Insider's Guide

Tidewater, VA

Welcome to Tidewater Insider's Guide

Tidewater, or the Coastal Plain, is a low-lying region in eastern Virginia between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It is known for its flat terrain, tidal marshes, swamps, and agricultural lands. It hosts significant features like military bases, including the world's largest naval base, Norfolk Naval Base. The region boasts beautiful beaches, historic museums, wildlife refuges, and is crossed by several rivers, such as the James and Potomac. It also features the Fall Line, where the Appalachians meet the coastal plain.

Weather

Virginia's Tidewater region has a mild and balanced climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, and snow and ice are rare. Spring and autumn are pleasant, while summers are warm and long but occasionally cooled by northeasterly winds from the Atlantic.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Tidewater_Weather
Average Temperature

60°F

Average Annual Rainfall

41.3"

Weather Patterns

Temperate

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High
50°F
52°F
60°F
69°F
77°F
84°F
88°F
86°F
80°F
71°F
62°F
54°F
Low
35°F
36°F
43°F
51°F
60°F
68°F
73°F
71°F
66°F
55°F
45°F
39°F
Rain
8.6″
8.4″
9.1″
8.9″
10.4″
11″
13.2″
12″
8.5″
7.1″
6.6″
7.7″

Local Sports

Tidewater, Virginia has a few professional sports teams, including the Norfolk Tides (minor league baseball), Norfolk Admirals (hockey), Tidewater Sharks (soccer) and the Virginia Aces (football) as a new team and league coming to Hampton Roads.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Tidewater_Local-Sports
Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
After the AHL team was relocated in 2015, Norfolk received a new ECHL team, also named the Norfolk Admirals, for the 2015–16 season.
Sport: Ice Hockey
Founded: 1970
Norfolk Scope
Norfolk Tides (AAA)
In April 1993, Harbor Park, a stadium with a seating capacity of 12,067, officially opened as the home venue for the Norfolk Tides, a Triple-A minor league baseball team. In 1995, Baseball America honored the stadium with the distinction of being named the best minor league ballpark.
Sport: Baseball
Founded: 1993
Harbor Park
Tidewater Sharks Soccer Club (NPSL)
The Tidewater Sharks is a player-first travel soccer club with the goal of providing the best competitive environment with an emphasis on long-term player development and building the complete athlete.
Sport: Soccer
Founded: 1977
Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex
Virginia Aces (MLF)
A professional football team coming to Hampton Roads as a new team in a new league will call Norfolk home. The Virginia Aces introduced themselves to the community during a press conference.
Sport: Football
Founded: 2024
Dick Price Stadium

Golf Courses

The Tidewater area of Virginia offers several notable golf courses, including The Woodlands in Hampton, a popular and affordable public course with the Hampton River influencing many holes. Virginia Beach's Red Wing Lake Golf Course and Virginia Beach National Golf Club provide scenic layouts with wetlands, lakes, and challenging wind conditions.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Tidewater_Golf

Country Clubs

Broad Bay Country Club
Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club
Cypress Point Country Club
Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club
Fredericksburg Country Club
Greenbrier Country Club
James River Country Club
Mallory Country Club
Princess Anne Country Club
The Country Club of Virginia - Westhampton
Two Rivers Country Club

Public and Private Courses

Aeropines Golf Course
Battlefield Golf Club
Bayville Golf Club
Cypress Creek Golfers’ Club
Hell’s Point Golf Club
Heron Ridge Golf Club
Honey Bee Golf Club
Kempsville Greens Golf Club
Ocean View Golf Course
Red Wing Lake Golf Course
Riverfront Golf Club
Sewells Point Golf Course
Sleepy Hole Golf Course
Suffolk Golf Course
The Club at Viniterra
Virginia Beach National Golf Club

Schools

Tidewater, Virginia has several educational institutions, including Tidewater Community College, which provides collegiate education, workforce training, and military student support. The current system rates almost all Virginia schools as high performing, with 88% of Virginia schools receiving the highest rating of accredited.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Tidewater_Schools

Colleges and Universities

Advanced Technology Institute
Atlantic University
Bryant and Stratton College (Virginia Beach)
Christopher Newport University
Eastern Shore Community College
Eastern Virginia Medical School
ECPI College of Technology (Virginia Beach and Newport)
Hampton University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Paul D. Camp Community College
Rappahannock Community College
Regent University
The College of William and Mary
The Newport News Shipbuilding’s Apprentice School
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Virginia Wesleyan College

School Districts

Chesapeake Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools
Falls Church City Public Schools
Norfolk City Public Schools
Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Private Schools

Chesapeake Bay Academy
McDonald Montessori School McDonald Montessori School
Mt. Pleasant Christian School
Norfolk Christian School
Norfolk Collegiate Lower School
Ocean View Christian Academy
Ryan Academy of Norfolk
St Pius X Catholic School
Strelitz International Academy
Suffolk Christian Academy
Veritas Collegiate Academy

Performing Arts Schools

Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach
Roper Performing Arts Center at TCC
The Governor's School For The Arts
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach School of the Arts

Things to Do and See

Tidewater, Virginia offers a mix of outdoor and cultural attractions, such as the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and First Landing State Park, alongside museums like the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Virginia Aquarium. For family fun, visitors can enjoy activities at Apex Entertainment or explore historic sites like the Battleship Wisconsin.
cast_image006-2
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge spans over 9,200 acres of diverse habitats, offering trails through marshes and woodlands, impoundment views, and access to False Cape State Park, with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and canoeing or kayaking.
Buckroe Beach and Park
Buckroe Park borders the magnificent Chesapeake Bay with three-quarters of a mile of clean beach.
Cape Henry Memorial
There are two lighthouses located at Cape Henry within the Fort Story military base near the northern end of Virginia Beach.
Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler Museum has 50 galleries with 30,000+ objects, an interactive space for kids and families, and an incredible glass studio.
Colonial Williamsburg
Experience the largest outdoor educational living museum in the country, through immersive and authentic 18th-century programming for our guests.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The historic red brick lighthouse, first lit in 1875, still operates today with its original Fresnel lens, flashing every 20 seconds and is visible for 18 nautical miles, guiding ships along the North Carolina coast.
False Cape State Park
False Cape features guided kayak trips, primitive camping, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and 6 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park offers a swimming beach, hiking and biking trails, and a campground.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, located inside Nauticus, is an accredited museum operated by the United States Navy and celebrates the history of the fleet in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
The Hermitage showcases a renowned 5,000-year art collection, rotating exhibitions, a Visual Arts Studio, and 12 acres of gardens, providing a rich cultural experience for the community.
Historic Jamestown
Historic Jamestown is the cultural heritage site that was the location of the 1607 James Fort and the later 17th-century town of Jamestown in America
Hunt Club Farm
Hunt Club Farm is a one-of-a-kind family-owned and operated farm attraction in Virginia Beach with over 30 acres of farm fun for everyone.
MacArthur Memorial
The MacArthur Memorial is a memorial, museum, and research center about the life of General Douglas MacArthur. It consists of three buildings on MacArthur Square in Norfolk, Virginia.
Mount Trashmore Park
World-renowned Mount Trashmore Park is the sister park to Haginodai Park in Japan and encompasses 165 acres, two man-made mountains, two lakes, and two playgrounds.
Nauticus
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
The breathtaking landscapes at Norfolk Botanical Garden are perfect for nature lovers, families, and photography enthusiasts.
Norfolk Yacht & Country Club
Norfolk Yacht & Country Club is a first-class waterfront setting that provides a wide range of social activities and recreational facilities for member enjoyment and perpetuates a culture of camaraderie and fun among members.
Oak Grove Lake Park
Oak Grove Lake Park, spanning 157 acres off Volvo Parkway, features a multi-use trail around a 65-acre lake, open spaces, play areas, and scenic views of forests and wetlands. Swimming and boating are only allowed by special permit.
Shipwreck Golf
This newly renovated 36-hole course is the largest and the most challenging in the Virginia Beach resort area. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of waterfalls along with your favorite island music.
Tarnished Truth Distilling Co.
Tarnished Truth uses old and new distilling techniques to create a superb portfolio of awardwinning locally crafted bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin and other specialty spirits. Stop by the tasting room or join us for a guided distillery tour.
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
Come explore the world-class exhibits and and artifacts that explore maritime history, including the USS Monitor Center and global small craft collections. Visitors can also hike the scenic Noland Trail or enjoy a picnic at Lions Bridge, connecting with the world’s waters and the stories that unite us.
The Thoroughgood House
One of the oldest surviving colonial homes in Virginia Beach and a National Historic Landmark, the Thoroughgood House was likely built in 1719.
Town Point Park
Town Point Park is a 7-acre waterfront city park on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia. The park hosts major outdoor concerts, award-winning festivals, and special events each year to include the Norfolk Harborfest, Bayou Boogaloo, and 4th of July Celebrations.
USS Wisconsin BB-64
USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship built for the United States Navy (USN) in the 1940s and is currently a museum ship.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
With thousands of animals and amazing hands-on exhibits, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has gallons of fun for everyone!
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Explore the exciting Virginia Beach Boardwalk, with three miles of oceanfront fun including entertainment, attractions, restaurants, shops and events
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Virginia MOCA showcases dynamic contemporary art exhibitions that explore shared humanity, while also hosting the annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, a three-day festival featuring nearly 200 artists from across the country
Virginia Zoo
The Virginia Zoo is a sprawling park with 700+ animals from 150+ species, plus tours, gardens & kids' camps.
Water Country USA
Virginia's largest water park offers fun for the entire family with resort-style amenities and more than 40 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions.
Waterside District
The Waterside District is a bustling gathering place featuring casual eateries, bars & live music by the waterfront.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg was the capital city of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 and played a significant role in the American Revolution. It forms the “Historic Triangle” together with Jamestown and Yorktown. Its heart is Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district and living-history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life in the streets, stores and workshops.
Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown offers a variety of fun activities, from its award-winning farmers market and outdoor concerts to wine festivals, waterfront venues, and family-friendly entertainment, including food, fireworks, and history

Directory

This directory serves as a valuable tool for efficiently locating and accessing essential resources, such as dining establishments, healthcare facilities, public service offices, and community events. By offering comprehensive details and contact information, it aims to streamline the process of finding necessary services and participating in local activities.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Directory
Delicate Oriental Grocery
European Grocery Market - Russian Food
Farmers International Foods
International Food Market & Watergate
Leila's Mediterranean Groceries & Deli
Oh! Market International Food
Royal Bazaar Indian Asian Market
Tala Market Meat & Bakery
3W's Farm Market
Kings Grant Farmers Market
Old Beach Farmers Market
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
Yorktown Market Days Food and Artisans Market
Acid 2 Alkaline Herbal Market
Health Trail Natural Foods
Mustard Seed Natural Market & Country Provisions
Organic Food Depot
The Storehouse Natural Products
American Freight Appliances and Furniture
Havertys Furniture
Rock\'s Carolina Furniture
The Dump Furniture Outlet
Value City Furniture
Virginia Furniture Company
City of Norfolk Department of Human Services
City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services
Norfolk City Hall
Norfolk Community Services Board
Norfolk Utilities Department
United States Postal Service
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg
Sentara CarePlex Hospital
Sentara Heart Hospital
Sentara Independence
Sentara Leigh Hospital
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Gloucester Mathews Gazette-Journal
The Flagship & Military Newspapers of Virginia
The Tidewater News
The Virginian-Pilot
Tidewater Newspapers Inc
Fox News Now (Channel 13)
MYTVZ (Channel 33)
Wavy (Channel 10)
WHRO (Channel 31)
WTKR (Channel 3)
Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse
Becca Restaurant & Garden
Blue Seafood & Spirits
Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse
Circa 1918 Kitchen and bar
River Stone Chophouse
Steinhilber\'s Restaurant
Terrapin Restaurant
The Restaurant at Four Eleven York
Todd Jurich's Bistro
Zoes Steak & Seafood

The business listings provided in this directory are for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, not all listings may include complete information such as phone numbers, websites, or other contact details.