Fort Lee's proximity to varied rivers and beaches makes it easy for visitors to delve into south coastal Virginia's rich history and wildlife or simply perfect their water sports, fishing skills and sand-court volleyball serves. Float on a lazy reservoir day or night, explore the habitat of migratory birds or swim in the Chesapeake Bay near the U.S. Army's third-largest training site.

James River

The largest river in the commonwealth of Virginia winds northwest of Fort Lee. On the north side of the river rests the Berkeley Plantation, home of the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1619 and tour site for visitors wishing to see the 1726 mansion. Request a permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 72 hours before strolling through the James River National Wildlife Refuge, which offers seasonal white-tailed deer hunts. The Presquile National Wildlife Refuge welcomes migratory birds and pre-registered visitors to explore on the island sanctuary's 3 miles of trails or around the waterways on pontoon boat tours.

Appomattox River

The Appomattox River, a tributary of the James River that branches off just north of Fort Lee, runs though the adjoining city of Petersburg. Rent a kayak here to paddle among the sturgeon and below the bald eagles around the handful of islands that break up the Appomattox in this corridor between Interstates 95 and 295. If you'd rather enjoy the river from its banks, head to Fort Clifton Park in Colonial Heights for a 24-acre retreat complete with a fishing pier, picnic ground and Civil War historical markers. Point of Rocks Park in Chesterfield contains earthworks from the war along its trails and a boardwalk for exploring the marsh.

Lake Chesdin

Just about half an hour drive west from Fort Lee, discover a quiet shore where you can cast a line day or night and go boating under the stars with a 24-hour ramp. Lake Chesdin is a reservoir along the Appomattox River stocked with largemouth bass, big striped bass, walleye, catfish and crappie. The Lake Chesdin Campground on the south side of the reservoir has 26 acres of shorefront property including a sandy beach for swimming, picnic tables, play areas and a pavilion for larger get-togethers. Camping includes both tent sites and RV sites with hookups and sewer available.

Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach

For a wide selection of traditional beaches, head to the mouth of the James River at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. Newport News, Hampton and Norfolk are more than a shipbuilding and military crossroads; historical draws include the marina, museum and trails at Fort Monroe National Monument, while nature lovers can hike paths through the marshland to the sandy beach of the Grandview Nature Preserve. Go to Ocean View Avenue in Norfolk for a long stretch of beaches punctuated with relatively uncrowded public waterfront parks and the Ocean View Fishing Pier. For a beach-party scene mixed with family attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Ocean Breeze Waterpark, head to Virginia Beach.

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