Sports & Recreation
There’s no shortage of ways to stay competi
tive, get outdoors and have fun in Virginia’s Gateway Region.
Water Lovers
Water lovers play in the sprinklers, water slides, lakes and streams of Pocahontas State Park and practice their breaststroke in a world-class swimming facility with the 2008 Olympic Trials pool. Boat enthusiasts open up their motors and cannonball overboard at the confluence of the James and Appomattox Rivers, and kayak and canoe in the region’s rivers, streams and reservoirs. And day trips are common to enjoy the beaches, sailing, fishing and boardwalks along the James River, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach and more.
Sports Enthusiasts
The region has a major motorsports presence, including Virginia Motorsports Park for drag racing, dirtbike races, monster trucks and more, and the nearby Richmond International Raceway for NASCAR’s “Last Race Before the Chase” and other year-round events. Catch minor league baseball and football in Petersburg, or head to Richmond for Flying Squirrels baseball and Washington Redskins Training Camp. College s
ports fans catch high-level Division I sports action at VCU and UVA or visit nearby Washington D.C. for major league games. For those who want in on the action themselves, there are thousands of acres of community sports facilities hosting youth and adult sports leagues year-round.
Hikers, Bikers & Climbers
Outdoor enthusiasts truly can have it all. With urban and secluded mountain biking trails, paved walking and biking trails along riverfronts, and numerous rock climbing and other outdoor adventure options, there’s always something to do. For those that like to get away from time to time, it helps to be just a couple hours drive from hiking, scenic driving, climbing and skiing options in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Wintergreen Ski Resort and more just outside the region.