10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Virginia Beach, Virginia
Planning a trip to
Virginia Beach and wondering what to do besides sit on the sand? You’re in the right place. This coastal city has way more to offer than just a pretty shoreline. From
dolphins and lighthouses to craft beer and historic forts, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Below are
10 fun things to do near Virginia Beach, VA, written with first-time visitors in mind. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a couples getaway, or a solo escape, you’ll find easy ideas to fill your days.
1. Stroll (or Bike) the Virginia Beach Oceanfront & Boardwalk
If it’s your
first time in town, start with the classic: the
Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This 3-mile stretch runs along the oceanfront and is perfect for walking, biking, or just people-watching.
- Flat, easy path for strollers and wheelchairs
- Plenty of ocean-view benches and photo spots
- Rental stands for bikes and surreys (those fun multi-seat bikes)
As you wander, look for the famous
King Neptune statue at 31st Street. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Virginia Beach, and for good reason—this 34-foot bronze statue makes a great backdrop for vacation photos.
If you’re an early bird, try catching sunrise from the boardwalk. The light over the Atlantic is worth setting your alarm for.
2. Relax on the Wide Sandy Beaches
You came to the beach town—so, of course, you need some actual
beach time.
The main
Resort Beach area (near the boardwalk) has:
- Wide, sandy shoreline
- Lifeguards in season
- Easy access to restaurants and hotels
If you prefer something a bit quieter, check out:
Pack a small cooler, beach chairs, and maybe a frisbee. You can easily spend a whole afternoon just swimming, reading, and listening to the waves crash in.
3. Learn and Play at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Traveling with kids? Or just love sea life? The
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is one of the top things to do in Virginia Beach when you need a break from the sun.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and otters
- Hands-on touch tanks
- Interactive exhibits about local wildlife and oceans
The aquarium also offers
boat tours (in season) to look for dolphins and migrating
whales off the Virginia coast. It’s a pretty cool feeling to see dolphins jumping beside the boat while you’re out on the open water.
Tip: If you’re visiting during summer or a holiday weekend, consider going early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
4. Climb Cape Henry Lighthouse at Fort Story
Just a short drive north from the resort area, inside Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story, you’ll find the historic
Cape Henry Lighthouse. There are actually two lighthouses here: the original brick one from the 1700s and a newer black-and-white one nearby.
You can climb the original lighthouse (be ready for some steps!) for sweeping views of:
- The Atlantic Ocean
- Chesapeake Bay
- Surrounding dunes and coastline
Since it’s on an active military base, you’ll need to show ID and follow base entry rules, but it’s usually a smooth process.
If you like history, this is a fun stop. The area is near where the first English settlers landed in 1607 before sailing up to what became Jamestown.
5. Explore Nature at First Landing State Park
Just west of Cape Henry is
First Landing State Park, one of the most popular state parks in Virginia. It’s an easy add-on to a beach trip and a great way to see a different side of Virginia Beach.
Here you can:
- Hike over 19 miles of trails through cypress swamps and forests
- Walk along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard (in season)
The park feels surprisingly wild considering how close it is to the resort area. Spanish moss hangs from trees, and wooden boardwalks cross over wetlands—it almost feels like a Southern swamp.
If you’ve been sitting at the beach all day, a shaded hike here is a nice change of pace.
6. Step Back in Time at the Military Aviation Museum
A short drive inland from the beach is the
Military Aviation Museum, one of the hidden gems near Virginia Beach.
This large, hangar-style museum features:
- Dozens of historic aircraft from World War I and World War II
- Restored planes that actually still fly
- Guided tours and knowledgeable staff
Even if you’re not a huge aviation buff, it’s hard not to be impressed when you’re standing next to a full-size World War II fighter plane.
If you’re lucky, you might visit on a day when they’re doing a flight demonstration. Watching these old planes take off and circle the nearby fields is something you don’t see every day.
7. Discover History at Fort Monroe National Monument
About 40–45 minutes northwest of Virginia Beach, across the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, sits
Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton. If you’re into history—especially Civil War and early American history—it’s well worth the drive.
Highlights include:
- Massive stone fort surrounded by a moat
- Beautiful waterfront views of Chesapeake Bay
- Exhibits on Civil War history and the “Freedom’s Fortress” story
You can walk along the ramparts, explore the casemates, and stroll the nearby beaches. It’s a quieter, more reflective stop compared to the busy Virginia Beach oceanfront, and it gives you a real sense of the region’s past.
8. Go Dolphin or Whale Watching (Seasonal Tours)
The waters off Virginia Beach are home to
dolphins in the warmer months and migrating
whales in the winter. Several local tour companies offer boat trips to see them.
Typical tours last about 1.5–2.5 hours and leave from the Virginia Beach oceanfront or the marina area.
In general:
- Dolphin-watching: late spring through early fall
- Whale-watching: winter months (usually December–March)
Seeing a pod of dolphins surf the waves beside your boat is one of those vacation moments you remember for years. Dress in layers—it can feel cooler on the water than on land.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Virginia Beach beyond the boardwalk, this is a great pick.
9. Eat and Shop at the ViBe Creative District
Just a few blocks inland from the oceanfront is the
ViBe Creative District, a colorful neighborhood filled with:
- Murals and street art
- Local coffee shops and bakeries
- Small galleries and artisan shops
This is a good spot when you want a break from chain restaurants and souvenir shops. You can grab brunch, browse handmade goods, and snap photos of the murals scattered around the area.
On certain days, you might catch a local market or event. It feels more like the “local” side of Virginia Beach, and it’s an easy walk or bike ride from many hotels.
10. Sip and Sample on the Virginia Beach Beer & Spirits Scene
If you enjoy craft drinks, you’ll find plenty of options in and around Virginia Beach. Over the past decade, the area has built a strong
craft brewery and
distillery scene.
You can:
- Visit local breweries for flights and food trucks
- Try beach-inspired cocktails at oceanfront bars
- Stop by small-batch distilleries for tastings (where allowed)
Many spots are casual and kid-friendly during the day, with outdoor seating and live music on weekends. It’s a relaxed way to end a beach day—just be sure to plan a safe ride if you’re sampling.
Final Tips for Visiting Virginia Beach
To make the most of your trip to Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for beach weather; winter for quieter trips and whale-watching.
- Getting around: The resort area is walkable, but a car helps for places like First Landing State Park, Sandbridge, and Fort Monroe.
- Sun safety: The sun here can be strong—pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.
What Will You Do First in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach offers a little bit of everything: beaches, history, wildlife, food, and art. You can spend one day biking the boardwalk and another hiking through quiet forests or watching dolphins leap beside your boat.
Which of these
10 things to do in and around Virginia Beach sounds best to you? Are you more excited about the oceanfront energy, the peaceful parks, or the historic forts?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you’ve been to Virginia Beach before, let everyone know your favorite spots or hidden gems.
If you found this guide helpful,
feel free to share it with friends or family planning a trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Comments
Post a Comment