POQUOSON, VIRGINIA
Experience Poquoson: The City in Virginia
This small, waterfront city is one of the most desirable locales for families in all of Coastal Virginia. Most of the attraction is due to the city’s beautiful surroundings, small-town feel, almost nonexistent crime, and highly ranked schools. Where else do they serve crab cakes at high school football games?
This small, waterfront city is one of the most desirable locales for families in all of Coastal Virginia. Most of the attraction is due to the city’s beautiful surroundings, small-town feel, almost nonexistent crime, and highly ranked schools. Where else do they serve crab cakes at high school football games?
Schools
There are several outstanding schools in Poquoson, Virginia, both public and private.
Poquoson is home to three public schools, Poquoson Elementary School (K-Grade 4), Poquoson Middle School (Grades 5-8), and Poquoson High School (9th–12th). Looking to learn about the school system in Poquoson? Visit: poquoson.k12.va.us.
Recreation
There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy here with your family and friends during all four seasons. Here you will find tips on some of our favorite Poquoson parks as well as things to do indoors this winter.
Poqouson’s amazing outdoor recreation opportunities include biking trails through wetlands, kayaking along rivers and lots of boating. To find out more about Poqouson’s many Parks & Recreation activities visit ci.poquoson.va.us.
Museums
Poquoson has several attractions to visit, such as the Poquoson Museum and Marsh Trail, and Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Poquoson Museum offers exhibits on local history with hands-on activity stations for children of all ages. Visitors can learn about the many different migratory birds that come through Poquoson during their annual stopovers at the refuge which borders an estuary within walking distance from downtown Poquoson. There are also two trails that run along much of its length where you will see plenty of wildlife including turtles, fish, crabs, and waterfowl.
Boating
Poquoson boating can be fun for both locals or visitors!
Here are our top two recommendations for any of your boating needs:
Whitehouse Cove Marina is located on the Whitehouse Cove waterway on the Chesapeake Bay, just off Bennetts Creek in Poquoson, VA, and is easily accessible by land or by sea. Featured amenities include: 150+ boat slips, covered boat slips up to 60′, deep water access, free public boat ramp, free public fishing pier, Wi-Fi, pool and more. Conveniently nestled in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, Whitehouse Cove Marina is an ideal Virginia marina for boaters and anglers alike!
The Poquoson Yacht Club is a club of boating enthusiasts and good friends on the Virginia Peninsula. Their activities are mostly social, at their club on Messick Road. Boating activities begin in the Spring and last until their popular Lighted Boat Parade and Santa’s arrival on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. They have a Friday night Happy Hour and snack bar where people enjoy the pool, darts, TV, and conversation, and a home-cooked supper. Events during the year usually include steak night cookouts, wine & cheese parties, golf and pool tournaments, Chili Cook-Off, Sea Feast, and various other parties.
Dining & Entertainment
Poquoson has an excellent dining and entertainment scene, so if you are planning to head down for some quality time with family or friends, Poquoson should definitely be at the top of your list.
Restaurants:
Surf Rider Restaurant is a name that has long been synonymous with terrific home-style cooking. In fact, Surf Rider first opened in May 1980 when Liz Massey and her son, Stanley Bennett, had an idea about serving up real home-style cooking. Surf Rider has something for everyone; they have the Surf Rider Reg menu, A country kitchen menu, called Liz’s Menu after the founder, and they have a special Marina Shores menu.
Bean’s Ice Cream is a family-owned business located behind Taylor Dental, off Victory Blvd. They cater to the allergy community and offer a great selection of Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream. They carry 24-32 different flavors and rotate seasonal flavors as well. It is a great treat for everyone in the family.
185 Restaurant is known to the locals as Poquoson’s best breakfast and brunch spot. The Grand Idea for ‘185’ started from the shared imagination of old friends, Lenora Garland and John Chesney. Together they opened a charming neighborhood dining spot offering familiar dishes served with gracious hospitality.
1631 Burgers, Bourbon & Brew is the best place in the city to get your fix of made-to-order craft burgers, smooth bourbon, and tasty cocktails. The restaurant has been veteran owned and operated since it was founded. The name ‘1631’ is derived from and inspired by the year the city’s name Poquoson was first mentioned in official county documents.
Chef Lu’s Chinese Cuisine offers delicious Chinese cuisines for lunch or dinner. They believe that good times deserve great food and they guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Anna’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant is family-owned and operated. They combine traditional recipes with local favorites. They have a special on pizza every Wednesday and they always aim to have a good time.
Surf’s Up Seafood restaurant is owned and run by Poquoson native, Jan Rollins. Jan, her daughter Amy, and loyal staff are grateful they have the opportunity to serve seafood made with love to their beloved customers.
The city of Poquoson’s motto, “A Place to Grow,” is becoming more relevant as it is one of the most popular destinations for families in all of Coastal Virginia. It has something for everyone to enjoy here. We hope you find this guide helpful and if you have any questions or need more recommendations, please reach out to Bubba Hutchison.
