The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, at the Oceanfront, is a 28-feet wide marvel that stretches three miles from 2nd to 40th Street and features a separate bike path, ideal for strolling, rollerblading and biking. Don't forget to swing by and see King Neptune–a twenty-four foot, twelve-ton bronze statue that stands at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street!
For a quieter walk along the beach with fewer tourists, head 15 miles south of the city's resort area to Sandbridge Beach!
The most visited park in Virginia is First Landing State Park, where the Jamestown colonists first landed in the New World in 1607. Today, it is a nice getaway from the shoreline crowds and a fantastic spot for enjoying the great outdoors. Be prepared to hike, camp, swim, bike or just picnic and watch the squirrels run around.
Established in 1938, this 8,000-acre fresh water refuge borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Back Bay on the west. The barrier islands feature large sand dunes, maritime forests, fresh water marshes, ponds, ocean beach, and large impoundments for wintering wildfowl. These tranquil habitats can be accessed by marsh trails, bikes, a boardwalk overlook, and the beach itself.
There are two lighthouses located at Cape Henry within Fort Story military base near the northern end of Virginia Beach. While the original Cape Henry Lighthouse is the 4th oldest lighthouse in the country, it was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792. (Before visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse, be sure to check the website for information on location, arrival, and rules and regulations. Visitors without an authorized government ID will be required to board a shuttle to be transported to the historic sites.)
History buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike will love checking out the Military Aviation Museum. It is home to one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II era military aircraft in the world.
Virginia MOCA features regularly changing exhibitions in a variety of contemporary media (painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video and other visual media) from internationally acclaimed artists as well as artists of national and regional renown. An emphasis on interactivity and hands-on fun make MOCA a destination for visitors of all ages.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, located a mile south of the downtown resort area, offers 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays and more than 300 hands-on marine exhibits, including two animal touch pools with stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
DescriptionThe Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum honors and preserves the history of Virginia's maritime heritage, coastal communities, the United States Lifesaving Service, and the United States Coast Guard along the Atlantic coast. The museum building itself is a Virginia Beach icon on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hunt Club Farm is a 32 acre family-owned farm nestled in the heart of Virginia Beach, Virginia. At Hunt Club, we provide agricultural-based education and entertainment. Hunt Club Farm's petting farm is the only petting farm in Virginia Beach. Here, locals and visitors have the opportunity to pet and visit a wide variety of farm animals, including llamas, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, ducks, geese, pheasants, miniature horses, rabbits, pigs, and more.
Dive into the arts scene with a visit to ViBe, the city’s creative district where more than 100 artists and makers set up shop to create, display and often sell everything from art and artisan goods to spirits and grub.
Tarnished Truth Distilling Company is the country’s first and only craft distillery operating within a working luxury hotel. Tarnished Truth is a small craft distillery producing multiple hand crafted spirits such as bourbon, whiskey and vodka.
Coastal Virginia is booming with craft beer breweries (the state ranks 13th in the US for breweries per capita). Here's another one of our recommendations!
Coastal Virginia is booming with craft beer breweries (the state ranks 13th in the US for breweries per capita). Here's one of our recommendations!
The Bee & The Biscuit is a a charming original c.1919 cottage restaurant located in farm country. It serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, including Southern staples like stone-ground cheddar grits, with locally-sourced produce and freshly made biscuits. A personal favorite of Caroline and George!
Commune is the region’s first farmer-owned restaurant, serving only local ingredients, including those from the restaurant’s own land in Pungo, New Earth Farm.
Located along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, The Attic at Waterman's serves Chesapeake seafood & grill fare and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean with an elegant, yet rustic coastal charm.
What began as a country store and tackle shop in 1964 before expanding to a restaurant is now a local favorite. It’s a homestyle haunt with daily specials generally including a meat or seafood option and featuring the likes of fried shrimp, clam strips, meatloaf and fried chicken, with classic sides like hush puppies, green beans and broccoli.
Veteran, down-home BBQ joint featuring ribs, brisket & other staples, plus outdoor seating. We recommend the brisket!
Some of us need our daily caffeine fix, and we think this spot might be for you! Stop by Three Ships Coffee for a famous handpie (you can’t go wrong with the bacon, egg and cheese) and a cup of quality coffee meticulously roasted by this devoted team.