30+ Things to Do Near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk
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New to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story or about to PCS? Get excited! Not only do you have access to the beach without ever having to leave base, but JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is perfectly located to take advantage of all the great restaurants and fun activities in nearby cities like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake.
When you’re ready to get off base after a long work week, we’ve got you covered with recommendations to venture beyond the gates and start exploring. If you're willing to drive a little further, we also have a couple of suggestions to fully take advantage of everything Virginia has to offer, from theme parks to incredibly historic sites, and more.
6 Military-Friendly Activities Near JBLE Little Creek-Fort Story
Explore First Landing State Park and Cape Henry Lighthouse
You don’t even have to leave base to get to this incredible historic site at Fort Story that you won’t want to miss! First Landing State Park is located at the spot where the first English settlers landed in 1607 before making their way to the site that would be Jamestown.
Within First Landing State Park, you’ll find educational exhibits, nature trails, and more to explore, including Cape Henry Lighthouse. The lighthouse was the nation’s first federally funded public works project, authorized by George Washington and completed in 1792.
While security circumstances on base may close these sites to the general public, military personnel retain access, and there’s a discount for service members to explore the lighthouse.
Visit the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center has thousands of animals for you to see, alongside hands-on exhibits, a nature trail, and more. There are buckets of fun for the whole family to enjoy.
The aquarium offers a military discount as long as you bring a military ID, and kids under five get in for free!
Grab Dinner and Drinks at the Bunker Brewpub
Cool off with great craft beer and try the famous Virginia Beach Hot Chicken Sandwich at Bunker Brewpub at Young Veterans Brewing Company! Young Veterans Brewing Company was opened by two Army Veterans in 2013, and after five successful years in the craft brewery business, they added the Bunker to serve delicious eats alongside the beer.
The Bunker has also become a hot spot for live music, welcoming local and national touring talent.
Visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art offers a wide range of ever-changing contemporary art exhibits to explore! They also offer art classes for all ages and skill levels in a variety of techniques.
Even better? They’re a Blue Star Museum, so every summer from May to September, service members and their families get in for free. They also offer discounted admission for members of the U.S. military and their families throughout the rest of the year.
Go to the Cinema Cafe for Dinner and a Movie
Dinner and a movie is the classic date night, and there’s no better place than the Cinema Cafe. Cinema Cafe offers a rare opportunity to see a movie and enjoy a full-service dinner all in the same place.
You can order anything you want until last call (30 minutes before the end of the movie). They offer discounted tickets for members of the U.S. military.
Virginia Stage Company and Wells Theater
Theater-lovers won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see a performance by the Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theater in Norfolk. Every year, the Virginia Stage Company offers a season with a variety of productions, from classics you know and love to lesser-known plays that are still sure to impress.
The Theater also hosts special events, like live music performances, comedy shows, and more throughout the year. As a member of the U.S. military (active or retired), you can get discounted advance tickets by contacting the Box Office or even special low-rate rush tickets purchased at the box office up to one hour before the show.
10 Restaurants Near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story You Won’t Want to Miss
Virginia Beach and Norfolk are full of fantastic restaurants for foodies to get excited about. Check out some of our top recommendations below, but don’t limit yourself to these! There’s so much to explore.
Prime 757 - This classic steakhouse is one of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach.
Hot Tuna - A local landmark, serving up some of the best fresh, local seafood in the Chesapeake Bay for over thirty years.
Kappo Nara Ramen - A casual spot to get some of the ramen you’ll find in Virginia Beach!
Maracaibo Bistro - A family-run Venezuelan restaurant with delicious eats.
The Porch on Long Creek - An upscale southern coastal restaurant with stunning waterfront views of the Lynnhaven River.
Restaurants for the Whole (Furry) Family
Dog-lovers stationed at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story will also find some great restaurant options with outdoor seating where their furry family members can join them for a meal.
1608 Crafthouse - A casual, farm-to-table eatery with outdoor seating.
New River Taphouse - Serving up delicious American-style bar fare where you can eat outside with your furry family members.
HK on the Bay - Get a juicy steak or some delicious seafood any night of the week, or go for a special Sunday brunch, and bring your pooch to enjoy with you in the outdoor seating area.
Mermaid Winery - This winery and restaurant offers a seasonal, covered outdoor space where your furry friend can join you for a meal and a glass of wine.
TASTE - This casual cafe-style spot serves delicious eats made from local, seasonal ingredients. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for your four-legged friends, but you may need an extra two-legged friend to go inside and order.
Pet Friendly Places Near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story
The Virginia Beach area has plenty of amazing spots for dog-lovers to take their furry friends, whether it's for a long walk, some off-leash play, or a special treat!
First Landing State Park
Location: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, US, 23451
First Landing State Park deserved a second mention here to highlight the 20 miles of nature trails perfect for a long walk with adventurous dogs who love to sniff and explore.
Salty Paws Chic’s Beach
Location: 2104 Pleasure House Rd #F, Virginia Beach, VA, US, 23455
Salty Paws at Chic’s Beach is really something special - an ice cream parlor specifically for dogs! Serving up doggy ice cream, biscuits, and bones.
Bayville Farms Park
Location: 4132 First Court Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, US, 23455
The Dog Park at Bayville Farms Park features separate fenced areas for small and large dogs in a beautiful community park
Maple Avenue Dog Park
Location: 164 Maple Ave, Norfolk, VA, US, 23503
This Maple Avenue Dog Park in Norfolk has a large fenced-in area for off-leash play with a double-gated entry.
Chesapeake City Park
Location: 900 City Park Dr, Chesapeake, VA, US, 23320
The Chesapeake City Park has over three miles of walking trails perfect for on-leash dogs to explore, as well as two dog parks, one each for large and small dogs, with water access and plenty of shade. Membership is required to use these facilities; see the website for more details.
5 Places Kids Will Love Near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story
There’s plenty to do with kids of all ages in the area surrounding Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. There’s something for everyone, from little daredevils to budding artists and future scientists.
Chesapeake Planetarium
The Chesapeake Planetarium is a public planetarium that offers a variety of different science and astronomy programs bound to fascinate curious kiddos!
Ages: Varies by program, generally planetarium shows are for 5 and older.
Military Discount? No, but many free or low-cost programs
Hours: Show times vary, check the website for details.
Apex Entertainment
Apex Entertainment has it all - bowling, bumper cars, go-kart racing, laser tag, mini golf, escape rooms, an arcade, and more! There’s really something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Ages: Varies depending on attraction
Military Discount? Yes
Hours:
- Monday - Thursday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cullipher Farms
Cullipher Farms is a sustainable farm in southern Virginia Beach. In addition to a farm store where you can purchase fresh produce and locally-raised beef, the farm has a playground for the kiddos, opportunities to see the animals, a home-made ice cream stand, and you-pick fields. They also host seasonal activities throughout the year that the whole family will love!
Ages: All ages (be advised, strollers are not allowed in the you-pick fields)
Military Discount? None advertised
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mermaid Factory
A trip to the Mermaid Factory is a great rainy-day, afternoon activity for the little artist in your family! At the Mermaid Factory, you purchase a local handmade base in a variety of nautical shapes (mermaids, dolphins, and more, depending on availability), then paint it with whatever design you want. You can even add bling! They even have to-go kits if you’d rather have the experience at home.
Ages: All ages
Military Discount? None advertised
Hours (Virginia Beach):
- Tuesday - Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
FunVille Indoor Playground
Feeling the winter blues and missing the playground? You’ll definitely want to check out FunVille Indoor Playground in Chesapeake! This massive indoor playground has a separate area for toddlers to play and a ropes course for the daredevils in your family. There’s also an arcade and a cafe on site, so you can grab some lunch after working up an appetite on the playground.
Ages: All ages
Military Discount? Yes
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
5 Great Date Ideas Near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story (For Couples or BFFs)
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon with your girls, going for a guys night out, or planning a romantic date with your special someone, the area surrounding Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story has plenty of fantastic options for an afternoon or night out.
Take a Dance Class at DanceSport VA
DanceSport VA offers a variety of couples dance classes in everything from ballroom to swing dance! This is a great option for a romantic date, but it could also be great for a group of friends since you don’t have to bring a partner to participate.
Paint-and-Sip at Muse Paintbar
You’ve heard of paint-and-sip parties, but did you know there are entire bars dedicated to this fun, creative activity? Muse Paintbar in Virginia Beach offers a variety of fun paint-and-sip classes every day of the week. They even have special couples and family classes on occasion.
Go “Out” to Dinner at Blue Pete’s
The Blue Pete’s Dinner Tour is truly a one-of-a-kind experience: Ocean Rentals of Sandbridge offers a kayak tour of Back Bay Wildlife Refuge that starts and ends at Blue Pete’s, a southern Virginia Beach staple serving up fine seafood and steaks since 1972.
Ocean Rentals also offers plenty of other fun local nature tours and activities.
See a Show at the Z
The Zeiders American Dream Theater (The Z) is a local performing arts center dedicated to supporting and developing emerging artists. From original plays to comedy specials, live music, open mics, and more, there’s a little something for everyone at The Z.
Shop Till You Drop at the Lynnhaven Mall
Lynnhaven Mall is the largest shopping center in Hampton Roads and one of the largest malls on the entire East Coast.
With over 150 stores, there’s a ton to explore, and you can finish your day with a fun evening at the Dave and Busters located within the mall or with a movie at the AMC theater.
Don’t Miss These Seasonal Activities near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story!
So far, we’ve done our best to highlight places and activities that you could enjoy any time of year. But you won't want to miss these seasonal events.
Historic Greenbrier Farms
Historic Greenbrier Farms is a well-loved, family-friendly destination in Chesapeake, Virginia, that has been in operation for over 100 years. Throughout the year, the farm hosts seasonal events for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, and offers seasonal pick-your-own fields for everything from strawberries and flowers to vegetables, pumpkins, and Christmas trees.
There’s also a seasonal farmer’s market, a playground, and barnyard animals your family can interact with and feed.
Chesapeake Jubilee
Each year in May, the Chesapeake Jubilee returns to Chesapeake City Park for a week of fun with fair food, rides, and fireworks! The Jubilee grounds also host a variety of other festivals and events throughout the year.
Fall Fun at Bergey’s Barnyard
Bergey’s Breadbasket is a local deli and creamery you can enjoy any time of year, but you’ll want to make sure you take advantage of seasonal fun out in Bergey’s Barnyard.
Throughout the year, they have a small petting zoo, opportunities for goat and piglet yoga, and more. You’ll definitely want to stop by in the fall for their annual corn maze!
Holiday Craft Show
If you love shopping local, you’ll definitely want to check out the annual Holiday Craft Show hosted by the City of Chesapeake. Each year, close to 100 local artisans come out to sell handmade gifts and decorations, alongside fun family activities.
Check Out These Nearby Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
On your next long weekend or day off, you might want to plan a quick getaway. Hit the road to one of these nearby cities and explore all that southern Virginia has to offer!
Williamsburg, VA
Drive time: 1 hour
- Step back in time with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Make sure you get discounted tickets through the NAVSTA Norfolk Tickets & Travel Office!
- Take a thrill ride on the roller coasters at Busch Gardens Amusement Park! The NAVSTA Norfolk Tickets & Travel Office can get you discounted tickets.
- Splash in the indoor waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge. Contact Great Wolf Lodge for information on military discounts.
Charlottesville, VA
Drive time: 3 hours
- Visit Thomas Jefferson’s historic home at Monticello. Active-duty servicemembers can access select tours for free all year round.
- Catch a show at the Paramount Theater of Charlottesville. They offer a little of everything - live music, theater, comedy shows, and movie screenings!
- Enjoy stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you hike or bike around Shenandoah National Park.
Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story!
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story is in the perfect spot, nestled just between Norfolk and Virginia Beach with Chesapeake, VA to the south. There is so much to see and explore between these three great cities, including beautiful nature reserves, impressive historic sites, fantastic restaurants, and tons of opportunities for family fun.
When work is done, make sure you get off base and explore!
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BY DANA CONGELOSI
Military Spouse and Contributing Writer at VeteranLife
Marine Corps Veteran
Dana is a military spouse who has spent more than five years navigating the unique rhythms of military life alongside her partner. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from St. Lawrence University and has built her career across museums, public libraries, and recreation. Thro...
Expertise
Dana is a military spouse who has spent more than five years navigating the unique rhythms of military life alongside her partner. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from St. Lawrence University and has built her career across museums, public libraries, and recreation. Thro...
