Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Virginia Beach, Virginia
Pack your bags and head off to Virginia's sweetest summer resort! Long considered an American beach classic, you'll be hard-pressed to pull yourself away from the lazy summer day atmosphere, and wide and sparkling clean beaches, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Everyone, from families to surfers, will enjoy strolling along its wide concrete boardwalk and three distinct beaches which offer everything from a peaceful setting to the best of beach action. Whatever it is you desire, Virginia Beach aims to please; and almost always succeeds.
Covering 35 miles of the waterfront, Virginia Beach's 3 beaches are Chesapeake Bay Beach, the Resort area, and Sandbridge. Chesapeake Bay Beach is perfect for those looking to just dip their feet in the gentle waves while letting the children enjoy the quiet atmosphere while splashing in the water and building sand castles. When the kids start to get bored, never fear! Virginia's largest aquarium is right around the corner, offering an up close look at sea turtles, sting rays, sharks, and river otters. Even if they're not in the mood for walking around looking at the live creatures, you can always go there just to let everyone cool off at the giant six-story IMAX theater. Nature lovers visiting Chesapeake Bay Beach will enjoy the opportunity to explore lagoons, and check out cypress trees and rare plants, while the history buffs will get a thrill out of visiting the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Action-seekers should head for the 3-mile boardwalk, which has received national acclaim on the Discovery Channel as one of America's favorite boardwalks. Built from wooden planks, the boardwalk is 28-feet wide and perfect for rollerblading, strolling and biking. There's wonderful nightly entertainment on display during the summer months, with 4 oceanfront stages where you can enjoy live music after a long day in the sun. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk also boasts a variety of quaint outdoor restaurants, as well as bike and surrey rental vendors. Be sure to have your photo taken next to King Neptune, a 24-foot, bronze statue standing at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street. Romantic types should head straight to Sandbridge, a secluded beach with 5 miles of white dunes and sea oats, while if it's even more of the great outdoors you seek, head for the marshes and open waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park for great hiking, fishing and boating.
No matter which of the beaches you choose to spend your time at, be sure to drop by the annual King of the Sea festival, which begins with the Spring Wine tasting. With the wide variety of beach experiences here, not to mention the area's great restaurants, overflowing with succulent seafood and steaks, we're sure you'll find many reasons to fall in love with Virginia Beach's beaches.