Virginia Beach Attractions - Search Flights to Virginia Beach

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Virginia Beach is an understated resort area in the US's Mid-Atlantic region.  Though it is quite popular amongst East Coasters, the strip of sand on the Atlantic coast is not as well known as Florida's vacation playgrounds.  However, Virginia Beach, with its year-round mild weather, history, and fabulous boardwalk and beach, is more than up to snuff in terms of tourist options and amenities.  The unique Mid-Atlantic vibe adds to the experience, making it possible to have a more local/authentic, less touristy vacation. 

Here are the best attractions in and around Virginia Beach.

Budget

The three-mile-long boardwalk is a prominent attraction in Virginia Beach. The restaurants and shops are plentiful, but the ocean breeze and carnival-like atmosphere are attractive as well.  With free live music and events during the summertime, it is possible to have a great time on the beach and boardwalk without spending a dime. 

Outdoor activities on the water are plentiful.  This is one of the more popular surfing spots on the East Coast.  Pro events are held yearly and surf lessons are offered to novices by local surf shops.  Kayaking and canoeing along the shore and into the coves is also quite popular.  

Value

Mount Trashmore is, as its name suggests, a creatively constructed landfill.  It is a mountain made from layers of natural soil and compacted garbage.  One would not be able to tell that this was actually a trash-made mountain without being told (unfortunately, it is widely known, scaring off squeamish visitors).  Today the mountain acts as a park with walking trails, a picnic area and basketball courts. 

Ocean Breeze Waterpark (849 General Booth Blvd) is a seaside water park with 13 brilliantly colored slides and a gigantic wave pool.  This is a popular attraction during the summer and on days when the water in the ocean is choppy. 

The Old Coast Guard Station (24th Street) is a smallish museum that celebrates the group of men who rescued sailors that were shipwrecked along the shore near Chesapeake Bay.  An even older relic is the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which was completed in 1792.  It is still possible to take a tour and climb to the top of the lighthouse, where you will see the same view that the watchmen saw more that 200 years ago.  

Splurge

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (717 General Booth Blvd) is one of the largest aquariums in the country.  In addition to housing various marine species in a combined 700,000 gallons of water, there are exhibits featuring land animals as well.  The aquarium is especially hands on, offering more than 300 interactive exhibits.