Guide

Discover the Best Things to Do and See in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a lively coastal city known for its great activities. It boasts an iconic boardwalk, clean beaches, thrilling adventures, and a rich history. Everyone can find something they love here. This guide will show you the top attractions, activities, and sights in Virginia Beach. It will help you make unforgettable memories during your stay.

Whether you’re after relaxation, fun with the family, or excitement, Virginia Beach has it all. Its vibrant tourism and varied attractions offer something for every type of visitor. Start planning your trip to this exciting city. You’ll discover the best of Virginia Beach, making your visit truly memorable.

Table of Contents

Explore Virginia Beach’s Iconic Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach boardwalk is where the city’s heart beats. It runs over 3 miles next to the stunning coastline. You’ll see beautiful ocean views as you walk. Whether you’re watching the waves, biking, or sunbathing, the boardwalk is the ideal spot to enjoy Virginia Beach.

Relax on the Sandy Beaches

Visiting Virginia Beach means relaxing on its soft, sandy beaches. Feel the warm sand between your toes as you soak up the sun. You can also swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe build sandcastles, play sports, or just listen to the calming waves. These beaches are perfect for both playing and unwinding.

Indulge in Seaside Dining and Shopping

The boardwalk isn’t just for walks; it has great places to eat. Try local favorites like crab cakes, oysters, and fish. Enjoy a drink with a view of the ocean. And don’t miss shopping at the nearby stores. You can find unique items to remind you of your trip.

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Catch a Live Performance or Event

Virginia Beach is always alive with events. There are concerts, festivals, and more. These gatherings reflect the city’s rich culture and community spirit. Be sure to check out what’s on during your visit. A live performance or festivity can make your time here even better.

Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a top spot in Virginia Beach. It gives us a cool look at sea life along the coast. Inside, we’ll meet amazing animals like sharks, rays, sea turtles, and otters.

Encounter Diverse Marine Life

At the aquarium, we can check out marine life from the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean. We’ll see everything, from tiny plankton to huge whales. The staff is super knowledgeable and loves sharing about marine life and why we should care.

Participate in Educational Programs

The center has fun programs for learning more about the ocean. We can touch starfish, do hands-on projects, and go on tours. These activities help us appreciate and protect marine life.

Embark on Thrilling Outdoor Adventures

Virginia Beach is a dream for outdoor lovers. It’s a perfect place for adventure and nature exploration. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery and find lots of exciting activities to do.

Go Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Enjoy a peaceful trip on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in Virginia Beach’s calm waters. You’ll see beautiful coastlines and might spot some local animals. These water activities let you enjoy the quiet beauty of nature.

Try Your Hand at Surfing Lessons

Looking to surf? Virginia Beach is the spot to be. Sign up for surfing lessons and learn to ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Our skilled teachers will help you, no matter if you’re new or experienced, in a fun and safe way.

Explore Nature Trails and Parks

Venture out on the numerous nature trails and parks around Virginia Beach. Put on your hiking shoes and dive into the peaceful scenery of the region. You can walk through forests, beside calm water, and see wildlife in their natural homes.

Discover Virginia Beach’s Rich History

Virginia Beach has an exciting history waiting to be explored. It started with colonial roots and has evolved over the years. Today, the city’s past plays a big part in its charm.

Tour Historic Homes and Museums

Step back in time by walking through historic homes and museums. These tell the stories of Virginia Beach’s first inhabitants. You’ll see how life was and learn about the community’s evolution.

Learn About the Area’s Military Heritage

Virginia Beach is proud of its military background. It has always been closely tied to the United States Armed Forces. By visiting museums and sites, you can better understand this part of Virginia Beach’s story.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Events

Virginia Beach is perfect for families. It has many attractions and events for all. You can enjoy thrilling rides, learn through interactive exhibits, and have fun with educational programs. Throughout the year, the city also celebrates its rich history and diverse culture with festivals and events.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Attractions

At the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Centerbeach family attractions>, you’ll find a vast marine world. This includes sharks, rays, sea turtles, and otters. You can also learn about marine conservation through educational programs. For a fun day, head to the Ocean Breeze Waterparkbeach family attractions>. It has exciting slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones for everyone to enjoy.

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Attend Festivals and Cultural Events

Virginia Beach has lots of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. They celebrate the area’s culture, arts, and food. One event not to miss is the Neptune Festivalbeach cultural events>. It has live music, tasty seafood, and amazing sand sculptures. For something sweet, check out the Pungo Strawberry Festivalbeach festivals>. Here, you can taste fresh strawberries, enjoy entertainment, and see crafts by local artisans.

virginia beach family attractions

Indulge in Culinary Delights

Virginia Beach is famous for its tasty seafood and local dishes. Here, you can enjoy fresh crab cakes, succulent oysters, and delicious grilled fish. There’s also a variety of dining places to explore, showing off the area’s locally grown foods.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the local breweries and wineries. They offer unique beers and special wines. Virginia Beach is a place where you can really taste and enjoy each drink.

Signature Seafood DishesTop Local BreweriesNotable Virginia Beach Wineries
Crab CakesSmartmouth Brewing CompanyChesapeake Bay Winery
Oysters RockefellerYoung Veterans Brewing CompanyMermaid Winery
Grilled SwordfishBack Bay Brewing CompanyWilliamsburg Winery
Shrimp and GritsCommonwealth Brewing CompanyLate Harvest Winery

Embark on a Scenic Cruise or Boat Tour

Find the beauty of Virginia Beach from a new perspective by taking a scenic cruise or boat tour. These trips let you see the area’s coastal beauty and get closer to its natural wonders.

Experience Dolphin and Whale Watching

On wildlife-watching trips, see local dolphins and whales up close. You’ll be amazed as these big creatures swim near your boat, showing off their beauty.

Admire the Coastline from the Water

Enjoy the coastal view and the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. As you cruise, see the pretty beaches, landmarks, and green areas that make Virginia Beach special.

Virginia Beach CruisesVirginia Beach Boat Tours
Explore the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean on a leisurely cruise, with options for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and even dinner or cocktail cruises.Discover the local marine life and coastline on a variety of boat tours, including dolphin and whale watching excursions, eco-tours, and historical cruises.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Virginia Beach skyline, beaches, and landmarks from the comfort of a boat.Get up close with dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures on specialized wildlife-watching tours.
Learn about the history and ecology of the region from knowledgeable guides during your cruise.Explore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, taking in the natural beauty and tranquility of the waterways.

Tee Off at Virginia Beach’s Golf Courses

Virginia Beach offers top-notch golf courses. They mix challenge with stunning views. No matter your skill, there’s a perfect course for you. It will make your golfing experience memorable.

Challenge Yourself on Championship Courses

Take on the best at Virginia Beach’s top golf courses. They are home to big tournaments and events. Designed with care, they challenge even the pros. It’s a real test of your golf skills.

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Enjoy Scenic Views While Playing

Playing on Virginia Beach golf courses means enjoying beautiful views. You’ll see the ocean and lush marshlands as you play. Such natural beauty adds to the joy of playing. It makes every game special.

Golf CourseCourse LengthParDifficulty
Virginia Beach National Golf Club7,005 yards72Championship
Heron Ridge Golf Club6,806 yards72Championship
Red Wing Lake Golf Course6,200 yards70Intermediate
Cypress Point Country Club6,950 yards72Championship

Shop ’til You Drop

Virginia Beach is full of unique places to shop. You’ll find local boutiques and artisan shops. In these areas, you can buy special clothes, jewelry, and home decorations. The shopping scene in Virginia Beach is all about local art and craft.

Explore Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops

Take a walk through Virginia Beach’s charming areas. You’ll see many local boutiques and artisan shops. These spots are filled with items like clothes, accessories, and artwork, all locally made.

Take the chance to shop in Virginia Beach’s boutiques and artisan shops. Supporting local businesses means a lot to the people there.

Find Unique Souvenirs and Gifts

In Virginia Beach, you’ll find many items to bring home. Look for coastal decorations, handcrafted jewelry, and more. These make great gifts or mementos of your trip.

There’s something for everyone in Virginia Beach’s stores. No matter your budget or style, you’ll find the perfect item.

Conclusion

Virginia Beach is a place with something for everyone. You can enjoy the iconic boardwalk, relax on the pristine beaches, or go on thrilling adventures. It also offers a rich history and a variety of food options. This makes it perfect for a relaxing vacation, a family trip, or an adventure seeker’s dream.

There is a lot to love in Virginia Beach. From beautiful sights to fun things to do, this city has it all. Its diverse attractions and activities will make sure your trip is memorable.

Plan a visit to Virginia Beach soon. Dive into its coastal charm and vibrant culture. Make memories that will draw you back again and again.

FAQ

What are the top attractions and things to do in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a lot to offer, from the famous Boardwalk to sandy beaches. You can visit the Virginia Aquarium and its marine life.Outdoor fans can kayak and surf. History buffs can tour historic sites. There are also lots of family activities plus great dining.Don’t forget to take a cruise for amazing views of the area.

What are the must-see sights along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

The Boardwalk is a highlight, with its 3-mile length. Along it, you can enjoy the beaches, food, and shops. It also hosts fun events.

What can visitors expect at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center?

The Virginia Aquarium lets you see and learn about marine life. There are many exhibits and the chance to touch sea creatures.You can join educational programs. These teach about ocean conservation and the local ecosystem.

What kind of outdoor adventures can visitors enjoy in Virginia Beach?

For those loving the outdoors, Virginia Beach is perfect. Try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or surfing.The city also has many trails and parks to explore.

How can visitors learn about the history and heritage of Virginia Beach?

To explore Virginia Beach’s past, visit its historic sites and museums. They cover the city’s history from the colonial period to today.There’s also a focus on the military history of the region.

What family-friendly attractions and events are available in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has something for every family member. There are thrilling rides and hands-on exhibits. Plus, educational experiences are available.Throughout the year, festivals and events take place. They highlight the community’s culture, food, and art.

What are some of the best culinary experiences in Virginia Beach?

Being by the coast, Virginia Beach is known for delicious seafood. Restaurants offer fresh dishes like crab cakes and oysters.There’s also diverse dining to enjoy and a lively brewing and wine scene.

What types of cruises and boat tours are available in Virginia Beach?

For a water view of Virginia Beach, take a boat tour or cruise. You might see dolphins and whales. You’ll surely enjoy the ocean and bay views.

What golf courses can visitors play in Virginia Beach?

There are many beautiful golf courses in Virginia Beach. These courses offer challenges and stunning views of the area.

Where can visitors find unique shopping experiences in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has unique shops to explore. At local boutiques and artisan stores, find clothes, jewelry, and decor.You can pick up a special gift or memory of your trip here.

Albert Jordan

Hello, fellow wanderers! I'm Albert Jordan, a passionate traveler, writer, and adventurer on a lifelong quest to explore the world's hidden treasures.