Three of the most compelling reasons to live in Virginia Beach? Location. Location. Location. As if there are not enough Virginia Beach activities to keep you happily engaged on both land and sea within this historic beach community, its prime location means the fun is not confined to the city limits. The long list of day trips from Virginia Beach offers outstanding attractions and memorable experiences that are but an easy car ride away.

Here are 5 popular suggestions to get the show on the road. Grab a couple of buddies or the grandkids, gas up the car, and explore!

Kiptopeke State Park

Get your inner bird watcher on with a day trip to Kiptopeke State Park, home to birdlife galore including hawks, osprey, kestrels and a variety of migratory birds. A mere 50-minute drive through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Kiptopeke is also a popular swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and biking destination. You’ll enjoy exploring the well-maintained trails that wind their way through wildlife habitats and majestic hardwood forests.

35 miles north of Virginia Beach (50 minutes by car), VA

Colonial Williamsburg

Hop in the car and drive back in time to pre-revolutionary America. This charming and well-preserved homage to 18th century life features historic cottages, taverns, and courthouses. As the former center of American political life, Williamsburg is a treasure trove of history that is both entertaining and educational for everybody. This is one Virginia Beach day trip that has multigenerational appeal for sure. And it’s such a short ride, the grandkids will still be smiling when they get there.

60 miles northwest of Virginia Beach (1 hour and 15 minutes by car), VA

Onancock

Victorian architecture, art studios, boutiques and antique shops await in Onancock, an historic gem with a population of only 1,500. Situated between the Chesapeake and the Atlantic, this little village has been a fixture on the seascape since 1680. It’s the perfect low-key escape; a great place to chill for an afternoon.

75 miles northeast of Virginia Beach (1 hour and 45 minutes by car), VA

Fredericksburg

The Civil War comes to life in historic Fredericksburg, site of one of the war’s pivotal battles. After a visit to the battlefield, don’t miss the Kenmore Plantation and Mary Washington House, residences of George’s sister and wife respectively.  Embrace history on foot with a walking tour of the city as it appeared in 1862. In addition to soaking up history, you’ll enjoy excellent shopping and dining. This Virginia Beach day trip even includes an alpaca farm. What’s not to like?

160 miles northwest of Virginia Beach (2 and a half hours by car) VA 

Chincoteague and Assateague

This Virginia Beach day trip offers a doubleheader. Enjoy the quaint resort island of Chincoteague. Then off to neighboring Assateague to catch a glimpse of the famous wild ponies that call the seashore home. This outing comes complete with old-fashioned lighthouses, unspoiled beaches and plenty of graceful birdlife. Conveniently, a bridge connects the islands to the mainland.

100 miles northeast of Virginia Beach (2 and a half hours by car), Virginia/Maryland

Natural beauty, plenty of outdoor activities, and unlimited interest for history buffs. Virginia Beach day trips offer the best of all excursion worlds. Traveling is that easy when you live in one of Overture's premier active adult communities. Isn't it time for a stress-free, turnkey lifestyle? Get in touch for a tour today!