York River State Park offers beautiful scenery as well as several recreation trails that offer a chance to get a unique view of the park's lush surroundings. Two of the most popular are the Majestic Oak Trail that is used more by bikers and horseback riders than hikers, and the Mataponi Trail that offers a great view of the York River and the 7-acre Woodstock Pond.
Norfolk's Nauticus, The National Maritime Center marks the significance and value of Chesapeake Bay's fragile ecosystem. Engaging exhibits and attractions shine a light on the fascinating marine life that inhabits the waters that bring so much life to the area. The Battleship Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum are also located in the Nauticus Center. It is a truly memorable way to learn about the importance of Norfolk's natural resources and the role they played in its impressive Naval history.
The two of you feel like escaping, but don't really have the time to get away for long. Perhaps just getting off dry land will make you both feel like you've gotten away from it all. A fun way to do that is to hop aboard the Carrie B Showboat for an unforgettable romantic date. You'll travel on the Carrie B, a 19th century Mississippi Riverboat as you take in the sights of the Norfolk waterfront. You'll be both informed and entertained by the riverboat's captain as he points out areas of interest along the way.
The kids will go absolutely wild when you take them to visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Great Dismal has the impressive distinction of serving as the home of more mammals than any other local preserve. Among the more popular residents are the black bears and the endangered Dismal Swamp shrew. The refuge sprawls out 750 miles and includes Lake Drummond