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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Virginia, USA

Iconic Landmarks

Virginia Beach features several landmarks defining its character and history. These must-visit sites offer historical and cultural context.

Explore coastal icons that are symbols of the city’s heritage and beauty.

Coastal Icons

  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk: A 3-mile concrete path with hotels, restaurants, and shops.
  • King Neptune Statue: A 34-foot bronze sculpture and popular photo spot on the boardwalk.
  • Cape Henry Lighthouse: The first federal lighthouse in the U.S., completed in 1792.
  • First Landing State Park: Site of the first English colonial landing in 1607, Virginia's most visited state park.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Major Attractions

  • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: Thousands of animals in habitats, boat tours, animal encounters. Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily. Fees: ~$35 adults. Purchase tickets online.
  • Military Aviation Museum: One of the world's largest collections of WWI and WWII aircraft, many still flying. Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (closed major holidays). Fees: ~$15 adults. Check for flying demonstrations.

Specialized & Art Venues

  • Cape Henry Lighthouse (Old Lighthouse): Historical site with interpretive center.
  • Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum: History of lifesaving and surfing on the boardwalk.
  • ViBe Creative District: Numerous independent art galleries, studios, and murals.
  • Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Fees: ~$15 adults.

Check specific museum websites for current hours and exhibit schedules.

Historical Sites

  • First Landing Cross: Marks the spot where Jamestown colonists landed in 1607, in First Landing State Park.
  • Naval Aviation Monument Park: On the boardwalk, commemorating naval aviation.
  • Adam Thoroughgood House: One of the oldest surviving colonial homes in Virginia, from the 17th century.
  • Old Cavalier Hotel: Its grand architecture and history make it a significant landmark.

Additional Historic Insights

  • ViBe Creative District:

    Repurposes historical buildings for artistic ventures, preserving a sense of the past.

  • Religious Sites:

    Historic churches reflect the city's long history and diverse communities.

  • Military Presence:

    Strong military presence with bases like Naval Air Station Oceana, influencing the city's character.

  • Archaeological Sites:

    No major accessible archaeological ruins exist beyond the First Landing commemoration.

Natural Attractions

Virginia Beach’s natural beauty extends beyond its famous beaches, featuring parks, wildlife refuges, and tranquil waterways.

Parks & Coastal Features

Parks & Gardens

  • First Landing State Park

    Offers miles of hiking and biking trails through diverse ecosystems.

  • Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

    Protected area for migratory birds and wildlife with walking trails.

  • False Cape State Park

    Accessible by foot, bicycle, or tram, offering an untouched barrier island ecosystem.

Scenic Viewpoints & Wonders

  • Virginia Beach Oceanfront

    Miles of sandy beach for relaxation and activity.

  • Cape Henry Lighthouse

    Elevated ocean and bay views for a sweeping coastline perspective.

  • Chesapeake Bay Beach

    Calmer waters and picturesque sunset views over the bay.

Geological Features

The region's geology features coastal plain and barrier island formations. The landscape is generally flat, shaped by water and sediment.

Wildlife Viewing

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for birdwatching. Virginia Aquarium offers boat tours for dolphin and whale watching seasonally.

Beaches & Waterways

Includes the bustling Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the calm Chesapeake Bay Beach, and secluded Sandbridge Beach. Numerous freshwater lakes exist for recreation.

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond the most popular spots to discover Virginia Beach’s lesser-known treasures.

  • ViBe Creative District: Less mainstream than the boardwalk; explore street art, local shops, and cafes.
  • False Cape State Park: A wild, unspoiled barrier island experience; access requires effort.
  • Pleasure House Point Natural Area: On Lynnhaven River, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and quiet walks.

Essential Sightseeing Tips

Planning ahead enriches your sightseeing experience.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture memorable shots at scenic locations.

Top Photo Spots

  • Sunrise over the Atlantic from the boardwalk.
  • Sunset over the Chesapeake Bay from Chic's Beach.
  • Historic First Landing Cross against maritime forest.

Local Favorites

Discover spots less frequented by tourists but popular with locals.

Hidden Gems

  • Norfolk Botanical Garden (short drive away) offers peaceful escape.
  • Little Island Park (Sandbridge): Fishing pier and less crowded beach.
  • Craft breweries and distilleries for local flavors and tours.

Attraction Ticket Booking

Secure your entry to popular attractions and tours.

Recommended Platforms

  • Use GetYourGuide for attraction tickets and tours.
  • Book online in advance to save time and confirm entry.
  • Check cancellation policies before finalizing your purchase.
  • Digital tickets simplify entry.

Practical Gear for Exploration

Pack wisely for comfortable and enjoyable sightseeing.

Suggested Items

  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing at refuges.
  • A large beach towel for comfort while relaxing on the sand.
  • Sunscreen and hat for outdoor activities.

Considerations for Your Visit

Accessibility Notes

  • Many major attractions and the boardwalk offer wheelchair access.
  • Check individual venue websites for specific accessibility details.

Best Times to Visit

  • Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Summer is peak, with lively atmospheres but higher prices and crowds.

Planning Your Exploration

Strategize your sightseeing to make the most of your Virginia Beach adventure.

Itinerary Creation

Group nearby attractions to optimize your travel time and minimize commutes between sites.

Timing Your Visit

Check attraction hours in advance, as these may vary by season, especially for outdoor or less commercial sites.

Transportation

Consider transportation options for different areas; some are walkable, others need a car or bike.

Further Exploration Resources

Beyond the Beach

Explore the natural beauty of Norfolk Botanical Garden, a short drive from Virginia Beach.

Visit their website

Art & Culture Deep Dive

Immerse yourself in the ViBe Creative District's art scene and local shops.

Discover ViBe

Nature Escapes

For adventurous nature lovers, False Cape State Park offers an unspoiled barrier island experience.

Learn more about False Cape

Local Flavors Tour

Discover Virginia Beach's growing craft brewery and distillery scene for unique tasting experiences.

Find local breweries

Family Entertainment

Engage in family-friendly fun with go-karts and mini-golf options near the Oceanfront.

See family activities

Booking Your Tickets

Pre-booking tickets for attractions frequently saves time and guarantees entry.

Online Booking Platforms

  • For attraction tickets and tours, use GetYourGuide.
  • Confirm specific hours and availability for your chosen date.
  • Review cancellation policies before purchase.

Essential Packing for Sightseeing

Pack smart to optimize your comfort and enjoyment.

Gear Checklist

  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing at Back Bay.
  • A large beach towel for relaxing on the sand.
  • Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection during outdoor activities.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring parks and boardwalk.

Local Travel Tip

Consider visiting attractions during weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds, especially in summer.

This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience at popular sites.

Planning Your Exploration

Strategize your sightseeing to make the most of your Virginia Beach adventure.

Itinerary Creation

Group nearby attractions to optimize your travel time and minimize commutes between sites.

Effective Planning

  • Identify attractions in the same geographical area.
  • Plan logical routes to save time and effort.
  • Allocate sufficient time for each visit.

Timing Your Visit

Check attraction hours in advance, as these may vary by season or special events.

Seasonal Variations

  • Hours may shorten during off-peak seasons.
  • Arrive early to popular spots to avoid crowds.
  • Consider weather conditions for outdoor attractions.

Transportation

Evaluate travel options for various parts of the city.

Getting Around

  • Many Oceanfront attractions are walkable.
  • A car is practical for exploring wider areas.
  • Bicycle rentals are available for boardwalk and trails.

Consider public transit or ride-sharing for convenience.

Family-Friendly Approach

Plan activities that cater to all ages in your group.

Kid-Friendly Tips

  • Virginia Aquarium and Military Aviation Museum are popular with children.
  • Public playgrounds and parks like Mount Trashmore.

Many hotels also have kid-friendly amenities and pools.

Accessibility Considerations

Verify accessibility features for all members of your party.

Checking Access

  • Most major attractions are wheelchair accessible.
  • Review specific accessibility information on venue websites.
  • Call ahead if you have particular needs or questions.

The boardwalk generally accommodates strollers and wheelchairs.

Local Insights

Best for Nature Lovers

False Cape State Park offers a truly wild, unspoiled experience. Requires effort to reach.

Cultural Hotspot

The ViBe Creative District is an unique cultural experience with local art and cafes, away from mainstream tourist spots.

Sunrise & Sunset

Catch the sunrise over the Atlantic from the boardwalk, or a breathtaking sunset over the Chesapeake Bay from Chic's Beach.

Important Note on Military Bases

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story and Naval Air Station Oceana are generally not open to the public for tours. Their presence shapes the city's character.
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