The Bronze “Anticipation” public art display at JT’s Grommet Island
Virginia Beach is a destination that provides a rich coastal experience, from its scenic beaches and waterways to its beach life celebrations, there’s countless things to love about this charming town. From the towering King Neptune Statue on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk’s 31st Street to local museums showcasing the City’s rich marine heritage to aquatic-themed murals and public art sprinkled around the area, Virginia Beach proudly displays its coastal-centric personality. However, coastal charm is just one of its delightful appeals, as this dynamic City also offers top-notch entertainment and attractions and activities beyond the beach.
Nestled in the mid-Atlantic with the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on its front doorstep, Virginia Beach is where you’ll discover some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast, an iconic three-mile boardwalk and just about any kind of water recreation that you can imagine including swimming, surfing, paddling, boating and much more. Starting at the quiet North End and extending down south to Sandbridge Beach, the diverse beaches here are safe and clean, and simply stunning. To accommodate the many different travelers who visit all year long, Virginia Beach offers a wide selection of lodging options, so it’s easy to find a convenient place to stay near the City’s top attractions, including many affordable options. Click here to start planning your next stay.
Year-round Virginia Beach hosts a wide variety of events, with live performances happening all around town. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is home to some of the Resort City’s top coastal events such as the 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, Aug. 23-30, extending from 1st Street Jetty to 10th Street and the 52nd Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, Sept. 25-27. These are both staple annual events, with the Neptune Festival including around a dozen feature events including the International Sandsculpting Championship, Sept. 25-Oct. 4.
Music fans will be happy to know that live music is a way of life in the Resort City. In the summer, enjoy free concert series at the Oceanfront and Town Center of Virginia Beach and mark these large—and free to the public!—festivals coming up this summer at the Oceanfront: Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer (May 22-24), Jackalope Fest (May 29-31) and the July 4 Stars & Stripes Celebration (July 4). Click here for a list of more events happening in 2026.
Not to be missed, Virginia Beach has a number of amazing new attractions. Part of Atlantic Park, a new entertainment center in the City, the Atlantic Park Surf lagoon is the United States’ first Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon. The Atlantic Park Surf offers 20 types of waves and seven levels, inviting participation from surfers of all skill levels. Beginners welcome! Also part of Atlantic Park, The Dome is a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor entertainment venue, offering top live performances. With features including a 65-foot Nautilus Tower with slide, Treetop Trail Canopy Walk and Children’s Treehouse Village, Owl Creek Landing is a family-friendly destination for all ages.
Virginia Beach’s scenic nature parks provide even more outdoor adventures. First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park, is a wildly popular spot for hitting nature trails, paddling local waterways and camping under the stars. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park are also spectacular natural areas to explore, particularly for viewing diverse wildlife and their habitats.
History lovers will want to check out the Cape Henry Lighthouses at Fort Story in Virginia Beach’s northern section. Completed in 1792, the stone Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is where English settlers first set foot on their way to Jamestown. Preservation Virginia owns and operates this historic attraction, which is open to visitors (with an admission fee). Keep a watch for interesting events related to the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and also mark your calendar for June 16-19, when Virginia Beach’s Sail250® Virginia activities will take place near the Lesner Bridge.
No matter if you stroll the boardwalk and peruse the beach shops along Atlantic Avenue, or experience an evening out in the Town Center of Virginia Beach, good times await in Virginia Beach.