With a near-endless array of things to do in Virginia Beach, deciding where to go aside from the beach can be a bit difficult. From sandy beaches and famous boardwalks to historical sites and scrumptious eats, Virginia Beach offers its visitors a memorable experience. Following are the top things to do in Virginia Beach!
Things to Do in Virginia Beach | Check Out Neptune City’s Finest
In this article:
- What Time Is It in Virginia Beach?
- Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach
- Things to Eat in Virginia Beach
- Most Popular Restaurants in Virginia Beach
- Most Popular Places to Shop in Virginia Beach
- Most Popular Destinations in Virginia Beach
- How to Get Around in Virginia Beach
- Travel Tips for Virginia Beach
1. What Time Is It in Virginia Beach?
The Virginia Beach time zone is EST UTC/GMT – 5 hours. As in most places in the U.S., Virginia Beach observes Daylight Saving Time, which in 2018 started on March 11 at 2:00 AM and will end on November 4.
2. Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is one of most sought-after destinations in the U.S., particularly because of its public beaches. Regardless of the time of year, Virginia Beach has something for everyone. Although it’s easy to spend money on myriad activities, free options abound.
- Check out King Neptune’s Statue on Boardwalk – This massive 34-foot-high bronze statue of King Neptune is Virginia Beach’s newest attraction. It’s located at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue, overlooking Neptune Park.
- Take a stroll along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk – There are a lot of free things to do on this 28-foot-wide boardwalk, which stretches for three miles. You can go biking or sightseeing, watch sidewalk entertainers and musicians, check out gift shops and restaurants, and much more.
- Enjoy the great outdoors – Virginia Beach is more than just sandy beaches. It also offers outdoor activities that are free of charge. Acres upon acres of state parks, such as First Landing State Park, offer awe-inspiring trails and free educational programs. You can hike, bike, run, or discover wildlife at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Plus, the surf culture here is alive and well.
- Kick and push at Mount Trashmore – If you’re into skateboarding, this is the spot for you. This 165-acre park has two man-made mountains, two playgrounds, gardens, trails, a skate park, and a vert ramp. Not only that, this spot is known for its environmental feat. The main mountain is made of layers of solid waste and clean soil.
3. Things to Eat in Virginia Beach
If you’re a seafood lover, you’d better get ready for a feast. From tuna and Mahi to oysters, shrimp, crabs, and lobsters, Virginia Beach’s coastal cuisine will satisfy your taste buds. If you want a perfect partner for the sun and sand, you might want to check out the local breweries. A taste of beach life wouldn’t be complete without a cold one in your hand.
You can also delight yourself with Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and, of course, American cuisine. Virginia Beach has a wide range of delicacies for every foodie. Here, the word DIET is an acronym for “Did I Eat That?”
4. Most Popular Restaurants in Virginia Beach
As a visitor, you’ll want to capture the true taste of Virginia Beach. One of the best restaurants to do that is Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Its Buffalo Tuna Bites and Crab Cake Sandwich are absolute must-tries. Afterward, quench your thirst with its signature Orange Crush.
If you’re looking for an oceanfront dining experience, you need to check out Catch 31 Fishhouse and Bar. It serves a variety of the freshest fish, and its raw bar has a variety of iced shellfish, mussels, shrimp, crabs, and other seasonal seafood.
Your foodie escapades will not be complete without a visit to Rudee’s. Its famous Oysters Rockefeller is amazing — a dozen fresh oysters smothered with spinach, bacon, and cheese, baked until bubbly. If that’s not mouthwatering enough, you can also try the blissful combination of barbeque shrimp and crab cakes. This dish will slingshot your palate to a coastal paradise.
5. Most Popular Places to Shop in Virginia Beach
From malls to local boutiques to shopping centers, Virginia Beach is a true coastal shopping haven. Start at The Shops at Hilltop, where a shopper can choose from among more than 120 stores, boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. From the freshest fashion trends to home products to everyday essentials, you can find almost anything you need here.
If you’re still hungry for the latest fashions and trends, check out Lynnhaven Mall, an exceptional shopping destination in Virginia Beach. With more than 120 top stores, amazing eateries, and a number of entertainment options, this mall seemingly has it all.
6. Most Popular Destinations in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is an awesome destination if you want to lay in the sand and bask in the sun. Still, there are other places to visit if you’re looking for a great time away from the beach. To satisfy your wanderlust, check out some of the top destinations in Virginia Beach:
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center – This tourist attraction will give you a remarkable aquatic journey. See turtles, sharks, seals, stingrays, otters, Komodo dragons, and a whole lot more. It offers a variety of hands-on marine exhibits, marshland, nature trails, an outdoor aviary, and a 3D movie theater.
- Sandbridge Beach – If you’re looking for a more serene and relaxing spot away from the energetic main Resort Beach, head south to Sandbridge Beach. You can enjoy quiet time as you walk in the soft sand; the tranquil vibe will make you feel like you’re far from the city.
- Cape Henry Lighthouse – Whether you’re a history buff or not, you’ll certainly have a good time at Cape Henry Lighthouse. You can climb the stairs of this National Historic Landmark to the top and check out the spectacular view of the coast. This lighthouse is inside Fort Story, which is just a stone’s throw from First Landing State Park, so you’ll need a government-issued I.D. such as a driver’s license or passport to get in.
7. How to Get Around in Virginia Beach
There are several ways to get around in Virginia Beach, but according to frequent visitors, driving a car is the best option, especially if you want to explore. If you have a car, getting to and from the airport is more convenient and less expensive than riding taxis. You can check out the car rental services in the airport or book a car before you arrive. However, if you just want some sun and sand, then walking or biking are the best options to get around.
8. Travel Tips for Virginia Beach
May to September is the peak season, when the number of visitors is the highest. Although some say this is the best time to visit Virginia Beach, the beaches can get very crowded and the room rates are higher, particularly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you’re on a tight budget, you can visit during the spring or winter months, as Virginia Beach is a year-round destination. You’ll get affordable room rates, plus the beach will be all yours and you won’t have to wait in line at restaurants.
Still hungry for more places to visit and things to do in Virginia Beach? Watch this video from Paradise Of USA and satisfy your wandering soul!
Virginia Beach is more than sun, sand, surf, and sounds. There are many reasons why a visitor would keep coming back. It’s a great destination for every outdoor enthusiast, history buff, shopaholic, and foodie. What are you waiting for? Book your trip now and experience Neptune City’s finest offerings!
Do you know other things to do in Virginia Beach? Share your two cents in the comment section below!
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