Here’s a Virginia Beach fun fact that never gets old: one of the city’s most beloved outdoor destinations was once a landfill. That’s right — Mount Trashmore Park earned its name honestly. But what started as layers of compacted solid waste and clean soil has transformed into a 165-acre family-friendly playground with two mountains, two lakes, a world-class skate park, a reimagined kids’ playground and enough Virginia Beach outdoor activities to fill an entire weekend. Whether you’re craving a morning hike, a lazy picnic in the shade or an afternoon of kayaking on calm waters, Mount Trashmore Park delivers — all completely free of charge.
Hike to the Top (and Soak In the Views)
At 60 feet high and 800 feet long, Mount Trashmore itself is the centerpiece of the park, and climbing to the summit is a must. Whether you’re powering up the concrete staircase or taking the winding path, the view from the top is worth every step. Prefer a gentler pace? Lake Trashmore Loop is a beautiful paved walking trail under two miles long. On a clear day you can see across the lake and well beyond the treeline. Come early in the morning and you might have it almost entirely to yourself.
Kayak Lake Windsor
Tucked along South Boulevard, Lake Windsor is a brackish-water lake fed by Thalia Creek and an easy spot to get on the water. Drop your kayak in, grab a paddle and spend the day gliding across the calm, tree-lined surface. Just note that kayak rentals aren’t available at the park, so you’ll need to bring your own. Not sure where else to paddle around the city? Check out our full guide to kayaking in Virginia Beach.
Cast a Line at Trashmore Lake
Despite sharing a name with a former dump, Trashmore Lake is a truly great spot to spend a quiet afternoon. The deep, 52-acre freshwater lake is home to largemouth bass, sunfish and white perch. Fishing at Trashmore Lake is permitted from land only and requires a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license. No boats or wading — just you, a fishing pole and a lot of patience.
Skate, Ride and Roll at the Skate Park
The Mount Trashmore skate park is no ordinary concrete slab. Spanning 24,000 square feet, it features a two-level half-pipe, a competition-sized vert ramp standing 13.5 feet tall and 40 feet wide, grind rails, boxes, a spine and more. It’s open to skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bikers alike to enjoy. Watching the action is just as thrilling as participating — see for yourself in this clip of the skate park in action.
Let the Kids Loose at Kids Cove
Kids Cove is one of the most impressive family-friendly parks in Virginia Beach, and a freshly completed renovation in 2024 made it even better. The nearly 26,000-square-foot play area features a giant play structure with slides, elevated walkways and climbing elements, a swing zone for all ages and a variety of freestanding climbing structures. The playground is ADA-accessible — including a one-of-a-kind wheelchair swing — and built entirely on rubber surfacing to keep little knees and elbows cushioned.
Grab a Picnic Shelter and Stay Awhile
With 11 picnic shelters ranging from large group pavilions to smaller, more intimate spots, Mount Trashmore is a great place to kick back, spread out and enjoy a meal outside. Each shelter comes equipped with charcoal grills and tables, perfect for firing up some good BBQ and settling in. Pack a cooler and let the afternoon stretch. With views of the lake and plenty of green space to roam, it’s the kind of picnic that turns into a full day.
Catch a Festival, Concert or Community Celebration
Virginia Beach knows how to celebrate, and Mount Trashmore is one of the city’s favorite gathering places for events throughout the year. The summer season brings Mount Trashmore’s Play All Day VA, an all-day, family-friendly event with sports, crafts and games that wraps up with movies and live music under the stars. The park’s annual Fourth of July celebration draws crowds for fireworks and festivities, and come fall, the Autumn in the Air festival marks the changing seasons with live music, food vendors and activities for all ages. From holiday events to community concerts, there’s nearly always something happening on the hill — check the full Virginia Beach events calendar before you head out.
Move Your Body on the Fitness Trail
Circling Lake Trashmore is a scenic trail dotted with ten outdoor fitness stations, including six LifeTrail stations designed to improve posture, balance and strength, great for older adults. One station is wheelchair-accessible, so everyone can get a good workout in. The open fields throughout the park are also perfect for a pickup game or a friendly round of frisbee — the kind of outdoor sports Virginia Beach was made for. Whether you’re jogging the full perimeter or stopping at each station along the way, it’s an easy and satisfying way to stay active without setting foot in a gym.
Fly a Kite on the Hill
Don’t underestimate this one. Kite flying in Virginia Beach doesn’t get much better than the open, breezy slopes of Mount Trashmore on a sunny afternoon. The wide-open hilltop catches a consistent wind and gives you all the sky you need. Grab a kite from a local shop, climb to the top and let it soar. And while you are in Virginia Beach, don’t miss the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival to really see the sky filled with flying colors.
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Written by Nicole Partis
From coastlines to city streets, Nicole is always in search of great food, new experiences and the next place to take a dip in the sea. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Southern California and has traveled to over 20 countries, always on the move. Passionate about travel writing, she is constantly on the lookout for destinations and experiences worth sharing.
