Photo Courtesy of Wavegarden + Atlantic Park Surf
From local landmarks to historic sites to top-notch entertainment, Virginia Beach is loaded with a wide range of family-friendly attractions with something appealing for all ages and interests. A Virginia Beach trip itinerary can look vastly different from traveler to traveler. Are Virginia Beach’s scenic beaches and vibrant boardwalk drawing you here? How about its brand new state-of-the-art surf park or historic Cape Henry Lighthouse? Whether you’re interested in water adventures or local landmarks, or all of the above, Virginia Beach has something exciting for everybody. Read on for more itinerary inspiration!
Full of fun coastal vibes, Virginia Beach’s brand new Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon, which opened in mid-August, is our country’s first Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon. With seven levels available to accommodate different level surfers (beginners to novice, and those somewhere in between), the park has the ability to produce more than 20 types of waves and up to 1,000 waves per hour. Another bonus: Atlantic Park Surf is open year-round!
Of course, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a bustling three-mile paved boardwalk filled with hotels, restaurants and shops is a major attraction of the Resort City. Extending from 2nd Street to 40th Street, the boardwalk is a central hub for activities along the Atlantic Ocean. Along with incredible ocean views, here you’ll discover walkers, runners, diners, shoppers and sightseers.
While at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, don’t miss these hidden gems nestled within the lively area. The Atlantic Wildfowl Museum, housed in the historic DeWitt Cottage on 12th Street and Atlantic Avenue, is a great stop for learning about local heritage. The Surf and Rescue Museum, located in a former U.S. Life Saving Station on 24th Street on the Boardwalk, is another historical treasure well worth a visit to learn more about the history behind Virginia Beach’s community. Both museums are free but donations are welcome.
Nearby, the family-friendly Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a fabulous place to spend several hours learning about the region’s waterways and incredible marine life. From immersive exhibits to boat tours, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers fun experiences for visitors of all ages.
Nature enthusiasts will want to carve out time for visiting First Landing State Park. It is no wonder that this park is Virginia’s most visited State Park. Located steps away from the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, First Landing State Park covers 2,888 acres, featuring 20 miles of trails plus campgrounds, beaches and more.
History enthusiasts will also want to have several historic-focused attractions on their radar. Explore our nation’s first lighthouse, Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792. For a fee, visitors can climb the stairs of the Cape Henry Lighthouse and enjoy scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay. Located on Fort Story Military Base, the lighthouse stands adjacent to the “newer” lighthouse built in 1881, which is still in service today but not open to the public. Both of these lighthouses are on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The Thoroughgood House, one of the oldest colonial houses in Virginia Beach, offers an enriching educational experience about colonial times. The historic Thoroughgood House has free admission and offers tours. Tip: In October for a spooky fun time, consider reserving tickets for the “Ghosts of Throughgood Past” tour, available on Oct. 23, Oct. 24 and Oct. 25.
The Historic Cavalier Hotel, located at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, has been hosting guests since 1927. Today this iconic hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn captivating history about military aircraft at the Military Aviation Museum, featuring more than 50 aircraft from World War I and II. From demonstrations and displays to different events, there’s so much to witness at this unique museum in Virginia Beach’s southern section.
While these are several highlights, many more extraordinary attractions await your visit to Virginia Beach!