Virginia Beach, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Are you looking for a new beach adventure? Experience the vibrant Virginia Beach. Located in Virginia, this spot is full of life. You’ll love its mix of beaches, outdoor fun, family activities, history, and nightlife. Apart from its stunning shore, Virginia Beach shines with great food spots and art. Each part of the city, from the lively Oceanfront to the quiet Sandbridge Beach, offers unique memories.

What draws people to Virginia Beach? It’s a place where you can enjoy the classic boardwalk, rich arts, and food scenes. Dive into the best of Virginia Beach, ready to make lasting memories.

Key Takeaways

• Virginia Beach offers a fantastic mix of beaches, outdoor adventures, family fun, history, and nightlife.
• The city is known for its iconic three-mile-long boardwalk, complete with outdoor dining, water sports rentals, and entertainment.
• Beyond the oceanfront, Virginia Beach boasts a growing culinary scene, excellent arts and culture, and a variety of activities to suit every traveler's taste.
• Each area of Virginia Beach, from the bustling Oceanfront to the secluded Sandbridge Beach, provides a distinct experience for visitors.
• Visitors can explore the vibrant ViBe Creative District, immerse themselves in the city's rich history, and indulge in local food and craft beverages.

Explore the Iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk

When you're in Virginia Beach, make sure to visit the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. It's a three-mile-long walkway by the ocean. Here, you'll find lots to do like great places to eat, fun activities, and more.

Stroll the Three-Mile Promenade

Enjoy a nice walk on the Virginia Beach promenade beside the ocean. You can see and hear the lively activities around you. Don't miss the chance to watch people, enjoy outdoor meals, and see the water sports.

Snap Photos with King Neptune Statue

Don't forget to see the 24-foot-tall King Neptune statue on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. It's at Neptune Park's entrance. This big bronze statue makes a great picture spot.

Enjoy Live Music and Boardwalk Entertainment

In summer, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is full of live music and shows. With four music stages, there's always something fun to see. Enjoy the lively boardwalk entertainment as you walk.

Immerse Yourself in the ViBe Creative District

The ViBe Creative District is a 13-block area in Virginia Beach. It goes from the Convention Center to the boardwalk. This spot is full of colorful murals and street art. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves art. You'll find lots of beautiful paintings all over. They showcase the talent of local and visiting artists.

Marvel at Vibrant Street Art and Murals

Strolling through the ViBe Creative District, you can't miss the amazing street art and murals. You'll see everything from bold, abstract designs to detailed pictures of people and places. This art brings a special vibe to Virginia Beach. It shows the city's love for creativity.

Visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is in the heart of the ViBe district. Art lovers can’t miss it. There, you’ll find changing exhibits from top artists. Don't forget to visit ArtLab. It's a fun space where you can get hands-on with art.

Indulge in Local Food and Craft Beverages

The ViBe Creative District isn't just about art. It also has great food and drinks. You'll come across cute cafes and local breweries. Don't miss the Chesapeake Bay Distillery for some local spirits. Tasting the food here supports Virginia Beach's small businesses.

Virginia Beach, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Virginia Beach is perfect for those who love the outdoors. You can hike, bike or run on many trails. There are also water sports to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to see the beauty of the area in state parks and nature trails.

Outdoor Adventures Await

There's much to see at Virginia Beach, from sand dunes to serene shores. Visit False Cape State Park and hike the Sand Ridge Trail for ecosystem wonders and great views. Or try the Cape Henry Trail at First Landing State Park for a challenge.

Explore State Parks and Nature Trails

Virginia Beach has many scenic trails and beautiful beaches. Walk, bike, or horseback to see the coast and its wildlife. There are trails for all levels of hikers in the state parks and nature areas.

Try Water Sports Like Surfing and Kayaking

Virginia Beach is a top spot for East Coast surfing. It's great for beginners with many surf schools and equipment rentals. For a quieter time, rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the serene waters around the city.

Savor the Local Culinary Scene

Virginia Beach is heaven for food lovers. It has a lively local food scene that shines a light on the area's fresh, seasonal foods. In the morning, check out cozy cafes like Three Ships Coffee or The Bee and the Biscuit. They offer great coffee and yummy brunch food.

Indulge in Fresh Seafood and Farm-to-Table Cuisine

For lunch or dinner, you're in for a treat. Virginia Beach is full of eateries with fresh, local seafood and food right from the farm. Enjoy the famous crab cakes at Terrapin. Or try the creative veggie dishes at Commune. The area's food tells the story of its rich resources and talented chefs.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Local Desserts

Don't miss out on the sweet treats. Virginia Beach has amazing local desserts. Try the special ice cream at Lolly's Creamery. It's made with ingredients that celebrate the area. Or, for something from France, go to Gerald's Ice Cream. You can enjoy their top-notch pastries and sweets there.

Experience the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

The Chincoteague and Assateague Islands are close to Virginia Beach. They offer a special coastal experience. Chincoteague Island was once a quiet fishing village. It now greets visitors with its great seafood, places to stay, shops, and activities for families.

Assateague Island is in Maryland, just across the state line. It's famous for its wild ponies by the shore. It also has pristine beaches and nature reserves. Discover the wildlife and beauty of these islands. You can see wild ponies, migratory birds, and more.

Relax at Lake Anna

is not on the coast, but it's Virginia's second-largest . It's perfect for a calm retreat. The lake covers 17 miles, shining with clear water and sandy . It's a great place to swim, boat, fish, and enjoy other water fun.

The area around is full of lush forests and hills. It's a top spot for both locals and tourists looking to get away from busy places like Virginia Beach. The lake has blue, clear water and a peaceful vibe, making it perfect for sunbathing, picnics, or quiet reflection.

For those who love watersports, is paradise. You can kayak, do standup paddleboarding, or even water ski. Its hidden spots are great for fishing, filled with largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

Thinking of a calm day on the ? Or ready for a adventure? is your answer, not far from Virginia Beach. It has beautiful views and lots to do, making it a top choice for a peaceful break in Virginia.

Stay at the Historic Cavalier Hotel

Experience Virginia Beach's grand history with a stay at the Cavalier Hotel. Since 1927, this historic hotel has welcomed U.S. presidents and famous faces. Today, it has modern comforts like farm-to-table dining and a beach club for guests to enjoy during their stay.

The Cavalier Hotel combines a rich past with modern amenities in Virginia Beach. It's the ideal spot for those seeking both tradition and luxury.

Visit the Cape Henry Lighthouses

The Cape Henry Lighthouses are close to the spot where English settlers first arrived in the Americas. This site gives an exciting look at Virginia Beach's story. The first Cape Henry Lighthouse was started by George Washington and looked after by Alexander Hamilton in 1792. It's America's fourth-oldest. Later, in 1881, another was added. Now, you can visit them both at Fort Story. Come and see the history of Virginia Beach through these historic lighthouses.

For over 200 years, the Cape Henry Lighthouses have guided ships along Virginia's coast. The first one, yellow and white striped, helped American sailors find their way. The newer one shows the area's long dedication to keeping ships safe. Today, you can see and touch these places full of stories.

Walking around the Cape Henry Lighthouses, you'll learn so much. They were key in forming Virginia Beach. See the amazing views and learn from the displays. This place is great for everyone.

If you love history, lighthouses, or just enjoy beautiful and important places, you must visit the Cape Henry Lighthouses. They tell a story of Virginia Beach that touches everyone who sees it.

Tour the Virginia Beach Beer Trail

If you love beer, don't miss the Virginia Beach Beer Trail on your trip. This city is buzzing with a lively craft beer scene. You'll find many local breweries with special and new beers. Make sure to visit the top spots along the trail.

Start at Smartmouth Pilot House for some fun and tasty beers. Then, go to Commonwealth Brewing to relax outdoors and try their unique drinks.

Visit Vibrant Shore Brewing in the ViBe Creative District for a different kind of beer experience. They're famous for their daring and innovative small-batch beers.

Even if you're just starting to explore craft beers, the Virginia Beach Beer Trail is perfect. It's a great way to dive into the local craft beer world. You'll get to know some amazing local breweries in the area.

Conclusion

Virginia Beach has a lot to offer, from its famous boardwalk to its lively arts and food scenes. It's the perfect place for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unwind. There's so much to do - from visiting the ViBe Creative District to tasting local seafood and drinks.

The city's iconic boardwalk is three miles long. It features the impressive King Neptune statue and lots of fun. Nearby, the ViBe Creative District highlights the city's art. You can see amazing street art and visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art there.

If you love nature, Virginia Beach is ideal. You can hike, bike, or enjoy water sports. And for foodies, the local cuisine is a must-try. It offers fresh seafood, farm-to-table meals, and tasty desserts.

Whether it's a family trip, a romantic escape, or an adventure by yourself, Virginia Beach won't disappoint. It's a place where memories are made, and you'll want to come back. Explore this coastal wonder and enjoy a trip full of lasting moments.