14 Bucket-List Things to do in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Nestled where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is a captivating coastal city that boasts 38 miles of shoreline and incredible attractions for the whole family.

Tried-and-true activities in Virginia Beach include sunbathing in the golden sand, enjoying scenic boat tours in the Atlantic, and idly wandering along the lively Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which offers unparalleled views of the ocean.

Ready to make your Virginia Beach vacation a special one? We’ve got you. Here’s a well-rounded list of the ultimate 14 best things to do in Virginia Beach.

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The 14 Best Things to do in Virginia Beach, VA

Check Out The Views From The Cape Henry Lighthouse

The Cape Henry Lighthouses are a pair of lighthouses located at Cape Henry, the gateway to the Chesapeake Bay.

The First Cape Henry Lighthouse (aka the “Old Cape Henry Lighthouse”), was built in 1792 and was the first of its kind to be federally funded for 100 years. Right alongside the Old Lighthouse lies the towering black and white checkered New Cape Henry Lighthouse, which was built 90 years later. The newer lighthouse is closed to the public, but the OG remains open every day of the week and offers visitors showstopping views of the Chesapeake Bay.

Address: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA

Explore The Attractions Along The Virginia Beach Boardwalk

No matter what your plans are in Virginia Beach, make sure to spend some time exploring the vibrant Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Named one of the top five boardwalks in the USA, this iconic boardwalk stretches 3 miles along the glittering Atlantic Ocean and connects several Virginia Beach attractions.

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is an exciting hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Some of the must-visit sites along this scenic pathway include the 34 feet tall King Neptune Statue and Neptune’s Park, famous for hosting various events and festivals like the famous Neptune Festival.

At 2nd Street, at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, you’ll see JT’s Grommet Island Park, an oceanfront park and playground that is 100% handicap accessible (this is the first ever beach park and playground in the US for persons with disabilities).

Another sought-after destination around the boardwalk area is the scenic Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, a prime spot for catching croakers, kingfish, and trout, among other fishes. Just across the pier along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, you’ll find the Atlantic Fun Park, a small and charming amusement park featuring go-karts, a 100-foot Ferris wheel, a rock wall, and a swinging pirate ship ride.

Go For A Swim On Chesapeake Bay Beach

Known among the locals as “Chic’s Beach”, Chesapeake Bay Beach is a small beach running on the east and west sides of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia Beach. The waters here are gentle, and ideal for swimming, while the flat golden sand makes the perfect spot for a scenic walk or a breezy beach picnic.

Meet Marine Creatures At The Virginia Beach Aquarium

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, formerly known as the Virginia Marine Science Museum, is a world-class aquarium home to over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays.

Here, you’ll find thousands of marine creatures representing over 300 species from around the world, as well as from the surrounding waters and marshlands of Virginia Beach. Some of the animals you’ll come across while exploring the aquarium include sharks, endangered sea turtles, seals, and sea otters, to name a few.

Address: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA

Go Hiking In The False Cape State Park

Nature lovers seeking some outdoor adventures must visit False Cape State Park. Nestled on the Currituck Banks Peninsula, this 4,321-acre state park is one of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the Atlantic coast.

Regarded for its untouched wilderness, the park encompasses six miles of pristine beaches, dunes, woodland, farm fields, salt marsh, maritime forest, and wooded swamps. These alluring natural features can be explored through guided kayak trips, primitive camping, and thrilling hiking and biking trails.

Address: 4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA

Explore Virginia Beach’s World-Class Museums

Virginia Beach has a whole heap of incredible museums just waiting for you. And whether you’re a history buff or a science nerd, you’re sure to find a stellar museum for you in the city.

Art lovers can’t miss the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), a free art museum situated in the ViBe Creative District of Virginia Beach. This non-collecting museum displays ever-changing exhibits by local artists as well as works from around the United States and overseas.

Another worth-visiting museum in Virginia Beach is the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Located within the historic Witt Cottage (aka Holland Cottage), built in 1895, the museum exhibits artifacts and treasures about the wildfowl that passed through Virginia on their migration paths. These displays include wild birds such as ducks, loons, swans, and geese.

At the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum, visitors can delve deep into the history of Virginia’s coastal communities and maritime heritage, while the Military Aviation Museum provides a glimpse into one of the world’s largest collections of flying vintage military aircraft.

Virginia Beach also features an array of family-friendly museums, including the Virginia Living Museum. This open-air museum has a native wildlife park, aquariums, living natural history exhibits, a planetarium, an observatory, and indoor and outdoor aviaries that the little ones will love to explore.

Spend A Day Among Nature At The First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is the go-to place for active and outdoorsy adventures. Nestled on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach, this 2,888-acre park is an urban oasis comprising an array of habitats, including bald cypress swamps, lagoons, and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife.

The park’s immense natural beauty can be experienced through 19 miles of hiking trails, spread across 9 routes.

Address: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA

Drive Across the Historic Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Regarded as a veritable engineer marvel, the 17.6-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel was built in 1964 to connect Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore.

A drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel is an unparalleled way of taking in the natural beauty, sights, and sounds of the Chesapeake Bay. It takes about 25 minutes to cross and there is a stop where you can take in the sights and see the Navy Ships heading out to sea.

See The Rose Collection Of The Norfolk Botanical Garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden is Virginia’s Largest Botanical Garden. Located in Norfolk, within a 20-minute drive from Virginia Beach, this lush oasis is home to 60 well-manicured gardens dotted with an array of plants and flowers.

While exploring the colorful lawns of this idyllic botanical garden, expect to come across dazzling camellias, orchids, magnolias, and approximately 3000 roses representing 380 different species and cultivars.

Address: 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA

Have A Breezy Picnic At Sandbridge Beach

Sandbridge Beach is a secluded getaway in Virginia Beach. Situated a short drive south of the Oceanfront District, this uncrowded beach features 5 miles of sand dunes and a glittering coastline, making it the perfect spot for those seeking a remote and relaxed atmosphere.

The beach’s white sand framed by the blue skies and the ocean creates the perfect backdrop for a picnic or a stroll.

Go On A Kayak Tour Pf The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a spectacular protected established in 1938 to provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Praised for its awe-inspiring natural charms, the contains over 9,200 acres of marsh, beaches, dunes, woodlands, and farm fields, which are home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish.

These untouched habitats can be accessed by trails, bikes, a boardwalk overlook, and the beach itself. A canoe/kayak launch is available for those wishing to explore Back Bay from the water.

Along the way, you’ll get the chance to see a plethora of unique birds (there are nearly 300 recorded species in the area), as well as river otters, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and bobcats.

Address: 4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA

Enjoy Whale Watching Along The Atlantic Coast

Are you Visiting Virginia Beach during the winter? Then be sure to go on a whale-watching boat tour along the Atlantic Coast.

Tours usually happen between the months of December and March, which is the prime whale watching season, and are narrated by experienced naturalists and researchers. During the journey, you’ll spot humpback whales (the world’s largest mammal), as well as whales, dolphins, and seals, up close in their natural habitat along the Virginia Beach coastline.

Take The Kids To Mount Trashmore Park

Mount Trashmore Park is a bucket-list destination for families in VA Beach. Built as the sister park to Haginodai Park, in Japan, this 165-acre park provides children with a glorious backdrop for enjoying a series of outdoor activities.

The park encompasses two man-made mountains (the bigger one featuring a water-wise garden), two lakes, a skate park, and vert ramp, multi-use paths, and a playground that is nearly 26,000 square feet.

Address: 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA

Visit The Ocean Breeze Waterpark

Ocean Breeze is a Caribbean-themed waterpark located 2 miles South of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This fun-filled Virginia Beach waterpark has 30 different rides, including 16 slides, as well as a million-gallon wave pool, and a pirate-themed water playground.

Daring visitors that want to get their hearts racing will love the Operation Splashdown slide, where rafts surge through winding channels, drops, and vortex loops.

Address: 849 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA

FAQ

What are the top attractions in Virginia Beach?

The top Virginia Beach attractions:

What is Virginia Beach known for?

Virginia Beach is known for its bustling 3-mile boardwalk, rich maritime history, gorgeous beaches, and family-friendly attractions.

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