Discover Virginia Beach: Coast, Nature and History

Virginia Beach offers a variety of reasons to visit: strolls along the Oceanfront, trails through protected landscapes, marine life experiences and historic sites. If you’re looking for a hotel, considering which of these activities matter to you can help guide your trip planning. The locations and offerings differ considerably: at the Boardwalk, the beach and promenade set the scene; in the protected areas, habitats and nature watching take center stage. For other experiences, specific visit durations or seasonal dates may also be relevant.

Boardwalk, Beach and Summer Entertainment

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches for three miles along the Oceanfront, from 2nd Street to 40th Street. On one side are beach hotels, shops and restaurants; on the other is Oceanfront Beach. In the morning, visitors can walk, jog or cycle here. This makes it possible to start a stay at the Boardwalk with some time outdoors, while keeping in view the distinct sides of this stretch of coast.

During the summer months, “Live! On Atlantic” offers music and other entertainment on four stages at the beach; most events are free. The program may vary in detail. If you’d like to include an event in your trip plans, check the dates for your chosen travel period.

Protected Areas and Trails

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Its habitats include beaches, freshwater marshes, dunes, scrubland and upland forests. The refuge therefore brings together different types of landscapes in one place. Possible activities include hiking, cycling, wildlife watching and photography, as well as kayaking, environmental education, guided programs, and freshwater and surf fishing.

The main visitor area of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located at 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456. It includes the visitor center, trails, freshwater and surf-fishing spots, photography platforms and an associated kayak launch. This information complements the description of nature with specific visitor facilities and the address of the main area.

First Landing State Park has more than 19 miles of trails through protected salt marshes, freshwater ponds, dunes, tidal marshes and cypress swamps. It also has 1.25 miles of beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Its name recalls the historic landing of the three ships Discovery, Susan Constant and Godspeed at Cape Henry in 1607, right next to the park. Both the landscape and history are therefore reflected in the place name and in the description of the park.

West Neck Creek Natural Area has about 2.5 miles of natural-surface trails and 0.3 miles of paved, ADA-compliant trails. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, horseback riding, nature watching and photography.

Marine Life and Special Experiences

The North Building of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is home to sea turtles, sharks, seals and Komodo dragons. The aquarium also has interactive exhibits about the Stranding Response Program, as well as a live view into the sea turtle rehabilitation facility. The experience therefore includes both animal exhibits and insights into work involving stranded animals and the rehabilitation of sea turtles.

The Atlantic Explorer offers family-friendly dolphin-watching trips lasting about 90 minutes. You can take the approximate duration into account when planning your day; sightings and schedules may vary. Check the current schedule before making specific plans. This is especially helpful if you’d like to combine a trip like this with other experiences that have set times.

Lighthouse and Aviation History

Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first lighthouse authorized, fully completed and illuminated by the newly established federal government. It began operating in October 1792. A timed visit with general admission includes a climb to the top of the tower and a 45-minute tour of Cape Henry; the base’s access requirements apply. When planning this experience, take into account both the stated visit format and the applicable access requirements.

The Military Aviation Museum offers a 30-minute flight in a 1941 Stearman, including 20 minutes of flight time. The total duration and actual flight time are not the same: the flight lasts half an hour in total, 20 minutes of which are spent in the air. This makes it possible to plan this experience around other activities on your Virginia Beach trip.

For the broader travel overview: Virginia Beach.