Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is famous for its beaches, boardwalk, and summer fun. The entire stretch of Virginia Beach has excellent waterfront access, with spacious white sand and water suitable for swimming from June through October. The three-mile oceanfront boardwalk features an upbeat atmosphere. It’s perfect for biking, roller-blading, running, or just strolling.
We were in Virginia Beach for three packed days full of family-friendly and budget-friendly fun. The city isn’t just for a summer vacation; it’s for all year round. So what is there to do in Virginia Beach? Here are some of the activities we checked out on our trip.
Free Virginia Beach Attractions
The Beach
The water was too cold, but it was sunny and warm. We played in the sand and had a great time!
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
I think it’s the nicest boardwalk I’ve ever been to. Not too much noise, yet still a lot going on for October. We saw a lot of people riding bikes. There were also some parks, piers, and statues to check out.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is a great destination for those looking to enjoy some of the best free attractions in Virginia Beach. Located near the Chesapeake Bay, this park offers visitors a chance to explore over 2,888 acres of wooded areas, tidal marshlands, and beachfront property. With miles of trails available for hiking or biking, boat launches, and fishing piers, as well as cabins and campsites that can be rented out year-round, there are plenty of options for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure in Virginia Beach.
The park also includes many historic sites such as the Cape Henry Memorial and Narrows Monument which pay tribute to two important events in American history – the first landing of English settlers into what would become Jamestown Colony in 1607 and the Battle of the Capes during the War of 1812.
Sandbridge Beach
Sandbridge Beach is one of the best free Virginia Beach attractions. Located about 20 miles south of the main area of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge offers over five miles of sand and surf for visitors to enjoy. With a backdrop of lush green foliage, crystal blue waters, and soft white sand, it’s no wonder that tourists flock to this serene beach every summer.
The beach boasts an array of activities for both adults and children alike. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the abundant deep-sea fishing opportunities in the area as well as fishing off the shoreline or pier. Swimming is a popular activity at Sandbridge Beach with its warm water temperatures that make it ideal for swimming year-round. Visitors can also relax on the beach, go shelling along the shoreline or explore nearby wetlands trails in search of some wildlife sightings.
Military Aviation Museum
Military Aviation Museum is an amazing free attraction to visit for locals and visitors alike and offers a glimpse into the history of aviation. This museum has a wide variety of aircraft on display, many of which were flown by military personnel during wartime. Visitors can explore the collection of vintage warplanes, helicopters, gliders and hot air balloons from World War I up to the present day. In addition to aircraft, visitors can also view original artifacts such as uniforms, medals and photographs from past wars.
The Military Aviation Museum offers many educational activities for guests including seminars where you can hear first-hand accounts from veterans about their experiences in battle. Additionally, there are guided tours available where you can learn more about the aircrafts on display and how they were used throughout history.
Mount Trashmore Park
Located in Virginia Beach, this 60-acre park features two man-made mountains made from trash and soil. Mount Trashmore Park was built in 1974 by packing layers of solid waste and dirt to form two hills – each standing more than 200 feet tall! With plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, this park offers something for everyone.
The first hill is called Lakewood Park with a playground and athletic fields for visitors to use. The second hill, known as Mount Trashmore, features a scenic overlook from the top of the mountain. Visitors can also explore the nearby lake with fishing docks or enjoy nature walks along several trails located throughout the park.
JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park
This park is located at the end of the boardwalk. It was really crowded when we were there, but it was easy to keep up with our son. We liked it because not only was there a lot for him to do, but it was also like playing on the beach because it had sand on the ground. Many of the areas were shaded, which would be nice on a hot day. The park is free, but we did have to pay a very small amount for parking.
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
We found this museum to be very kid-friendly. It was built in 1985 and is the last remaining original Virginia Beach boardwalk cottage. We loved that both adults and kids could enjoy it. They had several different gallery areas with ducks and birds to look at. They also had two computers with learning and drawing games, plus a carving area where we were able to see some of the wooden ducks being made.
During the cooler months, this beach resort remains popular due to its mild climate, world-class inshore and deep-sea fishing, wildlife, parks, museums, cuisine, shopping, thriving art community, and other activities.
Affordable Activities Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers a variety of affordable activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, family fun, or a day trip out on the water, Virginia Beach is sure to have something that fits your budget. From hiking and biking trails at First Landing State Park to the boardwalk and beachfront attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this coastal city without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best inexpensive places and things to do in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Farms & Farm Tours
The Hunt Club Farm offers year-round farming activities in Virginia Beach, VA. Included is a petting zoo, farm market, seasonal events and more. Address: 2388 London Bridge Road | Virginia Beach, VA | 23456. Telephone: 1 757 427-9520
Cherie’s Bike And Blade Rentals
This rental company is located all over the boardwalk at the 2nd, 8th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 31st, and 34th streets. They carry surreys, bikes, tandems, family bikes, in-line skates, chairs, and umbrellas at affordable prices along the boardwalk. We rented a two-person surrey which had seating for two children on the front. It was hard for us to pedal without getting tired, but we still had a lot of fun. It was such a great way to see more of the boardwalk!
AquaMan Sportfishing Charters
AquaMan Sportfishing Charters offers guided tours aboard a fully-equipped Bertram Sportfisherman vessel to some of the most plentiful fishing grounds in the region. Offshore and inshore fishing excursions are offered. Tours depart from the docks at Rudee Inlet off of Mediterranean Avenue. Address: Rudee Inlet at Mediterranean Ave. | Virginia Beach, VA | 23452. Telephone: 1 757 200-0200
Expensive Virginia Beach Attractions
But aside from the amazing beaches, there are plenty of attractions in Virginia Beach that can be a bit pricey but well worth it. From amusement parks to wildlife sanctuaries, here are some of the most expensive attractions you can find in this coastal city.
Busch Gardens
If you’re looking for thrills and excitement, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is your go-to spot. Located just an hour outside of Virginia Beach, this amusement park offers more than 50 rides and attractions perfect for families or thrill-seekers alike. With admission prices ranging from $74 to $112 per person depending on the season and day of the visit, Busch Gardens isn’t exactly a cheap day out but definitely a must-see destination when in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
We absolutely loved the aquarium. There was so much to see and do there that we didn’t even make it to the second building. It’s ranked among the Top 10 marine science and aquarium facilities in the U.S. and offers 800,000 gallons of aquariums and over 300 hands-on exhibits. The aquarium had exhibits for us to walk around and look at, and hands-on areas for both kids and adults to learn and discover. Our favorite part of the center was the huge shark tank. The glass wall for the tank was the biggest I have ever seen, and it was as if the sharks were coming right at us. Another aspect of the aquarium that we really liked was that they had knowledgeable staff throughout the center. They were able to give us tidbits of information about the creatures we were looking at. We had such a great time!
Virginia Beach Dolphin Tours & Swimming
The Virginia Beach Fishing Center is the jumping-off point for visitors looking to observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Address: 200 Winston Salem Ave. | Virginia Beach, VA | 23451
Jungle Golf
This miniature golf place is great. It was another favorite of the trip. We weren’t sure if our son would be too young for it at 2.5 years old, but he had a blast and actually kept the ball on the course.
25 Things to Do with Kids in Virginia Beach
- Walk the boardwalk at Virginia Beach.
- Visit the farm animals at Hunt Club Farm.
- Shop for fresh fruits and veggies at Virginia Beach Farmers Market.
- Hang out with the fish at the Virginia Aquarium.
- Let them loose in the Children’s Play Area at the Lynnhaven Mall.
- Brush up on their space education at the Virginia Beach Planetarium.
- Fly a kite and go crazy at the fun Kids Cove at Mt. Trashmore.
- Swim at any f the 7 Virginia Beach Recreation Centers.
- Let loose their imagination while playing at Green Bean Contemporary Child’s Play.
- Ride on the go-carts at Motor World.
- Get wet on the water slides at Ocean Breeze Waterpark.
- Encourage their creative side at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Walkthrough the Old Coast Guard Station.
- Toss a penny in the water fountain at Town Center.
- Try out paddleboarding with Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle.
- Make them cook for a change at the Young Chefs Academy.
- Try out some mini golf at Jungle Golf.
- Eat pizza and play games at Planet Pizza Space Grill.
- See the city on the Ferris Wheel at Atlantic Fun Park.
- Take a selfie in front of King Neptune’s Statue on the Boardwalk.
- Join a pirate voyage aboard Capt. Jack’s Pirate Adventures.
- Go for a family hike through First Landing State Park.
- Bounce their wiggles out at Virginia Beach Bounce House.
- Lug the whole family bowling at Pin Boy’s at the Beach.
- Take the family to the beach playground at JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park.
Final Word
Virginia Beach offers a lot of fun activities for the whole family. Whether you prefer to stay on land or venture out into the sea, the city has something to offer. From art museums and aquariums to theme parks and beaches, everyone can find something to enjoy in Virginia Beach. And although the area is often associated with summertime fun, there are plenty of wintertime activities too. With so much to do in Virginia Beach, there is never a dull moment!