Welcome to Virginia Beach (2024)

Boasting varied activities, natural beauty, great food and flat-out fun on the east coast, it only seems fair to share the magic with the world. Welcoming visitors from across the globe, Virginia Beach is where a holiday truly sinks in, giving you a real taste of beach life in the Capital Region.

Welcome to Virginia Beach (1)

Sunrise at Sandbridge Beach

Welcome to Virginia Beach (2)

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins

Welcome to Virginia Beach (3)

Kayaking in the ocean

Welcome to Virginia Beach (4)

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Welcome to Virginia Beach (5)

Sandbridge Beach

Welcome to Virginia Beach (6)

The calm shores of the Chesapeake Bay

Welcome to Virginia Beach (7)

Sunrise at Sandbridge Beach

Welcome to Virginia Beach (8)

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins

Welcome to Virginia Beach (9)

Kayaking in the ocean

Welcome to Virginia Beach (10)

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Welcome to Virginia Beach (11)

Sandbridge Beach

Welcome to Virginia Beach (12)

The calm shores of the Chesapeake Bay

Wondering what to do in Virginia Beach? Look no further!

Here, you can not only explore trails through diverse forests and marshlands, but travel quiet waterways by kayak, meet the high seas by charter boat, conquer the boardwalk by beach cruiser or just rule from the comfort of your beach chair. Like the giant bronze likeness of King Neptune at the oceanfront, this is your kingdom to reign as long as you’re here.

Live entertainment? Yours for free, every summer night. Delectable dishes? On every menu in town. Rare creatures that are wild and free? Dolphins and whales are regular visitors.

Discover what the locals already know: There are plenty of fun things to do inVirginia Beach, making itthe ideal destination for a relaxing, fun-filled holiday. The classic American seaside retreat is right here on Virginia’s south east coast, only a 3.5-hour drive from Washington, D.C., and just 15 minutes from Norfolk International Airport.

What should first-time visitors not miss?

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s hundreds of thousands of gallons of aquaria are home to exotic species, including a few you’d never want to meet anywhere else. Komodo dragons and sharks are your friends here.

You might not expect to find this here:

A vast collection of WWI and WWII flying machines is yours to enjoy at the Military Aviation Museum.

Your child will never forget:

Turning the fastest lap at Motor World Family Thrill Park, maybe. Watching you act like a kid at Ocean Breeze Waterpark, definitely not.

Top photo op:

He’s 11 metres tall and has the bronzed tan of a god. King Neptune awaits your photo op right at the ocean front.

Shopping Heaven:

Love boutiques? Then the Shops at Hilltop are the place for you.

Want to stay up late?

Then go here: Town Center has it all — great food, comedy, theatre, high-end shopping and lots of uptown vibes.

Don’t leave without tasting:

Rockfish, also known as striped bass or striper, is a local favourite.

Must-see museum:

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art offers a constantly changing array of new works, giving you lots to think about and discuss. And they have their own piece by Chihuly.

If you want to fit in:

Keep it casual, people. You’re expected to enter the room with a whiff of sunscreen and kick the sand off on the porch. You’re on beach time now.

Don’t overlook this:

Mid-day boardwalk people-watching is almost as entertaining as morning sunrise-watching and evening star-gazing. There’s just no time of day that this isn’t a great place to be.

Want more? Discover history and beautiful wilderness with a Virginia road trip. Or dive into the numerous other ways to explore Virginia's waters.

Related Events

See All Events

01 Feb 2024 - 29 Feb 2024

FeBREWary

, Maryland

FeBREWary is Maryland's official month-long celebration for craft beer lovers, and with events on tap across the state, it's the perfect time for a beer lover's getaway.

24 Feb 2024 - 03 Mar 2024

Annapolis Restaurant Week

Annapolis, Maryland

More than 40 establishments participate in Annapolis' annual restaurant week each year by offering fixed-price, multi-course menus; some restaurants offer bonus specials.

23 Feb 2024 - 03 Mar 2024

Virginia Wine Expo

Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Wine Expo presented by Publix is Virginia's premier, curated wine and food experience featuring nine days of wine, spirits, and cider paired with local cuisine.

16 Mar 2024

United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington, DC

Washington, District of Columbia

Experience the nation’s capital during the popular Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series.

09 Mar 2024 - 17 Mar 2024

Highland County Maple Festival

Monterey, Virginia

Take a step back in time to Highland County, “Virginia’s Sweet Spot.” Each year, tens of thousands of visitors are drawn to this unspoiled, rural region of Virginia to celebrate the “opening” of th

04 Apr 2024 - 07 Apr 2024

Annapolis Film Festival

Annapolis, Maryland

The 11th Annual Annapolis Film Festival returns with a full slate of more than 100 films from over 35 countries.

20 Mar 2024 - 14 Apr 2024

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, DC’s most anticipated annual festival celebrates the arrival of spring.

18 Apr 2024 - 21 Apr 2024

Virginia International Tattoo

Norfolk, Virginia

In 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival presented the city with what has now become a staple to Norfolk’s performing arts scene: The Virginia International Tattoo.

20 Apr 2024 - 21 Apr 2024

St. Michaels, Maryland

The Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival features artisans from around the country selling coastal and sea-glass related jewellery, home décor, art, and more.

20 Apr 2024 - 27 Apr 2024

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

, Virginia

For one week in April, visitors are invited to tour inspired private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites across Virginia, enjoying our beautiful state at the peak of spring.

26 Apr 2024 - 28 Apr 2024

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

Annapolis, Maryland

With a long sailing tradition in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show rings in the new season by bringing together sailing enthusiasts from around the Mid-Atlantic.

03 May 2024 - 04 May 2024

Flower Mart

Washington, District of Columbia

Since 1939, All Hallows Guild has held Flower Mart as a benefit for Washington National Cathedral’s gardens and grounds.

04 May 2024

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race

Baltimore, Maryland

Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race.

26 Apr 2024 - 05 May 2024

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Winchester, Virginia

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people gather to celebrate the arrival of spring and the apple blossoms blooming in the orchards surrounding the city of Winchester.

17 May 2024 - 18 May 2024

Dominion Riverrock

Richmond, Virginia

Dominion Riverrock is the nation's largest outdoor sports and music festival, bringing athletes, spectators, musicians, and even dogs to Brown’s Island in Richmond, Virginia for a three-day festiv

18 May 2024

Preakness Stakes

Baltimore, Maryland

Experience the fast-paced action and Maryland traditions at the annual running of the Preakness Stakes in downtown Baltimore.

17 May 2024 - 19 May 2024

Mount Vernon, Virginia

Head to Mount Vernon for their most popular event of the year. Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries.

22 May 2024 - 25 May 2024

Hills of Home Festival

McClure, Virginia

This festival is an old-time bluegrass music tradition started by music legend Dr. Ralph Stanley and continuing today in his honour.

25 May 2024 - 27 May 2024

Memorial Day Weekend Concert and Parade

Washington, District of Columbia

This National Memorial Day celebration honours America’s war heroes and those presently serving with a gathering along Constitution Avenue for the annual Memorial Day parade featuring marching band

01 May 2024 - 31 May 2024

Passport DC

Washington, District of Columbia

Passport DC is a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC's thrivinginternational diplomatic community and its lively and varied international culture.Celebrated annually in May, which

08 Jun 2024 - 09 Jun 2024

Frederick Festival of the Arts

Frederick, Maryland

This juried fine art and craft show features over 120 artists from across the country in more than a dozen mediums. Live music and dance performances take place on three stages.

09 Jun 2024

Capital Pride Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival.

12 Jun 2024 - 18 Jun 2024

Baltimore, Maryland

Fleet Week celebrates the rich maritime traditions of the Chesapeake Bay with visiting Navy and local ships as well as a variety of vessels, large and small.

04 Jul 2024

Independence Day Celebration

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the Independence Day celebrations in the nation's capital city!

26 Jun 2024 - 07 Jul 2024

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

26–30 June and 3–7 July

13 Jul 2024

Clustered Spires High Wheel Race

Frederick, Maryland

Come see the Nation's only high wheel bike race. Racers make as many laps as they can on a half mile course in beautiful Downtown Frederick.

24 Jul 2024 - 25 Jul 2024

Chincoteague Pony Swim

Chincoteague, Virginia

The town of Chincoteague is known worldwide for its annual Pony Penning & Auction.

24 Jul 2024 - 28 Jul 2024

Floydfest

Floyd, Virginia

This award-winning 5-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia features more than 100 performers on 8 stages.

02 Aug 2024

Annapolis Crab Feast

Annapolis, Maryland

The Annapolis Crab Feast is all-you-can-eat and drink, including large and #1 male crabs (the big ones) plus Maryland vegetable crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob, beef barbeque sandwiches,

Welcome to Virginia Beach (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6379

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.