Staying on base? Visiting Fort Lee?

Whether you’re at Fort Lee for training, work, graduation, a visit with family, or returning to the area as a veteran, there’s plenty to experience beyond the installation. Just a short drive from the base, you’ll find riverfront recreation, historic sites, local restaurants, live music, special events, and places to stay that make it easy to turn your visit into a memorable weekend.

To help you explore, we’ve grouped some of the area’s highlights by interest. You can even pick up a paper passport to keep track of the places you visit and share your experience along the way.

The rivers are one of the best ways to experience the area, whether you want to get out on the water or simply enjoy the view. Self-service kayak rentals make it easy to paddle at your own pace, while riverwalks, scenic overlooks, parks, trails, and fishing piers offer plenty of options for a more relaxed afternoon.

Groups can spend time together on the water with pontoon boat rentals, or take a ferry ride for a different perspective of the region. Along the riverfront, you’ll also find restaurants, marinas, and seasonal music events that make the water a great backdrop for lunch, dinner, or an evening out.

Military service is deeply connected to the history of this region, making the area especially meaningful for service members, veterans, and their families. Nearby museums, national parks, historic homes, cemeteries, and preserved sites offer opportunities to learn more about the people and events that shaped Virginia and the nation.

Self-guided walking and driving tours make it easy to explore on your own schedule, while genealogy resources and local veteran organizations can help visitors make a more personal connection to the area’s history.

Reserve a table at The Boathouse at City Point or Salty Siren and finish the day with waterfront dining overlooking the meeting of the James and Appomattox rivers. Enjoy seafood, crab cakes, oysters, a local beer or a drink at the bar while the sun sets across the water.

After dinner, head to the historic Beacon Theatre. Arrive a little early to take in its Art Deco architecture before settling in for an evening of live entertainment in a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and outstanding acoustics.

Depending on when you visit, your trip may line up with one of the area’s many festivals, concerts, waterfront celebrations, community events, or seasonal gatherings.

These events are a wonderful way for visiting families and service members to enjoy the area like a local—whether you’re craving great food, locally sourced ice cream, live music, local history, fun family activities, or just something new to try during your visit.

If you’re coming into town for a graduation, family visit, training, or an extended stay, the area offers a growing selection of familiar hotel brands and convenient lodging options near Fort Lee.

That makes it easy to stay close to the installation while still being within reach of local dining, attractions, shopping, riverfront recreation, and historic destinations throughout the surrounding communities.