Hike the Osprey Trail at First Landing State Park

Get to First Landing State Park early. Whether it's a weekday in the summer or a Saturday in the winter, the park will be full of families, bikers, trail runners, dog walkers, and all manner of city folk (from DC, Baltimore, and Richmond) trying to meet their outdoor quota during a vacation or second-home getaway. You'll see why this place is so popular: its cypress swamps and spanish moss will make you feel like you're in the best part of the Deep South. 

For a more private experience, head to the south side of the park, where you can enter via 64th street. You'll find some parking along the way to the Osprey Trail trailhead, which is about a mile in on your right. Be aware that after meandering through a maritime forest, the trail hugs the edge of the Broad Bay and will be submerged after heavy storm surges. Don't let that deter you though; the wade is half the fun.