The wildlife refuge near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel did not seem to offer a ton of access to…read morebeachy areas, instead containing a visitor center and some trails through reasonably pleasant forest. Stopping in at the visitor center got me a lot of welcomes, including from a retired physician with a biology background (this sounds like a nice way to spend one's retirement). Among other things, I was informed that the island which the bridge runs through is only open for tours a few weeks a year, and I received information on how to pursue those tours, which I might follow through on. Otherwise, I refilled my water bottles and got in a nice little walk.

Worthy of a stop in my book, but don't go out of your way if not passing by. There are two parts…read more The Eastern Shore Visitors Center which has its own listing and the grounds. I would recommend doing both and have enjoyed for years. The location is just a few miles from the Bay Bridge with good signage. If you plan on doing both park at the visitors center there is a grassy path to the refuge. It's approximately a mile walk. If refuge only drive past the VC and hang a right to a small lot. The entrance is under a WW II concrete bunker with a surprise upon passing through. A powerful gun originally mounted in the rear turret of the Missouri. A cool side note. The USS Missouri was the site of the 1945 Japanese surrender ceremony. The 16 inch 50 caliber gun saw extensive action in both WW II and in the Korean War. The weapon was placed inside the refuge in 2013 to represent the original that sat in the very same bunker. The 2,100 pound round could fire at a distance of 21 miles across the bay and then some. On top of the bunker is an over look and worth the climb. Stairs are located on the side and are in great shape. Unfortunately it's not the best Kodak moment with a lot of over growth that needs cleared. If you bring a selfie stick or foot ladder that's best to elevate. There is not a large trail network which is a limiting factor. However, the refugee itself is hundreds of acres all Federally protected. Along the trail to a second overlook is a small cemetery which is nothing of interest. The second overlook located just mInutes from the bunker is the ideal photo op location. It's green, it's marshy and it's expansive. So snap away. For lovers of birds you will see water fowl. I'm a bit surprised that the refuge has so few reviews with a lot of traffic that passes by nearby Highway 13. If time permits go for it. Both the ES Wildlife Refuge and Visitors Center and can be done in less than two hours easy.

Winslow Battery, Cape Charles VA…read more Location: Hallett Cir, Cape Charles, VA 23310 Located in: Eastern Shore Of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Hours : open 24hrs Restrooms : no restrooms Accessibility : trails are wheelchairs accessible, in grass or gravel. Parking : parking lot free around the conservatory ℹ : fws.gov A very cool place to explore, and experience the history. The fort is hidden between small forests and the large gun barrel is underneath the underpass of the fort with the projectiles nearby. There's trails around, one that walk to the visitor center and the other one going to the pollinators garden and go around the fort overlook the bay. Being in the middle of the hunting season stops us exploring the trails. #batterywilson #easternshoreofVA #virginianationalwildliferefuge #preservefootprints

I have always driven right past this visitor's center but had to use the restroom after a bunch of…read moremorning coffee this past weekend so, we pulled in so I could run in. It's nice! Restroom was large and clean, there is a small information center with loads of brochures and two friendly ladies inside greeting people and happy to answer questions, and there was even a small gift shop with a penny press! WIN! This is a place I wish I had stopped sooner - and if you are a newbie to the Eastern shore - be sure to stop in so you can get your bearings and get some tips from locals who run the place!

Beautiful shady walking trail in Williamsburg. Saw several neat insects, lots of ducks, tadpoles,…read moresome turtles and a heron. We also spied at deer! I do wish the trail was marked more clearly when you're on the boardwalk bridge but overall a good experience.

This was overall a great hike. It was a nice nature break during our vacation. It had beautiful…read morefall foliage and the paths were clearly marked. Lots of picture opportunities - in fact, I remember the city park's website promoting some photo contest for their trails. We only expected to be among the woods until we found the asphalt trail that borders a vast field. We took that path and took more pictures. We saw hawks circling the field but none took a land dive. I was happy to see it all and then return to the woods for more cold air. It was really enjoyable and I would recommend the trek. We were out there at least 2 hours. Restrooms were port-a-potties.

One day when I was looking around on the National Park Service website, I spotted the Captain John…read moreSmith Chesapeake National Historical Trail (JST). There is nothing I love more than trails, but when you combine history with nature, I get damn giddy! 400 years ago, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay, and covered over 3,000 miles of trails--most of it being water. In 2006, Congress designated Smith's voyages as the first national water trail. Because of that, there is not one main trail for JST. There are several "trails" throughout Hampton Roads (HR). Each site has a sign and logo (see pictures) representing its inclusion with JST. Here is a list of the places you can visit in HR to check out JST: * Fort Boykin--Smithfield * Windsor Castle Park--Smithfield (Technically, Smithfield is not included in HR, but close enough to Suffolk, and many HR residents visit often.) * Mariners' Museum--Newport News * Virginia Living Museum--Newport News * Fort Monroe National Monument--Hampton * Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve--Portsmouth * First Landing State Park--Virginia Beach * Lynnhaven River NOW--Virginia Beach * Great Bridge Lock Park--Chesapeake TIPS: * Download the Chesapeake Explorer App (http://chesapeakeexplorerapp.com/) * Check out A Boater's Guide to the JST (http://goo.gl/dLi34r) * Here is the historical map from John Smith voyages: http://goo.gl/rGvgDA And here is the current map for JST: http://smithtrail.net/visit-the-trail/index * There is a Junior Ranger badge specifically for JST--ages 6 - 12. Go to this website and follow the directions: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-kids * Calling educators/parents! They offer lesson plans on the website: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-educators * Many of the water trails are accessible to kayaks and canoes! * Take a driving tour. (http://goo.gl/C4b7jk)

Very low key park - at least for the purposes of my visit. I primarily stopped by to go for a quick…read morerun. I think the main trail in the woods is 1.5ish mile loop with a flat terrain. The park also has a decent amount of parking although there were not too many people in the park during my visit. Also, the park/trails were pretty maintained with plenty of markers to keep you going in the right direction. While the park is nice, I probably would not go too far out of my way (30+ minutes by car) to visit unless I want to take advantage of the kayaking/paddle boating opportunities.

Great place to kayak! Quiet near a golf course. Huge lake to paddle. Love the scenery and seeing…read moreall the animals around.

This is a fun state park to visit! There is a beautiful area by the water that is great for walking.read more

I'm staying in the lovely guest house in the scenic Riverside Belle Idle and couldn't be more…read morepleased. The view from the bay window is phenomenal, the space large and comfortable. We've had trails to wander, seen wildlife, and could even go crabbing, pots provided (both kinds, to catch and cook!). The park is serene and so beautiful with the estuary, river, beachy, and woodsy biomes to observe.

We came here because it was our second to last trip to Virginia. If we didn't end up going, I would…read morehave been more than fine. We hiked all of the trails they had. It was decent but pretty underwhelming. I would not go again because it's a lot of driving for mediocre sites and views. Things you need to remember are sunscreen and bug spray! We forgot bug spray, and I got bit by some deer flies -___- I wish their brochures/pamphlets were better as well. Didn't really give any info. Didn't state how long trails were. Barely any pictures of the animals. We saw turkeys and turtles and bugs. Nothing too exciting.

Loved this history here. The wind was high today but that did not stop us from traveling to the…read morelake and having lunch. Seen so many turtles along the way. Being the largest lake in Virginia I expected to see so many people but there was no one on the water. Beautiful trip through the swamp

It was our very first visit to Chincoteague, and we were thrilled to explore the area alongside…read morefamily members visiting us from Virginia. The drive down from Delaware took about an hour and twenty minutes. Our day unfolded in a few memorable steps: Welcome Center: We made our first stop here to pick up a local map and gather helpful instructions. The Beach: Next, we headed to the expansive beach, which was bustling with numerous beachgoers and vehicles. Wild Pony Sighting: On our drive back, we were lucky enough to spot some of the famous wild ponies along the way. Downtown Lunch: Finally, we headed downtown to grab lunch together. Stay tuned for more details about our lunch experience!

The beaches and wild life are beautiful as you drive through. Keep an eye out for the wild ponies…read more We've even seen them swimming across the water to reach an island.

The newly renovated area was a bit of a shock, but then I realized that it has actually been…read morerestored to the wetlands that it was years ago. It's a pleasant retreat for fowl and residents. The only complaint I have is some people feel entitled to let their dogs run off-leash, which is against the posted policy.

The Mayor and City Council have ruined this beautiful area that I've been visiting for years. I was…read moreshocked when I went. Many people would come take pictures of the rare birds here. Their homes are now gone. What's left doesn't look taken care of. Shame on the city!