Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Virginia Beach, VA

With a name like Virginia Beach, one can anticipate a coastal experience that lives up to its reputation. Spanning over 35 miles of sandy Atlantic beaches, the Oceanfront promenade presents an array of outdoor activities, making Virginia Beach one of the premier tourist destinations in the United States. Once referred to as the Redneck Riviera, Virginia Beach has made significant strides in enhancing its environmental consciousness and improving its overall cleanliness.

Beyond the beaches, visitors can find numerous beautiful parks and noteworthy attractions, including distinctive museums and historical landmarks. Below is our compilation of the 25 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach.

1. See some fish

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center boasts 800,000 gallons of water and features over 300 species. Visitors can encounter a variety of marine life, including seals, loggerhead turtles, and North American otters.

Themed exhibits showcase ecosystems such as the Mediterranean Sea, an Indonesian volcanic island, and the Red Sea.

An impressive aviary exhibit was previously part of the aquarium; however, it is currently closed due to damage sustained during a storm in February 2015. The aquarium is located on General Booth Boulevard.

2. Catch some fish

In a city with “beach” in its title, spending time by the sea is a must. Virginia Beach’s oceanfront features golden sands, a fishing pier, as well as a variety of ice cream shops and restaurants.

If you are inclined, consider walking the full length of the 3-mile boardwalk. Despite its past reputation, the oceanfront has transformed into a delightful location to relax on a sunny day.

3. Hike some trails at the First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park features 20 miles of hiking trails that meander through 3,888 acres of Virginia woodland. The park is well-suited for outdoor activities such as cycling, camping, fishing, canoeing, and, of course, hiking.

The park’s name derives from the historical significance of being the landing site of English settlers in 1607.

Over the decades, the waterways in this area have witnessed various vessels, from Native American canoes to modern cargo ships.

4. Visit a lighthouse

The iconic Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first lighthouse funded by the federal government. It is located near the initial landing site of English settlers in 1607 and was originally constructed by New York architect John McComb.

This lighthouse served its purpose for approximately 100 years before being succeeded by a nearby cast iron structure.

As the oldest surviving lighthouse in the United States, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse merits a visit.

5. Spend some time at a landfill

Mount Trashmore is a former landfill that has been converted into a 165-acre park. This park features two man-made mountains, children’s playgrounds, a skate park, a half-pipe, and numerous trails for cycling and walking.

The mountains were formed from layers of compacted waste, topped with clean soil.

This park is recognized for its environmental accomplishments and is a popular destination for families. Fishing is permitted at the two lakes within the park, though only from the shore and with a valid license.

6. Visit a dismal swamp

The Great Dismal Swamp is located about 30 miles southwest of Virginia Beach, covering approximately 115,000 acres and sharing a border with North Carolina.

Renowned for its diverse wildlife and flora, visitors to the park may have the opportunity to see black bears or bobcats.

Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of birds, with as many as 200 species residing in the area. The terrain seen today represents only a fraction of the original one million acres that once existed.

7. Take flight at the Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum, located off Princess Anne Road, houses one of the largest private collections of military aircraft globally.

A majority of the aircraft are maintained in optimal flying condition, allowing visitors to view them as they appeared during service in both World War I and World War II.

The museum remains open year-round, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and hosts various air shows throughout the year.

8. Visit the Old Coast Guard Station

Situated on Atlantic Avenue, the Old Coast Guard Station commemorates the coast guard and the city’s maritime heritage, both past and present.

The exhibits delve into the history of Virginia Beach and the Oceanfront community, highlighting the city’s relationship with the Atlantic Ocean.

Current displays include paintings of the station, artistic interpretations of the landmark, and insights into the history of Virginia Beach’s girl scouts.

9. Admire a colonial home

The charming brick structure of the Thoroughgood House, located in the Thoroughgood neighborhood of Virginia Beach, is designated a National Historic Landmark. Constructed in the early 18th century, it was built by Argall Thorowgood, who sadly passed away during the process; however, his wife persevered and saw its completion.

This house narrates the story of one of Virginia Beach’s earliest colonists.

10. Look for Loggerhead Turtles

False Cape State Park, situated on a barrier spit between Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, is among the last remaining undeveloped locations along the eastern coastline of the United States.

This area is favored for kayaking, hiking, cycling, fishing, and a variety of other outdoor endeavors. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge presents opportunities to observe rare birds, such as the American Black Duck and the Tundra Swan.

With a bit of luck during the summer months, you may even witness nesting Loggerhead Turtles.

11. Visit the Ferry Plantation House

The Ferry Plantation House is a Federal style brick residence situated on Cheswick Lane, Virginia Beach. Formerly a tobacco plantation reliant on slave labor, it aims to honor this legacy through its current exhibits.

The name of the house originates from the ferry service that operated across the nearby waterway.

The ferry route was historically marked by 11 cannons that would sound during passage, though only three of these have been located.

12. Time travel

Lynnhaven House, located on Wishart Road in Virginia Beach, exemplifies life in the early 18th century. Dating back to 1725, the house is furnished authentically, conveying a true sense of the period.

Guided tours explain the roles of each family member within the household, providing insights into life in Tidewater Virginia centuries ago.

13. Get active

Located centrally in Virginia Beach is the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

The Sportsplex includes football fields, tennis courts, a track and field facility, and the well-known US Field Hockey Regional Training Center. The stadium has a seating capacity of 6,000.

Throughout the year, the Virginia Beach Sportsplex hosts a variety of enjoyable events, including the Dirty Girl mud run and the Color Me Rad fun run.

14. See a Norwegian Lady

Gazing out over the Atlantic Ocean from Virginia Beach is the Norwegian Lady statue.

This statue of twin sisters (one located on the beach in Moss and the other on a beach in Norway) serves as a poignant tribute to the shipwreck that took place in 1891.

The Dictator, which was registered in Virginia Beach, was on its way to England with a cargo of lumber when it was sunk by a devastating storm.

15. Go Surfing

Croatan Beach is a meticulously maintained stretch of beach, just under a mile long. The community takes pride in the cleanliness and upkeep of the beach.

In addition to its pristine condition, the beach offers two dedicated surfing areas and has become a popular locale for local surfers over the years. Swimming is also a favored activity, with lifeguards present year-round.

Given the beach’s popularity, it is equipped with a large parking lot accommodating over 500 vehicles.

16. Visit Harrison Opera House

Located a short drive from Virginia Beach in Norfolk, the Harrison Opera House serves as the official venue for Virginia Opera. This location is ideal for experiencing opera within a grand and elegant setting.

The opera house has a seating capacity of over 1,600, adorned with stunning chandeliers and elegant staircases, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

During the 2016 season, the main production was Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, which tells a haunting tale set along the coast of Norway.

17. Visit the fun fair

The Atlantic Fun Park is a nostalgic amusement park and arguably the premier family attraction in the city. Classic rides include a Ferris wheel, the Crazy Surf thrill ride, and the Sea Dragon.

The park offers entertainment for all age groups and, while its attractions may not be as modern as those found in larger amusement parks, it remains a delightful spot for a day or evening out.

18. Scare yourself silly

Situated on the resort strip in Virginia Beach, Nightmare Mansion Haunted House ranks among the most frightening haunted attractions in the nation.

This experience is designed specifically for adults, presenting a chilling journey through the narrow corridors of the mansion that once belonged to Dr. Morgan and his family.

Legend has it that the family cherished their home so much that they chose to remain even after their untimely deaths.

19. Learn about Wildfowling

The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, located in a historic De Witt cottage right on the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, aims to educate visitors about the various decoys utilized in wildfowling.

Wildfowling refers to the hunting of ducks and geese primarily in tidal estuaries and coastal marshes.

20. Go Ghost Crabbing

Ghost Crabbing is a favored activity for Virginia Beach visitors, offering a delightful way to engage in nighttime beach fun.

This family-friendly activity involves fishing for crabs at night, as ghost crabs typically remain hidden during daylight hours.

The prime season for ghost crabbing falls in the summer months, and all that is required is a simple glow-in-the-dark net called an Illuminet.

21. See King Neptune

A recent addition to the Boardwalk, the King Neptune statue is a striking 34-foot tall bronze sculpture.

It emerges from the depths of the Atlantic, overseeing Neptune Park and the adjacent Atlantic Avenue and 31st Street. Funding for the statue was sourced from the organizers of the annual Neptune Festival held in the city.

The designer even transported the statue to China for casting in bronze.

22. Build a sandcastle

The Virginia Beach Sandcastle Competition has become an iconic event in the city since its inception. Its popularity has grown significantly, drawing competitors from across the region.

This competition is held in a massive tent, approximately the size of a football field.

More than 20 sculptures showcase the artistry of sandcastle construction, vying for the largest prize awarded in any competition of this nature in the entire United States.

23. Go Parasailing

A beach visit would be incomplete without participating in water sports.

Parasailing along the Oceanfront allows you to merge the excitement of a speedboat adventure with that of parachuting and gliding—without necessarily getting wet!

This activity is reasonably priced and operates regularly during the summer months.

24. See some art

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is undoubtedly the city’s premier venue for contemporary art exhibitions.

With regularly changing displays that encompass a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, painting, and photography, the museum showcases artists both locally and nationally.

Additionally, the venue hosts several events throughout the year, including popular outdoor shows and art classes.