Top 15 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Top 15 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach(VB) is a beautiful coastal city located along the southeastern side of Virginia and is becoming a choice tourist destination for many people wishing to spend time on the beaches of the Atlantic ocean. VB might not have the reputation of other east coast beaches such as Florida or Jersey Shore but this seaside city if flourishing in art, entertainment and natural wonders to explore. The area has many attractions for you to try, such as parks gardens, museums and bustling shopping districts lined with upscale and retail stores. It is a great place to unwind and recharge as you watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and set over the Chesapeake Bay all on the same day. The Guinness Book of Records lists Virginia Beach as having the longest pleasure beach in the world. There are 7 unique districts in the city each with its own personality and offerings and all are worth checking out. Here are 15 top things to do in Virginia Beach.

 

Beach-Related Activities in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Oceanfront

The Virginia Beach boardwalk is arguably the most popular location in the city, not only does it run 3 miles alongside the beach but also features many shops, eateries and attractions that will entertain visitors once they are bored with the water. The wide beach boasts golden sands and sunny summer days with the entire scene being beachy, low key and relaxed. There is also a designated bike path for those locals and tourists who wouldn’t mind sneaking in a workout session during the day. There are four performance stages over the length of the boardwalk where performances are held. Tens of thousands of locals and vacationers visit the boardwalk every single day during the spring, summer and fall months. There is something exciting happening on the boardwalk at any time, no matter your age. This concrete promenade is always busy with cyclists, strollers, diners and people-watchers. During the summer, three oceanfront stages offer nightly entertainment.

Chic’s Beach

Head over to Chic’s Beach for some quiet time. While Virginia beach and the adjacent Virginia beach boardwalk stand as some of the most visited by tourists Chic’s Beach is peaceful and secluded. The beach spans 2 miles near the Chesapeake Bay and is sometimes referred to as Chesapeake Beach. The secluded nature of this beach makes it a favourite with the locals coupled with its gentle and calm waters making it an ideal swimming location for adults and children alike. From swimming and building sand castles to dolphin watching and volleyball, all the traditional beach rituals are here in a setting that has a decidedly laid-back vibe. Stick around for the sunset because it is stunning in front of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel.

 

Things to do in/on the Water

Book the Lynnhaven River Oyster Farming Tour

Lynnhaven oysters are often described the same way fine wines are. Once coveted by the English aristocracy for its size and salinity, the famous Lynnhaven oyster is a celebrated local legend. Captain John Smith himself described the bounty of the area when he spent three days in Virginia Beach shortly before establishing Jamestown in 1607. He said “oysters lay as thick as stones,” Pleasure House Oyster Farm Tours will delight your senses as you set out on the Lynnhaven River for an on-the-water experience unlike any other. They will take you to see how Lynnhaven Oysters are harvested, all while enjoying their legendary flavour while you are in Lynnhaven. You can hop aboard a tour of Ludford’s farm, where you can even taste the oysters plucked straight from the water beneath you. Ludford wanted to give locals and visitors the opportunity to learn and experience what goes into growing and farming oysters, as well as teach the importance and impact that they have on keeping the waterways clean.

Engage in Water Sports Rudee Inlet

Just around the corner from the boardwalk is a small marina community overflowing with activity. Rudee Inlet, just a short walk across Pacific Avenue, is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss during your stay in Virginia Beach. To truly experience Rudee Inlet, meander around the docks and watch the fishing and sport boats coming and going. Rudee inlet is the preeminent spot for visitors to Virginia Beach to try their hand at aquatic sports. Furthermore, it is one of the best places to engage in sports fishing which is why many fishing charters base their operation at the marina. Looking at the horizon you will notice people jetskiing and parasailing, it is also home to several water sports outfitters and is the true hub of water activity in Virginia Beach.

You can rent a wave runner and head into the open ocean right from the inlet, or take the whole family aboard a jet boat or sport boat and enjoy a day’s worth of exciting boating. Rent a kayak and explore peaceful waters or sail the high seas on a luxury sailing yacht. You can go on a dolphin-watching excursion in the summer, a whale-watching trip in the winter and loads of other trips anytime in between. If you are looking to get into the water and do something extreme Rudee Inlet is the place to be. It is also home to a variety of fine-dining restaurants that serve local seafood.

 

Take a Day Trip from Virginia Beach to Pungo

 

Venture out into the outskirts of VB to the quaint rural community of Pungo. The locals have long been using the community as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also a lot of activities for tourists to do at Pungo, the chief one being providing them with a reprieve from the crowded beaches and boardwalk. The most popular activity is farm tours. There are a wide variety of farms in the area providing different types of activities for you to choose i.e. allowing you to pick fruits and vegetables. The get the best bang for your buck, try visiting during the berry season. One of the best reasons for travelling from Virginia Beach to Pungo is to visit the strawberry farms and pick a few for yourself.

With a dozen pick-your-own strawberry farms in and around Pungo, there are plenty of options to choose from to find just the right berry. In celebration of strawberry season, which beings in mid-April, the town hosts the popular Pungo Strawberry Festival every Memorial Day weekend. The festival hosts local artists and crafters, plus strawberry pie-eating contests, live music and a parade. 

 

VB History & Culture

Cavalier Hotel

 Step back in time at the Cavalier Hotel! Visitors interested in the city’s cultural history will find plenty to enjoy at this hotel that was built nearly 100 years ago. It has been recently renovated in a way that is supposed to highlight its classical beauty and also mimic its exact look when it was opened. Over the decades the hotel has played host to notable figures including US presidents. Golden-age Hollywood luminaries like Elisabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra stayed here back in the day. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its cultural significance.

Moreover, the basement of the hotel is home to the Tarnished Truth Distillery which is one of the most acclaimed distilleries in the city. It was founded by 2 Virginia natives’ who have created different types of liquor since 2013. Join them for their hour-long tasting session where they take you through their entire liquor-making process. Its award-winning spirits make the perfect accompaniment for visiting tourists.

Cape Henry Lighthouse

Lighthouses are so rare to see these days that it’s always a treat to see them and Cape Henry lighthouse is no exception. It is said to be the 4^th lighthouse (4^th Oldest) to be ever built in the US and was the first to be authorized by the federal government. Legend has it that it was President George Washington himself who authorized it in the years after the revolutionary war. Alexander Hamilton oversaw its construction in 1792 with the approval of George Washington. You will be able to climb to the top of this national historic landmark and take the views of the coast. In 1881 a second lighthouse was built near the first one and both are fun to visit and are located at Fort Story military base.

Take a Self-Guided Tour of  Virginia Legends Walk

 

History lovers might enjoy a walk at the Virginia legends walk which honours Virginians by birth or residence, who have made significant contributions to society. Learn about celebrated Virginians like Edgar Allen Poe, Ella Fitzgerald, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Pearl Bailey, Booker T. Washington, Arthur Ashe, Patsy Cline, Thomas Jefferson and Captain John Smith. Many other inductees honored the state through their contributions in the realms of art, science, and business. To that end, The Virginia Legends Walk installs plaques that that recognizes these Virginians so as to provide historical themed programming for visitors to the resort area.” Sadly, it recognizes that some of these Virginians changed the course of history by justifying slavery and racism and to state that this occurred in a different time does not excuse the fact that not only did it happen but that the repercussions of this philosophical economic path continue to plague many Americans to this very day.

Practical Information

Address: Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

phone: +1  (757) 491-7866

 

Spend your days at Virginia Beach Parks

Camp on the Beach at First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is considered the most popular state park in in Virginia. Its popularity come a good deal from of its historical significance because its name stems from the fact that it was used as a landing spot by English settlers in the 15^th Century. The park also has its fair share of legends including some about pirates and the civil war. History aside the main attraction of the park is that it provides many people a place to be near nature and escape hectic city life for a short while. There are numerous stunning locales in the park made up of swamps, forest and lagoons. The icing on the cake is that visitor are allowed to camp at the beach the only drawback being loud noises by planes from the nearby military airbase. The best time to camp is during spring or fall as you can even string up a hammock on the live oaks and take in the breeze. There are about 20 miles of hiking and biking trails for further exploration. Get the season pass for $75* if you plan to stay at the park for longer.

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Centre + Adventure Park

If you have a thing for sea creatures make a date with this place. The Aquarium houses hundreds of aquatic creatures and also a few non-aquatic ones too like snakes and Komodo dragons. It is home to 12,000 animals representing over 700 species. The exhibits at the museum are contained in over 800,000 US gallons of fresh and saltwater displays. Allow at least 1-2 hours for a self-guided tour of the exhibits. Experience one of the best aquariums in the country, with incredible exhibits and amazing animals representing hundreds of species. Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time online! ​​​​​​​

Though its resident creatures draw in many tourists on their own, there is also an adventure park that draws in adrenaline junkies. The adventure park offers a plethora of activities be they tree-top trails or ziplining opportunities. They have 17 treetop trails 258 tree-top platforms and 27 Ziplines, it’s a maze of ropes, bridges, ladders and amazing fun. If you don’t want to give up your beach day you can heat Adventure Park at night for Glow in the Park under the canopy of trees lit by thousands of LED lights.

FYI: The Virginia Aquarium facilitates Scouts learning experience and guides them through the steps needed to complete badge requirements. Self-guided activity sheets for Scouts to is to complete badge and patch requirements during their visit to the Virginia Aquarium can be downloaded from their website.

Practical

  Address: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451,

  Phone: +1 757-385-3474

Mt. Trashmore

One of the highest points in Virginia Beach is the artificially-made former landfill known as Mount Trashmore, the highest natural elevation is a sand dune at Fort Story, at 88 feet in elevation. Check out this world-famous park after your forays on the beach. The 160-acre park has two manmade mountains made out of trash. Recognized for its environmental feature it was made by compacting layers of solid waste in layers with clean soil, it rises 60ft in height and is 800ft long. There are some lakes, a skate park, playgrounds, grills and picnic tables, you can also rent equipment for ball games such as badminton etc. The park also features a smaller mountain, Encore Hill, and two lakes. Lake Windsor (located along South Blvd.) is brackish water fed by Thalia Creek. Lake Trashmore (located along Edwin Drive) is freshwater and hosts various species of fish. Fishing is permitted from land only and requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license. Fishermen must adhere to all State regulations regarding creel and size limits. Mt. Trashmore is an excellent place to fly a kite.

Practical Information

Address:310 Edwin Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Phone: +1 757-473-5237

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 

Immerse yourself in the ViBe District

If you want to put your finger on the City’s more modern pulse, head over to ViBe creative district. The creative district located between 16^th and 22^nd streets is a cultural hub for artists, local businesses, restaurants, and other craftsmen. Easily identifiable by the vibrant murals and lively music that fills the air, the ViBe District offers a little bit of everything to residents and visitors alike. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA, exhibits incredibly powerful pieces highlighting the diversity of our community. Locals and visitors can soak in the ViBes at one of the district’s monthly First Fridays, Second Saturdays, and VB Flea, and watch homegrown ideas come to life when experiencing active local artist’s studios at the Virginia Beach Art Center and world-class exhibitions at Virginia MOCA, or sampling local flavour at the weekly Old Beach Farmers Market. The little creative district has plenty to offer tourists such as checking out incredible street art and performers. There are plenty of great places to grab a bite and even a farmers market that opens every Saturday

 

Discover Secret Spots Frequented by Locals

Blue Pete’s

 Blue Pete’s is the local spot that you need to know about as there is nothing on their Menu that you will dislike. It is located in the countryside of the Pungo community of Virginia Beach, about 30 minutes from the oceanfront resort area. The restaurant offers unparalleled waterfront views, public and private events, high-quality service, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Experience the friendly ambience and natural setting of what is lovingly referred to as “the locals’ secret.” We are a convenient, 10-minute drive from Sandbridge Beach, the Back Bay Wildlife refuge and shops at Red Mill and a quick 20-minute drive from Virginia Beach oceanfront hotels and attractions. Blue Pete’s boasts exceptionally fresh seafood and American fare with a laid-back vibe that will make you feel like a local. It is open for dinner only and reservations are recommended.

Practical information

Address: 1400 N Muddy Creek Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, United States

Phone:  +1 757-426-2278

Hours: Thurs      4–10pm               Fri – Sat: 10am–3pm, 4–10pm  Sunday 10am–3pm, 4–9pm

Closed – Monday to Wednesday

Simple Eats

Simple Eats is open for Breakfast, Lunch and early Dinner and features local fresh “farm to table” dishes, locally roasted coffee and various local beers and wines from across the State of Virginia. Simple On Shore creates dishes from produce and proteins grown and raised by local farmers and purveyors from the state of Virginia and surrounding areas. They dedicate their time to searching and reaching out to local produce to bring fresh food to your plate.

Practical Information

3152 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

+1 757-962-3676

Hours: Wed – Fri : 10am – 8pm        Sat : 8am- 8pm                Sun: 8am-3pm               Closed on Monday & Tuesday

 

Attend Annual Festivals and Events

Virginia Beach is a hub for local festivals.

Neptune Festival

2022 marks the 48th anniversary of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival! Hundreds of thousands of people celebrate beach life each year at Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend! FREE daily concerts at festival stages feature local, regional, and national acts. Over 250 artists will set up shop on the boardwalk for Neptune’s Art & Craft Show, along with tasty food options! From crab cakes to Italian ice, stained glass to pottery, there is sure to be something to delight young and old festival-goers alike. Take a walk through the International Sandsculpting Championship tent, where you will find 22 incredible works of art created by 32 of the world’s most talented sculptors. Other weekend events include Neptune’s 8k Race, Grand Parade, Volleyball Tournament, Atlantic Regatta, Youth Art Show, and more! The festival attracts over 400,000 attendees over the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend alone with 52% of attendees are visitors from outside of Virginia Beach.

Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Competition

A cherished affair in the surf and skate community in Virginia Beach since 1963, the East Coast Surfing Championships have attained legendary status as the nation’s longest-running surf competition; the second-longest continuously run surf event in the world. Today’s Coastal Edge ECSC is more than surfing – it has evolved into a multifaceted beach sport and entertainment festival that offers many visitor-friendly attractions. You will find that there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy some of the best that Virginia Beach has to offer. The Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships is a major professional and amateur event on the East Coast. Other beach-oriented sports and recreation includes skimboarding, volleyball, a boardwalk 5K run, street skate and ramp contests, swimsuit contests, food and drink concessions, and live music on the beach.

NAS Oceana Air Show

Plan to attend this annual event to enjoy the country’s best aviation performances and displays. The men and women of Naval Air Station Oceana are always excited to open their base to the public to present the best civilian and military performers. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, NAS Oceana hosted a “virtual air show”. But for the last three years, two key ingredients were missing from this massive east coast show: live crowds and the hometown favourite U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The pilots perform approximately 40 manoeuvres in a demonstration. The entire show, including the ground show and air demonstration, lasts about 75 minutes. Performers include the USAF Thunderbirds, Skip Stewart and the GEICO Skytypers Air Show, Team. The event will also feature the return of SHOCKWAVE, the jet-powered Peterbilt truck that spews smoke and thunder.

Practical Information

Location: Naval Air Station Oceana or NAS Oceana

1750 Tomcat Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23460, United States

Phone: +1 757-433-2366