Pet ownership can bring joy, companionship, and numerous health benefits for seniors, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and increased opportunities for exercise and social interaction. For pet-loving seniors living in or visiting Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, there are plenty of pet-friendly places where both owners and their furry companions can enjoy the outdoors, socialize, and relax. This article will explore some of the best pet-friendly spots tailored for seniors in these areas, ensuring that both pets and their owners can enjoy quality time together in safe, welcoming environments.
1. Chesapeake City Park
Located in the heart of Chesapeake, Chesapeake City Park is one of the largest parks in the area, offering 90 acres of space with walking trails, picnic areas, and an extensive off-leash dog park known as “Bark in the Park.” The dog park is an ideal spot for seniors who want to socialize with other pet owners while allowing their dogs to roam free. With separate sections for small and large dogs, the park ensures safety and comfort for all breeds.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The park’s well-maintained walking trails are perfect for light exercise and leisurely strolls with pets.
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Numerous benches and shaded areas provide spots to rest, making it easy for seniors to relax while their pets play.
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It’s easily accessible with plenty of parking, and there are restrooms available on site.
https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Facilities/Facility/Details/Chesapeake-City-Park-92
2. Oak Grove Lake Park
Nestled around a beautiful 65-acre lake, Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake is a tranquil spot that’s perfect for seniors looking for a peaceful escape with their pets. The park features a 1.5-mile loop trail around the lake, which is flat and well-maintained, making it ideal for seniors who prefer a gentle walk while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The park’s loop trail offers stunning lake views and is perfect for a quiet walk with pets on a leash.
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There are plenty of benches along the trail for resting and enjoying the scenery.
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The park’s atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, providing a great setting for seniors who want to spend quality time with their pets without the hustle and bustle of a busy dog park.
Oak Grove Lake Park is a wonderful place for seniors and pets to bond while enjoying the serene beauty of Chesapeake’s natural landscape.
https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Facilities/Facility/Details/Oak-Grove-Lake-Park-102\
3. Great Bridge Lock Park
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Great Bridge Lock Park is a hidden gem for seniors and their pets in Chesapeake. This park offers a combination of natural beauty and historical significance, with scenic waterfront views, walking paths, and picnic areas. While it’s not a designated dog park, it’s an excellent place for seniors to enjoy a leisurely walk with their pets on a leash.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The park’s walking paths are flat and easy to navigate, perfect for seniors who want to enjoy the outdoors at a comfortable pace.
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The park offers plenty of shady spots and picnic tables where seniors can relax with their pets.
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There are fishing piers and boat ramps for those who enjoy being near the water, adding an extra element of enjoyment for both pets and their owners.
The peaceful atmosphere and waterfront views make Great Bridge Lock Park a relaxing spot for seniors and their pets to enjoy a quiet afternoon together.
https://www.visitchesapeake.com/listing/great-bridge-lock-park/163/
4. Mount Trashmore Park
One of the most iconic parks in Virginia Beach, Mount Trashmore Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The park features two man-made mountains, playgrounds, and expansive open spaces that are perfect for a variety of activities, including walking pets. The park also includes a dedicated dog park called "Paws Town" where dogs can run off-leash in a safe, enclosed area.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The park’s large, flat open areas and paved walking paths make it accessible and easy for seniors to navigate with their pets.
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Paws Town offers separate sections for small and large dogs, ensuring that pets of all sizes can play safely.
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The park’s scenic views, especially from the top of Mount Trashmore, provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing day out.
https://parks.virginiabeach.gov/outdoors/city-parks/mount-trashmore-park
5. First Landing State Park
For seniors who enjoy more adventurous outings with their pets, First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach offers over 2,800 acres of natural beauty, including beaches, marshes, and forested areas. Pets are welcome in the park’s campgrounds, on the trails, and on certain sections of the beach, provided they are kept on a leash.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The park offers a variety of walking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, allowing seniors to choose a path that suits their physical capabilities.
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The natural setting provides a tranquil and rejuvenating environment for both seniors and their pets.
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The pet-friendly beach areas allow seniors and their dogs to enjoy the sand and surf together in a more relaxed setting.
https://www.first-landing-state-park.org/
6. Red Wing Park
Red Wing Park, located in Virginia Beach, is a 97-acre park known for its beautiful gardens and walking paths. It also features an off-leash dog park where pets can socialize and run freely. The park’s peaceful atmosphere and Japanese-inspired gardens make it a favorite spot for seniors seeking a quiet and relaxing day out with their pets.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The park’s dog-friendly areas, including the off-leash dog park, provide a safe and enjoyable environment for pets.
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Red Wing Park’s gardens and walking paths are flat and easy to navigate, offering a gentle exercise option for seniors.
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The park is less crowded than some other popular parks, making it a serene spot for a peaceful outing with pets.
https://parks.virginiabeach.gov/outdoors/city-parks/red-wing-park
7. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
For seniors who enjoy a more lively atmosphere, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a great place to take pets for a walk along the ocean. While pets are restricted during peak hours in the summer, they are welcome on the boardwalk and certain sections of the beach during the off-season and early mornings or late evenings.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The boardwalk is flat and easy to walk, with plenty of benches and rest areas for seniors to take breaks.
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The ocean views and cool breeze provide a refreshing environment for a leisurely stroll with pets.
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The boardwalk is lined with shops and cafes, some of which offer pet-friendly outdoor seating, making it easy for seniors to grab a snack or drink with their pets.
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers a lively and scenic experience for seniors and their pets, combining exercise with the opportunity to enjoy the local beach culture.
https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/explore/attractions/boardwalk/
8. Chesapeake Arboretum
The Chesapeake Arboretum is a hidden gem for nature lovers and their pets. This 48-acre site is dedicated to promoting horticultural education and includes miles of trails that wind through forests, gardens, and open spaces. Pets are welcome on leashes, making it a peaceful and picturesque spot for a day out with a pet.
Why it’s great for seniors:
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The arboretum’s walking trails are mostly shaded and offer a calm, peaceful environment for light walks.
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Seniors can enjoy the beautiful variety of plant life, from flowering trees to carefully cultivated gardens.
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The arboretum is rarely crowded, providing a quiet and relaxing experience for both seniors and their pets.
For seniors who appreciate nature and enjoy a quiet, reflective environment, the Chesapeake Arboretum offers the perfect retreat for a gentle walk with a pet.
https://www.visitchesapeake.com/listing/chesapeake-arboretum/155/
9. Bayville Farms Park
Located in Virginia Beach, Bayville Farms Park is a lesser-known park that offers plenty of open space for dogs and their owners to enjoy. The park features an off-leash dog park, walking trails, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for seniors looking for a relaxing day out with their pets.Why it’s great for seniors:
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The park’s walking trails are easy to navigate, offering a smooth and flat terrain for light exercise.
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The off-leash dog park provides a safe space for pets to play while their owners relax.
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The park is quiet and serene, offering a peaceful setting away from the busier areas of Virginia Beach.
Bayville Farms Park is a great option for seniors who want to enjoy a low-key, pet-friendly outing in a peaceful park setting.
https://parks.virginiabeach.gov/outdoors/city-parks/bayville-farms-park
Conclusion
Chesapeake and Virginia Beach offer a variety of pet-friendly spots that cater to the needs of seniors and their pets, from scenic parks and nature trails to lively boardwalks and dog parks. Whether seniors are looking for a peaceful place to enjoy a quiet walk or a more social environment where pets can play and interact with others, these locations provide safe, accessible, and enjoyable options. By taking advantage of these pet-friendly spots, seniors can continue to enjoy the companionship of their pets while benefiting from outdoor activities that promote physical and mental well-being.Contact BrightStar Care® of Chesapeake & Virginia Beach
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