OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
VI SIT VI RG I N IAB E ACH .CO M
welcome to
virginia beach W
First Landing State Park
here the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay meet, the coastal city of Virginia Beach promises visitors a unique chance to “Live the Life.” With pristine natural wonders, freshly–caught seafood, freshly–picked local ingredients and a vibrant downtown and arts district, Virginia Beach provides appeal for all visitors, while consistently ranking among the country’s best beach destinations. Explore our districts and get a taste of what your vacation memories will look like. For even more inspiration, visit our website at VisitVirginiaBeach.com.
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Events
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Virginia Beach Districts
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Things To Do
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Outdoor Activities
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Attractions
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Coastal Flavors
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Craft Beer Trail
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Seasonal Fun
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Visitor Services
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Sports
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Meetings
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Connect With Us
Copyright ©2023 City of Virginia Beach - The Virginia Beach Visitor Guide is published by the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and is based on information provided to us. Reproduction of any material appearing within this publication or redistribution of the publication is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of the Virginia Beach CVB. Inclusion in the Virginia Beach Visitor Guide does not represent endorsement by the Virginia Beach CVB. The Virginia Beach CVB is in no way liable for errors or omissions or for damages that might result from reliance on this information. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information as of press time, but all information is subject to change.
Lynnhaven Inlet - Credit: Bill Dickinson @Getty
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ANNUAL events Live! On Atlantic beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) Virginia Beach Oceanfront Concert Series beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) Beach Blanket Cinema beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
Virginia Beach FunkFest Beach Party beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) Labor Day Weekend Oceanfront Concert Series beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) Symphony By The Sea neptunefestival.com (757) 498-0215 NAS Oceana Air Show oceanaairshow.com
North American Sand Soccer Championships sandsoccer.com (757) 368-4600
Flying Proms militaryaviationmuseum.org (757) 721-PROP (7767)
La Fiesta! Virginia Beach beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
SPRING
YNot Wednesdays sandlercenter.org (757) 385-ARTS(2787) Chalk The Walk beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
Shamrock Marathon & 8K Run/Walk shamrockmarathon.com (757) 412-1056 Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week vagardenweek.org Live! On Atlantic beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
Totally Tribute Music Fest beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
July 4 Celebration beacheventsvb.com, vbgov.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
Virginia International PANFest beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
East Coast Surfing Championships surfecsc.com
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Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873)
Something In The Water 2023
SUMMER
Beach Music Weekend beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) Neptune’s Spring Wine Tasting neptunefestival.com (757) 498-0215 Salute to Summer beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) FALL Boardwalk Art Show & Festival virginiamoca.org (757) 425-0000 Neptune’s Fall Wine Festival neptunefestival.com (757) 498-0215 Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend neptunefestival.com (757) 498-0215
WINTER Virginia Beach Farmers Market Santa’s Workshop vbgov.com (757) 385-4388 Holiday Lights at The Beach beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) The Holidays at Town Center vabeachtowncenter.com Virginia Beach Restaurant Week dineinvb.com (757) 513-5954 Winter Wildlife Festival vbgov.com (757) 385-2990 Polar Plunge polarplunge.com (757) 962-1575
Virginia Beach Craft Beer, Bar-B-Que, and Blues beacheventsvb.com (757) 385-SURF(7873) Halloween Town & Treat vabeachtowncenter.com (757) 965-5452 Haunted Hunt Club Farm huntclubfarm.com (757) 427-9520 Santa’s Stocking Old Fashioned Craft Bazaar vbgov.com (757) 385-5970/(757) 385-5950 Virginia Beach Christmas Market emgshow.com (757) 385-2000
Scan the QR code for the latest updates. Events may be added and all events are subject to change.
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A Year-Round
CELEBRATION
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King Neptune - Oceanfront
tanding tall at 34 ft., the majestic bronze statue of King Neptune welcomes locals and visitors alike at the gateway of Neptune Park, located on the boardwalk at 31st Street. The King’s reign over Virginia Beach is reason to celebrate the beach life annually during the Neptune Festival, a commemoration made up of more than 40 events across all three of the city’s beaches during September and October. Enjoy art from around the nation at the Neptune Art & Craft Show; sip local Virginia wines during tasting events; catch a wave; run an 8K; or see how sculptures come to life in the sand during the 10-day International Sand Sculpting Championships.
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Live! on
ATLANTIC F
rom dazzling firework shows and sidewalk chalk masterpieces on the boardwalk, to blow-out concerts and music festivals right by the water, Live! On Atlantic keeps the good times rolling throughout the Oceanfront District all summer long. Enjoy seasonal shows along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue with the FREE Oceanfront Concert Series, as well as a lineup of summer festivals, street entertainment and performances you don’t want to miss. Live! On Atlantic makes the Virginia Beach Oceanfront come alive. The series begins Memorial Day weekend, from 17th to 25th Streets, as well as stages on 17th Street and 24th Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
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explore our
Diverse Districts W
10 Districts
North End Bag Co.
ith multiple beautiful beaches and eclectic districts, each with its own distinct personality, Virginia Beach is so much more than your run-of-the-mill beach town. Every corner of our coastal city offers unique ways to live the life, whether on the ocean or on the bay, or somewhere in between.
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SANDBRIDGE
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andbridge is a relaxing and peaceful community where you can truly slow down and unwind on your vacation. Here are some of our favorite ways to live it up during your stay.
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CHECK IT OUT VACATION RENTALS Sandbridge is the hub of vacation rentals and condos in Virginia Beach. From quaint beach houses to ocean-side retreats, luxury condos and everything in between, Sandbridge offers a variety of stunning beach house rentals for families of all sizes. Local rental companies have everything you need from vacation specials, pet-friendly accommodations, and premium rentals for all budgets and family sizes.
KAYAKING AND STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
The unencumbered beauty of Back Bay makes it one of our favorite places to explore by water. There is no shortage of great local outfitters offering guided kayak and paddleboard tours of both Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. While beginners are welcome on the bay, the ocean tours, launching at Little Island Park, do require experience.
CAMPING AND HIKING Located in southern Sandbridge, False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean offering primitive beachfront camping, where you can camp in near complete isolation right on the beach. With no public vehicle access, False Cape can only be reached by hiking, biking, small boats, or the park’s beach transport and tram services, through the neighboring Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. With 15 hiking and biking trails, varying in length and ranging from easy to difficult, there are many ways to explore one of the last remaining undeveloped areas on the East Coast. We’d recommend navigating the entire 15.3 miles of trails in the park, where you will experience beaches of both an ocean and a bay, dunes, maritime forests, marshes, and wooded swamps, all in one visit.
WILDLIFE VIEWING With 9,175 acres, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is made up of barrier islands, dunes, beach woodland, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches, and is situated on a thin strip of coastline between Back Bay and Atlantic Ocean. More than 300 species call the park home, offering some of the best bird-watching opportunities on the East Coast.
FAT TIRE BIKING If you think navigating a bike down our wide, sandy beaches sounds like an impossible feat, you have to try it out on a fat tire bike, which can be rented from one of the area’s equipment outfitters. From the oceanfront to the Chesapeake Bay, there may be no better view than biking along the water’s edge, and the wide tires of these bikes makes riding on the wet sand as easy as riding on pavement. VisitVirginiaBeach.com 13
top five most instagrammable spots at sandbridge
LITTLE ISLAND PIER 14 Districts
Check out the top five most Instagrammable spots at Sandbridge!
SURF & ADVENTURE CO. KAYAKS
FALSE CAPE STATE PARK
BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
SANDBRIDGE BEACH VisitVirginiaBeach.com 15
OCEANFRONT W
ith its many hotels, dining and entertainment options, the Oceanfront is where the action is. Enjoy live music, street performers, outdoor cafés, hotdog and snow cone vendors on Atlantic Avenue; head to the popular Rudee Inlet marina area for water sports and dining; and explore our famous three-mile boardwalk, which is perfect for rollerblading, jogging or cruising on a fat tire bike. Sunbathers come for the wide, sandy beaches; Surfers come for the waves; and Shoppers come for strolling Atlantic Avenue. And everyone comes for the unforgettable experience of a classic day at the beach.
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3 Spots You Can’t Miss at the Oceanfront The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a hub of cool drinks, good food, and live music, all within a beach cruiser’s ride from our fresh, sandy beaches. From unique shops to unbeatable seafood, this place is a must on any Virginia Beach itinerary. Here are a few of our favorite spots to get you started.
ATLANTIC AVENUE For a mix of eclectic coastal finds and great dining options, it’s hard to beat Atlantic Avenue. From classic beach staples like Sunsations, to charming local boutique clothing and gift shops, Atlantic Avenue has a little something for everyone. For a shopper’s paradise, check out local shop, True Woman, for great styles and reasonably-priced clothing in a variety of sizes and Bargain Beachwear for a huge selection of all of the beach attire you could want at a great price and finish the day with dinner at one of the endless eateries on the strip. For food and fun, you can’t go wrong with Beachside Social, featuring indoor shuffleboard, or the open-air beachside vibes of Ocean 27.
RUDEE INLET At the south end of the Oceanfront, Rudee Inlet is the go-to spot for fishing charters, jet skiing, parasailing and waterside dining. Head out on a charter to reel in a big one, feel the wind in your face as you glide across the water on a jet ski, and catch a seagull’seye-view of the Atlantic Ocean as you fly up in the air parasailing. To complete your seaside adventure in tasty fashion, enjoy seafood done right while overlooking the water at Big Sam’s Raw Bar, Rockafeller’s Restaurant, or Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar.
VIRGINIA BEACH BOARDWALK The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, at the Oceanfront, is a 28-feet wide marvel that stretches three miles, and features a separate bike path, ideal for strolling, rollerblading and biking. Entertainment is offered nightly during the summer months and four oceanfront stages at 7th, 17th, 24th and 31st streets provide live musical acts. Along the boardwalk, there’s a variety of quaint outdoor restaurants and vendors offering bike and surrey rentals. Nautical sculptures adorn many of the side streets which lead to Atlantic Avenue.
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top five most instagrammable spots at the oceanfront
VIRGINIA BEACH BOARDWALK 18 Districts
Check out the top five most Instagrammable spots at Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
THE ICONIC KING NEPTUNE STATUE
VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER
THE VIRGINIA BEACH FISHING PIER
RUDEE INLET BRIDGE
(SEASHORE CATHEDRAL MURAL) VisitVirginiaBeach.com 19
CHESAPEAKE BAY
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Cape Henry Lighthouse
or beachgoers looking for kinder, gentler waves, refuge can be found along the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay, in the community known affectionately to locals as Chic’s Beach. From swimming and building sand castles to dolphin watching and volleyball, all the traditional beach rituals are here in a setting that has a decidedly laid-back vibe. At the end of the day, nothing can beat an evening stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the renowned Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Relaxing. Local. Quintessential Virginia Beach.
A Day in the Chesapeake Bay District 10:00 a.m.
Start your day with a Honey Cinnamon Latte and the Morning Hash at American Brew, located just steps away from the new Lesner Bridge and Canoes art sculpture.
5:30 p.m.
A day of hiking and paddling your way through the Bay area can really build up an appetite. Mermaid Winery, the first urban winery in the state of Virginia, offers over 800 wines from around the world and a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients.
11:00 a.m.
Head East down Shore Drive to First Landing State Park for a morning hike through preserved marshland dotted with towering Bald Cypress Trees adorned with Spanish moss. Opt for the Bald Cypress Trail, a 1.8 mile hike through and around the cypress swamps. After your hike, head across the street to Fort Story Military Base to climb the steps of the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse - the first Federal Construction project approved by the new government following the Revolutionary War. The climb to the top can be a doozy, but the 360° views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are well worth it.
2:00 p.m.
Refuel with a pit stop at Commonwealth Brewing Company, who serves up their mouthwatering craft creations out of an old repurposed firehouse. With ample outdoor patio space, lawn games, and food trucks, this is a great place to spend an afternoon outside.
7:00 p.m.
Head down to Pleasure House Road for a walk along the Chesapeake Bay at Chic’s Beach. After a busy day, you can’t beat relaxing by the water’s edge at sunset. While the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, the angle of the Chesapeake Bay Beach sets you up perfectly to enjoy the sun setting over the water.
9:00 p.m.
Close the night out by catching a show at HK on the Bay, just a couple of blocks off the water. The small, intimate setting puts you right in the middle of the action for some of the best live music around. Enjoy some local beers on tap and dance the night away to some of our favorite local bands.
3:30 p.m.
Head back across the Lesner Bridge to Tula Adventure Sports, where you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for an afternoon spent exploring the creeks and waterways of Broad Bay, including First Landing State Park, which is only a half-mile from where you’ll launch.
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top five most instagrammable spots at the chesapeake bay
FIRST LANDING STATE PARK/CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACH 22 Districts
Check out the top five most Instagrammable spots at Chesapeake Bay.
FIRST LANDING STATE PARK
CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSE
LESNER BRIDGE
FIRST LANDING STATE PARK (BEACH) VisitVirginiaBeach.com 23
PUNGO J
ust a few minutes outside of the windswept dunes of Sandbridge, sits 23,000 acres of farmland known to Virginia Beach locals as Pungo. A drive through this expansive agricultural community delivers a rural serenity and countryside charm that feels worlds away from the bustle of the Oceanfront. Stop along your journey at any one of the area’s roadside stands or, for a truly Pungo experience, pick your own bushel of fresh berries, produce, or even a bouquet of wildflowers.
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VIRGINIA FRUIT & VEGETABLE CALENDAR Apples
Jan - Apr Jul - Dec
Pumpkin Sep - Oct
Beets
May - Nov Raspberries Jun - Jul Aug - Nov Blackberries Jun - Aug
Strawberries Peaches
Apr - Jun
Jul - Aug
Peppers
Jul - Nov
Watermelon Jul - Sep
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top five most instagrammable spots in pungo
MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM 26 Districts
Check out the top five most Instagrammable spots in Pungo!
STRAWBERRY PICKING
NEW EARTH FARM
PUNGO FERRY BRIDGE
MUNDEN POINT PARK VisitVirginiaBeach.com 27
TOWN CENTER A
t the heart of Virginia Beach, Town Center is the place to be for a night of high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment. Discover the perfect setting for a fun family day out or a romantic evening with dinner and drinks. Laugh the night away at the Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant, or relish in live entertainment offered by the Sandler Center of the Performing Arts or Zeider’s American Dream Theatre. End your day with some much-needed rest and relaxation at one of our conveniently located luxury hotels.
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LOCAL’S GUIDE TO TOWN CENTER While nationally recognized brands will bring you in, Town Center is also home to many gems that can only be found locally. Do yourself a favor and check them out.
SHOPPING
With shops like Eclectic Design Florist & Gift, a must-visit for lovers of plants, there’s no shortage of shopping options at Town Center.
RESTAURANTS
Start your day with a nitro brew coffee or juice and a smoothie bowl at Town Center Cold Pressed, whose locallysourced menu is as tasty as it is good for you. With other delicious food options like Saffron Indian Bistro, Zushi Japanese Bistro, Taste Unlimited, Quirks, and Keagan’s Irish Pub, you’ll be eating good for many days to come.
DRINKS
Twist Martini & Associates is the place to be if you’re looking to end your evening with a couple of cocktails. Named after a colonial-era thoroughfare running east to west through central Virginia, the Charlottesville-based brewer, Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery, is a Virginia staple. Now operating a new space out of Town Center, the folks at Three Notch’d have made it their primary goal to align their brews with the rich history of the state. Along with their award-winning flagships and seasonal brews like the 40 mile IPA and the Jack’s Java Espresso Sprout, they also brew in collaboration with local community organizations, so you’ll want to check back often. Oh, the food here is top-notch, too.
DESSERTS
Candy connoisseurs can find some of our favorite local confections at The Royal Chocolate. With their meltin-your-mouth chocolate made right there in the shop, this place is worth a visit for the aromas alone. For a delicious
dessert with a decidedly French twist, Lamia’s Crepes offers tasty crepes made in the true French tradition, created on traditional crepe pans right before your eyes. After you finish your crepe, we recommend heading over to Confetti Caffe & Gelato, for a scoop of mouthwatering homemade gelato. Don’t leave Town Center without stopping by one of the newest additions, Macaron Tart. With all natural, made from scratch, French macarons and tarts, this woman-owned local bakery prepares small batches in-house to ensure that the quality is always high, and it shows in every bite.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is a masterpiece of acoustical engineering that brings acts from all over the world, including national recording artists, world-renowned symphonies and orchestras, and theatrical masterpieces. Featuring a distinctly local experience, Zeiders American Dream Theater is a professional nonprofit theater, with a brand new state-of-the-art performance space, that gives local writers, performers, and artists the perfect platform to inspire artistic expression of all varieties and has become an integral part of the local arts community. For fans of the visual arts, don’t miss the nationally-acclaimed Jones Art Gallery, with original paintings from three generations of the Jones Family, featured on the covers of nine New York Times Best Sellers, including works by John Grisham and Ian McEwan, and receiving artwork credits in over 100 million books to date.
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top five most instagrammable spots at town center
TOWN CENTER FOUNTAIN 30 Districts
Check out the top five most Instagrammable spots at Town Center.
ZEIDER’S AMERICAN DREAM THEATER
TOWN CENTER GARAGE MURALS
SANDLER CENTER AUDITORIUM
TOWN CENTER’S CENTRAL PARK VisitVirginiaBeach.com 31
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Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market
ith a wide selection of boutiques, specialty stores, dining, breweries and entertainment, Inland Virginia Beach offers the perfect pairings to your beach vacation. Relax and unwind at the Founder’s Inn and Spa, see what’s fresh at the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market or Hunt Club Farm, or explore Virginia Beach by shopping your way through it with the Shops at Hilltop or the Lynnhaven Mall.
THINGS TO DO AWAY FROM THE BEACH From creatively-crafted food and eclectic shopping, to unexpected spots for a little TLC, Virginia Beach’s Inland is the perfect complement to your beach vacation. BACK BAY BREW HOUSE FARMHOUSE Back Bay Brew House Farmhouse brings a truly unique beer drinking experience to Virginia Beach. Situated in a restored 1912 inland farmhouse, the brewery offers locally-sourced craft beverages and ciders to our coastal city. With tasting rooms upstairs and downstairs, food trucks, a farmers market and an acre and a half of fig gardens, blueberries, hops and other ingredients that will be used in their beers, this place has it all.
FLOWERING ALMOND SPA
While lounging on the beach can seem like the peak of relaxation, take your R&R up a notch with some pampering at the Flowering Almond Spa, located at The Founders Inn hotel. Treat yourself right and opt for the Flowering Almond Manicure Indulgence, which comes with a relaxing hand massage with anti-aging lotion, nourishing Jojoba oil, and Vitamin E, in addition to the traditional manicure experience.
MOUNT TRASHMORE PARK
Take to the skies with some kite-flying at Mount Trashmore Park, a renowned park that encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skate park and vert ramp, and multi-use paths. The main mountain, Mount Trashmore, now 60 feet in height and 800 feet long, was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil.
THE SHOPS AT HILLTOP
Spend an afternoon perusing the Hilltop area, just a few minutes drive from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. With hundreds of specialty shops, Hilltop is a must-shop. With a selection of over 120 shops, boutiques, and restaurants, The Shops At Hilltop has no shortage of unique, local treasures to take home with you.
TIKI’S
While you may have opted to spend some time away from the beaches, that doesn’t mean you have to fully avoid our coastal vibes. Themed like the traditional tiki bars of the 50s and 60s, Tiki’s mouthwatering, house-crafted classic tiki drinks, and Filipino and Hawaiianinspired menu, will help you end your Inland day the island way.
TOPGOLF
Swing into your day with brunch and a couple rounds of Topgolf. If you’ve never been to Topgolf, you definitely need to give this game a try. No matter how high your handicap is, Topgolf has a variety of games that are enjoyable for any skill level. We like going early - the rounds are cheaper before noon, the crowds are smaller, and their brunch is killer.
WASSERHUND BREWING CO. Refuel with drool-inducing pizza and house-brewed beer at Wasserhund Brewing Company, located within The Shops at Hilltop. We like the smooth, juicy punch of their staple, Doggy Paddle IPA, paired with The Wasserhund—a hand-tossed pizza topped with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and their seasonal beer mustard, made to order in their brick oven.
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top five most instagrammable spots inland
BACK BAY’S FARMHOUSE BREWING CO. 34 Districts
Check out the top five most Instagrammable spots Inland!
MOUNT TRASHMORE PARK
HUNT CLUB FARM
THE FOUNDERS INN AND SPA
STUMPY LAKE NATURAL AREA VisitVirginiaBeach.com 35
VIBE CREATIVE DISTRICT
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Mural at Esoteric Restaurant
he ViBe Creative District serves as a vibrant center for various creative industries in Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront District and encourages local artists and artisans to inspire each other, their crafts and their community. Locals and visitors can soak in the ViBe at one of the district’s monthly First Fridays and watch homegrown ideas come to life, or experience the weekly Old Beach Farmers Market for unmatched local flavor.
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top five most instagrammable
spots at the vibe creative district
VIBE DISTRICT MURALS 38 Districts
Check out the top five most Instagrammable spots at the ViBe Creative District!
“LOVE WORKS” AT THE OCEANFRONT AREA LIBRARY
VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART/ MOCA
MASER’S PERFORMING ARTS STAGE
18TH STREET PARKLET VisitVirginiaBeach.com 39
free (or almost free)
THINGS TO DO N
40 Things To Do
Cape Henry Lighthouse
o matter the time of year, Virginia Beach is always cooking up ways to help you get more bang for your buck. There are a variety of activities that are easy on the budget—from exploring the parks and wildlife to lounging on the sun-drenched beaches. Here are some of our favorite free, or almost free, things to do.
Enjoy the beaches. From the Sandbridge and the Oceanfront beaches along the Atlantic, to Chic’s Beach on the Chesapeake Bay, our beaches are free and open to the public. Hike through First Landing State Park or False Cape State Park. Explore the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Climb to the top of the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first project commissioned by the new Federal Government after gaining independence from England. Rock out to Live! On Atlantic’s free summer concert series, all summer long at the Oceanfront. Stroll through a local farmer’s market, like the Old Beach Farmers Market or the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. Visit one of our many historic homes like the Thoroughgood House (1680) or the Ferry Plantation House (1740). See one of the largest private collections of WWⅠ and WWⅡ era military aircraft in the world at the Military Aviation Museum. Check out the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to learn about contemporary art through regularly scheduled changing exhibits, studio art classes, and special events. Discover the historic DeWitt Cottage, built in 1895 on the Boardwalk. The cottage is now home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. From Thomas Jefferson and Captain John Smith, to Ella Fitzgerald and Patsy Cline, Virginia has been home to many of history’s giants. Check them out at the Virginia Legends Walk, at the oceanfront 13th Street Park.
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a beach for everybody V
irginia Beach is a beach for people of all abilities. Our boardwalk provides accessibility to individuals with varying degrees of mobility to explore the lively strip that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. Ramps are available at each street to take visitors from the boardwalk to the sand and beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and free of charge. JT’S GROMMET ISLAND PARK AND PLAYGROUND Grommet Island, the first beach playground in the country designed specifically for children and adults of all physical abilities, is located right on the sand across from the Rudee Loop. Soft play sculptures, accessible play equipment and cushioned play surfaces on the sand make up this one-of-akind playground.
YMCA AT JT’S CAMP GROM
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JT’s Grommet Island Park and Playground
A short drive from the Oceanfront, Camp Grom was developed specifically for children and adults with differing physical abilities and wounded veterans and their families, as well as the families of fallen war heroes. The 70-acre beach-themed camp boasts an aquatic center, an outdoor lake with fishing, a gym, picnic shelters, a sports field, a water spray park, and an abundance of activities like ropes courses, lakeside trails, swimming, wakeboarding putt-putt, archery and more. The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation spent more than a decade fundraising to open up the camp, in honor of a friend who loved being outside, and the wait was well worth it!
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PET-FRIENDLY
virginia beach Y
44 Things To Do
First Landing State Park
our four-legged family members are always welcomed in Virginia Beach and we want them to enjoy a paw-sitively perfect vacation with you! From the ocean to the bay, and all the dog parks and hiking trails in between, whether swimming, hiking, fetching or joining you for a stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding lesson, we love seeing coastal pets make the most of their visit. Before you travel, be sure to familiarize yourself with the seasonal restrictions and as always, be mindful of keeping your fur-baby on a leash and cleaning up after them.
THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR PET GO FOR A WALK ON THE BEACH OR BOARDWALK Outside of the summer season, dogs are welcomed for a walk at any time on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, and encouraged to get a little sandy off-leash on any of our beaches.
HEAD TO A BREWERY When you’re in need of a pint or two, our breweries are a great place to take the dogs and kick back for a day.
SPEND A DAY AT THE PARK From state park to dog parks, there are plenty of spots to let Fido run off some of that puppy energy.
FETCH A BITE TO EAT You can also grab a bite at various petfriendly patios and doggie decks around the city.
QUICK TIP Pets are welcome to vacation in Virginia Beach all year long. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day weekend, dogs are invited to enjoy the public beaches and boardwalk area anytime. However, during the summer months (Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend), pets are limited to the Oceanfront North End above 42nd Street and the south end of Virginia Beach in the Sandbridge area before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. During the summer season, dogs are only allowed on the boardwalk from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
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A CITY
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8 CHESAPEAKE BAY DISTRICT 1 The Canoes - Donald Lipski 2 Mermaid Winery Mural - OnieTonie
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VIBE CREATIVE DISTRICT 3 ViBe District Murals - Various Artists 4 People and Plants - Maser 5 Tidewater Veterans Memorial - Edward Davis, Audrea Powell, Mary Ellen Clark OCEANFRONT DISTRICT 6 King Neptune - Paul DiPasquale 7 Seashore Cathedral - Giuseppe Percivati 8 The Wave - Jeff Laramore 9 Anticipation - Richard Stravitz INLAND 10 Helping Hands - Aimee Bruce 11 Light Garden - Dale Eldred TOWN CENTER 12 Wings - Lin Emery 13 The Kiss - Gary Alsum
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JARS OF DUST
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PUNGO 3 Military Aviation Museum CHESAPEAKE BAY DISTRICT 4 Commonwealth Brewing Co. INLAND 5 Topgolf 6 Tribal Axe 7 Lynnhaven Mall TOWN CENTER 8 Muse Paint Bar OCEANFRONT DISTRICT 9 Beachside Social 10 The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 11 iFly Indoor Skydiving
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virginia aquarium
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marine science center
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hether you’re an avid marine lover or just enjoy exploring, there’s something for everyone at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Come by and explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums in the country. From hundreds of hands-on exhibits and their Marsh Pavilion, it’s hard to fit all that the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has to offer into just one trip.
50 Things To Do
KOMODO DRAGON
Have boney scales called osteoderms that function as natural chain-mail
MIMIC POISON FROG
Only toxic in the wild, this frog - and other poison dart frogs - get their toxicity from the insects they eat in their natural habitat. In human care, they do not produce toxins
BURRFISH
A member of the puffer fish family, they can use air or water to inflate themselves as a stress or defense mechanism
SPINY SOFTSHELL TURTLE Can stay submerged for 5 hours
HELLBENDER BUBBLE TIP ANEMONE W I T H TO M ATO CLOWNFISH
Also called snot otters, they are the largest salamanders in North America, reaching up to 2.5 feet in length
Have a symbiotic relationship, the anemone provides a home for the fish, while the fish provides food for the anemone
BALD EAGLE
Have nested behind the aquarium for the past several years
TOMISTOMA
Has one of the slimmest snouts of any living crocodilian
U N I C O R N TA N G
They have modified scales near their tail that are very sharp and serve as blades
BOARFISH
ZEBRA SHARK
Can be found at depths of 700 meters (2,300 feet)
LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE (BIG MAMA)
The sea turtles can see visitors through the viewing window, and are trained to touch a target
Can reproduce without breeding, technically “cloning” themselves
STOMACH CONTENTS OF A DOLPHIN
Ear bones from fish that the dolphin has eaten show where the dolphin has been
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where to shop TOWN CENTER Town Center is a shopaholic’s dream with stores like Lululemon Athletica, Monkee’s of Virginia Beach, Free People, and Ann Taylor Loft, as well as local options like Eclectic Design Florist & Gift and Mrs. Bones Boutique Pet Shop.
ATLANTIC AVENUE Located at the Oceanfront, Atlantic Avenue offers a mix of eclectic coastal finds, from classic beach staples like Sunsations to charming local boutique clothing and gift shops.
THE SHOPS AT HILLTOP A quick drive from the boardwalk, The Shops at Hilltop offers a selection of over 120 shops, boutiques, and restaurants, from unique, local treasures to brand names we all know and love.
VIBE CREATIVE DISTRICT For some one-of-a-kind local flair to take home with you, from custom, hand-painted artwork to locally crafted leather bags, this artist’s haven is a true Virginia Beach shopping experience.
LYNNHAVEN MALL
52 Things To Do
PlantHouse
With a variety of premier stores to choose from, inviting outdoor plazas and a newly renovated Food Court, Lynnhaven Mall is a fun-filled way to spend the day for the whole family.
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outdoor
ADVENTURE
C
54 Outdoor Activities
First Landing State Park
oastal waters, beautiful parks and great fishing make Virginia Beach the ideal vacation for any outdoor lover. Home to one of the last great salt marsh habitats on the East Coast with hundreds of miles of inland waters, thousands of acres of parks and countless trails, and the largest estuary in the U.S. in the Chesapeake Bay, this is much more than a seashore vacation. Whether you’re on one of our beaches or deep within the canopied forest of our state parks, there’s an open invitation to paddle, bike, hike, surf and swim your way to your best vacation yet.
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Oceanfront
ith miles of beautiful coastline and meandering waterways, Virginia Beach is home to an aquatic playground of fun and adventure. Whether you float above the waves on a parasailing excursion, drop in on a surfing session, or ride the currents with a variety of boating activities, getting on the water is never a problem. So paddle, sail, cruise, swim, or walk out to our beautiful waters and start living the life, aquatic-style.
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4
ways to get on the water
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING Hop aboard a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and explore one of the last great salt marsh habitats on the East Coast. Rent equipment from a local outfitter, and let the adventure begin.
KAYAKING Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore our waterways. Whether you have your own or opt to rent from a local outfitter, it’s easy to get in a kayak and get going in Virginia Beach.
PARASAILING For a completely new perspective, and spectacular views of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Rudee Inlet is a great place to take-off for parasailing tours. If you haven’t experienced the serenity that comes with floating 1,000 feet above the water, there’s no better time than now to try it!
SURFING
56 Outdoor Activities
Lake Rudee
Considered by many to be the birthplace of East Coast surfing, the spirit of surfing runs deep in Virginia Beach. Whether you’re a novice, a “grommet” or a seasoned pro, catching one of our swells is a must.
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there’s no off–season for in virginia beach
fishing V
irginia Beach and its neighboring waters are home to a multitude of freshwater, brackish and saltwater fishing opportunities. With the food rich Chesapeake Bay adjoining the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, a long list of fish are abundant throughout the year.
DOLPHIN May – Oct., Peak Season: July – Sept. Found in offshore ocean waters.
YELLOWFIN TUNA May – Nov., Peak Season: June – Oct. Found in offshore ocean waters. FLOUNDER March – Nov., Peak Season: April – Oct. Found in Chesapeake Bay and Rudee Inlet. 58 Outdoor Activities
RED DRUM March – Nov., Peak Season: May – June, Aug. – Oct. Found in Chesapeake Bay.
STRIPED BASS (ROCKFISH) Jan. – Dec., Peak Season: May – June & Sept. – Jan. Found in all coastal inshore and Chesapeake Bay waters.
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hether you’re looking to drive, chip, putt or ride around in the golf cart holding the cooler, Virginia Beach has what you need to make sure your game stays on par. With more than 198 holes of golf from which to choose, Virginia Beach has something for every handicap, including courses and holes designed by some of the legends of the game. Here is where to find some of the best golfing in Virginia Beach. GOLF COURSES The City of Virginia Beach offers five public golf courses, all of which are leased and privately operated and managed, including Red Wing Lake, Bow Creek, Kempsville Greens, Stumpy Lake, and Virginia Beach National. Virginia Beach National, designed by golf greats Pete Dye and Curtis Strange, is a former Tournament Players Club (TPC) course that is now available for anyone to play.
TOPGOLF For those who spend more time in the hazards than on the green, swing into your day with brunch and a couple rounds of Topgolf. If you’ve never been to a Topgolf, you definitely need to give this game a try. No matter how high your handicap is, Topgolf has a variety of games that are enjoyable for any skill level. We like going early. The rounds are cheaper before noon, the crowds are smaller, and their brunch is killer. The chicken and waffle sliders and a couple of classic mimosas are enough to power us through a round or two. While you are technically outside, Topgolf is completely covered and open for business rain or shine, making it the perfect option when your usual round of 18 gets rain-checked.
©Lovelyday12 / Adobe Stock
MINI GOLF If putting around is more your speed, look no further than the Oceanfront District, which has many miniature golf options that everyone in your group will enjoy. Whether you prefer to play golf among the waterfalls and palm trees of Shipwreck Golf and Pirates Paradise Mini Golf, on a safari at Jungle Golf Virginia Beach, or even test your luck in one of our blacklight indoor mini golf options, we have you covered.
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explore
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hether you’re into invigorating hikes, adventurous trails or scenic routes, Virginia Beach’s state parks, wildlife refuges and miles of protected beaches are sure to have you craving the great outdoors. At First Landing State Park, you can hike through seven distinct ecosystems. In fact, this registered Natural Landmark was the site of the settlers’ first landing in 1607 and has since become Virginia’s most visited state park. Walk along 1.5 miles of beachfront and stop to take in the beauty of dunes, tidal marsh and the maritime forest; or follow 20 miles of interpretive hiking, running and biking trails through protected habitats, including one of the most endangered habitat types in the world, the maritime forest community. Along each trail within the 2,888-acre park, you’ll encounter a different scene, from freshwater ponds and Spanish moss to stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay.
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False Cape State Park
Farther south in Sandbridge Beach, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides incredible scenic hikes along several trails through dunes, woodland, marshes and ocean beaches. Given its remote location, the park has become a haven for loggerhead sea turtles, peregrine falcons and bald eagles, all of which you’ll have the opportunity to encounter as you explore the 9,175-acre refuge—a local favorite! Feeling extra adventurous? Hike through the refuge to reach False Cape State Park, accessible only by foot or by boat. Featuring six miles of pristine beaches, False Cape is a wildlife watcher’s delight and a destination for more than 300 species of birds, including a snow geese population of 10,000.
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First Landing State Park
62 Outdoor Activities
4 hiking trails to
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hether you’re into invigorating hikes, adventurous trails or breathtakingly scenic routes, our state parks, wildlife refuges and miles of beaches are all ready to be explored. BALD CYPRESS TRAIL
For a scenic hike through the enchanting cypress swamps, Bald Cypress Trail offers a 1.8-mile loop, including several boardwalks and platforms overlooking the low wetlands. This trail features an abundance of wildflowers throughout, and is ideal for all experience levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail while on a leash. The trailhead is located at the park’s trail center, accessed through the south entrance off of Shore Drive, which is the main hub for accessing the nine interpretive trails running through First Landing’s seven distinct ecosystems.
CAPE HENRY TRAIL
This six-mile trail is the longest within First Landing State Park, stretching from the park’s northern border to the southernmost entrance off of Atlantic Avenue. Accessible to both hikers and bicyclists, and running parallel to Shore Drive, the Cape Henry Trail passes through an old-style beach neighborhood where salt boxes sit comfortably next to contemporary renovations. The flat trail, shaded in places by pine and live oak trees, is perfect for avid bird watchers; you’ll see osprey and egrets, and maybe even an elusive eagle. The trail heads through the park, past the beaches of the secluded narrows, and connects at the northern tip of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
PLEASURE HOUSE POINT NATURAL AREA
With over 118 acres of pristine maritime forests, marshland and beaches, the Pleasure House Point Natural Area includes three sandy trails that are a must for visiting hikers. Each soft trail can be easily completed by hikers of all skill levels in an hour or two. The natural area’s location between the Lynnhaven River and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, make this natural sanctuary a beautiful place to spend the day.
STUMPY LAKE LOOP
Totaling 1.5 miles in length, the Stumpy Lake Loop overlooks the beautiful Stumpy Lake, and is perfect for hiking, walking, trail running and nature trips. The Stumpy Lake Natural Area is located along the south central city boundary with Chesapeake, and features a 278-acre lake with a raised overlook, 174-acre golf course, with more than 970 acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake and 1.65 miles of soft shared-use trails.
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1 FIRST LANDING STATE PARK Features 200 campsites, including sites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins.
2 FALSE CAPE STATE PARK Offers primitive camping right on the beach. Can only be reached by hiking, biking, small boats, and the park’s tram service.
3 VIRGINIA BEACH KOA CAMPGROUND Quick drive from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Includes sites for tents, RVs, and both deluxe and rustic cabin options. 64 Outdoor Activities
4 HOLIDAY TRAV-L-PARK Features over 700 traditional camping sites, RV space, and 44 rustic cabins. Includes 18-hole miniature golf course, swimming pools, and dog park.
5 NORTH BAYSHORE CAMPGROUND Quick drive from Sandbridge Beach and surrounded by the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Includes sites for tents, RVs, as well as both cabin and pop-up rentals. Enjoy a boat ramp to Back Bay with rentals of canoes, kayaks and rowboats.
©Sorapop / Adobe Stock
camp
5 places to in virginia beach
cycle your way through
the city
SURREY BIKE
Location: Oceanfront Tip: With a dedicated bike lane alongside the boardwalk, surreys are meant to be shared with your closest family and friends.
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irginia Beach has over 200 miles of bikeways and trails, not counting trails in our 230+ parks and natural areas. Here’s our advice for the best location for your favored bike.
BEACH CRUISER
Location: Inland/Red Mill Tip: Using sidewalks, dine around daytime by bike through Red Mill Commons or head to New Realm Brewery.
ROAD BIKE Location: Inland/Surrounding Areas Tip: Don’t try this alone: friendly Saturday group rides are a must with rides for all paces. Take some cash for a post-ride coffee shop party.
FAT TIRE BIKE
Location: False Cape State Park Tip: Low tide is the best for riding on compact sand.
TIME TRIAL BIKE
Location: Pungo Tip: A 50-mile, flat bike loop on country roads is perfect for interval training. Test your small gear climbing skills on Pungo Ferry Bridge... if you dare.
MOUNTAIN OR CYCLOCROSS BIKE
Location: First Landing State Park Tip: Be on alert for soft sand, occasional tree roots and friendly hikers and runners on Cape Henry Trail. Share the trail! VisitVirginiaBeach.com 65
TOP 10 PLACES for sunrise & sunset
Oceanfront - Northend
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o see the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean and set over the Chesapeake Bay, in the same day, is an experience that is uniquely Virginia Beach. Whether you are using a camera or camera phone, you’re guaranteed to get the perfect sunrise and sunset shots at these places. SUNRISE
A sunrise in Virginia Beach is a sight you won’t soon forget. With the world still sound asleep, the show is about to begin—and you have a front-row seat. Sandbridge Beach Watch through the dancing sea oats on the dunes of Sandbridge, as the waking sun glistens on the morning surf. Whether you take in the daybreak on the Little Island Pier, on the beaches of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or relaxing on the deck of your vacation rental, you really can’t go wrong here.
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King Neptune Statue For the quintessential Virginia Beach shot, we love getting King Neptune himself in the foreground with the colors of the sunrise peeking out from behind him. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier Like King Neptune, the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a local icon that makes for a great sunrise photo. Whether you actually take your shot on the pier, or you get the silhouette of the pier from further down the beach, this always makes for a great picture. Oceanfront Hotels Although you can always get a great shot by standing on the beach or boardwalk, the perspective that comes with our oceanfront hotel balconies will bring it to the next level - literally. Croatan Beach What sets Croatan Beach apart from the others is that this beach is a favorite of our local surfers, who often head out before the sun comes up to catch the waves.
SUNSET After a busy day, you can’t beat a walk along the water’s edge at sunset. While the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, the angle of the Chesapeake Bay Beach sets you up perfectly to enjoy the sun setting over the water. Chic’s Beach Whether taking an evening stroll or setting up a beach chair to take in the show, this is the easiest spot to capture that unforgettable sunset shot in Virginia Beach. Chesapeake Bay Get the perfect shot of the last light of day by dropping a paddle board or kayak into the water and floating right up to it. Be sure to capture the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in the background for a classic Virginia Beach touch.
Rudee Inlet With the bridge in the foreground and the boats of the marina against the sunset in the background, this is one of our favorite marina sunset shots. Broad Bay At favorite local eateries like the Back Deck, Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse, and Chick’s Oyster Bar, you can enjoy a sunset with a side of fresh seafood and delicious drinks while sitting out over the water in the Chesapeake Bay District. The Narrows The tapering waterway bordering First Landing State Park, known to Virginia Beach locals as The Narrows, is one of our favorite hidden spots to snap a beautiful shot over the water.
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explore our at tractions
Scan the QR code to find a complete list of attractions in Virginia Beach.
Come rain or shine, and throughout the year, there’s always fun to be had in Virginia Beach. Discover all the attractions our coastal city has to offer.
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OUTDOORS
Coastal waters, beautiful parks and great fishing make Virginia Beach the ideal vacation for any outdoor lover.
OUTDOORS
GUIDED BOAT & ECO TOURS MOORE TO SEE PHOTO EXPEDITIONS PRIVATE BOAT TOURS (757) 401-2583 mooretosee.com
PATRIOTIC EXCURSIONS $ (757) 785-0060 patrioticexcursions.com
RUDEE TOURS
$
$
Dolphin Discovery (Apr.-Oct.) Whales & Wildlife (Dec.-Mar.) Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Blvd. (757) 385-FISH VirginiaAquarium.com
THE NATURE BUS $ (757) 288-9595 thenaturebus.com 68 Attractions
TOWN CENTER
GUIDED KAYAK TOURS
SETH BROUDY SCHOOL OF SURF
GO KAYAK $ (757) 235-4859 gokayakvb.com
(757) 286-7384 sethbroudyschoolofsurf.com
SURF & ADVENTURE CO.
KAYAK NATURE TOURS, LTD. $
(757) 721-6210 or (800) 695-4212 surfandadventure.com
(757) 480-1999 kayaknaturetours.net
TULA ADVENTURE SPORTS
SURF & ADVENTURE CO.
2100 Marina Shores Dr. (757) 502-8852 tulasports.com
$
VB SURF SESSIONS
$
$
$
(757) 422-8823 waveridingvehicles.com $
LYNNHAVEN BOAT RAMP & BEACH FACILITY $ 3576 Piedmont Cir. (757) 460-7590
MUNDEN POINT PARK
717 General Booth Blvd. (757) 385-0400 Opt. 2
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD & SURF LESSONS 17TH STREET SURF SHOP
ADVENTURE PARASAIL & RUDEE INLET JET SKI $
PIRATE PARASAIL $ (757) 985-7000 parasailvirginiabeach.com
OWL CREEK BOAT RAMP
(757) 422-6105 17thst.com
WATER SPORTS 300 Winston Salem Ave. (757) 428-4614 beachparasail.com
$
2001 Pefley Ln. (757) 426-5296
(757) 343-3560 paddleboardvb.com
$
WAVE RIDING VEHICLES
64th St. (757) 412-2300 VirginiaStateParks.gov
RUDEE INLET STAND UP PADDLE
$
(757) 633-5330 vbsurfsessions.com
FIRST LANDING STATE PARK $
VIRGINIA AQUARIUM SEA ADVENTURES $
ECO IMAGES $ 4132 Blackwater Rd. (757) 406-0061 wildwoodsfarm.us
PUNGO VIBE
BOAT RAMPS
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Blvd. (757) 385-3474 VirginiaAquarium.com
GUIDED TOURS
INLAND
CHESAPEAKE BAY SANDBRIDGE
(757) 721-6210 or (800) 695-4212 surfandadventure.com
200 Winston Salem Ave. (757) 425-3400 rudeetours.com
VIRGINIA AQUARIUM OCEAN COLLECTIONS
OCEANFRONT
$
VIRGINIA BEACH WATER SPORTS (757) 389-8868 vabeachwatersports.cruises
FISHING
FISHING CHARTERS $
DOCKSIDE SEAFOOD AND FISHING CENTER 3311 Shore Dr. (757) 481-4545 fishingvabeach.com
$
$
FISHERMAN’S WHARF MARINA
$
524 Winston Salem Ave. (757) 428-2111 fishermanswharfmarina.com
INLET STATION MARINA
$
227 Mediterranean Ave. (757) 422-2999
LONG BAY POINTE MARINA
PROVIDENCE PARK
VIRGINIA SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT $ (757) 491-5160 mrc.virginia.gov
RED MILL FARMS PARK
4005 Sandpiper Rd. (757) 301-7329 fws.gov
THE MARINA AT MARINA SHORES
FIRST LANDING STATE PARK
VIRGINIA BEACH FISHING CENTER
$
200 Winston Salem Ave. (757) 491-8000 or (800) 725-0509 virginiafishing.com
2500 Shore Dr. (757) 412-2300 VirginiaStateParks.gov
CITY PARKS
Learn more at vbgov.com/parks
BAYVILLE FARMS
PIER FISHING LITTLE ISLAND PARK FISHING PIER
$
3820 S. Sandpiper Rd. (757) 385-7324 vbgov.com/parks
4132 1st Court Rd. (757) 460-7569
BEACH GARDEN PARK 2854 Kilbourne Ct. (757) 385-0400
$
15th St. (757) 428-2333 vabeachfishingpier.com
FISHING TOURNAMENTS VIRGINIA BEACH TUNA TOURNAMENT $ (757) 640-8500 vbtuna.com
CITY VIEW PARK 2073 Kempsville Rd. (757) 385-0400 GREAT NECK PARK 2513 Shorehaven Dr. (757) 385-0400
LITTLE ISLAND PARK
VIRGINIA BEACH OPEN MARLIN TOURNAMENT $
3820 Sandpiper Rd. (757) 385-7324
(757) 652-8409
LYNNHAVEN PARK
ANNUAL “WINE, WOMEN, FISHING” LADIES ONLY CHARITY BILLFISH TOURNAMENT $
1246 Bayne Dr. (757) 385-0400
(757) 200-9463 cbwc.org
MARSHVIEW PARK 120 Marshview Dr. (757) 385-0400
MT. TRASHMORE PARK 310 Edwin Dr. (757) 385-2995
MUNDEN POINT PARK 2001 Pelfley Lane (757) 426-5296
$
WILLIAMS FARM PARK 5269 Learning Circle (757) 385-0400
WOODSTOCK PARK
$
5709 Providence Rd. (757) 385-0400
4001 Sandpiper Rd. (757) 426-7128 VirginiaStateParks.gov
$
2100 Marina Shores Dr. (757) 496-7000 marinashoresmarina.com
(757) 652-8409 vbbt.com
1398 General Booth Blvd. (757) 437-2038
BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
FALSE CAPE STATE PARK
1900 Sandbridge Rd. (757) 385-0400
RED WING PARK
NATIONAL/STATE
RUDEE TOURS $ 200 Winstion Salem Ave. (757) 425-3400 rudeetours.com
VIRGINIA BEACH BILLFISH TOURNAMENT $
952 Reon Dr. (757) 385-0400
PARKS
$
2109 W. Great Neck Rd. (757) 321-4550 longbaypointemarina.com
VIRGINIA BEACHFISHING PIER
MID-ATLANTIC ROCKFISH SHOOTOUT $ (757) 778-5468 midatlanticrockfishshootout.com
$
GOLF COURSES BOW CREEK MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
$
3425 Clubhouse Rd. (757) 431-3763 • golfvb.com
CYPRESS POINT GOLF CLUB
$
5340 Club Head Rd. (757) 490-6300 cypresspointcc.com
HELLS POINT
$
2700 Atwoodtown Rd. (757) 721-3400 • hellspoint.com
HERON RIDGE
$
2973 Heron Ridge Rd. (757) 426-3800 heronridge.com
HONEY BEE GOLF CLUB
$
2500 S. Independence Blvd. (757) 471-2768 honeybeegolf.com
KEMPSVILLE GREENS
$
4840 Princess Anne Rd. (757) 474-8441 • golfvb.com
RED WING LAKE
$
1144 Prosperity Rd. (757) 437-2037 • golfvb.com
STUMPY LAKE
$
4797 Indian River Rd. (757) 467-6119 stumpylakegolf.com
VIRGINIA BEACH NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
$
2500 Tournament Dr. (757) 563-9440 vbnational.com
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CULINARY
When fresh seafood meets local fruits and vegetables, the result is a coastal food experience that’s uniquely Virginia Beach.
FARMS & MARKETS Some farms and markets are seasonal; call for hours and availability. BAY BREEZE FARMS 1076 Sandbridge Rd. (757) 689-1505
CULLIPHER FARM MARKET 772 Princess Anne Rd. (757) 721-7456 cullipherfarm.com
HENLEY FARMS 3484 Charity Neck Rd. (757) 426-6869
OLD BEACH FARMERS MARKET 19th St. & Cypress Ave. Outside Croc’s 19th St. Bistro (757) 486-0469 oldbeachfarmersmarket.com
VIRGINIA BEACH FARMERS MARKET 3640 Dam Neck Rd. (757) 385-4388 vbgov.com/farmersmarket
YNOT WEDNESDAYS? FREE SUMMER CONCERTS & FARMERS MARKET 201 Market St. sandlercenter.org
BREWERIES/DISTILLERIES/ WINERIES BACK BAY BREWING CO. 614 Norfolk Ave. (757) 531-7750 backbaybrewingco.com
BACK BAY FARMHOUSE BREWING CO. 1805 Kempsville Rd. (757) 904-3183 farmhousebrewingva.com
OCEANFRONT
INLAND
CHESAPEAKE BAY SANDBRIDGE
PUNGO VIBE
TOWN CENTER
BEACH VODKA/VIRGINIA BEACH DISTILLING
THIN BREW LINE
1375 Oceana Blvd. #142 beachvodka.com
1375 Oceana Blvd. #124 (757) 937-8613 thinbrewline.com
CHESAPEAKE BAY DISTILLERY 437 Virginia Beach Blvd. (757) 498-4210 chesapeakebaydistillery.com COMMONWEALTH BREWING CO. 2444 Pleasure House Rd. (757) 305-9652 commonwealthbrewingcompany.com
DEADLINE BREWING PROJECT 2272 W Great Neck Rd. #2268 (757) 502-4980 deadlinebrewingproject.com
MERMAID WINERY 4401 Shore Dr. (757) 233-4155 mermaidwinery.com NEW REALM BREWING 1209 Craft Ln. (757) 302-8550 newrealmbrewing.com PLEASURE HOUSE BREWING 3025 Shore Dr. (757) 496-0916 pleasurehousebrewing.com
REAVER BEACH BREWING COMPANY 1505 Taylor Farm Rd. (757) 563-2337 reaverbeach.com
SMARTMOUTH PILOT HOUSE 313 32nd St. (757) 624-3939 smartmouthbrewing.com/vb
TARNISHED TRUTH DISTILLERY The Cavalier, 4200 Atlantic Ave. (757) 965-9652 tarnishedtruth.com
70 Attractions
Scan the QR code to find a list of restaurants in Virginia Beach.
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THREE NOTCH’D BREWING CO. 4561 Virginia Beach Blvd. (757) 916-8080 threenotchdbrewing.com
WASSERHUND BREWING CO. 1805 Laskin Rd., Ste. 102 (757) 351-1326 wasserhundbrewing.com
YOUNG VETERANS BREWING CO. 2505 Horse Pasture Rd., #104 (757) 689-4021 yvbc.com
TOURS PLEASURE HOUSE OYSTER FARM TOURS 3211 Lynnhaven Dr. • (757) 663-6970 pleasurehouseoysters.com
TASTE VIRGINIA TOURS 425 West Plantation Rd. (757) 340-8687 tastevirginia.com
ViBe District
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Scan the QR code to learn more about arts & entertainment in Virginia Beach.
Take in a show, take home a masterpiece. Local arts provide plenty of inspiration.
VISUAL ARTS 21ST STREET ART GALLERY 615 N. Birdneck Rd., #105 (757) 491-2943 21streetartgallery.com
BEACH GALLERY 313 Laskin Rd., #104 (757) 428-3726 beachgallery.com
JONES ART GALLERY 184 Central Park Ave. (757) 557-6868 jonesart.com OCEAN ART GALLERY 3500 Virginia Beach Blvd., #101 (757) 425-1670 oceanart.com
RICHARD STRAVITZ FINE SCULPTURE AND ART GALLERY 1217 Laskin Rd. (757) 305-9411 stravitzartgallery.com
VIBE CREATIVE DISTRICT
REGENT UNIVERSITY THEATRE
16th to 24th Streets between Pacific and Parks Avenues vibecreativedistrict.org
1000 Regent University Dr. (757) 352-4245 regent.edu/theatre
VIRGINIA BEACH ART CENTER
SANDLER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
532 Virginia Beach Blvd (757) 425-6671 artcentervb.org
VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA) $ 2200 Parks Ave. (757) 425-0000 virginiamoca.org THE RESORT AREA Along the Boardwalk from 2nd through 40th Streets
$
201 Market St. (757) 385-2555 sandlercenter.org
VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS AMPHITHEATER $ 3550 Cellar Door Way (757) 368-3000 livenation.com VIRGINIA MUSICAL THEATRE
$
201 Market St., (757) 340-5446 vmtheatre.org
PERFORMING ARTS LITTLE THEATRE OF VIRGINIA BEACH 550 Barberton Dr. (757) 428-9233 ltvb.org
$
$
ZEIDERS AMERICAN DREAM THEATER 4509 Commerce St. (757) 499-0317 thez.org
$
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FAMILY & KIDS
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Classic beach amusements and top attractions mean good times for the whole family. THE ADVENTURE PARK AT VIRGINIA AQUARIUM $ 801 General Booth Blvd. (757) 385-4947 myadventurepark.com
ATLANTIC FUN PARK
$
$
JUNGLE GOLF
PIRATES PARADISE MINI GOLF
$
FFX FAMILY FUN EXPERIENCE THEATRE 206 16th St. (757) 797-4020 ffxshow.org
2388 London Bridge Rd. (757) 427-9520 huntclubfarm.com
$
2412 Pacific Avenue (757) 754-4359 iflyworld.com/virginia-beach
$
717 General Booth Blvd. (757) 385-FISH (3474) VirginiaAquarium.com
VIRGINIA BEACH GUIDED HORSEBACK RIDE $ 26th St on the Beach (fall/winter season) (757) 289-5470 virginiabeachhorseback.com
310 Edwin Dr. (757) 385-2995 (park) vbgov.com
2008 Atlantic Ave. (757) 428-FEAR (3327) youwillscream.com
10th St. and 31st St. at the oceanfront
VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER $
MOUNT TRASHMORE PARK & SKATE PARK
NIGHTMARE MANSION
$
PLAYGROUNDS ON THE BEACH TOPGOLF $ 5444 Greenwich Rd. (757) 544-9217 topgolf.com/us/Virginia-beach
700 S. Birdneck Rd. (757) 422-6419 vbmotorworld.com
$
$
2109 Pacific Ave. (757) 422-9822 piratesparadiseminigolf.com
MOTOR WORLD SHIPWRECK GOLF $
$
849 General Booth Blvd. (757) 422-4444 oceanbreezewaterpark.com
LIVE! ON ATLANTIC Along Atlantic Ave. and the Boardwalk (757) 385-SURF (7873) beacheventsvb.com
4317 Bonney Rd. (757) 228-7577 escaperoomvirginiabeach.com
72 Attractions
OCEAN BREEZE WATERPARK
213 25th St. (757) 422-1742 kingneptunesminigolf.com
$
Scan the QR code to find a complete list of things to do with kids in Virginia Beach.
TOWN CENTER
KING NEPTUNE’S INDOOR/BLACKLIGHT 3-D MINI GOLF $
$
ESCAPE ROOM VIRGINIA BEACH
iFLY VIRGINIA BEACH
PUNGO VIBE
302 23rd St. (757) 425-7240 junglegolf.com
701 Lynnhaven Pkwy (757) 785-3500 daveandbusters.com
HUNT CLUB FARM
CHESAPEAKE BAY SANDBRIDGE
100 2nd St. (757) 385-0400 vbgov.com
233 15th St. (757) 422-0467 atlanticfunpark.com
DAVE & BUSTER’S
INLAND
JT’S GROMMET ISLAND BEACH PARK & PLAYGROUND
ADVENTUREWORKS WETLAND ZIPLINE 1304 Prosperity Rd. (757) 216-9891 adventureworks.com APEX ENTERTAINMENT 4621 Columbus St., #100 (757) 678-8666 apexentertainment.com
OCEANFRONT
VIRGINIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME $
283 Constitution Dr., Suite 303 (Admin office) (757) 800-1555 vasportshof.com
Military Aviation Museum
HISTORIC SITES
Scan the QR code to learn more about museums and historic sites in Virginia Beach.
From early American exploration to today’s air power, you’re in for an interesting look back in Virginia Beach. ATLANTIC WILDFOWL HERITAGE MUSEUM / DEWITT COTTAGE $ 1113 Atlantic Ave. (757) 437-8432 awhm.org
FLAME OF HOPE MEMORIAL/NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA
PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY TRAINING SCHOOL/ UNION KEMPSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM
815 Oceana Blvd. (757) 433-2366
5100 Cleveland St. (757) 385-5100 museumsvb.org
BATTLE OF THE CAPES MONUMENT
3131 Virginia Beach Blvd. (757) 385-5100 museumsvb.org
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story*
BILL MYERS VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK 1000 block of 19th St.
CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSES
(Tour $)
FRANCIS LAND HOUSE
$
THOROUGHGOOD HOUSE
KING NEPTUNE 31st St. and the Boardwalk
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story* 583 Atlantic Ave. 23459 (757) 422-9421 preservationvirginia.org
LYNNHAVEN HOUSE
CAPE HENRY MEMORIAL CROSS
1341 Princess Anne Rd. (757) 721-7767 militaryaviationmuseum.org
EDGAR CAYCE’S A.R.E. – ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT 215 67th St. (757) 428-3588 edgarcayce.org
4136 Cheswick Ln. (757) 473-5182 ferryplantation.org
$
NAVAL AVIATION MONUMENT PARK 25th St. between the Boardwalk and Atlantic Ave.
NAVY SEAL MONUMENT 38th St. and the Boardwalk
$ NORWEGIAN LADY STATUE 25th St. and the Boardwalk
*Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story is a military base. Public entrance is located at 89th St. and Atlantic Ave. Valid picture ID, car insurance, registration and vehicle search are required. No firearms.
$
2040 Potters Rd. (757) 491-3490 virginiabeachhistory.org (Open Wed. in July & August)
4409 Wishart Rd. (757) 385-5100 museumsvb.org
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story*
FERRY PLANTATION HOUSE
UPPER WOLFSNARE
$
MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM
$
1636 Parish Rd. (757) 385-5100 museumsvb.org
VIRGINIA BEACH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL 35th St. and the Boardwalk
VIRGINIA BEACH SURF & RESCUE MUSEUM
$
2401 Atlantic Ave. (757) 422-1587 vbsurfrescuemuseum.org
VIRGINIA LEGENDS WALK 13th St. Park WHITEHURST-BUFFINGTON HOUSE
$
2441 N. Landing Rd. (757) 427-1151 wbhouse.org VisitVirginiaBeach.com 73
WELLNESS
Salt air, sea breezes and sunshine - taking the “work” out of “workout” is easy on vacation in Virginia Beach.
SPAS
CHESAPEAKE BAY SANDBRIDGE
PUNGO VIBE
TOWN CENTER
SURFER’S HEALING 5K
$
surfershealingvb.org
PRINCESS ANNE ATHLETIC COMPLEX
THE BEST BODY CO.
$
WAREING’S GYM
5641 Indian River Rd. (757) 366-5790 foundersinn.com
VIRGINIA BEACH FIELD HOUSE
YOGA & FITNESS
36th St. and Oceanfront
$
$
$
$
POLAR PLUNGE (757) 962-1575 polarplunge.com
2734 Virginia Beach Blvd. (757) 486-5002 studio8hotyoga.com
SHAMROCK MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND 8K (757) 412-1056 shamrockmarathon.com
INLET FITNESS CENTER $
2101 West Great Neck Rd. (757) 412-0600 inletfitness.com
NASSC SAND SOCCER (757) 368-4600 sandsoccer.com
JIM WHITE FITNESS $
ALLEN STONE MEMORIAL RUN/SWIM/RUN AND 5K allenstonememorial.com
(757) 412-1056 wicked10k.com
tidewaterstriders.com
SPORTING EVENTS $
(757) 498-0215 neptunefestival.com
TURKEY TROT 10K
(757) 575-1218 yoga-rx-vb.com
1952 Laskin Rd., Ste. 507 (757) 428-0099 hothouseyogi.com
STUDIO 8 HOT YOGA
YOGA RX
NEPTUNE 8K, 5K RUN
WICKED 10K
2044 Landstown Centre Way (757) 427-2990 beachsportsplex.com
HILLIER IGNITE FITNESS PARK
EAST COAST SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP AND 5K surfecsc.com
KOMEN TIDEWATER RACE FOR THE CURE 5K komen.org
2020 Landstown Centre Way (757) 427-3955 beachfieldhouse.com
VIRGINIA BEACH SPORTSPLEX
$
1080 Nimmo Pkwy (757) 301-9695 blissyogavb.com
848 First Colonial Rd. (757) 422-4728 jimwhitefit.com
$
700 19th St. (757) 491-0700 wareingsgym.com
FLOWERING ALMOND SPA AT FOUNDERS INN $
HOT HOUSE YOGA
$
4001 Dam Neck Rd. (757) 385-0478 vbgov.com/departments/parks-recreation
700 19th St. (757) 428-2639 thebestbodyco.com
74 Attractions
INLAND
616 Virginia Beach Blvd. #104 (757) 233-8000 oceanfrontyoga.com
215 67th St. (757) 457-7202 arehealth.org
BLISS YOGA
OCEANFRONT
OCEANFRONT YOGA
A.R.E. HEALTH CENTER & SPA $
Scan the QR code to learn more about spas, health & wellness in Virginia Beach.
KEY
SURF-N-SANTA 5 MILER (757) 412-1056 surfnsanta5miler.com
COASTAL VIRGINIA
Williamsburg, Norfolk and a host of interesting destinations are a short drive away.
ENTERTAINMENT AMERICAN ROVER $ Norfolk , Harbor sailing tour. (757) 627-7245 americanrover.com BUSCH GARDENS /WATER COUNTRY USA $ Williamsburg (757) 229-4386 buschgardens.com watercountryusa.com
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SMITHFIELD “PORCINE PARADE” WALKING TOUR (757) 357-5182 genuinesmithfieldva.com
NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN $ (757) 441-5830 norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
CITY CRUISES BY HORNBLOWER $ Lunch and dinner harbor cruises. (866) 304-2469 cityexperiences.com/norfolk
VICTORY ROVER NORFOLK $ Norfolk Naval base cruise. (757) 627-7406 navalbasecruises.com
VIRGINIA ZOOLOGICAL PARK $ Norfolk (757) 441-2374 virginiazoo.org
PERFORMING ARTS THE AMERICAN THEATRE $ Hampton (757) 722-2787 (ARTS) hamptonarts.org
CHRYSLER HALL $ Norfolk (757) 664-6464 sevenvenues.com
FERGUSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS $ Newport News (757) 594-8752 fergusoncenter.org
SUFFOLK CENTER FOR THE CULTURAL ARTS $ (757) 923-0003 suffolkcenter.org
ATLANTIC UNION BANK PAVILION $ Portsmouth (757) 393-8181 pavilionconcerts.com
VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL $ (757) 282-2800 vafest.org
VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA $ (757) 892-6366 virginiasymphony.org
HISTORY AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN $ & JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT $ Yorktown (757) 253-4838 jyfmuseums.org
NORFOLK TIDES AAA BASEBALL $ Harbor Park (757) 622-2222 milb.com/norfolk
MUSEUMS & LANDMARKS
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG $ (888) 965-7254 colonialwilliamsburg.com
CASEMATE MUSEUM AT FORT MONROE $
HISTORIC JAMESTOWNE $
CHESAPEAKE PLANETARIUM $
(757) 856-1250 historicjamestowne.org
SHOPPING MACARTHUR CENTER Norfolk (757) 627-6000 shopmacarthur.com
NORFOLK PREMIUM OUTLETS (757) 447-0011 premiumoutlets.com
WILLIAMSBURG PREMIUM OUTLETS (757) 565-0702 premiumoutlets.com
OUTDOORS CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE $
Hampton (757) 637-7778 fortmonroe.org (757) 547-7827 cpschools.com
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA $ Portsmouth (757) 393-5258 childrensmuseumvirginia.com
CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART Norfolk (757) 664-6200 chrysler.org
HAMPTON ROADS NAVAL MUSEUM (757) 322-2987 history.navy.mil
MACARTHUR MEMORIAL Norfolk (757) 441-2965 macarthurmemorial.org
MARINERS’ MUSEUM & PARK $
Eastern Shore (757) 336-6122 fws.gov
Newport News (757) 596-2222 marinersmuseum.org
GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE $
NASA WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY
Suffolk (757) 986-3705 fws.gov
NEWPORT NEWS PARK $ (757) 926-1400 nnparksandrec.org
Eastern Shore (757) 824-1404 nasa.gov
NAUTICUS / BATTLESHIP WISCONSIN $ Norfolk (757) 664-1000 nauticus.org
NORTHWEST RIVER PARK & C AMPGROUND
SUFFOLK SEABOARD STATION RAILROAD MUSEUM
Chesapeake (757) 421-7151 cityofchesapeake.net
(757) 514-4135 suffolktrainstation.com
WINDSOR CASTLE PARK
VIRGINIA AIR AND SPACE SCIENCE CENTER $
Smithfield (757) 542-3109 windsorcastlepark.com
SPORTS LARRY KING LAW’S LANGLEY SPEEDWAY $ Hampton (757) 865-RACE (7223) langley-speedway.com
NORFOLK ADMIRALS ECHL ICE HOCKEY $ Norfolk Scope (757) 640-1212 norfolkadmirals.com
Hampton (757) 727-0900 vasc.org
VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM $ Newport News (757) 595-1900 thevlm.org
VIRGINIA WAR MUSEUM $ Newport News (757) 247-8523 newportnewshistory.org VisitVirginiaBeach.com 75
savor our
coastal flavors W
ith its location on the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay, our coastal community makes for a seafood-centric culinary culture, which boasts a wide array of unique restaurants and delectable fare. With the famously rich waters of the Bay, hundreds of inlets snaking through the city and miles of farmland, Virginia Beach is the place for seafood and locally harvested ingredients, and that’s only the beginning. From a growing brewery network and our legendary Lynnhaven oysters, to local chefs who are constantly pushing what it means to be farm-to-table and sea-to-table, our culinary scene is truly something to be savored. WE LOVE OUR SEAFOOD
76 Coastal Flavors
Chicks Oyster Bar
It’s during the fall and winter months that this seafood craze gets even fresher. December and January are the peak seasons for rockfish (striped bass), striper, black sea bass, flounder, speckled trout and blueline tilefish—all available within 50 miles! That’s not surprising though, since the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay is considered to be the largest and most biologically diverse estuary in the U.S., yielding more seafood than any of the country’s other 840 estuaries, making us – and all seafood-lovers – incredibly lucky.
VisitVirginiaBeach.com 77
Pleasure House Oysters
78 Coastal Flavors
5 iconic virginia beach
flavors you have to try
I
n Virginia Beach, the salty brackish water is home to an amazing array of sea life; the soil is sandy and perfect for growing many edible treasures; and the beach cocktails flow like the mighty Lynnhaven River. The main hallmarks of our coastal cuisine are fresh, seasonal, and simply prepared ingredients, often sourced from our own rich farmlands. While we’re proud of the diversity of our culinary scene, sometimes you just have to play the hits.
1
OYSTERS Once coveted by the English aristocracy for its size and salinity, the famous Lynnhaven Oyster is a local legend that we can’t get enough of, no matter the season. Captain John Smith himself described the bounty of the area saying “oysters lay as thick as stones,” with the Bay and rivers containing more sturgeon “than could be devoured by dog or man.” There may not be the numbers there were in Smith’s day, but the local oyster population is on the rise and we are all the better for it. Hop aboard a Pleasure House Oysters boat tour and taste an oyster plucked straight from the water beneath you, or order them how you like them from one of our area’s many seafood restaurants.
VisitVirginiaBeach.com 79
2
SHE-CRAB SOUP She-crab soup is a staple of our coastal cuisine here in Virginia Beach. From the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic to the numerous local restaurants that feature it on their menu, this dish is everywhere—and for good reason. When in the Sandbridge area, grab a cup at Margie & Ray’s Seafood, Crab & Raw Bar. A local’s staple since 1964, their she-crab soup has been voted the favorite in Tidewater more than once.
80 Coastal Flavors
3
SOFT SHELL CRAB Soft shell crabs are blue crabs whose hard exterior shells have molted, and they are found in abundance in the warming waters of the Chesapeake Bay, starting in the spring. While legend has it that they begin molting after the first full moon of May, the local soft shell crab season typically starts in mid-April or early May each year, and lasts through September. Whether you enjoy them lightly fried, beneath a perfectly-poached egg, or atop a spicy bloody Mary (like on the popular Bloody Blue at Bay Local Eatery) there’s no shortage of delicious ways to sink your teeth into these mouth-watering delicacies.
VisitVirginiaBeach.com 81
4
ORANGE CRUSH
82 Coastal Flavors
The Shack on 8th
What better way to cool off during the hot summer months than with a refreshing fruity spirit? Virginia Beach is known for Orange Crushes, and if you’ve visited us before, there is a good chance you’ve already tried one. With its freshlysqueezed OJ, triple sec, and Sprite there is no turning back. They’re like fries, you can’t have just one. This perfect summer drink first originated at Waterman’s Surfside Grille, but can be found on menus all throughout the city at places like Chix Seaside Grille and Bar and The Shack on 8th.
5
FRESH PUNGO BERRIES Just a few minutes outside of the windswept dunes of Sandbridge, sits 23,000 acres of farmland known to Virginia Beach locals as Pungo. A drive through this expansive agricultural community delivers a rural serenity and countryside charm that feels worlds away from the bustle of the Oceanfront. Stop along your journey at any one of the area’s roadside stands or, for a truly Pungo experience, pick your own bushel of fresh and local favorites like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
* Henley Farms
P I C K -Y O U R - O W N Our Pungo community is a dynamic part of our beach culture. With 16 pickyour-own farms located just a short drive from the beach, you can pick your own bushel of fresh berries, produce, or even a bouquet of wildflowers and be back at the beach by dinner.
VisitVirginiaBeach.com 83
VIRGINIA BEACH
beer trail
T
he ever-expanding craft beer scene in Virginia Beach is overflowing with unique flavors. From juicy IPAs bursting with hops to complex barrelaged sours, there’s a beer, and a brewery, for everyone. The Virginia Beach Beer Trail is about celebrating all of our great local breweries and brews, from the Chesapeake Bay District to the Oceanfront, one pint at a time. Cheers!
VA BEACH
Oceanfront 1
BACK BAY BREW HOUSE BEACH HOUSE 614 Norfolk Ave • (757) 531-7750 backbaybrewingco.com
2 3
SMARTMOUTH BREWING PILOT HOUSE 313 32nd St • (757) 624-3939 smartmouthbrewing.com/vb
inland
VIBRANT SHORE BREWING COMPANY 505 18th St • (757) 428-2949
1
THE BUNKER BREWPUB 221 21th St • (757) 227-4250
2
farmhousebrewingva.com
vibrantshorebrewingcompany.com
4
bunkerbrewpub.com
TOWN CENTER 1
chesapeake bay 1
3 4 5
PLEASURE HOUSE BREWING 2032 Pleasure House Rd • (757) 496-0916
6
84 Craft Beer Trail
THIN BREW LINE BREWING COMPANY 1375 Oceana Blvd • (757) 937-8613 thinbrewline.com
COMMONWEALTH BREWING COMPANY 2444 Pleasure House Rd • (757) 305-9652
pleasurehousebrewing.com
REAVER BEACH BREWING COMPANY 1505 Taylor Farm Rd • (757) 563-2337 reaverbeach.com
commonwealthbrewingcompany.com
2
NEW REALM BREWING COMPANY 1209 Craft Ln • (757) 302-8550 newrealmbrewing.com
THREE NOTCH’D BREWING COMPANY 4561 Virginia Beach Blvd • (757) 916-8080 threenotchdbrewing.com
BACK BAY BREW HOUSE FARMHOUSE 1805 Kempsville Rd • (757) 904-3183
WASSERHUND BREWING COMPANY 1805 Laskin Rd #102 • (757) 351-1326 wasserhundbrewing.com
YOUNG VETERANS BREWING COMPANY 2505 Horse Pasture Rd #104 • (757) 689-4021 yvbc.com
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1608 CRAFTHOUSE (Chesapeake Bay)
ESOTERIC (ViBe Creative District)
SHOREBREAK PIZZA & TAPHOUSE (Chesapeake Bay)
WHISKEY KITCHEN (Inland)
CRAFT BURGER BAR (Chesapeake Bay)
BARREL 17 (ViBe Creative District)
HEARTH WOOD FIRE CUISINE & CRAFT BEER (ViBe Creative District)
WARRIORS TAPHOUSE (Oceanfront)
YARD HOUSE (Town Center)
SHOREBREAK PIZZA & TAP HOUSE (Pungo) VisitVirginiaBeach.com 85
Pleasure House Brewing
BACK BAY BREW HOUSE BEACH HOUSE
PLEASURE HOUSE BREWING
BACK BAY BREW HOUSE FARMHOUSE
Oceanfront 614 Norfolk Ave (757) 904-3183 backbaybrewingco.com
Chesapeake Bay 2032 Pleasure House Rd (757) 496-0916 pleasurehousebrewing.com
Inland 1805 Kempsville Rd (757) 904-3183 farmhousebrewingva.com
Back Bay Brew House Beach House is a favorite hangout for locals and is a great place to spend an afternoon sampling some small-batch brews. This cozy, laid-back brewery is brought to the next level by the rustic, industrial interior by Benevolent Design Co., a local company located nearby in the ViBe Creative District. This is the place to come to be treated like a regular and just have a good time.
Pleasure House Brewing is what it would be like if you had friends who had a brewery in their house - and they were masters of making great beer. This place is unassuming, cozy, and just plain fun. Their beers are constantly changing and when they’re out, they’re out. Grab a glass, choose a game from the many they offer, and enjoy a night drinking good beer with good friends.
One of our most unique breweries comes from the folks at Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Co., and brings a beer-drinking experience that you can only get in Virginia Beach. Operating out of a restored 1912 farmhouse, the aptly-named Farmhouse Brewing offers locally-sourced beers and ciders, and even select wines. With tasting rooms upstairs and downstairs, food trucks, a farmers market and an acre and a half of gardens, this place has it all. Outside, pets are welcome and you can enjoy lawn games, with stunning views of the farmhouse yard and the gardens.
amenities Family-Friendly 86 Craft Beer Trail
Occasional Food Trucks
Pet-Friendly
On-Site Kitchen
Commonwealth Brewing
COMMONWEALTH BREWING
VIBRANT SHORE BREWING CO.
THE BUNKER BREWPUB
Chesapeake Bay 2444 Pleasure House Rd (757) 305-9652 commonwealthbrewingcompany.com
OceanFront 505 18th St (757) 428-2949 vibrantshorebrewingcompany.com
Oceanfront 221 21st St (757) 227-4250 bunkerbrewpub.com
Commonwealth is also a favorite local hangout, but for the Chic’s Beach crowd. Draining their taps out of an old renovated firehouse, this place is open and inviting, especially on nice days when they open the garage doors that lead to their outside seating. Come for the food trucks, patio space (where pets are welcome), corn hole, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Come back for the ever-changing selection of deliciously-creative, expertly brewed beers. You’ll want to sample as many as you can here.
Pouring out of the ViBe Creative District, our newest brewery stays true to the artisan spirit of their neighbors by blending the fine art of brewing with locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable, nature-friendly brewing operations. Vibrant Shore features a consistently rotating menu of unique microbrews, including seasonal specials and a variety of flagship staples. On the nicer days, don’t miss out on their second floor mezzanine and hidden rooftop beer garden!
The Bunker Brewpub is located at the heart of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This brewery, restaurant, and live music venue is an original creation by Young Veterans Brewing Company. At The Bunker, they focus on the perfect trifecta… food, craft beer, and live music. Contrary to the name, The Bunker is anything but a dark cramped venue. During the day, the space is filled with copious amounts of natural light provided by six bay doors and storefront windows. By night, the restaurant is filled with warm inviting patio lights, and the smell of delicious food circling the air. VisitVirginiaBeach.com 87
Wasserhund Brewing Co.
REAVER BEACH BREWING CO.
THREE NOTCH’D BREWING
NEW REALM BREWING CO.
Inland 1505 Taylor Farm Rd (757) 563-2337 reaverbeach.com
Town Center 4561 Virginia Beach Blvd (757) 916-8080 threenotchdbrewing.com
Inland 1209 Craft Lane (757) 302-8550 newrealmbrewing.com
This cozy brewery is a favorite for many locals with its neighborhood bar-like atmosphere and delicious rotating beers. While all of their beers are worthy of a tasting, their sours deserve special recognition. Reaver Beach, owned and operated by a husband and wife team, specializes in hopforward ales and wild fermentation in oak, and their expertise in these areas shines through. This place is cool, creative and just all around delicious.
Named after a colonial-era thoroughfare running east to west through central Virginia, this Charlottesville-based brewer is a Virginia staple. Now operating a new space out of Town Center, the folks at Three Notch’d have made it their primary goal to align their brews with the rich history of the state. Along with their award-winning flagships and seasonal brews like the 40 mile IPA and the Jack’s Java Espresso Stout, they also brew in collaboration with local community organizations, so you’ll want to check back often. Oh, the food here is top-notch, too.
While New Realm is an Atlanta-based brewery, they became a staple of our local brew scene when they opened their second location in Virginia Beach. The spacious tap room and 44,000 sq. ft. outdoor beer garden make this a great place to spend an evening sampling a huge assortment of locally-brewed beers. The pet-friendly outdoor space is filled with lawn games, bocce ball, fire pits and regular live music, which make for a truly enjoyable brewery experience.
88 Craft Beer Trail
SMART MOUTH BREWING CO.
YOUNG VETERANS BREWING CO.
Oceanfront 313 32nd St (757) 624-3939 smartmouthbrewing.com/vb
Inland 2505 Horse Pasture Rd #104 (757) 689-4021 yvbc.com
When Smartmouth Brewing Company, from nearby Norfolk, announced they were opening up a second location at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, we could hardly contain our excitement, and they haven’t disappointed. Their Pilot House is an old post office that has been fully renovated into a smallbatch brewery with big, bold, flavorful beers. After a day at the beach you can drop in for the refreshing Alter Ego Saison or one of their creative limited or seasonal offerings, and enjoy it in their loading-dock-turned-outdoorpatio, where pets are welcomed and food trucks are often found.
This veteran-owned, military-themed, brewery is a must visit for veterans and non-veterans alike. As if the creative and tasty brews weren’t enough reason to visit, the WWII-themed artwork for each beer, prominently displayed on the walls, makes this worth the trip in its own right. It doesn’t hurt that the staff also knows their stuff and will get you set-up with the perfect beer for your preferences every time. When in doubt, we recommend the refreshing Pineapple Grenade Hefeweizen.
WASSERHUND BREWING CO.
THIN BREW LINE
Young Veterans Brewing Co.
Inland 1375 Oceana Blvd (757) 937-8613 thinbrewline.com
Thin Brew Line serves an original lineup of craft beer in a taproom that salutes our First Responders and Frontline Workers. Founded by former police officers and family members, their passion guides everything from their beer to their community involvement.
Inland 1805 Laskin Rd #102 (757) 351-1326 wasserhundbrewing.com Wasserhund is a German-inspired brew pub in the Inland Hilltop area and is a great joint to get your pizza and beer fix, both of which are can’t-misses here. Their flights are huge and very customizable, so taste as many of their house-brewed beers as you want. Also, if you leave here without trying their Jumbo Beer Pretzel, with beer cheese or German mustard, or one of their house-made pizzas, you’re doing it wrong. VisitVirginiaBeach.com 89
virginia beach
distilleries CHESAPEAKE BAY DISTILLERY ViBe Creative District 437 Virginia Beach Blvd • (757) 498-4210 • chesapeakebaydistillery.com
Operating out of an old iconic surf shop, The Chesapeake Bay Distillery is serving up vodka and rum that are distilled and bottled in-house. The distillery is known for spicy Ghost Pepper Infused Vodka and Mutiny Island Vodka, the world’s first breadfruit vodka featuring tasting notes of honeydew, banana, and citrus, this place is truly a paradise for connoisseurs of the clear elixir. Drop by their tasting room to sample each spirit on its own, or in a prepared cocktail shooter, such as a Lemon Drop or a Bloody Mary.
TARNISHED TRUTH DISTILLING COMPANY Oceanfront District 4200 Atlantic Ave • (757) 965-9652 • tarnishedtruth.com
The Cavalier Hotel’s Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, is the country’s first craft distillery to be located inside of a hotel. The small batch distillery’s dynamic portfolio includes their signature Old Cavalier Bourbon, Tarnished Truth High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Tarnished Truth Bourbon Mash Moonshine, Fourth Handle Coastal American Gin, Old Cavalier Bourbon Cream, and AVA Vodka, all of which can be enjoyed in the Hunt Room and Becca or by taking a bottle home with you. Tarnished Truth also offers private and hourly tours, flight tastings, and a private room for dinners, cocktail classes, and special occasions.
WATERMAN SPIRITS Oceanfront District
712A Atlantic Ave • (757) 904-1338 • watermanspirits.com It all started as an idea to enjoy with friends and family not only be delicious in taste, but clean in how it’s made. Filtered with coral that’s sourced with the environment in mind, flavored with natural products, and made with certified organic corn, Waterman Spirits is a new drinking experience uniquely made for you.
BEACH VODKA/VIRGINIA BEACH DISTILLING Inland Beach Vodka was born along the Atlantic coastline where the sand dunes meet the ocean. Locally owned by two best friends, building Beach Vodka together has become the perfect way for them to share their love of the beach life. Being at the beach is as much as a feeling as it is a destination. Beach Vodka is made from corn-based ingredients which gives it a softer smoother finish. 90 Craft Beer Trail
Waterman Spirits
1375 Oceana Blvd, Suite 142 • beachvodka.com
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4
seasons of fun
W
92 Seasonal Fun
Oceanfront
ith “Beach” in our name, long, hot days spent soaking in the sun and surf between Memorial Day and Labor Day might be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to our seaside city. While our pristine beaches and abundant natural waterways make us an ideal summer destination, the fun doesn’t stop when the days grow shorter. In fact, it is in the cooler months that much of our coastal culture truly comes alive. With year-round mild temperatures, ample winter wildlife adventures, seasonal coastal cuisine, and a decidedly more “local” vibe, you can live the life in Virginia Beach year-round.
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fun. beachy.
Summer
94 Seasonal Fun
First Landing State Park
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunbathing—are you picking up on a trend here? The sun is out and that means summer vacation season is in full swing. Grab a friend or the whole family and claim your spot on the sand. There’s plenty of beach to choose from and even more chances to live the life with us in Virginia Beach all summer long. Make this the summer of you! See you on the sand.
crisp. colorful.
fall
Town Center Central Park
Fall is our favorite season to get outside and explore. From our beautiful parks, trails and waterways to the delicious, fresh seafood and unmatched fall festivals, it is the season to unleash your inner child and dive into the leaf pile. The craft beer, fresh produce from local farms and ridiculously beautiful ocean sunrises don’t hurt either.
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coastal. cool.
winter
96 Seasonal Fun
Oceanfront
‘Tis the season to trade your snow shovel for a Virginia Beach vacation and fill your days with slurping down fresh oysters, plucked straight from the water beneath you, riding horses on the beach, and paying a visit to our largest annual guests - humpback whales! When you have a whole coastal city at your fingertips, a winter getaway to the beach is the gift that keeps on giving.
lively. beautiful.
spring
Red Wing Park
As the days grow longer, that can only mean one thing: spring is in the ocean air. Vacation season is in full bloom in Virginia Beach, bringing with it plenty of new adventures, like fresh, local produce to be picked, miles of pristine coastline to be explored, and dolphin-filled waterways to kayak. We hope you packed your appetite for new adventures because spring has sprung.
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The Cavalier Beach Club
98 Visitor Services
visitor services VIRGINIA BEACH ACCOMMODATIONS Scan the QR code for a list of places to stay in Virginia Beach.
VIRGINIA BEACH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS Stop in for information about attractions, special events, dining and accommodations to help enhance your visit. Virginia Beach operates two centers year-round except for fall and winter holidays and two seasonal information kiosks located at the Oceanfront.
VIRGINIA BEACH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 2100 Parks Avenue at the end of I-264 East HOURS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
CHESAPEAKE BAY CENTER First Landing State Park
HOURS 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from mid-June until Labor Day
SEASONAL INFORMATION KIOSKS
17th Street and the Boardwalk, 24th Street and Atlantic Avenue located in the Oceanfront Resort Area. Call (757) 385-SURF (7873) or (800) VA BEACH (822-3224) for more information.
PETS
Pets are welcome to vacation in Virginia Beach all year long. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day weekend, dogs are invited to enjoy the public beaches and boardwalk area anytime. However, during the summer months (Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend), pets are limited to frolic on the north end of Virginia Beach above 42nd Street and the south end of Virginia Beach in the Sandbridge area before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. During the summer season, dogs are only allowed on the boardwalk from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call (757) 385-4444 for more information.
SURFING, IN-LINE SKATING AND SKATEBOARD REGULATIONS
These regulations vary throughout the community in both location and time. For specific skateboard, in-line skating, and surfing regulations, call (757) 385-3111.
LIFEGUARDS
Lifeguards are on duty between 1st through 41st Streets in Resort Beach and at Croatan, Little Island Park and Sandbridge beaches. HOURS 9:30 a.m. to dusk daily from mid-May to mid-September VisitVirginiaBeach.com 99
Little Island Pier
INTERNATIONAL INFO • Electricity voltage is 110. • Virginia Beach offers general information brochures printed in French, German, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese. To request a brochure, call (757) 385-SURF (7873) or (800) VA BEACH, or visit the Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center at the end of I-264 East at 2100 Parks Avenue. • It is recommended that you exchange your currency at your port of entry.
CITY REGULATIONS Virginia Beach is a pleasant family destination, and we strive to maintain an atmosphere of good, clean fun. You can assist us in this effort by obeying our state and local ordinances, just as you would at home. Check the "Know Before You Go" page at VisitVirginiaBeach.com for more information.
BEACH ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PARKING Parking is free for up to 4 hours at all metered spots for vehicles with a handicapped license plate or windshield placard. Designated off-street parking for people with disabilities is available at all municipal lots and garages with fee.
100 Visitor Services
BEACH ACCESS Access via ramps for the disabled are located at every beach access from 2nd to 80th Streets. Wooden ramps that take you onto the beach are located at 8th, 17th, 24th and 30th Streets, along with Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground, the first fully-accessible beach playground. Water edge access cannot be guaranteed at all wooden walkways due to weather and the condition of the beach. Ramps are extended as far as possible given the condition of the beach and time of year. Beach wheelchairs are available in the Oceanfront Resort Beach on a first-come, first-served basis from mid-May to mid-September. Call (757) 385-SURF (7873) or (800) VA BEACH (822-3224) for more information.
MUNICIPAL PARKING The oceanfront resort area contains more than 2,900 offstreet municipal parking spaces and 671 on-street metered spaces. Parking meters have a three-hour time limit, enforced April 1–Oct. 31. Municipal parking lots are located at Rudee loop (3 lots), 19th Street and Pacific Avenue, and at Croatan and Sandbridge beaches. Municipal parking garages are located between Atlantic and Pacific Avenues on 9th and 30th Streets and between Pacific and Arctic Avenues on 25th Street. Municipal parking lots and garages charge a daily fee. Special hourly, weekly and monthly rates are available at various locations in the resort area. Overnight parking is available at the 9th, 25th and 30th Street garages.
Sandbridge Municipal Lot, Sandbridge Market and Little Island Park at Sandbridge offer a total of 937 parking spaces and offers meter parking and contactless payment options. Paid parking is seasonal, beginning May 1st through September 30th. No charge for parking October 1st through April 30th. Town Center has five garages totaling over 4,380 spaces available for public use. There are 86 on-street spaces. Parking is FREE at Town Center; however, there are many areas inside the garages and on-street with a two-hour time restriction (this is strictly enforced). Entrances to Town Center parking garages are located on Market Street, Central Park Avenue, Town Center Drive, and Constitution Drive. Call (757) 385-2900 or visit vbgov.com/parking for more information.
THE VB WAVE TROLLEY Operated by Hampton Roads Transit, the VB Wave Trolley makes it easy to experience the Oceanfront Resort Beach area. The VB Wave Shuttle makes stops along Atlantic Avenue, Aquarium and Campgrounds along General Booth Blvd and Shore Drive corridor up to Pleasure House Road
REGIONAL VISITOR CENTERS Chesapeake
Smithfield (757) 357-5182
Eastern Shore
Suffolk
Hampton
Virginia Beach
(888) 889-5551 (757) 331-1660 (800) 800-2202 Jamestown
(757) 856-1250 Newport News (888) 493-7386 Norfolk
(800) 368-3097 Portsmouth
(757) 514-4130 (800) VA BEACH (8223224) Virginia Tourism (800) 847-4882 Williamsburg
(800) 447-8679 Colonial Williamsburg
(888) 965-7254
(757) 393-5111
in Virginia Beach.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS Permanent public restrooms are adjacent to the boardwalk at 2nd, 17th, 24th, 30th and 31st Streets. The restrooms at 2nd, 24th and 31st Streets are open year-round. These restrooms do not contain changing facilities. There are restrooms with changing facilities at Croatan Beach, First Landing State Park, Little Island Park, and a changing station at 2nd Street by the Boardwalk.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Scan the QR code to learn more.
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ALL ROADS LEAD TO
virginia beach From the West: I-64, U.S. 460 or U.S. 58; From North & South: I-85, I-95, U.S. 17 or U.S. 13. These intersect with I-64 which connects with I-264 East, leading directly to the oceanfront. For stress-free scenic routes, such as U.S. 13 over the C hesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com.
Amtrak service available to the region, www.amtrak.com, (800) 872-7245. Bus service provided by Greyhound, www.greyhound.com, (800) 231-2222. Recreational boaters can travel as far south as Miami and north to Boston via the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. For more information on local marinas, call (800) VA BEACH.
Norfolk International Airport is 30 minutes from the Oceanfront and is serviced by most major U.S. carriers, www.takeorf.com, (757) 857-3351. Newport News/ Williamsburg International Airport, www.NNWairport.com, (757) 877-0221, also services the area.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN VIRGINIA BEACH Air (Highs)
Air (Lows)
Water
Air (Highs)
Air (Lows)
Water
Jan.
50°F/10°C
32°F/0°C
45°F/07°C
Jul.
87°F/30°C
71°F/22°C
78°F/25°C
Feb.
52°F/11°C
34°F/01°C
44°F/06°C
Aug.
86°F/30°C
70°F/21°C
79°F/26°C
Mar.
59°F/15°C
40°F/04°C
47°F/08°C
Sep.
80°F/26°C
65°F/18°C
75°F/24°C
Apr.
68°F/20°C
48°F/09°C
54°F/12°C
Oct.
71°F/22°C
54°F/12°C
69°F/20°C
May
76°F/24°C
58°F/14°C
61°F/16°C
Nov.
62°F/17°C
44°F/07°C
59°F/15°C
Jun.
83°F/28°C
66°F/19°C
72°F/22°C
Dec.
54°F/12°C
36°F/02°C
52°F/11°C
102 Visitor Services
MILEAGE ATLANTA 612 miles, 985 kilometers BALTIMORE 255 miles, 410 kilometers BOSTON 575 miles, 925 kilometers CHARLOTTE 347 miles, 558 kilometers CHICAGO 897 miles, 1443 kilometers CLEVELAND 570 miles, 917 kilometers COLUMBUS 583 miles, 938 kilometers DETROIT 724 miles, 1165 kilometers LEXINGTON 598 miles, 962 kilometers LOUISVILLE 668 miles, 1075 kilometers MIAMI 975 miles, 1569 kilometers NEW YORK CITY 362 miles, 582 kilometers ORLANDO 771 miles, 1240 kilometers PHILADELPHIA 277 miles, 445 kilometers PITTSBURGH 444 miles, 714 kilometers RALEIGH 202 miles, 323 kilometers RICHMOND 107 miles, 172 kilometers WASHINGTON, DC 209 miles, 336 kilometers MONTREAL 722 miles, 1161 kilometers QUEBEC CITY 869 miles, 1398 kilometers TORONTO 680 miles, 1094 kilometers
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virginia beach regional map
1
9 1
23
3
6 10
22
7 19
40 46
20
11
38 49 27
41 4 3
39
32
30 28
26 36
37 35
42 34
43
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48
47
44
18 4 2
104 Visitor Services
map legend RECREATION, SPORTS & WELLNESS
THINGS TO DO
1
First Landing State Park / Chesapeake Bay Center
2
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge / False Cape State Park
26 Flame of Hope Memorial Park (Oceana Jet Observation)
3
27
Mt. Trashmore Park and Skate Park
Oceanfront & Bay Cruises / Offshore Sport Fishing
28
Ocean Breeze WaterPark
4
Pier Fishing - multiple locations
29
JT’s Grommet Island Park and Playground
5
Virginia Aquarium Boat Trips
30
Motor World
31
Atlantic Fun Park
32
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center + Adventure Park
33
Oceanfront Stages - multiple locations
34
Virginia Beach Sportsplex / Field House
35
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
36
Christian Broadcast Network / Regent University Theater
37
Hampton Roads Soccer Complex
CULTURE & HERITAGE 6
Thoroughgood House
7
Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.
8
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
9
Historic Cape Henry Lighthouse / Cape Henry Memorial Cross / Battle of the Capes Monument
10
Lynnhaven House
38
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
11
Francis Land House
39
Lynnhaven Mall
12
Virginia Legends Walk
40
Town Center of Virginia Beach
13
Naval Aviation Monument Park / Norwegian Lady Statue
41
Hilltop Shopping Area
14
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
42
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
15
Bill Myers Veterans Memorial
43
Landstown Commons
16
King Neptune Statue
44
Red Mill Commons
17
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
45
iFly
18
Military Aviation Museum
46
Topgolf
19
Ferry Plantation House
47
Hunt Club Farm
20
Princess Anne County Training School/ Union Kempsville High School Museum
48
Adventureworks Wetland Zipline Park
49
Apex Entertainment
21
Navy SEAL Monument
22
Ebenezer Baptist Church (historical)
23
Morning Star Baptist Church (historical)
24 Hillier Ignite Fitness Park 25 Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM
HOP ON A SHUTTLE From the North End of the boardwalk to South Rudee Inlet and everywhere in between, “The VB Wave” Shuttle is the convenient way to get around. The Wave's Atlantic Avenue route, Aquarium & Campground Shuttle and Bayfront Shuttle routes operate seasonally. For more information about HRT services, call (757) 222-6100 or visit www.gohrt.com.
Scan the QR code for the most up-to-date information.
VisitVirginiaBeach.com 105
P
OCEANFRONT TRAFFIC
Parking Public Restrooms
21
ROUTES TO ATLANTIC AVENUE
24
i Information
25 32
16 P
P
33
ATLANTIC OCEAN
13
45
33 17
Laskin Rd. (31st St.)
14
I-264 East (21st St.)
S PARK
P
AVE.
P 31
33
15
Virginia Beach Blvd. (17th St.)
4
12
Norfolk Ave. (9th St.)
8
P 33
3
P P
5 32 30
28
106 Visitor Services
There's more than one way to get to Atlantic Avenue and the Oceanfront. To avoid traffic congestion, we suggest the Birdneck Road, Exit 22, off Interstate 264 East. Convenient street signs are displayed at the bottom of the exit ramp and will direct you to your desired Atlantic Avenue destination.
32
P
28
CHESAPEAKE BAY CHESAPEAKE BAY
P
1
i 1
3 6 10
GETTING THERE: From the Resort Area, head north on Pacific Avenue which merges with Atlantic Avenue (Route 60). Bear left on Shore Drive (Route 60). Continue west, through First Landing State Park to the Bay Area.
SANDBRIDGE ATLANTIC OCEAN
43
615
4 18
2
GETTING THERE: From the Resort Area, head south on Pacific A venue to General Booth Boulevard, then left onto Princess Anne Road. Continue straight onto Sandbridge Road.
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“sportscation” in
virginia beach
M
aybe it is the miles of sandy beaches or the sparkling waters that call you to explore. Maybe it is the welcoming sunshine or the year-round activities that offer endless possibilities for adventure. There is simply an electrifying energy in Virginia Beach — one that compels you to move, do, and be a part of the action. Bringing together our unique coastal spirit with state-of-the-art facilities, Virginia Beach is the ideal place to host an unforgettable sporting event.
108 Sports
Shamrock Marathon
Scan the QR code to learn more.
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meetings come to life here W
ith inspiring nature and stunning waterfront settings, Virginia Beach is an ideal destination for meetings and retreats. Attendees can look forward to wellness-infused activities that cater to work-life balance, as well as adventure- and culture-focused activities that offer meaningful teambuilding.
110 Meetings
Virginia Beach Convention Center
Scan the QR code to learn more.
VisitVirginiaBeach.com 111
let’s stay
connected
112 Connect With Us
instagram.com/ visitvabeach/
youtube.com/ @VisitVABeach
Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
facebook.com/ VisitVaBeach/