Virginia Beach’s Iconic King Neptune Statue Marks 20 Years in 2025
Beyond its beautiful beaches, Virginia Beach is a dynamic destination that offers visitors a little of everything at a great value. High quality yet budget-friendly attractions, all kinds of events, an impressive dining scene, a wide variety of accommodations throughout the City, convenient parking—discover all of this and much more in Virginia Beach! Virginia Beach is full of activities, many of which are very affordable (and even free!), with something for everybody. Whether you are a music fan, an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, a history buff or all of the above, come explore Virginia Beach and experience interesting activities. Check out this list of fun attractions for itinerary inspiration for your upcoming visit.
(Note: Virginia Beach is also a pet-friendly destination. Consider bringing your pup on your vacation, however, plan ahead to learn the pet rules and policies of where you plan to go.)
1. Spend Time on the Boardwalk
Hanging out at the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk, spanning from 2ndStreet to 40th Street, is a must-do activity while in town. The epicenter of the resort city, the boardwalk is where you’ll find locals and visitors walking, running and biking. You’ll also discover numerous restaurants, entertainment (including a variety of events held year-round), shops and so much more. On 31st Street, the King Neptune statue is a must-see. Be sure to take advantage of great photo ops with the iconic statue, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
2. Experience Water Adventures
All types of water activities await in Virginia Beach: swimming, paddling, surfing, boating, fishing, parasailing and much more! With the City’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, as well as numerous other waterways throughout its region, Virginia Beach offers endless opportunities for water recreation. Head to Rudee Inlet, a hub for various watersports outfitters, to start planning exciting water adventures for your visit.
3. Dine Waterside
In Virginia Beach, coastal cuisine featuring fresh seafood like crabs, oysters, flounder, tuna, rockfish is a staple on area menus. Even so, the resort city’s dining scene reaches far wider than its amazing seafood. This agricultural-focused region is where you will the farm-to-table movement in full effect, with Virginia Beach restaurants serving up fresh, local ingredients in all types of dishes from American fare to global flavors. And nothing beats dining on delicious food, than doing so surrounded by stunning views. Whether enjoying a meal al fresco at one of the countless Oceanfront restaurants or those with scenic water views in another part of town, soak in the region’s natural beauty at every chance possible.
4. Attend an Event
From indoor venues such as the Sandler Center of the Performing Arts to outdoor venues like the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater to The Dome, a brand new, state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor venue, Virginia Beach is a fabulous destination to catch a show. Whether you’re looking to experience a music concert, a theater performance or a comedy show, the resort city offers a large selection of performances all year long, from up-and-coming local and regional performers to award-winning artists.
5. Soak in Panoramic Views
For a birds-eye view of the area, consider one (or both!) of these extraordinary attractions, one of Virginia Beach’s oldest and newest. Discover our nation’s first light house, Cape Henry Lighthouse, located on the Fort Story Military Base. Check out this historic site, near the first landing of the Jamestown colonists in 1607, and climb the tower steps for exceptional views. Also take a look at Virginia Beach’s newest attraction, Owl Creek Landing, with its 65-foot Nautilus Tower, Treetop Trail Canopy Walk and Children’s Treehouse Village.
6. Visit Captivating Museums
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), located in the ViBe Creative District, offers impressive exhibits showcasing the talents of diverse artists. Admission for Virginia residents is free and admission for children under 12 is free. For additional cultural experiences, explore Virginia Beach’s history and heritage at the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum (in the historic DeWitt Cottage on 12th Street and Atlantic Avenue) and the Surf and Rescue Museum (in a former U.S. Life Saving Station on 24th Street on the Boardwalk). These quaint history-rich destinations are conveniently located at the Oceanfront and are both free, however, donations are welcome.
7. Play at a Park
Set aside at least a couple of hours to explore First Landing State Park, which features nine scenic trails including Cape Henry Trail, its longest. Also featuring a popular campground, it’s no wonder this is Virginia’s most visited state park. Families will also enjoy all of the amenities at Mount Trashmore Park, a converted landfill towering over I-264 at 60 feet high and 800 feet long. Along with two man-made “mountains,” the park features lakes, paved paths, play areas and much more. Visiting Mount Trashmore is free and definitely not your typical community park.
8. Stroll Outdoor Markets
During your visit, consider stopping by outdoor markets and shopping local. Throughout Virginia Beach’s communities, you’ll discover a number of impressive outdoor marketplaces full of local produce, baked goods, artisan creations and much more! Several to keep on your radar include the Old Beach Farmers Market and the Old Beach Art & Eco Market, both run on Saturday mornings (with regular seasons spring through fall) in the ViBe Creative District. Shore Drive Farm Market, on Shore Drive, and the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, on the corner of Dam Neck Road and Princess Anne Road, are additional markets to add to your list.
9. Enjoy Retail Therapy
Virginia Beach is a shopping haven, with a large selection of shops for every budget. Find all kinds of souvenirs and beach gear at shops sprinkled throughout the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, particularly along Atlantic Avenue. Shop for one-of-a-kind artisanal creations, from paintings and glassworks to jewelry and furniture, in the artsy ViBe Creative District. For a wide variety of stores, from charming boutiques to national retailers head to Hilltop, Town Center and Red Mill.
10. Taste Local Libations
Virginia Beach is home to numerous breweries, wineries and distilleries. Sampling local beverages is a great way to get acquainted with regional flavors. From local craft beer to locally distilled spirits, see what Virginia Beach locals like. Certainly, the Orange Crush—orange juice, vodka, soda and crushed ice—is a staple on area menus. While in town check out Virginia Beach’s oldest distillery, Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, in the historic Cavalier Hotel.
Coming soon: Atlantic Park Surf will be opening this summer on 18th Street as part of Atlantic Park, Virginia Beach’s new entertainment center under development at the Oceanfront. Stay tuned for details by clicking here.