Virginia's third largest city, Chesapeake is one of the largest settlements in the Hampton Roads region, home to a variety of attractions and amenities for the tens of thousands of visitors to the area every year in its own right and within easy traveling distance through the wider metro area. A picturesque part of Virginia, Chesapeake attracts numerous visitors for its outdoor and sporting facilities, while its annual arts festival is a main draw for tourists worldwide.
The world famous Virginia Arts Festival runs in Chesapeake for over a month annually, usually through April and May, and welcomes visitors and performers from around the world. The Chesapeake Arboretum is a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers, and is free of charge to visitors year round. The Chesapeake Canal and the Dismal Swamp Canal are popular amongst visitors for sailing, and are major tourist waterways through the state. Fishing, sailing and boating in the Chesapeake Bay are significant attractions for visitors, and is a focal point for tourism in the wider Chesapeake area.
