Happy Times in Virginia Beach

Memorable holidays just come naturally in Virginia Beach, home to sandy beaches, a whimsical waterfront and the warmest of welcomes.

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Two people hold hands and walk at low tide at Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

Soak up the sunshine with a stroll on the shore in Virginia Beach.

A group of people among a crowd stand at an outdoor concert where the stage is lit up with lavender lights in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

Find a vibrant nightlife and live-music scene in this oceanside city.

A group of people share a shrimp cocktail at a restaurant in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

Savour fresh-caught seafood at restaurants in Virginia Beach.

Two people kayaking in a green kayak on calm waters in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

Kayak with dolphins — or just with friends — as you explore the area on guided tours.

A person takes a picture of a mural with her cellphone in the ViBe Creative District of Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

Marvel at the colourful murals of the ViBe Creative District.

A person swings over treetops with a river behind them in Virginia Beach Virginia USA.

Find thrills and excitement at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. 

Two people hold hands and walk at low tide at Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

Soak up the sunshine with a stroll on the shore in Virginia Beach.

A group of people among a crowd stand at an outdoor concert where the stage is lit up with lavender lights in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

Find a vibrant nightlife and live-music scene in this oceanside city.

A group of people share a shrimp cocktail at a restaurant in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

Savour fresh-caught seafood at restaurants in Virginia Beach.

Two people kayaking in a green kayak on calm waters in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

Kayak with dolphins — or just with friends — as you explore the area on guided tours.

A person takes a picture of a mural with her cellphone in the ViBe Creative District of Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

Marvel at the colourful murals of the ViBe Creative District.

A person swings over treetops with a river behind them in Virginia Beach Virginia USA.

Find thrills and excitement at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. 

Located on the east coast of the United States, southeast of popular cities like Washington, DC, Alexandria and Richmond, Virginia Beach is easy to travel to and from. With a vast expanse of gorgeous beaches, unique attractions, thrilling water sports and an ideal coastal location, Virginia Beach is the place to experience it all.

Beach Holiday Fun

In Virginia Beach, spread out on the sand and spend all day (and night!) taking in the fresh ocean air. Eager for live music, street performers and cafés? Head to the Oceanfront to stroll or roll along the 3-mile-long (4.8-km-long) boardwalk and take in fresh ocean views.

Ready to surf epic waves (or just admire the professionals)? Take to the water near the jetties at Croatan Beach or 1st Street — or relax in a beach chair and enjoy the surfing action.

The fishing in Virginia Beach’s waters is great all year-round. Cast a line from one of the area’s two fishing piers, including one at the Oceanfront. A delicious dinner is just a cast away.

If a quiet, secluded escape is more your speed, stretch out on the golden sand of Sandbridge beaches or relax near the calm waters of Chesapeake Bay beaches.

Unique Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Your stay in Virginia Beach would not be complete without a bit of discovery and adventure. Luckily, there’s something for everyone.

After a few days of fun at the beach, it's time to take your familiarity with the deep blue sea to a new level at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. See ocean creatures such as sand tiger sharks, spotted eagle stingrays and green moray eels, plus plenty of land-dwelling creatures like snakes and other reptiles. If you’re looking to get out on the water, you can book a dolphin or a unique winter whale-watching tour.

Tucked behind the aquarium, thrills await at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, one of the country’s largest aerial adventure parks. Get your heart racing as you zip line through one of their 17 treetop trails, challenge your sense of balance on a high-rope course, or simply cheer on your adventure partner while taking epic pictures from down below.

Take your holiday to new heights at iFly, an indoor skydiving experience offering you the thrill of flight without having to muster up the courage to free-fall from an aeroplane. Get your adrenaline pumping as 171 mph winds keep you afloat in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel — simulating a real skydiving adventure.

Lively Culture & Events

Looking to experience Virginia Beach through the lens of a local? The city’s robust events calendar will let you kick up your heels at a big-name concert, chill in the sand to a favourite local band or enjoy an unforgettable time at a food festival, air show or holiday parade.

History buffs will want to check out the Military Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest collections of flying vintage military aircraft. Travel back in time as you view over 50 aircraft from the World War I and World War II eras or take a ride in a World War II biplane.

Art lovers can opt for a walking tour in the ViBe Creative District and take in vibrant murals in this hub for artisans of all disciplines. If you prefer an indoor scene, stretch your mind at the rotating exhibitions at the fabulous Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature and history are intertwined in Virginia Beach, and you can experience this first hand via numerous outdoor activities. Climb the historical Cape Henry lighthouses to take in 360-degree views. At nearby First Landing State Park, go hiking, then stay the night in a cosy cabin. Find solitude among the pristine beaches and towering dunes of False Cape State Park, and kayak near dolphins in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

There is plenty to do on the beautiful waters of this coastal destination. Check out Rudee Inlet — a go-to hub for fishing and water sports like parasailing, kayaking and paddleboarding — just south of the famous Oceanfront. Or take to the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay and hop aboard a scenic boat tour for Instagram-worthy views.

Delicious Dining in Virginia Beach

In this special place where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, you can feast on seafood plucked from local waters just hours earlier. Choose oysters (raw or baked), crab cakes, clams or flounder at a romantic restaurant or family-friendly spot. If you’re a foodie at heart, opt for a food tour to learn about Virginia Beach’s coastal cuisine and sample flights at a craft brewery.

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View the Virginia Beach holiday guide