This metro area known as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and 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 the I-64 Bridge Tunnel. Nearby, are the National Historical Parks of Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg, which are great for running.
The best places to run in Virginia Beach are on its iconic 5-mile long beach, which is beautifully wide, and has hard, packed sand. Alongside is a popular 2.7-mile boardwalk. First Landing State Park, has miles of trails through marches, forests, and along the water. The best place to run in Norfolk is the 9-mile Elizabeth River Trail, which is a great way to explore downtown and the waterfront. Mount Trashmore is a favorite for an off-road run and some stairs! In Hampton/Newport News, we love historic Fort Munroe and Buckroe Beach, with miles of trails bordering Chesapeake Bay. The best place to run in Newport News Park is in its lovely park, as well as the 5-mile Noland Trail, which follows the shoreline of Lake Maury. For a destination run, we’ve created lovely routes in Yorktown National Historical Park, historic Jamestown, and in Colonial Williamsburg.
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.
