Virginia Beach Virginia
Colorful shops and food trucks line the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
Dining waterfront on fresh oysters
Surfers enjoy a beautiful day along the oceanfront
Paddling The Narrows at First Landing State Park
Dolphins play in the surf just off Virginia Beach
A whale spotting just off the coast of Virginia Beach
The Cape Henry Lighthouse rises above historic Fort Story
Cherry blossoms fill the trees at Red Wing Park
Touring the Military Aviation Museum
Down-home ambience at Back Bay Brew House: Farmhouse
- Major Airports:
- Norfolk (ORF)
- Dulles (IAD)
- Reagan (DCA)
- States:
- Virginia
An incredible oceanfront vacation destination
Thrilling Adventures on the Water
Waterfront activities are easy to find in Virginia Beach, located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Join a kayaking ecotour to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or set off on a deep-sea fishing charter to catch your own dinner. Feeling adventurous? Try surfing lessons – or watch experienced surfers compete in the East Coast Surfing Championship. Experience Virginia Beach from unique perspectives as you take to the skies on a single or tandem parasail flight, enjoy an eye-opening excursion on an oyster boat tour and zip across the water on a speedboat. In winter, whale watching cruises provide an unforgettable opportunity to see humpback, minke and fin whales as they migrate through local waters.
Exploring Nature and History
Nature and history are intertwined in Virginia Beach. Many sites offer outings that are just as educational as they are recreational, where you can hike trails through forests and marshes while learning more about the area. Visit military base Fort Story to see the two historic Cape Henry Lighthouses, which were built in 1792 and 1881. Climb to the top of the older lighthouse to see panoramic views of the coastline. Nearby, First Landing State Park offers the opportunity to discover the story of the Jamestown colony's first landing in Virginia in 1607 amid gorgeous lagoons, large cypress trees and forests teeming with wildlife. See First Landing Cross, a monument marking the Pilgrims’ arrival in the Americas. To truly immerse yourself in nature, head over to False Cape State Park, where pristine beaches, wetlands and towering dunes stretch from the Atlantic to the Back Bay. Kayak the quiet waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, home to dolphins, otters and other wildlife.
Experience the Culinary Scene
Take a foodie tour for an introduction to Virginia Beach's coastal cuisine, and get immersed in everything from hip restaurants to artisan beverages. On the Coastal Harvest Feast, Farm to Table and Craft Beer Tours, you'll enjoy farm-fresh produce, craft brewpubs and locally harvested seafood like oysters, blue crab, clams and flounder. Dine outside at a variety of local restaurants, from romantic bistros to family-friendly spots. On a warm day, cool off like the locals with an Orange Crush – a delicious Virginia concoction of vodka, orange liqueur, lemon-lime soda and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Fun Fact
There are over 800 restaurants in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach has the largest population of bottle nose dolphins on the East Coast.
The Chesapeake Bay produces almost 500 million pounds of seafood per year.