Chesapeake Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful Virginia region of the United States, Chesapeake is a vibrant city with a rich history and a wide array of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From its stunning natural landscapes to its fascinating cultural heritage, Chesapeake offers something for everyone.

One of the highlights of Chesapeake is its proximity to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This vast wilderness area is a haven for nature lovers, with its diverse range of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the refuge on foot or by canoe, taking in the breathtaking scenery and observing the wildlife in its natural habitat.

For history enthusiasts, Chesapeake is home to several historical sites and museums that offer a glimpse into the city's past. The Chesapeake Central Library, housed in a renovated train station, provides a fascinating look at the city's railroad history. The nearby Chesapeake Planetarium offers educational and entertaining shows about the stars and the universe.

Food lovers will delight in the culinary scene of Chesapeake, which offers a wide variety of dining options to suit all tastes. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, visitors can indulge in delicious seafood, southern cuisine, and international flavors. The city's farmers markets are also a must-visit, showcasing the best local produce and artisanal products.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for recreation in Chesapeake. The city boasts numerous parks and nature reserves, where visitors can go hiking, biking, or fishing. The scenic waterways of Chesapeake Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway also offer fantastic boating and sailing experiences.

In addition to its natural beauty and recreational activities, Chesapeake hosts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city is home to a number of galleries and theaters that showcase the work of local artists and performers. Visitors can catch a live show, browse through art exhibitions, or attend one of the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year.

Alternative names: Founded: 1963 (61 years ago)Population: 235.4 thous.Area: 350.93 mi²Elevation: 16 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°46'11"N, 76°14'10"W

Location

VirginiaUnited States

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Chesapeake Top Attractions

Chesapeake Attractions - What to See and Explore

Chesapeake offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bethany Baptist Church, Jordan Bridge, Chesapeake Arboretum, Great Bridge Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Sunrise Hills
Bethany Baptist Church
Bethany Baptist Church of South Norfolk, Virginia is a prominent Black church in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Founded in the late 1950s to early 1960s, it has since had a major influence on the local black community and others. It has become one of the largest churches in the Hampton Roads area.
Bridge
Jordan Bridge
The Jordan Bridge, officially named the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, is a tolled highway fixed bridge which carries State Route 337 over the Southern Branch Elizabeth River between the City of Portsmouth into the City of Chesapeake in South Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Botanical garden • Trail
Chesapeake Arboretum
Chesapeake Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum located at 624 Oak Grove Road, Chesapeake, Virginia. It is open daily without charge.

Bridge • Great Bridge
Great Bridge Bridge
The Great Bridge Bridge is a double-leaf rolling bascule drawbridge that carries Battlefield Blvd across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Chesapeake, Virginia. It was constructed in 2004 by the Army Corps of Engineers and operated by the City of Chesapeake. It has a mean daily traffic of 35,000 vehicles.
Church
Oak Grove United Methodist Church
Oak Grove United Methodist Church is located in Chesapeake, VA, and is known as "the mother of all Methodist congregations in Hampton Roads".
Bridge
High Rise Bridge
The High Rise Bridge is a four-lane, bascule drawbridge that Interstate 64 uses to cross the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. The twin spans of concrete and steel were completed in 1972, and are operated by VDOT.
Church
St. Stephen
St. Stephen, Martyr is a Roman Catholic Church and part of the Diocese of Richmond, located in Chesapeake, Virginia. It was established in 1997 to accommodate the growing Catholic community of the Chesapeake area.
Bridge • South Norfolk
Gilmerton Bridge
The Gilmerton Bridge, originally a twin bascule drawbridge, is now a vertical-lift bridge which spans the Southern Branch Elizabeth River in the City of Chesapeake in South Hampton Roads in southeastern Virginia. Completed in 1938, it carries U.S.
Bridge
Dominion Boulevard Steel Bridge
Dominion Boulevard Steel Bridge was a double-leaf bascule, two-lane drawbridge which spanned the Southern Branch Elizabeth River in the City of Chesapeake in South Hampton Roads in southeastern Virginia.
Bridge
Veterans Bridge
The Veterans Bridge is a fixed span concrete bridge that spans the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in the Deep Creek neighborhood of Chesapeake in southeastern Virginia, USA.
Church • Norfolk Highlands
Laurel Avenue Church of Christ
Laurel Avenue Church of Christ is a Non-Denomination church belonging to the Restoration Movement Churches of Christ/Christian Churches located in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Neighbourhood • Colonial revival architecture
South Norfolk Historic District
South Norfolk Historic District is a national historic district located at Chesapeake, Virginia. The district encompasses 668 contributing buildings and 1 contributing site in what started as a planned community of Norfolk County, Virginia and grew to become an independent city.
Canal
Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal
The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal was built by a corporation in 1856-1860 to afford inland navigation between the Chesapeake Bay and the Albemarle Sound.
Neighbourhood • Colonial revival architecture
Oaklette
Oaklette Historic District is a national historic district located at Chesapeake, Virginia. The district encompasses 30 contributing buildings and 1 contributing object in an early-20th century planned streetcar suburb of Norfolk, Virginia.
Neighbourhood • Great Bridge
Great Bridge
Great Bridge is a community located in the independent city of Chesapeake in the U.S. state of Virginia. Its name is derived from the American Revolutionary War Battle of Great Bridge, which took place on December 9, 1775, and resulted in the final removal of British government from the Colony and Dominion of Virginia.
Neighbourhood • Colonial revival architecture
Sunray Agricultural Historic District
Sunray Agricultural Historic District is a national historic district located at Chesapeake, Virginia. The district encompasses 188 contributing buildings, 90 contributing sites, 2 contributing structures, and 1 contributing object in the early 20th-century immigrant farming community of Sunray.
Interesting neighbourhood
Centreville–Fentress Historic District
Centreville–Fentress Historic District is a national historic district located at Chesapeake, Virginia. The district encompasses 24 contributing buildings and 10 contributing structures in a rural farming community that developed a small commercial core.
Greek Revival architecture
Wallaceton
Wallaceton is a historic home located at Chesapeake, Virginia. The original section was built between 1853 and 1863, as a company store. It was expanded after the American Civil War. It is a 1 1/2-story, rectangular, Greek Revival style frame dwelling.
36°42'42"N • 76°15'34"W
Diana Williams
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Day trips

Chesapeake – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Chesapeake, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Chrysler Museum of Art (Norfolk), Virginia Air and Space Science Center (Hampton), DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum (Williamsburg).

6.8 miNW
Fine works from Renaissance to Rothko
Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk
The Chrysler Museum of Art stands as a cultural beacon in Norfolk, Virginia, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks that span over 5,000 years of history. This distinguished institution is not just a highlight for art enthusiasts but a must-visit destination for...
19 milesN
Museum, Science museum
Virginia Air and Space Science Center, Hampton
The Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton, Virginia, serves as an epicenter for educational exploration into the realms of air and space. This museum, nestled in the heart of Hampton, is not only the visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center but also...
43 milesNW
Museum, Art museum
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg
Nestled in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is a treasure trove of American and British antiques that celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
13 milesSE
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach
Nestled in the heart of Virginia Beach, the Military Aviation Museum is a treasure trove for those fascinated by the history of flight and wartime aircraft. This museum is home to one of the world's largest collections of warbirds in flying condition from the First...
33 milesNW
Museum, Military museum, Specialty museum
U.S. Army Transportation Museum, Newport News
The U.S. Army Transportation Museum, a hidden gem in the city of Newport News, Virginia, is a treasure trove for military and transportation enthusiasts alike. Dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the U.S.

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Best Time To Visit Chesapeake

Learn when is the best time to travel to Chesapeake weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May, June and October are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in April, November and December. Most of it rains in July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Chesapeake?

The top attractions to visit in Chesapeake are:

What is the best time to visit Chesapeake?

May, June and October are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.