Things to do & places to visit in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Sports enthusiasts will find celebrated golf courses in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, as well as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails. Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off-season, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild.

Virginia Beach city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 7:32.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Military Aviation Museum (1.405 reviews)
- Nice Place to Visit
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Fun for the whole family!! The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest flying collections of World War I and World War II era military aircraft in the world. More than 80,000 guests travel from around the world to see our rare aircraft every year, especially during our major events and air shows. Come see why the Military Aviation Museum is one of the top attractions in all of Virginia Beach - rain or shine! Take a flight in an open cockpit biplane for a once in a lifetime experience, and experience the first fifty years of flight! See more..
5.0 Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. (841 reviews)
- Tarnished Truth Distillery
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. is the country’s first and only craft distillery operating within a working luxury hotel. Tarnished Truth is a small craft distillery producing premium spirits such as bourbon, gin and vodka. Come visit us for a tour, tasting, craft cocktail class or to browse our retail shop. See more..
4.5 Virginia Beach Boardwalk (7.950 reviews)
- Relaxing , and romantic walk on the boardwalk in the off season.
Piers & Boardwalks

Hit Virginia Beach’s three-mile-long oceanfront promenade to people-watch, shop, and eat in a relaxed ambience. The boardwalk features a separate bike path—perfect for cycling and rollerblading. There's also a bronze statue of King Neptune which you can spot from miles away. When hungry, head over to the restaurants at the neighboring Pacific Avenue. Virginia Beach is also worthy of visiting during winter when Christmas lights turn the boardwalk into a stunning spot. To make the most of your stay, you might want to book one of the many waterfront hotels in the area. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (3.588 reviews)
- Nice place to visit
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • Aquariums

A 300,000-gallon tank with sharks, rays, and other aquatic species, is the main attraction at this popular aquarium, along with a walk through tunnel featuring sharks, rays, and more. Featuring thousands of animals representing hundreds of species. See more..
4.5 Virginia Beach (3.094 reviews)
- Very clean & well maintaned
Beaches

My wife & I stayed overnight in a hotel overlooking the beach so we were able to observe it late in the day & early in the morning. We walked on he beach late in the day & observed that the sand was very clean & there were trash bins at numerous spots. There are several public access points, so there were quite a few people on the beach late in the day. The next morning we watched tractors & other heavy equipment clean the beach & put it in pristine condition for the day. If you love the ocean, come here. See more..
4.5 Sandbridge Beach (1.472 reviews)
- Beach day
Beaches

Great place to go without the crowds. We visited this beach because of the reviews and because it was recommended by locals. It was clean, not crowded and we saw lifeguards cruising up and down on ATVs all day keeping watch. We brought your own beach umbrella, chairs, snacks, etc. Parking can be a little tricky so I would recommend coming early in the morning or wait until the afternoon (after 2 pm or so). We went in the afternoon and found some free parking. After beach time, we utilized the outdoor showers to hose off our chairs, feet, etc. before driving back to our short term rental place. It was a great time. See more..
4.5 Cape Henry Lighthouse (1.292 reviews)
- Go back in history
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses

Dune Restoration Project in Progress The dune at Cape Henry Lighthouse is currently undergoing restoration and the lighthouse tower is temporarily inaccessible for climbing. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2019. During construction, we will remain open with walking tours every hour from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The Lighthouse is situated near the “First Landing” site where English settlers first set foot on their way to settle in Jamestown. Built with the same Aquia sandstone as much of Washington, D.C, the lighthouse guided sea travelers to safety for almost 100 years. The distinctive black and white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 but remains closed to the public. See more..
4.5 First Landing State Park (1.103 reviews)
- Nice safe place to view nature and get some fresh air
State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites

Nature enthusiasts will love this park with 2,700-acres of hiking trails, cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a variety of birds. See more..
4.5 Neptune's Park (558 reviews)
- Awsome Starues and no Charge to View
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

Home of the FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. Neptune's Park adjacent to the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, sports 72,000 square feet of space overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This park is not only home to the Free Summer Concert Series but also lots of special events all year long. Neptune's Park is truly one of a kind and we invite you to see for yourself. See more..
4.5 Mount Trashmore Park (473 reviews)
- Really nice park!
Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Scenic Walking Areas • Playgrounds

My dad has RAVED about Mt. Trashmore since he moved to the area so when I went down to visit I had to check it out. The park has a very interesting history. It’s a very nice park overall...the top of the “mountain” has great views of the skyline and the lake. There’s a really nice walking trail around the lake and the park has adequate parking and facilities. I imagine it would be a great place for locals to picnic and hang out. See more..
4.5 Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (366 reviews)
- A must for Nature Lovers
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

This Virginia Beach wildlife refuge offers visitors hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and nature photography in a completely natural environment. The Refuge grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. The Visitor Center hours of operation are the following: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Tuesday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm Labor Day - Memorial Day: Tuesday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 9am-4pm See more..
4.5 Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum (319 reviews)
- Great stop by the beach
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Coastal history is alive and thriving at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Standing proudly at 24th Street on the Boardwalk, the museum building itself is a Virginia Beach icon on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore lots of fun exhibits and a great gift shop right on the boardwalk! See more..
4.5 Hunt Club Farm (313 reviews)
- Better than expected
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Hunt Club Farm is a one-of-a-kind family-owned and operated farm attraction in Virginia Beach with over 30 acres of farm fun for everyone. Visit our Petting Farm and make friends with our animals, including goats, chickens, cows, sheep, donkeys, llamas, and pigs. Explore our BirdWalk Aviary and have a chat with our precious parakeets and doves. You can even take a pony ride or venture a view of the farm from the trees on our incredible TreeWalk Adventure. There’s fun on every acre and throughout the year, such as our seasonal Farm Market and special agriculturally-themed events featuring a Spring Fling and Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Fair, and our ever-popular Haunted Hunt Club Farm. We also offer field trips and guided tours, birthday and private parties, and for ages 6-12, our fantastic Summer Farm Camp. At Hunt Club Farm, we aim to make your visit a time to remember by offering something for all walks of life and every generation. See more..
4.5 King Neptune Statue on the Boardwalk (299 reviews)
- Larger than you expect and a great stop on the Boardwalk
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Scenic Walking Areas

This statue was very cool to stop and take a photo by during our boardwalk stroll. This statue is huge and there was a short line to take a photo in front of it. We went on a Tuesday so I'm assuming it will be busier on the weekends. See more..
4.5 The Virginia Beach Convention Center (295 reviews)
- Good Place for Shows
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Convention Centers

I go here for the Gem Shows that come through a few times each year. The admission prices are good and the best part is that you do not have to pay to park. The lots also display the number of available spaces when you want to pull in. See more..
4.5 Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Association for Research and Enlightenment (293 reviews)
- Very, very interesting if you care about the subject.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Libraries • Educational sites

Explore the fascinating work of Edgar Cayce, documented psychic and the "father of holistic medicine." Founded in 1931 to research and explore transpersonal subjects such as holistic health, ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, dreams, philosophy, reincarnation, and intuition. Join us daily for free lecture, film and tour. Visit our library, bookstore and gift shop, relaxing meditation garden, or stone labyrinth. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Leaping Lizard Café or relax in our holistic spa. Visit our Web site for a full schedule of events for our non-profit organization. See more..
4.5 Chic's Beach (224 reviews)
- Laid back & lovely
Beaches

A comfortable, local favorite, away from the touristy vibe. We visited in September and it was quite empty on weekdays. Not a very deep beach, but the dunes are beautiful. I felt very safe walking alone after dark. My old dog had a grand time. There weren't a ton of dogs, just enough to keep him entertained. It's cool to watch the container ships pass through the Bay Bridge/Tunnel. See more..
4.5 Naval Aviation Monument (169 reviews)
- Well worth your time
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This monumental exhibit representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard is free, and open 24/7 as it's an outdoor display. Sandwiched between hotels, it's easy to overlook it, but the three service's flags are a clue. Very well done, it's well worth your time. See more..
4.5 Grommet Island Park (162 reviews)
- Fun park in the shade at the beach
Beaches • Playgrounds

Fun place to hang out near 2nd street. The park is very well shaded and right on the beach. There is a parking lot at 2nd street as well. This park is good for all age kids with different levels of risk. Plenty of benches for the parents. I love the spongy floor. See more..
4.5 Naval Air Station Oceana (126 reviews)
- Impressive base
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a beautiful base that is well maintained and kept s cure for the safety of the military members and our country. The NEX and commissary is huge and has everything you need to purchase from gas, food and merchandise. It’s also very impressive to see and here the fighting war jets flying in and out of the base. See more..
4.5 False Cape State Park (126 reviews)
- Amazing experience if you are prepared!
State Parks

Limited to hiking, biking and boating, this state park is formed by a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. See more..
4.5 Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum (106 reviews)
- Beautiful building
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

You can not miss it on the boardwalk. It's. Very beautiful and stunning building on the boardwalk. Take a look at the beautiful pictures I took. 5 stars See more..
4.5 Navy Seal Monument (77 reviews)
- Very nice monument
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This monument is very well done. A gentleman came and was talking out loud in front of it, he wasn’t able to attend a fallen comrades funeral so he was having his say at the monument. It really drives home the why we need these monuments. There even a memorial section for the K-9a who have pass as well. See more..
4.5 Thoroughgood House (55 reviews)
- Excellent Interpretation By Staff. Important Building before it’s era
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

Visit the Thoroughgood House to hear the great success story of Adam Thorowgood, one of Virginia's first colonists. Learn about the house Argall and Susannah Thorowgood built and what makes it so extraordinary. See the special touches added by John Thorowgood and tour the passage and parlor, furnished as they might have been when John lived there. Finally, follow the house in pictures up to the present and find out what-and how-we are continuing to learn about this historic treasure. See more..
4.5 Fort Story Jetty (51 reviews)
- Trash and treasures
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Beaches

Visit the lighthouse but also beach at Fort Story is a very unique place to visit. If you walk from south(parking on 89th st.) to North you will find 1.5 miles of deserted beach and you will transition from the Atlantic to the mouth of the Chesapeake bay. Always plenty of ship traffic coming out of the bay, and today we watch the Harry S. Truman strike group return to port. The 18 rock piles created to stop erosion also have a second feature. As the tides move from the tourist center to the bay all the articles lost by the tourists end up on the beach between the rock breakwater. So if you like to scavenge visit at low tide and you will always find something interesting. Bring an extra bag to pick up trash. See more..
4.5 Chesapeake Bay Distillery (40 reviews)
- Tasting
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

Chesapeake Bay Distillery is a locally owned and operating distillery featuring handcrafted spirits. We offer product tastings and retail sales for our featured products. We currently produce Spirits of the Blue Ridge Vodka, Ghost Pepper Vodka, Chick's Beach Rum, Dr Stoner’s vodka/ whiskey/ rum/ tequila and Cureo coffee liqueur. CBD has been in production since 2005. In 2015, we opened a distillery at the beach with a tasting room open to the public. See more..
4.0 Ocean Breeze Waterpark (407 reviews)
- Fun Park
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Water Parks

Ocean Breeze Waterpark is a family friendly Caribbean destination located 2 miles South of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Featuring over 30 slides and attractions including a million gallon wave pool, the 4 slide monster complex Neptune's Revenge, pirate themed water playground for the littlest Buccaneers, and the quarter mile Adventure River. With FREE Parking, FREE Inner Tubes and FREE Sunscreen you'll get more smiles per gallon with every visit! See more..
4.0 Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (147 reviews)
- Small but mightly museum
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • Art Museums

Virginia MOCA is an ever-changing museum where neighbors, strangers, students, families, communities, and cultures are invited to explore our shared humanity, through locally relevant and nationally resonant, contemporary art that’s exceptional—in all of its timeliness, restlessness and beauty. Virginia MOCA is home to the vibrant art of today as well as welcome to what art can be. We’re rooted in community and we work hard to do right by it—with our eyes on a more expansive art world and compassionate culture. Here, art can be mysterious, but never exclusive. Here, art makes way for us to connect. See more..
4.0 Lynnhaven Mall (105 reviews)
- Still Best mall in Tidewater VA
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

Whether you’re on the hunt for stunning styles or just some good old-fashioned fun and eats—Lynnhaven Mall has got it all. An integral part of Virginia Beach’s coastal city lifestyle, this incredible shopping destination boasts over 120 premier stores, inviting outdoor plazas and unlimited entertainment. Only seven miles from the beach, Lynnhaven Mall is filled with trendy fashions, amazing eateries and top entertainment— well worth the visit for Virginia Beach residents and oceanfront visitors alike. See more..
4.0 Croatan Beach (77 reviews)
- Wonderfully quiet beach!
Beaches

We stayed in the Croatan neighborhood for the week and the beach is beautiful - not crowded at all. There is a surfer area near the inlet, but the rest of the beach is for swimming/beach activities. Dogs are allowed before 10am and after 6pm. The ocean goes to about waist deep fairly quickly, but then is pretty flat for quite a ways out so it makes it easy to play in the waves. Would highly recommend! See more..