Suffolk is Virginia’s historic city with a rich culture and many places to visit. It was founded in the year 1742. Since then, the site has housed numerous historic buildings and spots, various recreation areas and parks, and a pleasing downtown area.
In addition, visitors can explore the place in many ways, such as taking a walking tour with a self-guided, visiting a historical landmark or museum, or attending a festival hosted annually by the city.
Likewise, Suffolk features several outdoor activities like bird watching, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Dining and shopping are equally famous pastimes here in Suffolk. Suffolk, VA, features something for everybody.
Here are some things to do in Suffolk, VA.
Things to Do in Suffolk, VA
1. Seaboard Station Railroad Museum

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The museum has many items from the Danville Railroad and the Atlantic, Norfolk and Western Railroad, Virginia Railroad, and Seaboard Airline Railroad.
The items are railroad tools, railroad lanterns, concrete signs and cast irons, light coming from the steam locomotive tender, bells, et cetera. The Station is built like that of the Victorian age, Queen Anne style.
There is a beautiful tower that possesses a spiral walnut staircase. A lot of initial features were restored and saved.
Features like a porch, fireplace, coffered ceiling, windows, and doors. In the building, the most special point is their HO scale model of Suffolk, circa 1907; it was built by the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association.
You can learn the history of Virginia rail transportation. There is a vintage train where visitors are allowed to take rides.
Address: 326 N Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
2. Southern Gun Works & Museum

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Here, there is a display of firearms, antique pistols, modern short guns, history of how guns are manufactured in the US. Also, the museum features numerous interactive exhibits, which makes it the best place for learning about the art of firearms and the beauty behind it.
Address: 167 S Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
3. The Suffolk Art Gallery

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This place is lovely and is located in downtown Suffolk, in the Lakeside neighborhood. Nestled amongst Colonial and Victorian architecture, you will find an old library constructed in the 1960s. Later in the 1980s, it became the Art Gallery.
The Gallery partners with Fine Arts Virginia Museum and Art League of Suffolk to host different exhibits all year round and programming too.
They offer art workshops and classes like painting, pastels, weaving, and quilting. There are many annual events, and people enjoy every bit of it.
Also, the Gallery is very popular because of its fine art, which includes photographs, paintings, and sculptures. Furthermore, you can buy items from their gift shop and take them to your office or home.
The Art Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. On Sundays, it opens from 1 pm to 10 am.
Address: 118 Bosley Ave, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
4. Suffolk Center, especially for the Cultural Arts

Credit: SuffolkCenterforCulturalArts / suffolkcenter.org
The High School of Suffolk was built in 1922 and has been re-purposed and restored as the performing arts and premier visual venue in Suffolk.
The Greek-Revival building houses about five hundred and thirty-seat theatre that remains a stage for lectures, children’s plays, films, symphony performances, dramatic works, musicals, ballets, concerts, and others.
Two pleasing art galleries host classic exhibits. Some spaces have been reserved in the Gallery for rentals during special events.
The peculiar 78000 square foot structure offers unending opportunities for meetings, dining, education, entertainment, and more. In this cultural arts center, you can enjoy different forms of art. The experience there is always beautiful.
Address: 110 Finney Ave, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
5. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

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Suffolk, Virginia, houses the Wildlife Refuge, a natural preserve found in the state’s southeast corner. Also, it covers more than 112000 acres, including among the biggest protected areas of the United States.
Wildlife Refuge houses many animals and plant species, including birds, alligators, deer, and black bears. Asides from exploring the waterways and trails, you can get familiar with the vast nature by participating in some annual events.
People engage in half or 5K marathons and Cub Run half-mile for 12-year-old or younger kids. The path where runners are allowed to race on is paved. After the event, they host a party, and people enjoy good food, music, and awards.
Even more, visitors can engage in fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching. They also have educational opportunities like environmental classes and ranger-led programs.
Address: 3100 Desert Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States
6. The Bennett’s Creek Park

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Creek Park occupies 57 acres along tidal Bennett Creek, which gives access to the Nansemond River, offering visitors room to boating, fishing, and crabbing from the fishing pier and three boat ramps.
Likewise, there is a golf course, water hazards, picnic shelters, restrooms, tennis courts, and a 1.5mile nature trail. You can see amphibians, birds, and reptiles in the woods.
In summer, canoeing and kayaking through tidal channels allow one to view numerous crabs and water birds along scenic banks. Visit this place and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Address: Suffolk, VA 23435, USA
7. The Davis Lakes and Campground

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This campground is a place for travelers who want to experience the abundance of local history, rest or swim in the lake (one of the three lakes) for solitude, inspiration, discovery, or to view the natural setting.
The pleasing spot is best for swimming, fishing, or relaxing close to the water. The place features biking, hiking trails, tent sites, or RV hookups.
Address: 200 Byrd St, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States
8. The Lake Meade

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The lake is a famous and beautiful destination for tourists and locals alike. Lake Meade is best for many boating, swimming, and fishing activities.
Many picnics and parks are found close to the lake, making it a good place to enjoy sunny days. Additionally, the lake houses numerous wildlife species, and you can partake in birdwatching or other activities.
Address: Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
9. The Lone Star Lakes Park

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This park is located along Chuckatuck Creek, Nansemond River, and Nansemond River, tributaries to the lower James River. Here, the site features spots for boaters, hikers, and bicyclists.
The park’s habitats are agricultural fields, lakes, forests, freshwater wetlands, and saltwater wetlands. During winter, you see wintering waterfowl, canvas back, hooded merganser, and lesser scaup.
Then during summer, forest edge and weedy fields present numerous butterflies. The park features activities for families and friends, including picnicking, hiking, boating, and fishing. Also, there is a kid’s playground and open space for relaxation.
Address: 401 Kings Hwy, Suffolk, VA 23432, United States
10. The Seaboard Coastline Trail

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This trail is still a growing project connecting southeastern Virginia’s Chesapeake and Suffolk communities. In 2015, the very first 2.3miles opened, stretching from Driver village to the rustic area of Suffolk. Then in 2017, there was the completion of the second phase.
There are restroom and water facilities, fix-it spots, and a parking lot at every ends. Two extra segments of trails have been added. In 2021, another trail was opened.
The trail runs close to 4miles along the Atlantic coast, giving intriguing ocean views. You can visit the beautiful Seaboard Coastline to get fresh air or exercise.
Address: Suffolk, VA 23435, USA
11. The Sleepy Hole Park

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It is a little multi-purpose park that nestles between a local golf course and a rural subdivision. The Hole park is majorly for public use. This site features a Riverfront bluff, an eastern deciduous forest, and grass fields that have been manicured.
The bluff provides amazing views of Nansemond River, which holds many waterfowl species, mostly during winter. The 2mile nature trail moves through upland forest and is distinguished by arrows; this serves as a good path for biking or light hiking.
During spring, the woods are usually crowded with different birds. The lake occupies 30acres and attracts a large assortment of wildlife.
On the other hand, the park occupies 434acre in Virginia and features a playground, biking and walking trails, a disc golf course, and a golf course of nine holes.
At Nansemond River, there is a visible boat launch, making it perfect for enjoying your daytime on the water. You can have a relaxing period at the park.
Address: 4616 Sleepy Hole Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435, USA
12. The Cedar Point Country Club

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This hidden gem offers many activities for guests and members. It features a course of 18-hole and is keenly manicured to the taste of golf lovers.
Also, there is a pro shop of total service, and they offer lessons to interested people who want to improve in the game. Additionally, there are six tennis courts and a pro shop for tennis. Also, there is a dining restaurant, state of a art fitness center, and a swimming pool of Olympic size.
Address: 8056 Clubhouse Dr, Suffolk, VA 23433, USA
13. The Riverfront Golf Club in Harbour View

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The Golf Club is located on Nansemond River banks, offering intriguing water views. In addition, the Golf Club features a chipping area, driveling range, and putting green; all of these make it the best place to participate in a golf game and perfect your game.
The Golf club has a restaurant and a pro shop that is fully stocked. Thus, you can relax after playing golf or even come to watch Golf players and relax. Not minding if you are a beginner or seasoned golfer, this Golf Club is the best place to be in.
Address: 5200 River Club Dr, Suffolk, VA 23435, United States
14. The Sleepy Hole Golf Course

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This Golf Course was designed by Russell Breeden, an architect, in 1973. It is situated along Nansemond River shores, with a beautiful view. One time in the 1980s, it housed the Crestar Classic of LPGA.
The Golf Course has hosted many professional and amateur events throughout its existence. Today, they host (annually) the A point ranking event of VSGA, the East Coast top gentlemen beginners/amateurs, and the Amateur Championship.
In 2003, the Golf Course went through a renovation, which Tom Clark, an architect, supervised. Today, it continues thriving as a famous facility in all of the Tidewater Region.
Furthermore, in 2012, the Golf Course Event facilities, Pro Shop, and Grille instituted a permanent residence in Obici House (one of the iconic clubhouses of the area) which was properly renovated.
The Golf Course has, from time immemorial, been well known for having a conducive environment for family or friends to spend time golfing. There are eighteen holes to have fun with; hence, you can have a good time outdoors.
The Golf course is close to a beautiful nature preserve; thus, you can savor the view as you play. Do well to visit the clubhouse after golfing to be refreshed before leaving.
Address: 4700 Sleepy Hole Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435, USA
15. The Golf Course(GC) of Suffolk

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Dick Wilson built the Golf Course in 1952. It is an old course, but its beautiful views are seamless. This old Golf course can test every single club in one’s bag.
The course has trees lined up. It has beautiful nine views with so many holes and has Lake Kilbye in play. You can be lucky to get a glimpse of a bald eagle while on hole 12. Subsequently, the greens were replaced with Champion Bermuda grasses to be in line with the fairways.
Suffolk Golf Course is constantly ensuring that the golf course is always “tournament ready” for every visitor that comes to play. The slogan of the GC is “Public golf with a Private club feel.”
Also, it is simple for juniors and ladies to have a good time at the golf course. The reason is that the course of open to beginners. While at Suffolk Golf Club, you will have an exhilarating experience, not minding your skill level.
The Golf Club features a snack bar. You can stop at the snack bar to get something after golfing. The Golf Course can host either a Twenty-four player event or a One-hundred and forty-four event.
Either way, you will receive exclusive treatment from the beginning till the end of the tournament. Come and blast at Suffolk Golf Course to enjoy some suitable old-fashioned and southern hospitality.
Are you looking for what to do in Suffolk, VA? Do well and check out this Golf Course. The course is open for public use every day of the week. Come as often as you want to.
The customer service is top-notch, and their staff members are known to be knowledgeable and friendly. They also maintain the course well. In addition, the site features a stocked pro shop where you can buy apparel and golf equipment.
Address: 1227 Holland Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
16. The Planters Peanut Center

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Suffolk, VA, houses the center, a famous attraction for locals and tourists alike. They have varieties of activities that you can partake in.
This includes visiting the museum (you get to know the story behind the peanut industry), going to the gift shop (you can buy souvenirs or other items to take home), visiting their peanut factory, et cetera.
Visitors can learn more about harvesting and growing peanuts, as well as the delicious snacks that are produced.
Address: 308 W Washington St, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
17. The Nansemond Indian Nation (NIN)

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The Indian Nation has been recognized as a Virginia Indians tribe in Suffolk, VA. The Indian Nation’s abundant history goes back to the 1700s when they recognized the tribe as the very first in Virginia state.
Today, the Indian Nation continues offering varieties of activities to do, as well as sites to view.
Also, visitors are allowed to explore the cultural center and Nation’s museum and get more information about the culture and history of the tribe. Finally, there are POW-Wow traditional dances you can participate in.
Address: 1001 Pembroke Ln, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States
18. The Cedar Hill Cemetery Guided Stroll

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This is a stroll of 75 minutes which takes you through a 32-acre cemetery of Cedar Hill, which is in North Suffolk’s Main Street; the place has a stunning view and is blessed with history.
Initially, Cedar Hill belonged to John Constant as his farm and resting place for soldiers, Suffolk politicians, and historical figures during the Civil War of America.
Also, there is an hour-long Walking Tour of the Cemetery to explore the Cemetery of 32acre whilst highlighting the graves and memorials of the soldiers of the Korean War, Vietnam War, First World War, and Second World War from Suffolk and Nansemond Country.
The cemetery tours are available from March to November every year.
Address: 308 W Washington St, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
19. A Suffolk Ghost Walk – Legends Of Main Street
You can participate in the one-time monthly activity. It lasts 1½ hours as you take a shadow walk with a costumed guide.
While walking by the lantern light for about 1½ miles passing through the city of Suffolk, you will experience unexplained occurrences or events through stories and legends of Suffolk’s hair-raising experience. Usually, these monthly tours happen on Saturday nights.
20. Go to the Suffolk Christian Church of 1891

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Since 1861, a good version of the Christian Church has stood on the North Main. The initial church was structured as a Greek revival with a pointed steeple.
The history of the church records that the chaplains of the Federal Army used the place during the heated Civil War as a hospital for the military.
In 1892 a new building replaced the destroyed structure and was further dedicated in 1894. $40,000 was spent on the second church.
Viewing from the front, the building appears symmetrical. The sanctuary and towers were lined clearly with slender arched, long windows bearing the same design of motif- a central floral design in purple, green, gold, and blue, punctuated by orange glass jewels.
In 1952, a large window was installed. Then in 1995, a small interior window was added. There are sixty-five windows in the church. These Victorian ornamental glasses feature a beautiful flower that a color band surrounds. Also, it usually casts a glow on the worshippers that come to the place.
Address: 216 N Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States
21. The Nansemond County Courthouse

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In 1779, the British burnt the initial structure but soon after the “Revolutionary War,” it was rebuilt. When the Civil War was ongoing, this courthouse was partly used as the Union Army’s Major General Peck headquarters.
In 1837, there was a “Great Fire,” and the courthouse was burnt. Then in 1998, it was rebuilt. Subsequently, the courthouse underwent renovations and is used as Suffolk Tourism Office and Visitor Center.
The landmark of Suffolk houses the Great Dismal Swamp Gallery. You should visit the place.
Address: 150 N Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States
Conclusion
When you visit Suffolk, VA, you will realize that there are many beautiful views and activities to partake in. As a history buff, you will see that the town has a lot of historical sites and museums.
In addition, there are other sites for nature lovers to explore or even stroll through the parks. If you are a food lover, you can visit excellent restaurants and savor their tasty meals. Finally, as a great food, nature, or history lover, you can have the best experience in Suffolk, VA.