Virginia Beach is one of the United States’ largest resort cities. With an ever-growing population, it is quickly becoming one of the top places to live as well. If a vacation is more what you are looking for, or if you’re considering moving to Virginia Beach, there are plenty of great things to do in Virginia Beach for a fun and exciting experience.

Things To Do In Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is an independent city located on the southeastern coast in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. The population was 459,470 at the 2020 census. Although mostly suburban in character, it is the most populous city in Virginia, fifth-most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, ninth-most populous city in the Southeast and the 42nd-most populous city in the U.S. Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is the largest city in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. This area, known as “America’s First Region”, also includes the independent cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as other smaller cities, counties, and towns of Hampton Roads.

Beaches

Probably the most obvious features of Virginia Beach are the actual beach itself. There are miles upon miles of beach that stretch down the entire boardwalk and go out even further than the eye can see. The oceanfront is spectacular in the summertime when you can relax in the sand underneath an umbrella, or take a dip in the ocean. You’ll see surfers, boaters, and the occasional dolphin swimming by.

Taking a walk along the boardwalk is always a fun experience and there are lots of great restaurants and vendors along the way where you can grab an ice cream cone or sit on a bench and sip a cool drink and watch the rollerbladers skating down the boardwalk. The beach is absolutely a must for any visitor to the area.

Virginia Marine Science Museum and Aquarium

Another terrific highlight of Virginia Beach is the Virginia Marine Science Museum and Aquarium. The museum recently underwent a multi-million dollar addition and renovation. There is a beautiful boardwalk nature trail, hands-on touch tanks, seals, sharks, turtles, and birds just to name a few. The museum also has a full-size IMAX screen where different movies are shown throughout the year. If you happen to visit in the winter, the museum also charters whale-watching trips, and dolphin-watching trips in the summer.

Ocean Breeze Fun Park

Ocean Breeze Fun Park is a great place to take the entire family who seeks adventure and fun. The park has an abundance of water slides, go-cart tracks, inner tube and swimming pools, a miniature golf course, and batting cages just to name a few. There are plenty of great activities for everyone. The park is just a small distance from the museum, which makes it a great stop-off after a day of looking at the animals. You can relax in an inner tube while the kids have a blast going down the slides.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

For entertainment, Virginia Beach has one of the area’s largest music venues. The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater hosts a plethora of world-famous music acts and festivals all year long. Concertgoers can purchase tickets in the covered seats, or take a lawn seat for a more relaxing experience. Food, beverages, and alcohol are served in the amphitheatre. While you are in Virginia Beach, be sure to see who is playing there. You may find out a concert you’ve wanted to go to is scheduled during your visit!

Seashore State Park

Seashore State Park is a beautiful naturally preserved area, with over 2,270 acres of land. Camping sites are available for a modest fee, or you can choose to walk along the nature trails and bring a picnic lunch. The park has twenty-eight miles of hiking and biking trails, and more often than not you’ll see animals such as owls, raccoons, and other animals that live in the park. There is also a visitor centre where you can learn about the park’s history and the animals that are indigenous to it.

Flipper McCoy

On the oceanfront, there are plenty of featured places to see other than just the beach. For video game and arcade fans, Flipper McCoy’s is one of the largest arcades along the boardwalk. Flipper’s as it is called has over one hundred arcade and video games! Another great place on the boardwalk for fun is Peabody’s. Peabody’s is one of the most popular clubs in the entire area. It offers up a great big dance floor, drinks specials, and sometimes hosts live entertainment.

Hell’s Point, Honey Bee, Cypress Point, and Kempsville Greens

For the golfer, Virginia Beach has plenty to offer. There are several courses, including Hell’s Point, Honey Bee, Cypress Point, and Kempsville Greens, just to name a few. Hell’s Point course has been awarded as one of the best-designed courses in the United States. There’s plenty to do for the avid golfer, and most courses offer a full 18 holes.

Mystery Dinner Playhouse

The Mystery Dinner Playhouse is a great place for the entire family. There are currently three different locations in Virginia Beach, each offering great dinners and entertainment. The Playhouse has different murder mysteries that change all year featuring actors and actresses that pretend to blend in with the crowd until alas! Someone gets murdered, and the fun begins. The restaurant requires reservations in advance, so be sure to call ahead if you plan on visiting.

Back Bay Wildlife Refuge

Another place to see wildlife in Virginia Beach is the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. This oasis has plenty of nature trails and canoe launching areas. There are three miles of hiking trails including dunes, woodlands, farm fields, and a marsh. There are over 8,000 acres total in the refuge. There is an amazing array of animals to be seen including raptors, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Check online to find visiting hours.

Cape Henry Lighthouse

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is a historic landmark that was built in 1792. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance. Additionally, there is a nearby park and beach area that visitors can enjoy.

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