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 60 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
6
Parks
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Parks
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Zoos
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Amusement parks
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Amusement parks
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Museums
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Amusement parks
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Parks
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Beaches and ponds
21
Temples
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Museums
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Museums
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Beaches and ponds
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Parks
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Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
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Parks
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Places of interest
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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 60 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 26 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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