Experience the past, present, and future with a visit to Virginia Beach. Unique attractions, breathtaking vistas, and thrilling activities are just some of the reasons why this vibrant destination has been captivating millions for years. From diving over Boom, like the fighter pilots during World War II, to exploring the Military Aviation Museum and its wide array of historic aircraft, and viewing the towering King Neptune statue upon the boardwalk, Virginia Beach offers endless opportunities for adventure. Enjoying the high ropes and handling live creatures at the unconventional Adventure Park or communing with sea life while strolling the Virginia Aquarium Marine Science Center, this is an experience truly unique and memorable.
Virginia Beach is an awe-inspiring destination. Boasting 35 glorious miles of coastline and 3 miles of the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, it's no surprise why millions of visitors come every year to experience its beauty. Beyond its stunning beach, Virginia Beach also offers a variety of exciting activities, from delicious cuisine to captivating museums and thrilling outdoor adventures. With so much to do, you may just need a few extra days to take it all in!
Fly in a WWII Biplane
Visitors to Virginia Beach can enjoy a unique experience at the Military Aviation Museum. This museum offers a tour of dozens of classic planes from World War I and II and even gives visitors the chance to fly in one with a genuine pilot. Visitors can don their flight suits and take off in a World War II biplane for a 15-minute flight over the area, taking in the old runways left over from WWII. This incredible adventure is sure to be unforgettable and will leave visitors with lasting memories of their time in Virginia Beach.
A Thrill of a Lifetime
Experience the thrill of a lifetime in Virginia Beach with Boom, just like the fighter pilots of World War II. Diving through the air, maneuvering with the wind rushing through your leather helmet is an unforgettable experience. Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is also a great way to get the adrenaline pumping with its high ropes and cable bridges. Families will love the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center with its 300 species while strolling on the boardwalk and admiring the 34-foot tall bronze statue of King Neptune is sure to be a highlight.
Explore Virginia Beach's Oyster Industry with a Pleasure House Oysters Boat & Tasting Tour
Experience the proud tradition of oyster fishing in Virginia Beach on a Pleasure House Oysters Boat & Tasting Tour. Captain Chris Ludford is passionate about both oysters and the environment and offers an informative and fun tour of his plot of oysters. Fishermen in Virginia Beach are dedicated to sustaining their waters and have been working hard to regrow the oyster corals in the area. Tour members will get to witness how oyster farming works and learn about the important role they play in the local economy. After learning about oyster harvesting, take a tour of the canals to explore the luxurious mansions and waterfront homes, including the famous house of Pharrell Williams, a Virginia Beach native. Oyster enthusiasts will enjoy feasting on freshly shucked oysters during the tour. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the best of Virginia Beach's oyster industry!
Unique Micro Breweries and Distilleries in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is home to an array of micro breweries and distilleries, each offering unique samples and tours. Back Bay Brewery, Green Flash Brewery, Chesapeake Bay Beach, Commonwealth Brewing Company, Pleasure House Brewing, and Beach Vodka are among the top picks for sampling and brewery tours in the area. For a truly unique experience, visitors can take a guided tour of the ViBe Creative District, followed by a sampling at the Vibrant Shore Brewing Company. Meanwhile, Beach Vodka offers locals and visitors alike a taste of Virginia Beach's beach life with its finely crafted spirit. Last but not least, Virginia Beach boasts a vibrant food scene, featuring diverse dishes created by award-winning chefs, ranging from fine dining to diners and dives.
Experience the Best of Farm-to-Table Cuisine at Terrapin Restaurant
With its seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients and intimate seating of 60 guests, Terrapin Restaurant is an experience that should not be missed. Executive Chef Rodney Einhorn has crafted a menu featuring dishes such as truffle mac and cheese, scrumptious scallops, and an exquisite Rib Eye for 2. Not to mention their extensive cocktail and craft brew list, it's no surprise that Terrapin Restaurant has been voted one of the Top 50 Restaurants in America by Open Table. Make sure to book your reservation quickly, as this popular Virginia Beach destination fills up fast.
Haunting of Grace Sherwood
At the Ferry Plantation House, visitors can gain an insight into what life was like on a plantation in the 1800s. This 10-room farmhouse, dating back to 1642, has been preserved and offers tours to explore its history. Of particular interest is the haunting of Grace Sherwood, the last witch to be convicted in Virginia's history. In 1706, she faced the infamous trial by water, which determined her guilt or innocence based on whether she floated or sank - an outcome that ended with her conviction for witchcraft and imprisonment for 8 years.
Explore the Historic Harrison Opera House and Neon District
The Harrison Opera House is a truly remarkable attraction in Virginia Beach, as it celebrates the military history of VA Beach as a USO theatre during World War II and now serves as the home of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Opera, offering up live theatre performances. If you're looking for something culturally enriching and fun to do at night in Virginia Beach, this is definitely the place to be. With its high-tech works of art and stories behind them, a 1/2 day e-bike tour through Norfolk's Neon District is also an exciting option - one that will take guests on a journey through USS Wisconsin BB-64, Fort Norfolk, The Bakehouse at Chelsea, and the pre-revolutionary Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Witness the Incredible Beauty of Marine Life
Witness the incredible beauty of marine life in their natural environment with Rudee Flipper Dolphin Tours. This Virginia Beach-based company offers 90-minute cruises to get up close and personal with dolphins, as well as whale-watching tours from December to February. Humpback whales can be seen breaching in abundance during this time and if you don't see them, you get to go out again for free! For a more intimate experience, try out the two-hour sunset kayaking tour that leaves First Landing State Park. Don't forget to check out the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel either - spanning 17.2 miles, this bridge is considered one of the seven man-made wonders of the world and takes about 25 minutes to cross. Visitors can also stay at luxury accommodations like Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront or slightly more affordable options such as Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Getting to Virginia Beach
Visitors to Virginia Beach can easily fly into either Norfolk International Airport or Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, both located within 20 minutes of the beach. Driving from the North is also a breeze with routes like I 95, I 85, and U.S. 17. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore all that Virginia Beach has to offer. There are countless activities beyond spending time in the surf and sand for those who seek a more adventurous vacation. Virginia Beach offers an unforgettable experience that will leave lasting memories.
Virginia Beach is an unparalleled beach experience. Visitors can enjoy a truly unique tour of classic planes as well as thrilling outdoor adventures like Boom or Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. For those looking to observe nature, they'd be hard-pressed to find better scenery than strolling down the beach boardwalk and admiring King Neptune. With the vast array of activities available, no one will ever be short of exciting and memorable things to do in Virginia Beach.
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