Discover Chesapeake
48 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail Kings Hwy Trailhead
Small trailhead accessing the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail and adjacent tidal creeks and marshes. Photograph winding trail, boardwalks, salt marsh patterns, reflected water and migratory birds. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side light and long shadows; low tide reveals mudflats and textures. Easy roadside parking at 4301 Pughsville Rd; trail is mostly flat and accessible but bring insect repellent. Quiet weekdays yield fewer people; no fee.
Elizabeth River Park
Small waterfront park on the Elizabeth River offering tidal marshes, boardwalks, piers and wide river views — great for sunrise/sunset reflections, birding and long exposures of passing boats. Easy parking and flat accessible trails; no entry fee. Best light at golden hour; weekdays are quieter.
Observation Platform
A raised observation platform overlooking marshland and a slow-moving canal — prime for birds, water reflections, and layered wetland landscapes. Best at golden hour for warm light and long reflections; blue hour yields moody silhouettes. Small parking area and a short, generally flat walk from the lot; usually free entry and seasonally quiet. Expect bugs in warm months and variable access after heavy rain; bring insect repellent and waterproof footwear. No special permits for casual photography
Captivating Gardens
Captivating Gardens is a compact, photogenic public garden with seasonal flower beds, winding paths and small water features — ideal for close-up florals, intimate landscape frames and reflective water shots. Best visited at golden hour or early morning for soft light and fewer visitors; spring and early summer offer peak blooms. Grounds are mostly accessible with on-site parking; check for event closures. Family-friendly atmosphere and occasional horticultural events add variety.
Bird/Nature Viewing Area
Marshboardwalk and shoreline habitat offering close views of waterbirds, waders and migrating songbirds against tidal marsh and open sky. Visit at dawn or dusk for dramatic light and active bird behavior; spring and fall migrations are peak seasons. Small parking lot and easy boardwalk access make it practical for gear; expect mosquitoes in summer and bring waterproof shoes. No permit required for casual photography.
Indian River Park
Riverfront park with a winding boardwalk, tidal marshes and wooded trails offering intimate waterscape and wildlife shots. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and reflections; early mornings in spring/fall bring active birdlife. Easily accessible parking and paved paths make gear transport simple; entry is free. Weekdays are quieter. Seasonal highlights: spring migrants, colorful fall foliage and glassy winter reflections.
Indian River Park South Side
Small riverside park with a winding boardwalk, marsh edges and calm water offering strong reflections, birdlife and paddlers. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and mirrored water; spring/fall bring migratory birds. Easy roadside parking on Rokeby Ave, flat accessible trails, no entry fee — expect walkers and dog owners. Wind affects reflections; check tide/wind for glassy water.
Blue Heron Landing Park
Small waterfront park on the Indian River with marshes, a boardwalk and fishing pier—prime for wading birds, herons, tidal reflections and pastel sunrises. Best at dawn or dusk for golden hour and calm water. Easy parking and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk; no entry fee. Weekday mornings have fewer anglers; check tide charts and wind for glassy reflections.
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park offers a peaceful lake, boardwalk, marina and tree-lined trails — ideal for reflection shots, waterfowl, and golden-hour vistas. Visit at sunrise or sunset for calm water and warm light; weekdays and early mornings cut crowds. Easy roadside parking, no ticketing; bring bug spray in summer. Local anglers and kayakers add human-interest layers.
Indian River Park North and Rokeby Center
Small riverside park and interpretive Rokeby Center offering marsh, tidal creek and boardwalk views. Photograph winding water reflections, saltmarsh textures, migrating and resident waterfowl, and the historic Rokeby building as a human element. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and low-angle reflections; late winter–spring and fall for migratory birds. Trails are short and mostly flat with roadside parking near the center; expect limited facilities and seasonal mosquitoes. Weekday/
Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Historic Park
Marshes, tidal creeks, boardwalks and a historic battlefield offer layered compositions: sweeping wetlands reflections, weathered wooden piers, interpretive markers and distant tree lines. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and glassy water; low tide can expose mudflats and foreground texture. Small parking lot and easy trails/boardwalks make the site accessible by car; no entry fee. Expect birdlife and seasonal insects; bring bug spray. The site commemorates the 1775 Battle of the
Hunter’s Cove Park
Hunter’s Cove Park offers tidal creeks, marsh fringes and a waterfront boardwalk — ideal for intimate waterscape and marshland compositions, wading birds, and reflective sunrise/sunset shots. Small parking and easy trail access make it practical for short shoots; expect mosquitos in warmer months and variable tide-dependent scenes. Visit at golden hour or incoming/outgoing tides for best light and textures.
Great Bridge Lock Park
Small island park centered on the historic lock system, shoreline trails and a boat ramp — great for waterfront, small-boat and bird scenes. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for soft light on the locks and boat reflections. Accessible paths, limited restrooms, roadside and ramp parking; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Oak Grove Lake Park
Small urban lake with boardwalks, marsh edges and tree-lined trails offering reflections, waterfowl and intimate landscape scenes. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and mirror reflections; migratory birds common in spring/fall. Easy access from Byron St with free parking; paved paths and boardwalks make most viewpoints walkable. No entry fee; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds and anglers.
South Norfolk Jordan Bridge
A striking modern truss bridge spanning the Elizabeth River with pedestrian access offering strong leading lines, reflections in the water, and dramatic night illumination. Best for sunrise and sunset for golden light and colorful skies; nights for long-exposure light trails. Small parking near 100 Poindexter St; ramps make the walkway accessible. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Check local hours and any event closures before visiting.
Deep Creek Park
Tidal creeks, marshes, boardwalks and a small fishing pier make Deep Creek Park a compact natural escape ideal for waterscapes and wildlife. Photographers can capture reflective estuary scenes at high tide, wading birds and migrating songbirds in spring/fall, and colorful skies at sunrise and sunset. Park is free with onsite parking; boardwalks and most trails are easy to walk and partially accessible. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds; check tide charts for best reflections.
Chesapeake Arboretum
A compact, well-maintained arboretum featuring 4 miles of trails, boardwalks, ponds and native plant collections — great for intimate landscape, botanical and bird photography. Best at golden hour for warm light on trees and reflections; spring for wildflowers and fall for foliage color. Easy parking at the visitor lot, free entry, mostly flat and wheelchair-accessible paths; expect fewer people weekday mornings. Watch for wet boardwalks after rain.
Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park
Small riverfront park with a boardwalk, boat landing and marsh views offering reflections, boat activity and tidal mudflats. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and colorful skies; low tide reveals textures and birds. Easy roadside parking and wheelchair-accessible paths; no entry fee. Weekdays are quieter; be mindful of active boat ramps and local fishermen.
Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation
Photograph a compact mix of Revolutionary War battlefield markers, wooded trails and the working waterways: canal locks, drawbridge and occasional tugboats. Best light is golden hour (sunrise for calm water; late afternoon for warm side-light on the bridge). Small museum on site (paid entry) adds interpretive shots; ample parking and short accessible trails make scouting quick. Weekday mornings are least crowded; expect variable coastal weather and mosquitoes in summer.
Fishing / Observation Platform
A small fishing and observation platform overlooking tidal marsh and a calm waterway — ideal for sunrise/sunset reflections, shorebird and wader photography, and intimate landscape frames of salt marsh textures. Easily reachable by car with nearby parking; platform offers unobstructed horizons but can be exposed to wind. Visit at golden hour or during spring/fall migrations for best light and wildlife activity; weekdays and early mornings reduce anglers and crowds. No special entry fees.
Portsmouth Ditch Trail Head
Small trailhead leading to a flat waterside trail through tidal marsh and scrub—good for intimate landscape frames, marsh reflections, and birdlife. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and mist; late winter–spring brings migratory shorebirds. Easy access with roadside parking at Martin Johnson Rd; trail is mostly flat and walkable but can be muddy after rain. No permit; respect wildlife and private properties nearby.
Chesapeake City Park
Small riverside park with marsh edges, walking trails and boardwalks along the Elizabeth River—good for reflections, waterfowl and intimate landscape shots. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and calm water; spring and fall bring migratory birds and color. Park is publicly accessible with free parking at 900 City Park Dr; trails are easy and mostly flat—wheelchair accessible in sections. Weekday mornings are quieter; bugs can be active in summer, bring repellent.
Bluebird Holly Farm
A working holly farm offering dense hedgerows, berry-laden branches, rustic outbuildings and rural access roads — ideal for seasonal close-ups, textured landscapes and pastoral compositions. Best visited late fall into winter when red berries peak; golden hour and soft overcast light enhance color and reduce harsh shadows. Rural location with on-site parking; check farm hours/seasonal access and ask permission before entering fields. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Deep Creek Lock Park
Small waterfront park centered on a historic canal lock, marsh boardwalks and tidal creeks — strong subjects for reflections, textures and local birdlife. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-lighting on the lock and long reflections; blue hour is good for moody water shots. Easily accessible with roadside parking and no entry fee; boardwalks are wheelchair-friendly but can be muddy after rain. Weekdays and early mornings offer the fewest people. Expect mosquitoes in summer and changing
Izaak Walton
Izaak Walton in Chesapeake sits near tidal creeks and wooded trails — ideal for marsh, waterscape and bird photography. Expect winding boardwalks, cattails, egrets/herons and reflective water at golden hour. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side light; weekdays bring fewer anglers. Mostly accessible trails and small parking areas; carry bug spray in warm months. No special entry fees noted; respect wildlife and private hunting seasons.
Southwestern Park
Southwestern Park offers mixed woodland trails, open fields and a small pond—good for landscape, nature and water reflection shots. Visit at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and long shadows; spring and fall provide best color. Easily accessible off Airline Blvd with free parking, paved paths and no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; expect families and dog-walkers on weekends.
Shawn's Christmas Lights
A festive, residential holiday light spectacle best photographed after dusk during the December season. Capture sweeping street-view compositions of densely decorated yards, illuminated characters and synchronized displays. Accessible from Shore Rd with street parking (expect crowds and traffic); no entry fee. Visit weekday evenings early in the show run to avoid peak crowds. Weather and clear nights give crisp lights; bring a tripod for long exposures.
Battlefield Golf Club
Well-shaped fairways, sculpted bunkers, ponds and a traditional clubhouse offer classic golf-course visuals—great for low-angle landscape shots, reflections in water hazards, and environmental portraits of players. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and low contrasts; weekday mornings are quieter. Public access may require green fees or permission for tripod use; ample parking on site. Summers bring lush greens, autumn adds color; watch for scheduled tee times and avoid disruptingplay
Bells Mill Park
Converted landfill to wetlands and meadows with a 2.5-mile grassy trail—great for wide meadow panoramas, marsh edges, migrating and resident birds (eagles reported), wildflowers, and low-key nature scenes. Open sunrise–sunset; small parking lot and porta‑potty on site. Little shade and uneven terrain—bring sun protection, bug spray, waterproof shoes after rain, and watch for ant hills and poison ivy. Best light: golden hour for warm meadows, overcast for even bird/flower color.
James W. McNeil Park
Small riverside park on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River offering tidal marshes, boardwalks and open water vistas. Photographers can capture reflections, marsh textures, migratory waterbirds and sunset colors over the river. Best at golden hour and blue hour; check tide charts for exposed mudflats and bird activity. Easy roadside parking and paved paths make equipment access simple; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings reduce human activity.
Sawyers Mill Park
Small lakes, wetlands and tree-lined trails at Sawyers Mill Park offer reflective waterscapes, marsh wildlife and intimate landscape compositions. Best for sunrise/sunset reflections, birdlife and seasonal foliage. Park is free with a small lot and accessible trails; visit weekday mornings for fewer people and check local rules for drones.
Dunedin Park
Dunedin Park offers mixed woodlands, open lawns and small water features ideal for intimate landscape and nature shots. Easy parking and paved paths make it accessible year-round; visit at golden hour or autumn for warm light and foliage. Weekday mornings reduce crowds; no entry fee. Expect local recreational use—bring insect repellent in summer.
Creekwood South Park
Small neighborhood park featuring a slow creek, wooded trails, grassy marsh edges and a few pedestrian bridges — good for intimate landscape, waterscape and bird photography. Best at golden hour or after rain for rich reflections and mist; weekdays or early mornings avoid dog walkers. Easy access from Lynnfield Rd with free street/lot parking, paved paths and no entry fee—wheelchair friendly in main areas.
Plymouth Park
Small neighborhood park centered on a reflective pond and wetlands — great for tranquil waterscapes, birdlife, boardwalk reflections and seasonal foliage. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and mirror reflections; late afternoon can yield backlit cattails. Easy roadside parking, paved paths and boardwalks offer wheelchair access; no entry fee. Bring bug spray in warm months.
Crossways Park
Small community park with walking trails, wetlands and a pond—good for intimate nature scenes, water reflections, seasonal foliage and candid family or dog-walking shots. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; early weekdays are quieter. Easy roadside parking on Crossways Blvd, no entry fee. Flat, accessible paths suit tripods and low-angle compositions. Expect local recreational use rather than dramatic vistas.
Bryant Farms Park
Bryant Farms Park offers wooded trails, open fields and small wetland pockets—good for nature, landscape and bird photography. Golden hour uplighting through trees and low sun across marsh grasses create mood; mornings bring active songbirds and reflections. The park is free with a small parking area off Terwillinger Rd; trails are mostly flat and family-friendly. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Expect seasonal insect activity and muddy sections after rain.
Colonna Houseboat
Colonna Houseboat — a vintage wooden houseboat moored on a Chesapeake waterway offering textured woodwork, nautical details and reflections on calm water. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm side-light and mirror-like reflections. Access may be limited—it’s on private property near a residential dock, so plan for exterior shots from the shoreline or public pier. Weekday mornings have least boat traffic; check tide/wind for smoother reflections. Street parking available nearby but respect “
Cascade Boulevard Park
Small Chesapeake park with mixed woodland, ponds and marshy edges—good for intimate nature, bird and waterscape shots with reflections. Easy roadside parking and flat paths make it accessible; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or early morning for mist, low light and fewer visitors; spring/fall bring more bird activity.
Greenlawn Memorial Gardens
A well-kept suburban cemetery with mature oaks, manicured lawns and varied headstone shapes offering quiet, contemplative compositions. Best at golden hour or overcast afternoons for soft light; avoid services and respect privacy. Grounds are publicly accessible with on-site parking along Airline Blvd; dress respectfully and follow posted rules. Seasonal color (spring bloom, autumn foliage) enhances contrast against stonework.
MoMac Brewing Company
MoMac Brewing Company is a craft brewery with an industrial-chic taproom, exposed brewing tanks and a lively patio—great for shooting beer pours, textured interiors, and candid social scenes. Best light is late afternoon to golden hour on the patio; evenings offer warm interior glows and string lights. Weekdays/early afternoons are quieter for setup shots. Street parking and on-site spots are usually available; ask staff before photographing people or back-of-house equipment. The mix of metal, o
Frightmare: An Experience in Terror!
Frightmare is a seasonal haunted attraction with theatrical facades, neon signage and foggy approach—best shot at dusk and after dark to capture mood, colored lights and smoke. Inside access is often controlled (no photography during walkthroughs), so plan for exterior shots, queue-lines, props in lobby, and staged seasonal displays. Parking is onsite; weekdays or early evenings reduce crowds. Confirm flash/tripod rules with staff and buy a ticket if inside access is allowed.
Fun Forest Playground
Fun Forest Playground offers colorful play structures, slides and shaded pavilions ideal for capturing dynamic kid-in-motion shots, candid family portraits, and bright abstract details. Best light is early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) for warm tones; overcast days work for even skin tones. Public, free entry with parking along City Park Dr; expect crowds on weekends and school holidays. Friendly local park atmosphere—respect family privacy and ask before photographing children.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
An indoor action venue capturing airborne motion, gymnastics, and candid family fun. Best visited on weekday mornings or during scheduled open-jump sessions to avoid crowds. Lighting is mixed fluorescent — expect fast shutter/high ISO needs. Park requires signed waivers and special grip socks; free parking onsite. Good for capturing dynamic poses, group jumps, and shallow-depth portraits against colorful padding and wall murals.
Parkview Play Area
Small neighborhood park with playground equipment, open lawn and mature shade trees — good for colorful detail shots, environmental portraits, and intimate landscape compositions. Best light is early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) for warm tones and soft shadows; weekdays bring fewer families. On-site parking on Beechwood Rd; accessible paths but limited formal facilities. Be respectful when photographing people and ask permission for close portraits.
Cheshire Forest Park
Small neighborhood park with a playground, open lawns and mature street trees — good for lifestyle, family and local-place shots. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; avoid hot midday since playsets have no shade. No official lot—street parking only. Note a dead/termite‑infested tree near the entrance (safety/careful framing). Quiet, local atmosphere ideal for candid family portraits and community vignettes.
Brentwood Play Area
Small neighborhood play area with colorful playground equipment, mature shade trees and open grass — good for playful portraits, candid kid-in-motion shots, and detail textures of equipment. No entry fee; roadside parking on Sherbrooke Rd. Best light is early morning or late afternoon golden hour for warm tones and soft shadows. Weekdays or before school hours reduce crowds. Accessible paths and benches make it easy to stage family shots.
Taylor Bend Family YMCA
Taylor Bend Family YMCA is a community recreation center — photograph modern civic architecture, active sports, pool action, and family candid moments. Best outside at golden hour for warm facades; indoors check swim and court schedules and get permission for portraits. Easy parking on-site and publicly accessible; weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Useful for documentary shots of community life rather than dramatic landscapes.
Trichome Home Center
A modern retail storefront with branded signage and curated interior displays—good for documenting contemporary retail design, textures, and lifestyle shots. Best shot at golden hour for warm exterior light or after dark for illuminated signage. On-site parking and street access; expect age/ID checks if it’s a regulated retail outlet, so ask permission before photographing people or interiors. Weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed exterior frames.