When the weather finally turns warm in Hampton Roads (for real this time), it feels like a crime to be stuck inside. Sure, we love our gym workouts at Coastal Strength & Fitness, but part of living an active lifestyle means taking advantage of all the great spots right in our backyard. And no, we’re not talking about walking the same loop around your neighborhood every day.

Here’s your local cheat sheet for outdoor movement that doesn’t feel like a chore. Whether you want to get your steps in, soak up some sun, or just clear your head after a long week, we’ve got options.

(You can listen to the podcast on this topic here:

Noland Trail (Newport News)

• Distance: 5-mile loop

• Good for: Walking, jogging, shaded summer strolls, dog walks

This shaded loop behind the Mariners’ Museum is one of the most popular trails on the Peninsula. You can do the full five miles or hop in at one of several trailheads to shorten your route. Perfect for clearing your head or getting lost in some podcast time.

Bonus: Mariners’ Lake now offers kayak and paddle boat rentals if you want to trade steps for strokes.

Newport News Park

• Distance: Multiple trails, including a 5.3-mile paved bikeway and 2.4-mile nature trail

• Good for: Walking, biking, shaded hiking, disc golf, paddle boating, and camping

This park is massive and often overlooked. It has both paved and wooded trails, plus you can rent paddle boats or bring your own kayak to explore the Lee Hall Reservoir. Bonus points if you make it a weekend and stay for a little local camping.

Riverview Farm Park

• Distance: 1.5-mile walking trail with open fields and a playground

• Good for: Quick walks, jogging, strollers, and sunshine

Not as wooded as Nolan, but open and inviting. You’ll often see families, runners, and folks getting their lunch break steps in. They also recently added a path to the water.

Yorktown Battlefield & Colonial Parkway

• Distance: 7-mile loop and up to 23 miles along Colonial Parkway

• Good for: Biking, walking, historical scenery

The Yorktown Battlefield loop is great for casual rides and long walks. Want to go further? The Colonial Parkway trail stretches all the way to Williamsburg—ideal for longer weekend rides.

Caution: Colonial Parkway shares the road with cars, so it’s best for confident cyclists.

Buckroe Beach Boardwalk & Yorktown Beach

• Distance: Variable

• Good for: Morning walks, beach volleyball, paddleboarding

Want to move and catch a sunrise? These beaches have walkable boardwalks and great views. Buckroe also has volleyball nets and playgrounds.

Over at Yorktown, Patriot Tours offers paddleboard and kayak rentals if you want to turn your workout into a river adventure.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park (Hampton)

• Distance: Multiple trail options

• Good for: Kayaking, nature walks, trail running

Shaded and scenic, Sandy Bottom is a perfect mix of woods and water. You can rent kayaks or bring your own and spend a quiet morning on the lake.

Looking for Paddleboarding or Kayaking?

• Top Spots: Yorktown Beach, Sandy Bottom, Menchville Marina, Dare Marina, and Huntington Beach

• Rentals: Check out Patriot Tours & Provisions or Freedom SUP Rentals

You Don’t Have to Go Far

Sometimes just changing your scenery is enough to feel recharged. Whether it's walking the Nolan Trail after work or hitting the water on a Saturday morning, the Peninsula has more to offer than most people realize.

If you’re trying to get active again, this is the perfect time to start.

Schedule your free strategy session to learn about our program and get started.