Welcome to Portsmouth

Photo of Scene from Olde Towne Portsmouth

Whether you’re searching for birds or birdies, Portsmouth is home to all sorts of natural habitats.

This newly renovated, 18-hole championship golf course, a Curtis Strange signature course, has bent grass greens, rolling Bermuda fairways, new tees, a cart storage facility, ponds and public restrooms on both the front and back nine. Includes three practice putting greens and a practice sand bunker. Lessons available. Pavilion seats 225-plus people, and the clubhouse features a meeting room, restaurant and lounge.
1 Bide-A-Wee Drive, Portsmouth, (757) 393-8600
Website: http://www.bideaweegolf.com

A 93-acre, beautifully landscaped park along the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, which includes a nine-hole executive golf course with a 30-station lighted driving range, a challenging natural grass putting course, a pro shop and a learning center. The park also features boating, tennis, picnic shelters, a covered amphitheater, a concession stand and the Pokey Smokey, a miniature steam locomotive for children.
140 City Park Avenue, Portsmouth, (757) 465-2937
or 465-2935

Funds are currently being raised to repair this exact scale replica of a 19th-century coal-fired steam locomotive, which was taken out of service in spring 2005. For 41 years, the Pokey Smokey traveled through Portsmouth City Park on weekends between April and October. Call the Portsmouth Community Foundation at (757) 397-5424 to make a contribution toward the Pokey Smokey Fund.

Portsmouth is home to Virginia's only urban wildlife preserve. Touted as one of the best places in the state to view wildlife, the 142-acre preserve is a favorite spot for nature tourists and birdwatchers. The preserve is located on the shores of Hoffler Creek in northwest Churchland and is open to the public every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
4510 Twin Pines Road, Portsmouth. (757) 686-8684.
www.hofflercreek.org