Hampton Waterfront for a stroll and a picnic break.

Check the farm’s opening days before leaving, and allow for a drive between stops.

Norfolk and Portsmouth waterfront day: Visit the free Hampton Roads Naval Museum, then explore Portsmouth’s Elizabeth River waterfront.

Check museum hours and choose your crossing in advance; ferry fares, tolls, and parking may add to the cost.

Virginia Beach beach-and-play day: Pair Grommet Island Park at 2nd Street with a Boardwalk stroll and a stop at Virginia Legends Walk near 13th Street.

Choose a walking distance that suits your group and budget for parking if needed.

Keep your day affordable

Pack water and a picnic, check weather and closures, and confirm accessibility details for your group.

Free admission does not include every activity, rental, meal, or parking space.

Visitor information checked October 22, 2026; hours, fees, and access can change.

Keep exploring the 757

Get more free and affordable things to do across the 757 delivered every week: subscribe to The 757 Rundown newsletter for local events and fresh outing ideas.