Pictured above: On a Trail at First Landing State Park
As a balance to the excitement surrounding the area’s numerous attractions, consider setting aside some time to escape into nature during your visit. Undoubtably, outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element in Virginia Beach. Thanks to the region’s mild temperatures and abundance of natural areas, the resort city is a perfect place to play outside—all year long. Virginia Beach is brimming with all sorts of parks and other recreational spaces ideal for outdoor activities. From nature parks to city parks, the City offers residents and visitors many opportunities to spend time outside, whether exploring, exercising or relaxing.
Recognized as an outdoor recreation and sports tourism destination, Virginia Beach offers many opportunities to be active outdoors. Throughout the year, Virginia Beach hosts numerous sporting competitions including large community runs and numerous tournaments, including the North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC), which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. This premier sand soccer festival, which draws more than thousands of players from around the world, will be held June 7-9 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Come experience an action-packed, family-friendly weekend full of sports, vendors, food and more!
Nature Parks
With magnificent waterways, trails, ecosystems and wildlife, Virginia Beach is home to two state parks. First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park, is located off of Shore Drive and features nine trails stretching 19 miles. Cape Henry Trail is the park’s longest trail, where visitors can both hike and bike.
Virginia Beach’s other beautiful state park, False Cape State Park, which includes six miles of pristine shoreline, is remotely located south of Sandbridge, with access to the park only possible by hiking, kayaking or taking a shuttle. A variety of wildlife and plant species exist in the park’s diverse ecosystem. Nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refugeis another extraordinary nature area to explore and observe wildlife, including hundreds of bird species, and their habitats. Recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking and kayaking are available here. During your visit be sure to hit the trails, and enjoy the outdoors!
City Parks
Not far from Town Center, and its easy-to-spot The Westin Tower, is another highly visible landmark, Mount Trashmore. Viewable from I-264 , at 60 feet high and 800 feet long, Mount Trashmore Park is an extremely popular park for families. Covering 165 acres, the expansive park is a converted landfill that features two man-made “mountains,” two lakes, paved paths, kids playgrounds, picnic shelters, a skatepark and more. Mount Trashmore also holds a number of events during the year.
Another favorite park, especially this time of year, in Virginia Beach is Red Wing Park. With striking Cherry Blossom (Yoshinko Cherry) trees. While the Cherry Blossom Festival at the park wrapped up last week, there’s still time to come see the beautiful blossoms. Whether you walk the paved path that runs beside the double-rowed tree line, explore the pretty gardens or enjoy a picnic, Red Wing Park is a lovely addition to any itinerary.
Boardwalk
It’s hard to beat the allure of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk with its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and upbeat beach vibe and look, including coastal-themed sculptures. The three-mile boardwalk, with a mix of visitors and locals, is a central hub of the resort city. From large community events to its daily frequenters, including walkers, joggers and bikers, the boardwalk attracts all kinds of people and is a welcoming spot for fun festivities. Whether staying active on the boardwalk, beach or in the water, there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Or if resting on one of the benches is more your speed, then relax and soak in the incredible beach atmosphere and refreshing ocean breezes.