Looking for a weekend getaway from Richmond, VA? We recently took a trip down to Virginia Beach and Kiptopeke State Park, two amazing destinations that offer the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and coastal charm. You can do this trip from Washington, DC or Northern Virginia as well, just add a few more hours of driving, still doable.
Day 1 – Virginia Beach
Our journey began on Friday as we hit the road and drove south to Virginia Beach. Once we arrived, we went to First Landing State Park and spent the afternoon hiking and exploring the park’s beautiful trails. With over 19 miles of hiking trails, we had plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery and breathe in the fresh ocean air. We entered the part at 64th street and took Cape Henry Trail on the right after we passed the ticket booth. The trail runs through the woods, and it is a good place to hike as well as to ride your bike, very flat and wide. We then turned left to White Hill Lake Trail and completed the look with Osprey Trail along the bay. The views were outstanding! All together, we clocked 7 miles.
After our hike, we headed to Fujiyama Sushi Bar for a delicious meal. With a wide variety of sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes, this spot was sure to satisfy our cravings. We’ve been to this restaurant before and always had great sushi, soup or traditional dish like Chicken Teriyaki. At 4pm, we were the only visitors there, just like we like it.
Once we finished our meal, it was time to check into our accommodation for the night. We chose Chic’s Beach, which was a great option offering easy access to the beach and another opportunity to walk, which we did later in the evening to watch sunset.
Day 2 – Kiptopeke State Park
On Saturday, we woke up early and had a quick breakfast in our room. As we drove from Virginia Beach to Kiptopeke State Park, we had the chance to cross the awe-inspiring Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Spanning over 17 miles across the Chesapeake Bay, this bridge offers breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding landscape. Be sure to use EZPass to pay for toll since it would be free to come back if you do so within 24 hours.
As we drove across the bridge, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement at the sheer size of this engineering marvel. With its soaring towers and massive suspension cables, the bridge is truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re a fan of engineering feats or simply looking for a stunning photo opportunity, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is definitely worth a visit.
Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Kiptopeke State Park is a gem with miles of pristine beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities. The park has over a mile of beachfront, and the sand is perfect for lounging, swimming, or simply taking in the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. The water is also full of fish, and we saw a few people fishing from the peer.
Another popular activity at Kiptopeke State Park is birdwatching. The park is home to over 300 species of birds, and it’s a great spot for both novice and experienced birders. Visitors can take a guided birdwatching tour, or explore the park on their own with the help of a birding checklist provided by the park.
Hiking is also a great way to explore the park. The park has several miles of hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of the bay. We started our day off with a hike along the beach, first on the right from the peer and then to the left, where we could walk for several miles in complete solitude.
After our hike, we drove to The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery for lunch. This spot offered fresh seafood and cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and refuel. Tanya even made friends with a cute local husky.
Once we finished our meal, it was time to head back to Richmond. Although our weekend getaway may have been over, the memories we made will last a lifetime. With so much to see and do in Virginia Beach and Kiptopeke State Park, we’re sure to want to come back again soon.