On the Water in Virginia Beach

Photo Courtesy of Atlantic Park Surf

Atlantic Park Surf

With stunning backdrops of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, as well as a number of other magnificent waterways, Virginia Beach truly is the ultimate coastal town. It’s 38-mile coastline and comfortable, moderate temperatures makes Virginia Beach an outdoor haven, perfect for all types of outside adventures. From family-friendly water parks to fishing tournaments, the resort city is filled with remarkable water recreation.

Virginia Beach is a destination with a strong surfing culture, and a reason why it hosts the annual East Coast Surfing Championships each August. Don’t miss the 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, Aug. 23-30. (Tip: The resort city is a great place to take a surfing lesson!)

Atlantic Park Surf is a new attraction that is part of the Atlantic Park entertainment development, a $350 million dollar investment, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This impressive campus features a variety of attractions from the surf park’s 2.67-acre lagoon to The Dome (an entertainment venue), lodging, restaurants and more. Powered by Wavegarden Cove, top wave-generation technology, the lagoon offers cool surfing experiences for all levels.

With so many remarkable beaches, swimming is a popular sight in Virginia Beach, where visitors and locals have a number of options, from experiencing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean to the calmer waters of the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways. Of course, many hotels have pools for their guests to enjoy and there’s also a waterpark, a short drive from the Oceanfront.

Paddling is another beloved form of recreation in the resort city. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a mainstay in the area’s quieter waterways. First Landing State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Stumpy Lake Natural Area and Linkhorn Bay are some of Virginia Beach’s top paddling spots. While in town, consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the region’s nature.

For those seeking more excitement, Virginia Beach is filled with opportunities for thrilling adventures. From jet skis and wave runners to parasailing, you’ll find all kinds of fun ways to experience the waters of Virginia Beach. Boat tours and charters are also very popular, so there’s plenty of great options for wildlife watching, water cruises and fishing excursions. Rudee Inlet, not far from the Oceanfront, is a hub for outdoor outfitters offering everything needed to coordinate these types of water activities. This is also the place to learn more about local fishing tournaments and to grab a delicious meal near the water.

From thrilling speeds to relaxing tours across the water, Virginia Beach’s water experiences are first-rate.

  • Atlantic Park
  • Atlantic Park Surf
  • Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships
  • Padding in Virginia Beach
  • Virginia Beach Water Recreation
  • Virginia Beach Waterways
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