Virginia Beach offers something special for everyone – whether you’re searching for an exciting day out or a peaceful weekend away. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s sure to be something in this sunny city!
ViBe Creative District visitors can explore art galleries, quirky shops, cafes, and lovely boutiques. Plus, you’ll experience some culture at Old Beach Farmer’s Market or VB Flea Night Market every Wednesday evening.
- Visit the Virginia Aquarium
Virginia Aquarium is the ideal destination if you’re searching for an exciting day with the family. Just a short drive from the Oceanfront, this attraction has something fun for everyone to explore.
This educational museum showcases over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums to showcase Virginia’s marine environment. You’ll see sharks, rays, and sea turtles from around the globe!
In addition to the aquariums, you’ll have the chance to take a boat cruise around the Bay and Owls Creek Salt Marsh. These excursions provide an invaluable opportunity to learn more about your local environment and its ecosystem impact.
The Aquarium also houses a National Geographic 3D Movie Theater that showcases various environments worldwide. Visitors can watch “Larger That Life” movies on an 8-story IMAX screen.
The Aquarium is a popular wedding venue, boasting various configurations and spaces to accommodate various events. Couples can have an intimate rehearsal dinner, hold their reception on the outdoor marsh deck or even rent out the entire Main Building for their big day.
- Visit the Ocean Breeze Water Park
Ocean Breeze Water Park should not be missed if you’re looking for a way to keep your family entertained while vacationing in Virginia Beach. Situated only two miles from the Oceanfront, this family-friendly park offers various attractions such as water slides and a wave pool.
Established in 1974, Ocean Breeze Waterpark is the only waterpark in Virginia Beach and boasts more than 30 slides, rides, and attractions. What started as three mat slides have since blossomed into a family-friendly haven sure to please any visitor.
Attractions at this park include a one-million-gallon wave pool and 16 water slides. Furthermore, attractionssuch as Buccaneer Bay and Hook’s Lagoon. are tailored towards younger kids
Visit this park in Virginia Beach for a fun-filled day with your family. It’s the perfect way to escape the summer heat and give everyone some outdoor fun in the sun.
The MAMMOTH, the park’s most popular ride, is an exhilarating group experience that sends riders through channels, drops, and vortex looks. Ideal for ages six and up, it’s the ideal way to cool off after a hot summer day.
- Visit the Virginia Museum and Marine Science Center
The Virginia Museum and Marine Science Center is an excellent destination for students to gain insight into the marine world and view some of the many aquatic animals that reside there. It boasts hundreds of hands-on exhibits, a National Geographic 3D theater, whale-watching tours, and dolphin boat excursions.
The museum showcases the marine environment with over 800,000 gallons of aquariums and animal habitats. Additionally, a nature trail, ropes course, and zip line are on site.
Visitors to this animal touch pool can observe stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and turtles up close in one of several room-size aquariums. Plus, there’s an oyster reef, nature trail, and 3D theater, all within the main building.
Spend the entire day at this educational facility on 45 acres overlooking Owl Creek salt marsh. Enjoy hiking along a 3-mile trail or taking an informative 35-minute cruise on Owl Creek in a 50-passenger pontoon boat for 35 minutes of unforgettable fun!
There are several history museums in the area showcasing Colonial America’s culture. For instance, Thoroughgood House in Newport News is an exemplary colonial-era home that now serves as an education center. Lynnhaven House in Norfolk also serves as a landmark. And for aviation buffs, Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island is a working spacecraft launcher that launches sounding rockets and scientific balloons.
- Take a Whale Watching Tour
If you’re interested in witnessing whales, Virginia Beach offers several tours. The two longest-standing institutions here, The Aquarium and Rudee Tours, offer whale-watching trips; however, you may also observe these majestic creatures at other times of the year.
From December through mid-March, humpbacks, minkes, fin whales, and other cetaceans migrate south along the Atlantic Coast. As these animals move into warmer waters, they’re more likely to be spotted by boat tour operators along the shoreline.
Experience a 2-hour educational boat tour with Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to learn about humpback whales and other animals. Aquarium educators will captivate you with fascinating facts about these creatures, their habitats, and conservation initiatives in the surrounding area.
Take a sunset cruise for an unforgettable view of the sun setting over the ocean and city lights coming alive. You might even get lucky enough to spot birds like northern gannets and brown pelicans up close!
Exploring the ocean is a fantastic activity for all ages and will excite everyone. However, you should consult your tour operator about your chances of spotting whales before booking your trip; weather can play an important role in whether or not you’ll get lucky enough to spot one, so dress warmly and prepare yourself for whatever comes your way!
- Go Shopping on the Boardwalk
Virginia Beach’s Boardwalk is a major draw and one of the top things to do. Stretching three miles along the Oceanfront, it connects you to seaside shops restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options.
Enjoy walking, skating, or riding a bike along the Boardwalk to take in its sights and sounds! Plus, don’t miss out on sidewalk entertainers, amusements, or free concerts held nightly during summer.
This popular tourist spot is also ideal for water sports, such as parasailing and surfing, to jet skiing and fishing charters. Not only is it an enjoyable way to spend some time in the sun, but it’s also the ideal location to unwind with family and friends!
At the Boardwalk, there is an array of shopping opportunities. Traditional beach shops and modern apparel retailers coexist here. Atlantic Avenue is particularly popular among those searching for local beachwear items.
The Military Aviation Museum is an amazing destination that history buffs and aviation enthusiasts should not miss. Boasting over 60 different warplanes – some still in excellent working condition – this attraction provides a thrilling experience for aviation enthusiasts and curious tourists!
- Visit the Ferris Wheel
Are you seeking an exhilarating ride or some family fun in Virginia Beach? Look no further than the Ferris Wheel! At 100 feet high, this 100-foot ride provides stunning coast views and can be an excellent way to spend your day.
Atlantic Fun Park Amusement Park provides a thrilling range of rides suitable for all ages at one of Virginia Beach’s most popular activities. Enjoy classic rides like the Skyflyer and Gravitron and more modern offerings such as Swinging Sea Dragon and an exciting go-kart track.
The Ferris wheel is ideal for spotting dolphins and other marine wildlife! Rudee Flipper Dolphin Tours provides guided tours that last 90 minutes, allowing you to spot various species, such as spinner dolphins, humpback whales, and more.
Another fantastic activity in Virginia Beach is taking a ferry across the Chesapeake Bay. Constructed in 1964, this iconic attraction remains one of Virginia Beach’s most unique features.
If you’re considering booking a tour, do so early, as they’re popular. They’re also fun and an excellent way to learn more about the local area.
- Eat a Bagel
If you’re a fan of bread, Virginia Beach has plenty of places to enjoy an excellent bagel. These rolls are a traditional Jewish dish found in numerous shops throughout the city.
Bagels are made with high-gluten wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is then boiled before baking to give it its signature chewy texture and crunchy finish.
The bagel has a rich and varied history. It is believed to have originated in Poland, where bakers shaped it into a stirrup to commemorate King John III Sobieski of Poland’s victory over Turkish forces during the Battle of Vienna in 1683.
Nowadays, the bagel has become a beloved bakery item around the globe. For some Americans, it symbolizes Eastern European culture or New York City life; ,however, it’s just another breakfast option for others.
Some enjoy topping their bagels with cream cheese, lox, tomatoes, onions, and capers.
You can order bagels from any restaurant or shop in Virginia Beach by entering your address into the Uber Eats app to discover what options are closest to you.
