These two little words conjure up dreams of a great vacation. Here, watch them come true ... from dozing on the beach daily to doing everything in sight! Try parasailing, jet skiing, golfing, fishing, tennis, inline skating, cruises, nightlife, amusement parks, strolling the boardwalk, biking, museums and more. It's all just minutes away! Sandbridge Beach • Local Nature & WildlifeOUTDOOR FUN
Head to the ocean for boogie boarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, sailing or surfing. On land, give beach volleyball, softball or bowling a shot. Tennis? Most of Virginia Beach's 188 free public courts are lighted. Or play at one of Sandbridge's two free public courts at Little Island Park, or at nearby Owl's Creek Municipal Tennis Center for a small fee. Looking for some "reel" fun? Try surf fishing, pier fishing or join a deep-sea charter party in search of "the big one." Freshwater fishermen can get a five-day license to fish at Back Bay.SHOPPING
Here the pleasures of treasure hunting never end! Browse through boutiques, art galleries, and surf and souvenir shops along Atlantic Avenue. Then head for Hilltop's upscale boutiques or Lynnhaven Mall, one of the East Coast's largest. Next, Go to a local Farmers Market, then check out the buys at Loehmann's Plaza, MacArthur Center and Town Center / Pembroke Mall. More Info...
DINING OUT
Sampling local fare is fun especially when it's seafood... like steamed spiced shrimp, broiled flounder or crab legs. But maybe you're in the mood for Mexican, or Italian, or a good old burger. No problem. Virginia Beach has dozens of restaurants that fill your bill. Check the wine menu while dining; you may wish to order one of Virginia's own. More Info...
NIGHTLIFE
Evening entertainment options are endless. Shag to favorite beach tunes, try line dancing, listen to some rock, jazz or blues. You'll find your kind of music playing in one or more of Virginia Beach's clubs. For a good laugh, stop in at Funny Bone or Thoroughgood Inn Comedy Club's, featuring nationally known comedians. Check local guidebooks and newspapers for more info - or onlineVirginia Beach.
GOLFING
Virginia Beach Courses
THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS
Busch Gardens
Ocean Breeze Water ParkMotor World & Splat Zone
Water Country USA
Norfolk Tides Baseball at Harbor ParkNorfolk Admirals at Scope Area
Edgar Cayce Foundation
Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphetheater
MUSEUMS
The Contemporary Arts Center
The only one of its kind in the state, this art center exclusively displays 20th century works of art. Changing exhibits focus on America's artistic population with occasional shows by internationally known artists.
22nd St. & Park Ave.,Virginia Beach (757) 425-0000.
The only one of its kind in the state, this art center exclusively displays 20th century works of art. Changing exhibits focus on America's artistic population with occasional shows by internationally known artists.
22nd St. & Park Ave.,Virginia Beach (757) 425-0000.
The Old Coast Guard Station
Housed in a former 1903 U.S. Life-Saving/Coast Guard Station, this museum highlights Virginia Beach's early history, shipwrecks and rescues along the coast.
24th St. & Oceanfront.
Housed in a former 1903 U.S. Life-Saving/Coast Guard Station, this museum highlights Virginia Beach's early history, shipwrecks and rescues along the coast.
24th St. & Oceanfront.
Nauticus, The National Maritime Museum
This high-tech maritime science center invites you to visit the ocean's depths, participate in a simulated battle sequence aboard a destroyer, pet a live shark, and more!
Norfolk, (757) 664-1000.
This high-tech maritime science center invites you to visit the ocean's depths, participate in a simulated battle sequence aboard a destroyer, pet a live shark, and more!
Norfolk, (757) 664-1000.
The Chrysler Museum of Art
View its world-renowned glass collection including works by Tiffany, art nouveau furniture, artworks from African,Egyptian, Pre-Columbian, Islamic and Asian cultures, plus European and American paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.
245 Olney Rd., Norfolk (757) 664-6200.
View its world-renowned glass collection including works by Tiffany, art nouveau furniture, artworks from African,Egyptian, Pre-Columbian, Islamic and Asian cultures, plus European and American paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.
245 Olney Rd., Norfolk (757) 664-6200.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science MuseumEncounter sharks, sea turtles, harbor seals, river otters, stingrays and more at Virginia's largest aquarium. It boasts over 800,000 gallons of aquariums, live animal habitats, three touch tanks, over 100 hands-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary, 10 acres of marsh habitat, nature trail, gift shops, cafe, plus The Family Channel IMAX 3-D Theater with six-story-high screen!
717 General Booth Blvd. (757) 425-FISH.
The Children's Museum of Virginia
Welcome to this wonderland for the kid in all of us! With the addition of the new second floor, you'll enjoy over 60 hands-on exhibits like climbing a rock wall, taking a moonwalk, making music and more. Don't miss the state-of-the-art planetarium!
221 High St., Olde Towne, Portsmouth. (757) 393-5258.
Welcome to this wonderland for the kid in all of us! With the addition of the new second floor, you'll enjoy over 60 hands-on exhibits like climbing a rock wall, taking a moonwalk, making music and more. Don't miss the state-of-the-art planetarium!
221 High St., Olde Towne, Portsmouth. (757) 393-5258.
TOUR HISTORICAL VIRGINIA BEACH
Thirteen years before the famous Plymouth Rock landing, British settlers first set foot on American soil at Cape Henry. Come see the First Landing Cross commemorating this event as well as Old Cape Henry Lighthouse at nearby Fort Story. Built in 1791, it's America's oldest government-built lighthouse. Historic homes are also open for tours. Visit the Adam Thoroughgood House,the Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House and Upper Wolfsnare.
VISIT VIRGINIA'S HISTORIC TRIANGLE
Jamestown: In 1607, Englishmen began building a colony here after a 6,000-mile journey. See full-size replicas of their ships and explore the site of the first permanent English settlement in America.
Yorktown: Here the British surrendered to General George Washington in 1781. Come learn about the American Revolution through the eyes of those who lived it.
Williamsburg: Leaving their original settlement behind, colonists moved here to their new capital in 1699. Relive their way of life by touring historic homes and buildings...and hearing patriots whisper about revolution! Williamsburg is also a well-known shopper's haven. Be sure to browse around Merchant's Square near the historic district. Then visit the Williamsburg Pottery Factory at Lightfoot, where you'll find great deals galore! Also nearby: dozens of name-brand discount outlets!NORFOLK
This exciting seaport welcomes you to a world of wonders. Visit Nauticus, The National Maritime Center. Cheer on the Norfolk Tides baseball team at Harbor Park. Enjoy a harbor boat tour. See St. Paul's Church, the only building to survive the British bombardment of Norfolk during the Revolutionary War. Drop by the Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Douglas MacArthur Memorial. And shop at the exclusive MacArthur Center!
TOUR LOCAL NAVAL BASES
Home port to more than 100 ships of the Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk Naval Base is the world's largest naval installation. Narrated by naval personnel, guided one-hour bus tours offer a glimpse of awe-inspiring aircraft carriers, sleek submarines and more. Tours available year-round.
At Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, tour highlights include a look at F-14 Tomcat Fighters, FA-18 Hornets and over 200 jet aircraft. Tours available from late May-September.
