6 Quietest Small Towns Near Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a large coastal city of just over 450,000 residents located in the southeastern corner of Virginia, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay. The city boasts a brand new $350 million entertainment district that includes the Wavegarden surf lagoon in Atlantic Park. Virginia Beach also features the Oceanfront District, where you can enjoy live music and other entertainment. If you need a bit of a break from Virginia Beach, or if you are visiting the city and want to see what surrounds it, you only need to drive an hour or two in whichever direction you choose to find quiet, charming little towns where you can hear yourself think again, even if it is just for a weekend break.
Smithfield, Virginia
Smithfield lies 45 miles away from Virginia Beach, so it should take you no more than an hour to drive there. This town is historic, quiet, and very charming, with beautiful gas lamps illuminating the pretty storefronts. Once you have explored the award-winning downtown area, including the Berryman Mansion and Wentworth-Grinnan House, you can head to Windsor Castle, a huge public park along the Pagan River and Cypress Creek. Here, you can paddle out on the water or sit down at one of the scenic overlooks to enjoy a picnic lunch.
If you want to learn more about this delightful town's history, visit Fort Boykin Historic Park, which was built to defend the Jamestown colony in 1623. You can see military architecture here as well, walk the trails, and look out across the James River. For something on the quirky, yet still charming side of things, you can stop by the Isle of Wight County Museum and check out the world's oldest ham.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Cape Charles lies 70 miles away from Smithfield and under an hour from Virginia Beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Not everyone stops at Cape Charles, but if your goal is relaxation and quiet, you will find the pace in this small coastal town to be just perfect. With the smell of fresh seafood permeating the air, you will likely find yourself very hungry when you get out of the car for the first time. Head to the Sunset Beach Bar and Grille (if you are visiting between spring and fall), which is right by the water. The bar offers excellent seafood and burgers. Or you can try The Shanty for delicious clam chowder.
If you want to stay from Friday to Sunday, you will find comfortable rooms at the Northampton Hotel on the beach. Or you can book a B&B guest room at the boutique-style Fig Street Inn. From here, you can access Cape Charles Town Beach and take a walk downtown. Treat yourself with something extraordinary at Moonrise Jewelry or get a piece of locally made art at the Lemon Tree Gallery and Studio before heading back to the beach to watch the sunset.
Chincoteague, Virginia
If serenity is what you need, you will find it just two hours from Virginia Beach on Chincoteague Island. This small town is famous for its wild horses that graze the salt marshes on Assateague right ‘next door.’ Legend says that the horses arrived here after escaping from a shipwreck in the 16th century. The horses now reside mainly in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where you can watch them from a distance. On your way to the refuge, you will pass the Museum of Chincoteague, which houses several exhibits, artifacts, and displays related to the town’s history.
There are several accommodation options in Chincoteague, which is great, since you will want to experience everything possible in just one weekend. You will be able to see the horses from the Snug Harbor Marina and Resort, or you can opt for a waterfront setting at the Waterside Inn. Make time to explore the historic downtown area and take a couple of fun selfies at the waterfront park with its giant Adirondack chairs.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, located about an hour from Virginia Beach, is one of the most historic small towns in Virginia and is widely recognized as the 'Colonial Capital.' A must-stop is the Governor's Palace, which is one of the most impressive buildings in the entire town. The 'palace' was the official residence of the royal governors of the Colony of Virginia. You can stroll in the Palace Gardens and stop by the basement to discover how people stored food in the 18th century. Another landmark you simply cannot miss out on is the Colonial Williamsburg Historical Area. It is a living history museum with people reenacting scenes from the 18th century.
You can also go on a unique ghost tour, which typically lasts around 90 minutes. The tour includes ghostly stories and lots of history and is also interactive, making for a great experience. The nearby historic Jamestown features artifacts and ruins against the backdrop of the James River. Other things to do include visiting the Yorktown Battlefield, where the American Revolution ended, and taking a walk along the beautiful trails at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden.
Corolla, North Carolina
Corolla is another peaceful town in North Carolina that beckons to weary travelers and those who just want a short break from their busy city lives. Corolla lies just over 100 miles from Virginia Beach within the Outer Banks, so if you drive without stopping, you will get there in just under two hours. Once you arrive, you will likely feel the urge to stay longer than three days. There are long- and short-stay options available at the Inn at Corolla Lighthouse.
The Currituck Lighthouse is a must-see, especially since you can climb to the top (in season) and visit the lightkeeper’s duplex. Corolla is also home to the Whalehead House and Museum, which was used during the war effort. The museum is located in a restored 1920s Art Nouveau-style residence, overlooks Currituck Sound, and is open to the public. Corolla is also where you can keep an eye out for the rare Banker horse, which lives on the barrier islands of the Outer Banks.
Pocomoke City, Maryland
Another serene breakaway destination, this time in Maryland, is Pocomoke City. This stunning place is also two hours from Virginia Beach and one of the best towns for a carefree weekend. At the Best Western Plus, you will find modern amenities, a communal pool, and free breakfast. From this base, you can explore downtown Pocomoke as well as the Delmarva Discovery Museum, which is situated along the Pocomoke River. There are several exhibits here that explain the town’s history, culture, and wildlife.
You can also head to the Pocomoke River State Park if you want to spend a relaxing day fishing, hiking, and kayaking. You can also just sit on the shore and take in the views of the river while enjoying a picnic lunch. Pocomoke City also has its own beautiful picnic place in the heart of town, called Cypress Park. There is a riverwalk, playgrounds for the kids, and several scenic picnic areas.
When the Quiet is the Ultimate Destination
If you feel like you need to get away from the noise and bustle of big-city life in Virginia Beach, but you do not want to travel for hours just to get somewhere else, these small towns offer you the perfect weekend escape. A short drive is all it takes to trade traffic and crowds for water views and relaxing B&Bs. So, whether you want to go on a solo break or are planning a peaceful getaway with your loved ones, these towns invite you to disconnect, slow down, and take in the unhurried, serene side of American life.
