In recent years Virginia Beach has become a very popular tourist destination, boasting numerous local attractions for visitors of all ages. But it is also a great place to call home. And, you don’t have to be a visitor to enjoy all that the Virginia Beach area has to offer! There are so many things to do that we couldn’t possibly list them all, but here are some of our favorites. Parks and outdoor recreation
Probably the most well-known attraction is the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a three-mile oceanfront stretch of outdoor cafes and entertainment. Also popular is the Ocean Breeze Waterpark which features 16 waterslides and a million-gallon wave pool. The area is home to 18 beaches, including the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, an 8,000-acre fresh water natural habitat.
Area residents can also enjoy nearby local parks such as First Landing State Park, False Cape State Park, Great Neck Park and the world-renowned Mount Trashmore Park, built on compacted layers of solid waste and clean soil, which features two lakes and a new skate park.
Museums and cultural arts
Virginia Beach is chock full of art and science museums, which are both fun and educational. A favorite among young and old is the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center where visitors can explore more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums and over 300 interactive exhibits. There is also the interactive science and technology center Nauticus, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, which is housed in the last remaining historical Boardwalk cottage, the Virginia Living Museum for hands-on exploration of native animals, the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia and the Virginia Air and Space Center, just to name a few.
Historical sites
Virginia Beach is also home to many sites of historical importance. The Adam Thoroughgood House, one of the oldest surviving colonial homes in America; plantations Francis Land House and Ferry Plantation House; Lynnhaven House, Moses Myers House and many other landmark homes; and don’t forget to visit the fascinating Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Shopping, dining and nightlife
The Virginia Beach area also has plenty to offer for those who enjoy shopping and dining out, with its many malls, boutiques, antique shops and restaurants, featuring local seafood delicacies, world-class cuisines and good old American fare.
After dark the possibilities are endless: an evening ocean cruise, a night out at the opera or symphony, perhaps taking in a theater show or dancing the night away.
A great place to visit or to call home
Whether you prefer sightseeing and touring or simply strolling on the Boardwalk or relaxing on the beach, Virginia Beach has something for everyone. Not only is it a great vacation destination, but it is also a great place to live!
