Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Binghamton, NY to Norfolk, VA
Binghamton, situated in Southern New York, is one of the most vibrant cities of the Binghamton Metropolitan Area. If you are looking for a road trip destination from Binghamton to Norfolk, Virginia, you are in luck. The drive is absolutely stunning, and there are numerous attractions and landmarks en route. The approximately six-hour journey, with a midway point in Odessa, Delaware, offers adventure, beauty and excitement.
Top Five Things to Do
Visit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in America is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This 4.3-mile long bridge connects the Eastern Shore to mainland Maryland. The bridge is an engineering marvel and offers breathtaking views of Chesapeake Bay. You can park your car on the assigned free parking lot and walk to the bridge. Once you get to the top, the crystal clear water will captivate you.
Interesting Fact: It is estimated that crossing the Bay Bridge will save you over an hour of driving time. This is because the journey by car between Washington D.C. and the Northern Virginia area would take over four hours if cars had to drive around the Chesapeake Bay.
Explore the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium located at Baltimore Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland is a must-see attraction. It has a wide range of marine life, including several exhibits on dolphins, sharks, turtles, and rays. Visitors can take a short boat ride and observe the dolphins from a close range. The Aquarium offers interactive, educational exhibits and the trip would be worth your while.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that the National Aquarium in Baltimore is the largest and most diverse aquarium in the US and has over 20,000 animals? With over 100 exhibits to explore, there is something new to discover with every turn.
Discover the North Carolina Aquarium
The North Carolina Aquarium located on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, is another must-see attraction. The aquarium focuses on the marine life of the Outer Banks region, making it unique compared to many other aquariums located on the East Coast. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits including a Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. Visitors can also join behind-the-scenes tours, witness animal feedings, and explore the aquarium's touch tanks.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that the North Carolina Aquarium was the first aquarium in the state of North Carolina, opening its doors on August 13, 1976? In 2013, the aquarium underwent a $6.5 million renovation and opened its STAR Center.
Stroll Through the Norfolk Botanical Garden
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a 175-acre garden located in Norfolk, Virginia. The Garden is home to many plant species, and visitors can explore more than 60 themed gardens and get lost in the beauty. The garden has trails that run throughout its various collections of plants and flowers, making for a serene and enchanting experience.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that in the early 1930s, the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal federal agency, provided funding and workers to help create the garden? Since its opening in 1938, the garden has continued to grow and attract visitors from near and far.
Spend Time at Virginia Beach
No road trip to Norfolk, Virginia, is complete without visiting the beach. A day trip to Virginia Beach is the perfect way to unwind and relax. Virginia Beach is a popular tourist attraction with plenty of beachfront restaurants as well as water-related activities. Surfing, parasailing, jet-skiing, and fishing can all be enjoyed.
Interesting Fact: Virginia Beach has long been known for its warm and inviting waters, making it highly desirable for surfers looking for consistent waves and swells.
Conclusion
The six-hour trip from Binghamton to Norfolk is a journey filled with adventure, beauty, and excitement. Be sure to visit the top five attractions along the route – the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the National Aquarium, the North Carolina Aquarium, the Norfolk Botanical Garden and Virginia Beach – and spend some time exploring all the surprises in between. Whether you are looking for history, culture, or fun in the sun, the journey from Binghamton to Norfolk has something for everyone.