Things to Do in Virginia Beach - Search Flights to Virginia Beach

>> Cheap airline tickets >> Virginia beach things to do

Virginia Beach is a vacation hotspot on the Mid-Atlantic coast. Balmy weather and an extensive boardwalk are reasons to give this resort city a chance. But there is more than sand and shopping to Virginia Beach. The waters off the coast hold plenty of sporting and sightseeing opportunities, as do the inland urban areas and the surrounding countryside.

Here are the best things to do in Virginia City.

Budget

The nation's first historic spot is near Virginia Beach. The First Landing Cross marks the spot where pilgrims set foot on land in 1607. Virginia was one of the earliest colonies. It is easy to overlook the history with all the other attractions in the area, but this and other historic sites like the Cape Henry Lighthouse are good reminders of Virginia's past.

Fishing is legendary in Virginia Beach. If you don't have a boat and don't want to charter one, simply cast from one of the piers along the coast. If you don't want to fish, but still want to be on the water, there are sea kayaking tours that offer paddles along the shoreline and into the many inlets and lagoons.

Value

Surfing is popular in Virginia Beach. Sure, the waves cannot compare to Hawaii's North Shore, but they are big enough to host pro surf events and are the perfect size for novices. Billabong Surf shops offer lessons to those new to the sport.

The Virginia Beach Amphitheater seats 20,000 people. During peak travel season, major rock and pop acts choose this as one of their venues on their East Coast swing. This year's concert headliners include Dave Matthews, No Doubt and The Fray.

Splurge

There are nearly two dozen golf courses within driving distance of Virginia Beach. Eight of these are in or directly next to the city. Because the mild weather lasts for most of the year, courses are open year-round (or nearly year round). You can expect green fees to increase along with the quality of the courses.

Whale Watching tours are a major draw in The Beach. Humpback whales pass by the coast from December until March, during their annual migration. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers the best, more informative, tours. If you miss the season for watching these giant mammals, there are dolphin-watching cruises throughout the summer. Kayak tours are also available from several tourist companies in Virginia Beach. On occasion, paddlers on these excursions are able to get within touching distance of the famous, finned mammals.