Suffolk Travel Guide

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Suffolk, a captivating city nestled in the heart of the Virginia region, offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and charming Southern hospitality. With its rich heritage dating back to the early 17th century, Suffolk is a haven for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

One of the city's standout attractions is the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 112,000 acres, this enchanting wilderness area is a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the vast network of trails that wind through towering cypress trees, meandering waterways, and vibrant marshes. Keep an eye out for the diverse range of wildlife that calls this refuge home, including black bears, bobcats, and countless bird species.

For a glimpse into Suffolk's storied past, head to the historic district of Downtown Suffolk. Stroll along the charming streets lined with beautifully preserved buildings that reflect the city's architectural diversity. Make sure to visit the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, housed in a restored 1885 train station, to learn about the crucial role that rail transportation played in the city's development.

Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Housed in a former high school building, this vibrant cultural hub showcases a wide range of visual and performing arts. From awe-inspiring art exhibitions to captivating theater performances and live music concerts, there is always something to inspire and entertain visitors of all ages.

For a taste of the region's agricultural heritage, explore the Suffolk Farmers' Market. This bustling market offers a cornucopia of fresh produce, local delicacies, and handcrafted goods. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you browse through the stalls, interact with friendly vendors, and sample delicious treats.

Suffolk also boasts an array of outdoor recreational opportunities. Take a leisurely paddle along the scenic Nansemond River, go fishing in one of the numerous lakes and ponds, or tee off at one of the city's well-manicured golf courses.

Alternative names: Founded: 1742 (283 years ago)Population: 88.2 thous.Area: 428.91 mi²Elevation: 33 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°44'45"N, 76°34'59"W

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VirginiaUnited States

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Suffolk Top Attractions

Suffolk Attractions - What to See and Explore

Suffolk offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Riddick House, Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, Cedar Hill Cemetery, Glebe Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Museum • History museum
Riddick House
Riddick House, also known as Riddicks Folly, is a historic home located at Suffolk, Virginia. It was built in 1837, and is a 2 1/2-story, five bay by four bay, Greek Revival style brick townhouse.
36°43'60"N • 76°34'53"W
Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum
Specialty museum • Historical place • Museum
Cemetery • Downtown Suffolk
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Cedar Hill Cemetery, also known as Green Hill Cemetery, is a historic cemetery and national historic district located at Suffolk, Virginia.

Church
Glebe Church
Glebe Church is a historic Anglican church in Driver, Virginia and its surrounding glebe. The church was built in 1737–1738, and is a rectangular, gable-roofed, brick church measuring 48 feet, 6 inches, by 25 feet, 4 inches. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Neighbourhood • Whaleyville
Whaleyville
Whaleyville Historic District is a national historic district located at Suffolk, Virginia. The district encompasses 103 contributing buildings in the African-American community of Whaleyville in Suffolk.
Church
St. John's Church
St. John's Church, also known as Chuckatuck Church is a historic Episcopal church located near Chuckatuck. Constructed in 1755, St. John's is the third church to occupy the site in a parish which was established in 1642. St.
36°43'45"N • 76°34'49"W
Building at 216 Bank Street
Building at 216 Bank Street, also known as Holland House Apartments, is a historic home located at Suffolk, Virginia. It was built about 1885, and is a 2 1/2-story, three bay stuccoed brick Second Empire style building.
36°43'41"N • 76°34'59"W
Suffolk City Public Schools
Suffolk Public Schools is the branch of the government of the city of Suffolk, Virginia responsible for public K-12 education.
Interesting neighbourhood • Greek Revival architecture
Suffolk Historic District
Suffolk Historic District is a national historic district located at Suffolk, Virginia. The district encompasses 514 contributing buildings, 3 contributing structures, and 3 contributing objects in Suffolk.
Interesting neighbourhood
West End Historic District
West End Historic District is a national historic district located at Suffolk, Virginia. The district encompasses 201 contributing buildings and 93 contributing structures in a primarily residential section of the city of Suffolk.
Interesting neighbourhood • Downtown Suffolk
Professional Building
Professional Building, also known as the American Bank and Trust Company building, is a historic commercial building located at Suffolk, Virginia. It was built between 1916 and 1919, and is a seven-story, steel frame building with Pyrobar fireproofing. The building measures 35.2 feet wide by 81 feet deep.
Interesting neighbourhood • Fairgrounds
Phoenix Bank of Nansemond
Phoenix Bank of Nansemond is a historic bank building located at Suffolk, Virginia. It was built in 1921, and is a two-story, two bay, rectangular brick building.
Bridge
Kings Highway Bridge
Kings Highway Bridge was located on the Nansemond River in the independent city of Suffolk, Virginia, United States. Built in 1928, it carried traffic on the Kings Highway, also known as State Route 125, for over 75 years.
Colonial revival architecture
East Suffolk Complex
East Suffolk Complex is a historic school complex for African-American students located at Suffolk, Virginia. The complex consists of the East Suffolk Elementary School, East Suffolk High School, and the Gymnasium building.
Interesting neighbourhood
Chuckatuck Historic District
Chuckatuck Historic District is a national historic district located at Chuckatuck, Suffolk, Virginia. The district encompasses 51 contributing buildings and 2 contributing structures in the crossroads community of Chuckatuck in Suffolk.
Neighbourhood
Godwin–Knight House
Godwin–Knight House is a historic home located at Chuckatuck, Virginia. It was built in 1856, in the Federal style, then elaborately remodeled about 1898 in the Queen Anne style. It is a 2 1/2-story, three-bay, double-pile side-hall-plan frame dwelling. hipped roof front porch.
Bridge
Nansemond River Bridge
The Nansemond River Bridge, officially the Mills E. Godwin Bridge, is located in the independent city of Suffolk, Virginia and carries U.S. Route 17 across the Nansemond River. The current bridge, opened in 1982, was named in honor of former Virginia governor Mills E. Godwin Jr. a prominent member of the Chuckatuck community.
Neighbourhood
Suffolk Peanut Company
The Suffolk Peanut Company is a historic peanut processing complex at 303 South Saratoga Street in Suffolk, Virginia. The complex includes a number of warehouses dating from the first half of the 20th century, and a peanut processing plant dating back to 1932.
36°44'40"N • 76°33'31"W
Joel E. Harrell and Son
Joel E. Harrell and Son is a historic pork processing factory complex located at Suffolk, Virginia. It was built in 1941, and consists of the Office Building and the Main Building. The Office Building is a one-story, seven bay by six bay, brick building.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Suffolk, 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).

18 milesNE
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...
23 milesNE
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...
37 milesN
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.
31 milesE
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...
29 milesN
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 Suffolk

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

Popularity among visitors

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

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 and November. 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 Suffolk?

The top attractions to visit in Suffolk are:

What is the best time to visit Suffolk?

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