Photo Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival/Photo By Jessica Shea Photography
Neptune Festival Symphony By the Sea Concert Series
If you’re wondering where to begin planning summer activities in Virginia Beach, hopefully this list of ideas will provide planning inspiration. The really good news is that Virginia Beach offers so many amazing things to see and do, it’s hard to go wrong. Whether your Virginia Beach vacation will entail catching a performance, playing on the beach, visiting a local attraction, dining at a restaurant with water views or sipping coastal cocktails—or a little of all of this—get ready to enjoy your time in sensational Virginia Beach this summer, or beyond.
Virginia Beach is a destination where restaurants, shops and the beach are often just steps away from the hotel where visitors are staying. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is filled with a wide range of accommodations and amenities. (To explore great lodging options, click here.) And make no mistake, Virginia Beach fun can also be wallet friendly. From free concerts and other great events to affordable attractions, the resort city offers visitors and locals an impressive array of activities with something for everybody.
Live Performances
Seeing a live show elevates any visit to Virgina Beach. Throughout the year, particularly the warmer months, free concerts are a staple at the Oceanfront. Along with free musical performances at large festivals like Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer and Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, mark your calendar for free performances at the Oceanfront Concert Series and the Neptune Festival Symphony By the Sea Concert Series, both held on select dates through the summer. Ticketed performances at The Dome and The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts are also fabulous experiences with diverse entertainment lineups.
The Boardwalk
Experiencing the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a can’t miss while in town. The three-mile boardwalk offers fun for all ages, whether strolling, biking, dining or some other great activity. Spending time at this lively attraction never gets old because there’s always something exciting happening here, from attending annual events or spotting dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean.
Beach time
A visit to Virginia Beach isn’t complete without spending some time at the beach. For the quintessential beach experience head to the vibrant Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s Resort Area. For quieter beaches, check out the Northern Beaches, Chesapeake Bay Beach (or Chic’s Beach), Croatan Beach or Sandbridge Beach.
Farmers Markets
Virginia Beach is a place that celebrates simple pleasures. Farmers markets are a perfect blend of fresh produce (thanks to the City’s strong agricultural heritage) and family time. While in town be sure to check out Virginia Beach’s excellent outdoor markets, including Old Beach Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the ViBe Creative District. Shopping at local markets, such as this, is an excellent way to help support local businesses.
Outdoor Recreation
Did you know that Virginia Beach’s First Landing Park is Virginia’s most visited state park? With 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of beachfront, outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss visiting this park. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park are also great itinerary additions. Kids of all ages will get a kick out of climbing the large hills at Mount Trashmore Park, as well as its other fun features, from playgrounds to walking trails.
Local Art
Art lovers will want to experience the cool artsy vibes of the ViBe Creative District. This section of town is full of art-focused activities from walking tours highlighting local art to the recurring Old Beach Art & Eco Market on Saturday mornings. This area also features unique shops and excellent restaurants.
Dining
With fresh seafood and incredible water views, what’s not to love about Virginia Beach’s dining scene? The resort city’s restaurants also offer menus filled with seasonal ingredients and local libations, with a wide selection of cuisine options so that there’s something for every type of palate. From beach bites to global fare to award-winning, it’s all here. As testament to how spectacular the culinary scene in Virginia Beach, the City has the honor of hosting a special event, Beard at the Beach: A Coastal Virginia Celebration of James Beard, in September.
Uniquely Virginia Beach
And last, but certainly not least, Virginia Beach features a number of attractions that are distinctive to the area. Some examples include new state-of-the-art Atlantic Park Surf is a top new attraction for the entire family, as is the recently renovated Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Taking a drive over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel also makes for a fun day trip to Virginia’s Eastern Shore.