This metro area known as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News is bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay. Norfolk is the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region. It’s the largest Navy base in the world, and is one of NATO’s two Strategic Command headquarters. Norfolk is also an important railway and shipping hub. Virginia Beach is 18 miles to the east. Hampton/Newport News is the area to the north, using I-64 Bridge Tunnel.
This is our guide to the best places to run in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Newport News. In Virginia Beach, the highlights are 5-mile long Virginia Beach, beautifully wide and with hard, packed sand, and its 2.7 mile boardwalk, as well First Landing State Park, with miles of trails through marches, forests, and along the water. In Norfolk, The 9-mile Elizabeth River Trail is a great way to explore downtown Norfolk and the waterfront. In Hampton/Newport News, a favorite is Fort Munroe and Buckroe Beach, with miles of trails bordering Chesapeake Bay. Newport News Park is one of the best parks in the area, and the 5-mile Noland Trail, following the shoreline of Lake Maury.
The weather in Norfolk & Virginia Beach is typical of the U.S. mid-Atlantic. Summers are hot and humid, with average highs near 90F (32C) and nights that don’t really cool off. Run early and hydrate accordingly. Winters are mild to cool, with average January high temperatures near 50F (10C) and lows right around freezing. There is occasional snow and ice. Spring is the best season for running, with lots of blossoms and warm temperatures. October-November are also pleasant. The area gets a fair bit of rain, evenly spread throughout the year. There are frequent thunderstorms from April to September.