Road Trips from Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, VA is your launchpad for exploring the Old Dominion. You've got a solid mix of destinations here, from quick half-day trips to slightly longer drives. Most routes stick to highways and offer access to historical parks, with terrain that's mostly flat or gently rolling. If you're looking for a day trip with park access, or want to see a good chunk of Virginia without committing to an overnight, these options fit the bill.
Total Routes
8
Shortest
3.1h
With Parks Nearby
8
Full-day getaway
Pantops, VA
3h 8m164.2 mi one way
This is your shortest highway option at 3.1 hours and 164.2 miles. It features mostly flat terrain and provides access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield, all within reach.
Verona, VA
3h 56m206.5 mi one way
Clocking in at 3.9 hours and 206.5 miles, this route offers a gently rolling terrain. Like many routes from Portsmouth, it provides access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield.
Staunton, VA
3h 54m204.1 mi one way
This 3.9-hour drive covers 204.1 miles on mostly highway. The terrain is gently rolling, and it offers proximity to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield.
Weekend trip
Richlands, VA
7h 58m419.8 mi one way
For the longest trip on this list, Richlands is 8 hours and 419.8 miles away. It's a mostly highway route with gently rolling terrain and access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Booker T Washington National Monument.
Bedford, VA
4h 39m219 mi one way
This 4.7-hour, 219-mile trip favors surface roads over highways. The terrain is gently rolling, and you can visit Petersburg National Battlefield, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and Colonial National Historical Park.
Bridgewater, VA
4h 13m221.4 mi one way
A 4.2-hour drive covering 221.4 miles, this route is mostly highway with gently rolling terrain. It grants access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Petersburg National Battlefield.
Cloverdale, VA
5h 7m273.2 mi one way
This 5.1-hour, 273.2-mile drive is primarily on highways. You'll encounter gently rolling terrain and have access to Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, and Booker T Washington National Monument.
Wytheville, VA
6h 32m349.4 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Richlands, VA
7h 58m419.8 mi one way
Pantops, VA
3h 8m164.2 mi one way
Verona, VA
3h 56m206.5 mi one way
Bedford, VA
4h 39m219 mi one way
Bedford, VA
4h 39m219 mi one way
Bridgewater, VA
4h 13m221.4 mi one way
Staunton, VA
3h 54m204.1 mi one way
Wytheville, VA
6h 32m349.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat to gently rolling terrain and numerous historical parks nearby, spring offers pleasant driving conditions for exploring.
Summer
The highway-focused routes and park access make summer trips feasible, though terrain remains gently rolling.
Fall
Expect generally flat to gently rolling terrain, ideal for driving through the season's changing landscapes near historical sites.
Winter
Most routes feature gently rolling terrain, making winter drives manageable, with historical parks remaining accessible.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Portsmouth, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.