Things to do in Virginia Beach
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Jewish Mother
Get your nosh on here with packed deli sandwiches, 'penicillin soup' (chicken and matzo ball) and monster-sized pie. Excellent live music staged nightly.
reviewed
-
Fort Story
Fort Story, an active army base at Cape Henry, is home to several attractions including the First Landing Site, where 1607 colonists first touched land after their voyage from London, and the 1791 Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area from its observation deck. All adults must have a photo ID to enter the base.
reviewed
-
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Kids will go nuts at the Ocean Breeze Waterpark. It has 16 long, brightly coloured waterslides, all called things like 'Grape Escape', 'Toucan Tunnel' and 'Bahama Mamma'. Some rides are slower and more gentle, others promise 'shut-your-eyes excitement'. If the kids haven't had enough there's also a '1 million-gallon' wave pool.
reviewed
-
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
If you want to see an aquarium done right, come to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, one of the country's best. Get up close and personal with marine life on one of the aquarium's dolphin- ($19, April to October) or whale-watching ($28, January to March) boat trips.
reviewed
-
Catch 31
Yes it's overpriced and a bit pretentious, but you're paying for the spectacular view from this oceanfront seafood restaurant. The outdoor patio is a great people-watching spot, with rocking chairs and roaring pit fires that help take the chill off the ocean breeze. Find it in the Hilton.
reviewed
-
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Some 30 miles southwest of Virginia Beach, the 109,000-acre Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which straddles the North Carolina border, is rich in flora and fauna, including black bears, bobcats and more than 200 bird species.
reviewed
-
First Landing State Park
You couldn't ask for a prettier campground than the one at this bayfront state park, though cabins have no water view. The 2888-acre park offers a plethora of outdoor activity options including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and swimming.
reviewed
-
Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia
The Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia has excellent rotating exhibitions housed in a fresh, ultramodern building that lovingly focuses natural light onto an outstanding collection of local and international artwork.
reviewed
-
Harpoon Larry's Oyster Bar
The roll of paper towels adorning each table gives you a sense of the prevailing atmosphere. Beer, friendly folks and fresh seafood comprise the perfect triumvirate. On Monday oysters are only 35ยข each.
reviewed
-
Mt Trashmore
Mt Trashmore is off I-64 exit 17B. Virginia Beach's only verticality was the creative solution to a landfill problem, and now serves as a prime picnicking and kite-flying venue.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Mahi Mah's
Located in the Ramada Inn, this oceanfront local has some fantastic sushi, which makes up for the snail-paced service. After dark, this is one of the most popular nightspots on the beach.
reviewed
-
Mary's Restaurant
A local institution for more than 40 years, Mary's is a great place to start the day with a tasty, filling, cheap breakfast. We're huge fans of the fluffy, gooey, chocolate chip waffles.
reviewed
-
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an 8000-acre wildlife and migratory bird marshland habitat, most stunning during the December migration season.
reviewed
-
Steinhilber's
A nice upscale alternative to the beach, this Surf-'n'-turf-centered establishment sits back in a residential neighborhood on a serene tidewater pier.
reviewed
