If you are looking for a fun vacation destination that’s close to everything, yet far enough away to still feel like a vacation, Virginia Beach is a great choice. Even though it’s a water-based resort town as its name implies, Virginia Beach enjoys a mild climate year-round. Winter temperatures rarely dip below sixty degrees, which means there is no real bad time of the year to visit. Virginia Beach is full of wonderful attractions and points of interest that offer something for everyone. In this article, we’re going to highlight ten of the very best of those attractions and provide you a bit of information about each one.
1. King Neptune Statue
The King Neptune Statue is an amazing 34 feet tall bronze statue depicting the Neptune – God of the Sea. He stands guard at the foot of the ocean, guarding the city and all who visit her shores, and was created to pay homage to the importance of the sea in the development of the city. The King Neptune Statue is located at the entrance of Neptune Park.
2. Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1772 and guided ships into the Chesapeake Bay for over 100 years. The lighthouse is no longer in service, but you can climb the steps up to the top and tour the grounds at your leisure.
3. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is 9,000 acres of beach, marshlands, and woodlands that you can explore at your leisure. The refuge offers a great way to get up close and personal with some of the area’s natural flora and fauna.
4. First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park gives you the chance to view the Virginia Beach area the way the original settlers found it. First Landing State Park encompasses nearly 3,000 pristine acres that are untouched by time or man. There are camping sites and other outdoor activities within the park along with guided tours and lectures.
5. Virginia Beach Legends Walk
The Virginia Beach Legends Walk is Virginia Beach’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Virginia Beach Legends Walk pays tribute to some famous Virginians and each one has its own dedicated plaque that gives visitors a short bio of the person.
6. Brookdale Farm
Just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthy – or organically, even. Brookdale Farm allows visitors to pick their own produce from everything that’s in season. Bring your own containers or use theirs.
7. Ferry Plantation
Ferry Plantation was built in 1642 and was the home of the local ferry operator that ferried goods, people, and animals across local waterways. There are guided tours available of the three original buildings on the grounds and is a great site to visit to learn some of Virginia Beach’s history.
8. Capt. Jack’s Pirate Ship
Kids and kids at heart will love Capt. Jack’s Pirate Ship. It is an exact replica of a Spanish galleon and is staffed by an entire pirate’s crew in full regala. You can sail the mighty seas on one of their tours and even try your hand at firing their water cannons.
9. Mount Trashmore
Mount Trashmore is a 165-acre complex that actually used to be a landfill. Through an organized community and city effort, the site was recycled to create something new and useful in 1973. The area is now home to a skate park, playgrounds and natural lakes.
10. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk draws millions of visitors each year and has been doing so since it opened in 1888. The Boardwalk has been designated America’s Favorite Boardwalk many times over the years and has also been featured in a number of high-end magazines. It’s handicapped accessible and lined with quaint shops and stands, including bike rental facilities. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is definitely the place to seen and be seen in Virginia Beach.
