Top tourist attractions in Virginia Beach, VA
The resort city of Virginia Beach is a popular place for tourists. It’s located on the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, offering visitors a scenic view of the water. It’s an excellent destination for all types of visitors.
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is the top attraction in the area. It’s home to hundreds of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and seals. In addition, it has a glass walk-through Red Sea Tunnel and a 3D movie theater.
The Ferry Plantation House is another must-see in Virginia Beach. This historic building is a former courthouse, which was renovated after it burned down. It’s part of the National Register of Historic Places. It has also served as a post office.
There are several museums in Virginia Beach. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center are the most visited, with over 300 exhibits. It also has a dolphin and whale watching trip.
The Military Aviation Museum is another of the best attractions in the area. Its collections include a Spitfire, Albatross DVA, and F/A-18 Hornet. You can even ride in one of the aircraft.
The Neptune Festival Park is an excellent music, theater, and event venue. It’s located at the end of Atlantic Avenue at 31st Street. The park’s giant statue of Neptune provides an excellent photo opportunity. It’s open all year long.
The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum has galleries dedicated to the history of American coast guard services. You’ll learn about how water-related tangible heritage is to the local community.
Top 15 things to do in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Mount Trashmore Park
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- First Landing State Park
- Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- Ocean Breeze
- Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- Chesapeake City Park
- Military Aviation Museum
- Children’s Museum of Virginia
- Oak Grove Lake Park
- Atlantic Fun Park
- Motor World
- Red Wing Park
- Little Island Park
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
One of the best aquariums in the country, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center features a state-of-the-art IMAX theater, hands-on exhibits, and more. The facility is also home to thousands of animals, including whales, dolphins, and sharks.
The aquarium offers a range of tours and events, from guided boat trips to exclusive events. There are also special discounts and packages available. So if you’re planning a visit, book in advance.
The aquatic habitats at the Virginia Aquarium are well-designed and attractive. A one-third-mile outdoor nature trail connects two main exhibit buildings. The aquarium has over 800.000 US gallons of freshwater and saltwater and features 900 species of animals.
The aquarium also has a large outdoor play area and zip line, making it a perfect destination for families. Visitors can even explore the aquatic life of nearby Norfolk Canyon.
Mount Trashmore Park
If you’re looking for a great spot to hang out with friends and family, visit Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach. This 165-acre park features two lakes, a skate park, and plenty of space to run, play, and picnic. It’s the most visited park in Virginia Beach, attracting more than one million visitors annually.
This park is perfect for children of all ages. There are three distinct play areas and climbing structures to make your kids’ day out an exciting and enjoyable experience. There’s even a wheelchair swing for the little ones.
You can also enjoy fishing in the lakes at Mount Trashmore Park. You must have a Virginia fishing license to fish in the lakes. Trashmore Lake is a deep 52-acre freshwater lake that’s great for kayaking.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
The Norfolk Botanical Garden offers a charming and peaceful atmosphere in Norfolk, VA. The gardens and arboretum contain thousands of exotic and endemic plant species.
Guests can enjoy various themed gardens and an arboretum. There are also regular events that take place.
The Fragrance Garden is one of the more popular attractions at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. This is where the scents of pine and fir forests fill the air. The spa offers a hot stone massage, reviving scents, and a sauna.
Another fun activity is stand-up paddleboarding. Paddleboarders can get a glimpse of wildlife from the water. Virginia Beach has several beaches that make it an ideal spot to try it.
Neptune’s Park in Virginia Beach is a lesser-known tourist attraction. It is home to a 34-foot-tall bronze statue of King Neptune. This monument is a worthy attraction. The park is also home to nightly open-air concerts.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is Virginia’s oldest and most visited state park. It is located on Cape Henry, Chesapeake Bay, and is a popular destination for many recreational activities.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife. First Landing has many unique species, from frogs to snakes. It is also an excellent location for fishing. In addition, there are areas designated for kayaking, boating, and other activities. There are even several cabins and campsites available for overnight visitors.
There are 19 miles of hiking trails to explore at First Landing. These include trails that lead through dunes, forests, and tidal marshes. In addition, the Cape Henry Trail runs through the park.
The trail center has a meeting room, a small gift shop, and information about the park and its wildlife. There are also a few outdoor exhibits.
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is one of the more popular tourist attractions in the area. It is located on the oceanside boardwalk between 14th and 15th Streets. It is 650 feet long and has several amenities for visitors.
The pier has two bathrooms and a snack bar. You can also purchase bait from a small retail store at the pier.
The pier is not in the best shape. The pier does not even have an on-site parking lot. However, you can park at the nearby canoe/kayak launch.
The pier does have a fish cleaning station. Several species are to be found in the local waters, including bluefish, red drum, croakers, and Spanish mackerel. Some of these fish are especially prized for their eyesight.
Ocean Breeze
Located less than two miles south of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Ocean Breeze is the only full-sized family park in the Hampton Roads area. In addition to its many water slides, there are several rides for kids of all ages. The park also has a one-million-gallon wave pool and a water playground.
While the park is not particularly large, it still has enough to keep you busy for a day or more. The park offers discounted tickets for active-duty military members and their families as a bonus.
There are a variety of attractions at the waterpark, including the new star-spangled family raft ride. Additionally, the park has a water playground and several food trucks. It is also dog friendly, so bring your furry friend along!
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Virginia Beach is a vacation spot that appeals to all types of vacationers. From fishing, crabbing, and boating to relaxing on the beach and taking in a show, there is something for everyone. It’s also home to some of the nation’s best beaches.
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is three miles long and stretches along the oceanfront. This is the main attraction of the area. In addition, it features the renowned Neptune Statue, restaurants, vendors, and a separate bike path. It is perfect for biking, jogging, and walking.
The Virginia Aquarium is a marine science center leading whale-watching and dolphin tours annually. You can also visit the ViBe Creative District, the hub of local artists, museums, and eateries.
One of the most popular things in Virginia Beach is whale watching. The winter season offers excellent opportunities for observing humpback whales. You can even take a boat tour around the ocean.
Chesapeake City Park
Chesapeake City Park is a city-owned and operated park. It is located on the city park drive in Chesapeake, Virginia. The park covers 36ha (90 acres) of land. The park has sports courts, horseshoe pits, walking trails, and a skatepark. The park is also home to the annual Chesapeake Jubilee.
The park itself is quite a sight to behold. It features several buildings, including the main building with vending machines, restrooms, and shelters with charcoal grills. One building has a 60×40 wood-tone stage.
Other amenities include a skate park, a dog park, and a play area. The park also boasts the requisite basketball/volleyball courts.
In addition, the park boasts a sizeable tree-lined playing field. However, its most impressive feature is a Fun Forest.
Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach is the world’s most extensive warbird collection. It features aircraft that have been restored to flying condition. It is an excellent place for children and adults alike to learn about the history of military aviation.
The museum is located at the Virginia Beach Airport. Four hangars contain airplanes from many different countries. The main hangars are open to visitors, allowing them to view and explore the aircraft.
The museum offers docent-led tours, which are free with admission. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable. They explain the development of each aircraft. Some of the aircraft are also still in flight. This makes the museum very informative.
The museum is located in the quiet rural area of South Virginia Beach. It is easy to get to other attractions in the region.
Children’s Museum of Virginia
The Children’s Museum of Virginia is the state’s largest children’s museum. It’s located in Olde Town Portsmouth, Virginia, and is an excellent place for a family outing. It’s a hands-on, interactive museum perfect for families with kids of all ages.
The museum features two floors of exhibits. On the first floor, you’ll find a life-size tug boat and a real Hampton Roads Transit bus. Also, the museum is equipped with a planetarium. For a more hands-on experience, you can try out the kid-sized grocery store and grocery-related exhibits.
The museum’s gift shop has plenty of educational toys and other items to entertain your child. The museum also has an extensive antique toy collection. These are one of the largest on the East Coast.
The museum also has a planetarium that shows some pretty impressive displays. For a small fee, you can check out a planetarium show.
Oak Grove Lake Park
If you’re looking for a nice spot to take the family for a picnic or an afternoon stroll, Oak Grove Lake Park is a good place to start. It is also an excellent spot to test your luck in fishing. There are a variety of fishing platforms along the lake, but you need to be armed with a fishing license before you cast your line.
The lake itself is a great place to see a variety of wildlife. The area is home to bald eagles, other birdlife, and hundreds of fish species. Aside from its impressive list of inhabitants, the park is also home to an attractive little playground.
The park features a one-and-a-half-mile loop trail perfect for joggers and beginner hikers. The best part of this little trail is that it’s perfectly maintained. It has a well-constructed concrete walkway around the lake, and the surrounding areas are dotted with benches and other amenities.
Atlantic Fun Park
The Atlantic Fun Park in Virginia Beach is one of the most popular amusement parks in the area. It offers fun rides for kids of all ages, including a 100-foot Ferris wheel. The park also has a mini golf course and carnival-style games. It is open daily from noon to midnight.
The amusement park is located on Atlantic Avenue. It has 16 rides and midway games. It offers a wide range of rides for families, from classic to adrenaline-pumping rides.
Some family-friendly attractions at the park include a rock wall and a water race. You can also try out some go-karting. The tracks are for all ages and have a kiddie track, a junior dune buggy track, and an adult speed track.
You can also visit the park’s petting farm to see the animals. The farm also hosts events and birthday parties.
Motor World
A visit to Motor World Virginia Beach is an experience you will remember for years. With two 18-hole miniature golf courses, an array of thrill rides, and a slew of novelty stores, the hors d’oeuvres are aplenty.
There are also several enticing dining options, not to mention the obligatory post-dinner aperitifs. Located adjacent to Ocean Breeze Waterpark, the Motor World complex is as enticing to a car enthusiast as it is to the casual passerby. The plethora of amenities and burgeoning tourist industry make this a top pick for family-friendly vacation locales.
One of the most important aspects of a contentious is the flexibility to choose from many fun options. The park is an excellent place for your family to amuse themselves and you. The main drawback is the cost, but you can easily find a deal on tickets in the summer months.
Red Wing Park
Red Wing Park, located in Virginia Beach, is a 97-acre district park. Previously known as the Old City Poor Farm, it offers many attractions. It is the perfect place to get away from the bustling city.
For the active, Red Wing Park is a cinch to access and offers amenities like tennis, racketball, and basketball. It also has restroom facilities and plenty of space for dogs to roam.
The Miyazaki Japanese Garden, situated on the grounds of Red Wing Park, is a great way to break from the typical Virginia coastal landscape.
It is designed to resemble the traditional Japanese garden and has many impressive features, including a rustic stone footbridge, several water features, and a fantastic cherry tree.
Little Island Park
The Little Island Park in Sandbridge is popular with beach lovers and families. This beautiful park features a 2,000-foot beach for swimming, sports courts, picnic shelters, and a 400-foot fishing pier. It also offers a canoe and kayak launch into Back Bay.
Aside from its fantastic beach, the park offers restrooms, showers, and vending machines. The park is free and open to the public. During the summer, water showers are available. Try the volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts for those who are in the mood for something more active.
Little Island Park also features two bathhouses and a large parking lot. The bathhouses have outdoor showers and changing areas. The park closes at 9 pm.
The coast at Little Island Park has a significant low tide, making it an excellent spot for surfing and windsurfing. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 am to 6 pm, seven days a week. The park is also open daily for boat rental.