Things to do in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Virginia Beach holds the Guinness World Record for the longest pleasure beach in the world.
- The city is the largest in Virginia by both population and land area, covering 497 square miles.
- It is home to the largest concentration of military personnel in any single city in the United States, anchored by Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The city has no 'downtown' core in the traditional sense, having developed as a suburban expanse instead of a concentrated urban center.
- Due to its geography, Virginia Beach has the lowest point of elevation in the state, with large portions of the city existing near or at sea level.
About Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a coastal city located at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, renowned for its extensive sandy coastline and deep-rooted military presence. The area is defined by unique topography, exemplified by the transformation of a former landfill into the expansive Mount Trashmore Park. Visitors can explore contemporary works at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art or observe the scenic coastal transition at the Lesner Bridge. Families often utilize specialized spaces like Kids Cove Playground, while thrill-seekers frequent venues such as Motor World.
Highlights of Virginia Beach, Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This park is built on an engineered mound featuring trails and playgrounds constructed over a former landfill.
Places of interest
This bridge serves as a vital scenic artery connecting the city to the Chesapeake Bay and offering views of local waterways.
Museums
The museum hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions and promotes regional creative engagement.
Parks
This water park features a variety of slides and pools designed for warm-weather recreation.
Amusement parks
This facility features go-kart tracks and various arcade-style amusement attractions.
Parks
Designed specifically for younger children, this park offers a secure environment for play.
Amusement parks
An indoor trampoline park providing climate-controlled active entertainment regardless of weather.
Amusement parks
This venue offers expansive wall-to-wall trampoline courts for recreational jumping and physical activity.
Top things to do in Virginia Beach, Virginia
The 76 highest-rated places in Virginia Beach, Virginia, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center spans over 800,000 gallons of aquarium exhibits showcasing the diverse mar...
2
Parks
Mount Trashmore Park is a 165-acre recreation site constructed from layers of compacted solid waste and clean soil. The...
3
Parks
First Landing State Park occupies 2,888 acres along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. It is the most v...
4
Venues
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater is a 20,000-capacity outdoor venue located in Virginia Beach. It serves as the r...
5
Museums
The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach houses one of the world's largest private collections of airworthy milita...
6
Parks
Ocean Breeze is a Caribbean-themed outdoor water park located in Virginia Beach. The facility features over 30 attractio...
7
Parks
Neptune's Park is a prominent oceanfront outdoor venue situated at the northern terminus of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk...
8
Parks
Little Island Park is a 122-acre beachfront facility located at the southern terminus of the Sandbridge Peninsula in Vir...
9
Zoos
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected habitat situated on a barrier spit between the Atlantic Ocean and Back...
10
Parks
Bayville Farms Park is a 68-acre municipal recreation area located in Virginia Beach that serves as a primary hub for re...
11
Amusement parks
Motor World is a family-oriented amusement park located in Virginia Beach, primarily known for its extensive collection...
12
Places of interest
The Naval Aviation Monument Park is a memorial located directly on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 25th Street. It honor...
13
Beaches and ponds
Sandbridge Beach is a secluded coastal community located on a curved peninsula south of the main Virginia Beach resort a...
14
Venues
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is a 1,200-seat performance venue located in the Town Center of Virginia Beac...
15
Parks
Kids Cove Playground is a large-scale, wooden-themed play structure located within the grounds of the Mount Trashmore Pa...
16
Parks
The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge is a critical stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Fly...
17
Parks
Munden Point Park is an 80-acre waterfront facility located on the North Landing River in Virginia Beach. The park is mo...
18
Parks
Lake Smith Lake Lawson Natural Area is a 423-acre preserve in Virginia Beach consisting of two interconnected freshwater...
19
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Virginia Beach is an indoor trampoline park featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and specialized fitn...
20
Museums
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s only museum dedicated exclusiv...
21
Amusement parks
Get Air Trampoline Park in Virginia Beach features wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and dedicated dodgeball courts....
22
Parks
False Cape State Park is a 4,321-acre coastal preserve situated on a thin barrier spit between the Atlantic Ocean and Ba...
23
Historical places
The Neptune Statue is a 34-foot-tall bronze sculpture located at Neptune Park in Virginia Beach. Sculpted by Paul DiPasq...
24
Venues
The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is a community-run performing arts venue that has operated since 1948. It is one of...
25
Museums
26
Places of interest
27
Natural attractions
28
Parks
29
Parks
30
Beaches and ponds
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Virginia Beach, Virginia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Virginia Beach, Virginia
Late May through September, as the coastal climate is optimized for beach activities and outdoor recreational facilities during these months.
3-4 days, allowing enough time to balance beach relaxation with inland excursions to parks and museums.
A personal vehicle is the primary mode of transportation, though the city operates a seasonal trolley system along the oceanfront.
The Oceanfront area provides direct beach access and high density of dining, while the Town Center area offers a more centralized, walkable urban experience.
Mid-range; while luxury oceanfront resorts are available, the city offers numerous accessible public parks and affordable lodging options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 76 curated attractions in and around Virginia Beach, Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the highest-rated place to visit in Virginia Beach, Virginia right now.
The largest category is parks, with 35 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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