Never a Dull Moment in Virginia Beach, Virginia
There is always something to do in Virginia Beach. The beautiful beaches, inland waters, amusement parks, and many other attractions and entertainment activities offer year-round fun to all visitors. Everything from public events to family fun will keep you busy during your stay.
Besides all the natural beauty to explore, there are opportunities for visiting historical and educational attractions. With all the variety you can enjoy outdoor activities during the day and fill your evenings with indoor entertainment and pleasure.
Facts about Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is located on the coast in southeast Virginia and is the most populous city in the state. Tourism is a big part of the economy and more than three million people visit the city every year. Four military bases and various industries also support the economy.
The first English settlers landed in 1607, and the first settlement started at Lynnhaven Bay in 1621. It became an important port for British merchant ships to call on. The first motel was built in 1883 and helped the city get started as a vacation resort.
Fun in the Sun
Each year hundreds of competitors come to Virginia Beach for the annual East Coast Surfing Championships. Professionals and amateurs come to ride the waves and compete for the $40,000 prize. Many people take part in the other competitions for skimboarding, a beachfront 5K run, volleyball, and skateboarding. There are free live band performances on the outdoor beach stage for visitors to enjoy.
Soak up the fun at Beach Street USA, all summer long on Atlantic Avenue from 17th to 25th Streets. Take a leisurely stroll down Beach Street USA in the summer and enjoy the street performers and weekend stage acts. Pass a lovely evening as they sing, dance, play instruments, juggle and do magic tricks.
Festivals and Fun Parks
The annual Virginia Beach Bike Classic is held each year in May to benefit various charities. Over the years, this event has grown and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities. Each year in June, Hampton Roads hosts the Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival for three days. During this time the military base at Hampton Roads honors their military tradition and honor. The festival also features family events and military demonstrations from all branches of service. Each evening there are free concerts at the waterfront featuring professional artists and performers.
For family fun, there are a multitude of choices for children and young people with several amusement parks to visit. Busch Gardens (www.buschgardens.com/bgw/park_info_home.aspx) is near Williamsburg, VA, only an hour drive from the beach. It is an old world theme park where you can visit France, England, Germany, Italy and the Anheiser Busch Brewery. Ocean Beach Fun Park features a water park with kiddie pools, wave pools, water slides and an inner tube river.
Motor World (www.vbmotorworld.com/) is just one mile from the beach and features 8 tracks with 14 styles of go-karts to choose from. Play miniature golf, ride bumper boats and kiddie rides. Funspot Action Park features go karts, a Ferris wheel and more rides. Oceanfront Carousel has a seaside carousel, kiddie rides and carnival games.
Places to Visit
Visit the Virginia Aquarium or Virginia Marine Life Museum to observe the natural wonders presented for guests' enjoyment. At the aquarium, you will see many fresh and saltwater fish, sea turtles, stingrays, several species of sharks, and a life-size model of a humpback whale. In addition, there are the IMAX Theater, the Owl Creek Marsh Pavilion, and many nature trails. You can also take part in boat tours to watch dolphins, look for whales, or take a cruise to explore all the flora and fauna.
For a walk on the wild side, visit Tidewater's Zoological Gardens. Not far from downtown, it is close to Lafayette Park and Botanical Gardens. New exhibits have been added and plans are being made for more. See the great variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds. Take the children to Mother Goose's Barnyard and let them feed the farm animals.
#h2 Outdoor Activities
In this beautiful oceanfront community, outdoor activities are abundant for all ages. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and diving. Offshore at Virginia Beach, there are dozens of shipwrecks to explore while you snorkel or dive. The jet skis and waverunners are easy to ride and a thrill to ride over the water. Surfing is always popular and you can rent a board and see if you like it.
There are many interesting places to visit on the water by kayak or canoe for the outdoor adventurer. From the protected waters of Broad Bay or Owl's Peak to theopen Chesapeake Bay or Lake Drummond, you will find many places to enjoy your boats.
With the many parks to explore, you will be able to enjoy hiking and biking as well as water sports. Find a campground and breathe in the outdoors while sitting by your campfire and sleeping in your tent. Try parasailing at the beach and see the sights from high above while you sail over the water. You will have a view that many would envy.
Visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse that guards the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, which was opened in 1792. Children will especially enjoy the Children's Museum of Virginia. There they can drive a fire engine through city streets, climb a rock wall, and participate in scientific experiments.
Golf, Birds, and the Boardwalk
Virginia Beach features golf courses that have been designed by talented architects. Many of the Virginia Beach hotels offer golf packages with the premier golf courses. There are several tournaments held throughout spring and summer. Also, this is an excellent area for bird watching with many birds migrating through in the spring and fall. Princess Ann Wildlife Management and the Seashore to Cypress Birding Trail are excellent trails for observing birds in the natural setting.
The Virginia Beach boardwalk (www.virginiabeach.com/news/boardwalk.php) is a three-mile concrete walkway that extends from 3rd Street to 39th Street. The boardwalk offers eating places to cool off after sunning on the beach, or nicer ones to linger over an evening meal. There are more than 40 hotels with oceanfront rooms along the beach to delight in the fantastic ocean view. If you don't feel like walking, you can rent a bike for yourself or for up to six passengers. Check the events calendar and plan to be there for the events you want to see.
Where to Stay
Whether you want to stay on the beachfront or in a quiet secluded room, at Virginia Beach you will find accommodations to suit your preference. Well-known hotels are located at the beach including The Marriott, Best Western, Econo Lodge, Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Ramada Inn, and Hampton Inn If you prefer a more homey setting, Victorian Inn & Cottages offer a choice of a room or cottage on the beach. The Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast is a Victorian cottage just two blocks from the ocean's front. After your in-room breakfast, take your complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas and towels, and set yourself up at the beach to relax for the day.
Virginia Beach is a year-round vacation area. The accommodations are superb, and there are enough activities and recreation to make your stay memorable. There is something for everyone to do, outdoor pursuits or indoor entertainment to suit every person's taste and interests. Once you visit, you will know why so many people want to return.