Virginia Beach offers more than beach days. Things to do in Virginia Beach are abundant and cater to all types of visitors. This busy city has something for everyone. Everybody can find something to do, whether for business, family, or adventure. Relax, dine, and drink from local vendors on the boardwalk. More daring activities include lighthouse climbing and intriguing museums. Numerous free and low-cost activities make the community affordable for everybody. See Things to Do in Pensacola for additional beach trips.
Virginia Beach isn’t only about sunning on the main beach. History, culture, and modern attractions make it a distinct city. Several places give an insight into military, naval, and aviation history. Families will adore the unexpected range of locations to explore, and renters may travel to surrounding neighbourhoods like the ViBe Creative District, recognized for its potential and creative flare. There’s something for everyone, from light beer in the sun to exploring the city’s history. For another creative district, Things to Do in Portland, Maine offers a similar artistic flair.
1. Neptune’s Park
Neptune’s Park is a nice area to rest and meet. Paul DiPasquale’s Neptune monument sits in the park at 31st Street along the beach. The park’s special attractiveness comes from the huge statue in the centre. It’s a great place to relax during the day, but the party continues. Live music and other activities are available every summer night.
This park is lively during the festival season due to the Neptune Festival. You may enjoy the beach’s soft sand and cool water only steps away. The best part? The free attractions of Neptune’s Park make it a convenient and economical Thing to Do in Virginia Beach destination.
2. Naval Aviation Monument Park
The 16,000-square-foot Naval Aviation Monument Park honours aviators and aviation scientists with stunning sculptures and monuments. The Naval Aviation Foundation’s Hampton Roads Squadron created the monument over many years. Although small, the park is spectacular and offers a nice place to rest and learn about the area’s aviation heritage. Its central location makes it convenient to visit while in Virginia Beach.
The Norwegian Lady Monument is next to the Naval Aviation Monument Park. Learn about aviation and its pioneers at the park. Learn about these monuments’ science and history in peace. Things to do in Virginia Beach include visiting this remarkable park and other nearby attractions.
3. First Landing State Park
Visit First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. This park overlooking the 1607 landing of English colonists is more than a historical monument. It’s a nature lover’s heaven on under 3,000 acres. The park features cypress swamps, woodlands, hills, beaches, and water. You may hike, ride, or simply enjoy the views. Camp, fish, and boat all you want.
If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Chesapeake Bay Centre and the Trail Centre for adventure options. The park is a historical as well as scenic destination. Discover how Blackbeard hid in the Narrows. You may also attend educational and outreach programs in the park’s theatre during specific seasons, offering you extra reasons to visit this amazing spot.
4. Mount Trashmore Park
The world-famous Mount Trashmore Park has something for everyone on 165 acres. Two mountains, two lakes, and many facilities make up this artificial wonder. The park’s biggest peak, Mount Trashmore, is 60 feet tall and 800 feet long. Compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil formed it, a spectacular environmental feat that gained the park accolades. Mountaintop views and multi-use paths make the park perfect for walking, jogging, and biking.
The park offers several activities. Playgrounds are wonderful for kids, while the skate park draws adventurers. Outdoor workout stations, volleyball courts, and facilities await fitness aficionados. The park also has Lake Windsor, a brackish lake fed by Thalia Creek, and Lake Trashmore, a freshwater lake with fish. Locals and visitors alike love Mount Trashmore for its outdoor activities and Virginia Beach’s natural beauty.
5. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
If you want to see some history while sightseeing, visit the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. The water and memories of this historic spot await you as you stroll along the wooden pier. The pier spans the area, accommodating dozens of anglers throwing their lines. Whatever your skill level, you may fish and enjoy the peace.
Whether you fish or not, this site is great for family photographs and ocean selfies. For gear, visit the tackle shop or restaurant. Instead of skipping fishing, rentals are available for a rod and reel. Visit the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier for fishing or sightseeing. Things to do at Virginia Beach include visiting the historic pier and admiring the water.
6. Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Lifesaving and rescue fans of history can visit the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum at 24th Street. This building honours community defenders’ stories and sacrifices. There are exhibitions highlighting the area’s history and heroic deeds. History buffs may enjoy the museum’s Virginia Beach naval history excursions.
Besides its historical significance, the museum is near the beach, boardwalk, and Neptune’s Statue, making it easy to combine with a day of touring. Unique Virginia Beach souvenirs reflect its beachfront heritage at the gift shop.
7. False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park has nearly 4,000 acres of wild beauty for a peaceful vacation. Nature lovers will adore this park 20 miles from Cape Henry. Since there’s no automobile access, you may walk and bike across its peaceful surroundings without problems. Some of the park’s outside regions are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the unspoiled environment. Swimming or rustic camping in nocturnal areas are options for everyone.
The tram or boat ride from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is part of the journey. Inside, you may visit the Wash Woods Community and Little Island Coast Guard Station, which offer a unique historical flavour to your natural experience. For day visits or longer vacations, False Cape State Park offers a peaceful getaway. Water, sand spit, and isolated hiking, biking, swimming, and rustic camping are in the park. False Cape State Park is a great Virginia Beach attraction for nature lovers and one of the best things to do in Virginia Beach.
8. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Visitors from throughout the world have visited the Virginia Beach Boardwalk since the late 1800s. Three miles of boardwalk are great for biking or walking. You’ll pass restaurants, gift stores, and businesses, making it a nice area to eat or purchase gifts. A short stroll to the beach enables you to swim or sunbathe.
Boardwalk access to Neptune’s Statue and the fishing pier is easy in Virginia Beach. Check out live music or the Fun Park for rides and activities. For vistas, history, or relaxation, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk has it all.
9. Virginia Aquarium And Marine Science Center
Virginia Beach visitors should visit the Virginia Aquarium. This museum is great for families, especially if travelling with kids. Over 3 million litres of water are used to demonstrate freshwater and marine species south of Rudee Inlet. The shows include Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk Canyon, and Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium aquatic life. Restless Planet features the Mediterranean Sea and coastal desert species.
This is a terrific site to see marine life, whether divers wave at youngsters via huge tanks or interactive virtual pods. The Discovery Garden lets everyone explore and learn outside. You may spend a morning or afternoon enjoying Virginia Beach’s particular appeal with your family.
Conclusion
If you’re on a bit of a Virginia road trip, by the way, I’d love to share that I’ve written a bit about Richmond’s Virginia Capital Trail, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, as well as the wondrous Quirk Hotel. If you’re only focused on things to do in Virginia Beach this time around, I can only hope I’ve provided you with what you need to get as much out of the trip as I did. In the end, what we put into a trip is what we get out of it, and it’s hard to think of where that’s more true than Virginia Beach.