10 Things to do in Virginia Beach

Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach is home to a flourishing local culinary scene , rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment and family-friendly attractions that keeps locals and visitors entertained year-round. Located in the Coastal Virginia region, the unique districts are open and thriving year-round with residents ready to show you how they happily live the life. From the lively oceanfront area to remote Sandbridge , the calming Chesapeake Bay to bustling Town Cente r, or the eclectic ViBe creative district to the surrounding inland areas , your well-earned Virginia Beach vacation awaits you.

Rejuvenation is a given here, as you let the sun deliver its vitamin D therapy in any dose you like. Whether you’re into hours of relaxation on the shore or take your sunshine between excursions to area shops and museums, the options for fun and fulfilment are plenty. From the daily oceanfront entertainment of Live! On Atlantic to taking in a show at the Sandler Centre, you won’t run out of things to do.

1. Family Fun
Although Virginia Beach offers something for everyone, it truly is a perfect holiday destination for kids of any age including fun, sun, sand, surf and plenty of entertainment for everyone in the family. There's always plenty to see and do, expansive castles to be built and so many other nooks and crannies waiting to be explored. Start your adventures at Virginia Aquarium and explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums in the country, journey around Military Aviation Museum to view the six larger-than-life bronze sculptures with action-oriented presentations, or for younger adventurers take a trip to Grommet Island, Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Atlantic fun Park!

2. Get Outdoors
First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp. The park offers opportunities to explore a unique habitat featuring lagoons, large cypress trees and rare plants. Guided kayak ecological tours allow exploration of the marshes and bays, and the visitor centre exhibits explain much about this coastal environment. Cabins, campsites, picnic areas, a swimming beach, boat ramps, kayak rentals and tours, and a bicycle trail are offered in the park.

3. Cuisine

Try the soft shell crabs which are back in season in Virginia Beach and we couldn’t be more stoked. Soft shell crabs are blue crabs whose hard exterior shells have moulted, and they are found in abundance in the warming waters of the Chesapeake Bay this time of year. While legend has it that they begin moulting 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. That means you have roughly five months to savour this local culinary staple before they go away.

4. Visit a Brewery

Just for the adults, Virginia Beach is brewing up a craft beer scene that can’t be missed. There's no better way to get a taste of the beach life than to pull up a barstool and sample the coastal flavours of Virginia Beach. From pineapple IPA's to hearty pumpkin porters, Virginia Beach's local brewers pour their passion into every pint. From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the strawberry fields of Pungo, and everywhere in between, craft beer flows through Virginia Beach like the mighty Lynnhaven River. With no shortage of brews to peak any beer-lover's interest, all you need to do is dive in. For the perfect mix of suds and sun, visit a local Virginia Beach brewery or sample them all on a brewery tour.

5. The Arts

Virginia Beach is known for inspiring an unforgettable performance or two. Just look at the daily sunrise over the Atlantic. But the true art of the beach life isn’t only found on the sand. From epic displays of the visuals arts to comedy shows, musical concerts and the performing arts, Virginia Beach’s arts and entertainment options have claimed their spot in the sunlight. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

6. Go Whale Watching

We like to think that whales enjoy hanging out in Virginia Beach waters during the cooler seasons because it’s their home away from home. When the chill of the Polar Regions, where they spend a majority of their time during the remaining months of the year, gets to be too much to bear, they come visit - and who can blame them? You can join in on the fun on one of the many whale-watching cruises offering opportunities to see these magnificent creatures first-hand. You never know what you might see, so make sure that your camera is always ready!

7. Listen to Live Music

It’s summertime in Virginia Beach and it’s a time to celebrate with live music, good food, and great drinks. With live local and national performances throughout the week at some of the best spots around town, there’s always somewhere you can go to let your hair down and practice those dance moves. Here are some spots where you can catch a live show in Virginia Beach this summer: Commonwealth Vibez, HK on the Bay, Waterman’s Surfside Grille and Catch 31, just to name a few.

8. Get Out on the Water
With so much to see in Virginia Beach, sometimes you just need someone to help show you the way. From boat tours to see dolphins and whales to stand-up paddle board tours, and even an oyster boat tour where you get to sample the tasty bivalves plucked straight from the water beneath you. If you think you’ve already seen everything Virginia Beach has to offer, think again. The many chauffeurs, captains and tour guides are chock full of knowledge and ready to show you what living the life is all about.

9. Visit a Farmers Market

Old Beach Farmers Market (OBFM) is a fresh outdoor marketplace in the heart of the resort area, just six blocks from the ocean and one block from the Virginia Beach Convention Centre, in the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro. Featured are seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, seafood and cheeses, alongside a wide assortment of baked goods, artisan breads and savoury foods from local chef’s soaps flowers.

10. Go Kayaking
With an abundance of local waterways, kayaking is a favourite of the local’s and a chance to explore the scenic beauty of Virginia Beach. Whether you have your own or you opt to rent from a local outfitter, here are some of the best places to drop your kayak in the water: The Narrows, Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay, Back Bay and Chesapeake Bay.