Location: Virginia Beach
Top Things to do in Virginia Beach
10 Sights & Landmarks in Virginia Beach That You Shouldn't Miss
Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Sports enthusiasts will find celebrated golf courses in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, as well as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails. Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off-season, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild.
Restaurants in Virginia Beach
1. Brock Environmental Center - Chesapeake Bay Foundation
2. First Landing State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,070 reviews
Nature enthusiasts will love this park with 2,700-acres of hiking trails, cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a variety of birds.
Reviewed By Davidgetsaround
Tucked away on the North side of Virginia Beach is a hidden treasure, a beach and campground, nature preserve and set of hiking trails. First Landing is popular, for those who know where to find it. I find myself going there all throughout the year as a way to enjoy a bit of nature in an otherwise urban life.
3. Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Association for Research and Enlightenment
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Explore the fascinating work of Edgar Cayce, documented psychic and the "father of holistic medicine." Founded in 1931 to research and explore transpersonal subjects such as holistic health, ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, dreams, philosophy, reincarnation, and intuition. Join us daily for free lecture, film and tour. Visit our library, bookstore and gift shop, relaxing meditation garden, or stone labyrinth. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Leaping Lizard Café or relax in our holistic spa. Visit our Web site for a full schedule of events for our non-profit organization.
Reviewed By msdee123 - Virginia Beach, United States
I was a regular here for so long that I'd get hugs when I walk in. I enjoyed the student massages most of all but they're not in full service during the pandemic. They reopened July 9th but not quite everything is open or offered. They offer a full range of massage therapy and reflexology as well as things like cranial sacral or colonics. I always wanted to try the more. I also saw a chiropractor there once. They offer body work, holistic clinical works, hydrotherapies, spa packages and hypnotherapy screenings. They use to offer free classes at 3:30 daily but no longer. Peter would lead the meditation for the staff. They have a library and book store as well. They had weekend events that were a bit pricey however, I'm not certain when they'll be offered with the pandemic limitations. I'd recommend this place highly. It's bought me peaceful times over the years and taught me a thing or two as well. I know quite a few massage therapy students who have gradated from their massage school and went on to be the best ones in the area! Can hardly wait to return for reflexology. This place is where I began receiving it decades ago. I learned a lot over the years. Edgar Cayce was considered way ahead of his time. I watched videos of his life and was shocked the and pleasantly surprised that the center still stands even tho he's deceased. Smart man with gifts beyond belief.
4. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,828 reviews
This three-mile concrete promenade is always busy with bicyclists, strollers, diners and people-watchers. During the summer, three oceanfront stages offer nightly entertainment.
Reviewed By carolannsworld - Virginia Beach, United States
Virginia Beach Boardwalk (ironically it's a cement walk unlike the boardwalks in New Jersey) goes along 3 miles of beach, has a bike path or you can just stroll along, watch the surfers, and people watch. there are several outdoor restaurants, nautical sculptures, including King Neptune--great for a photo op or use him as a meeting place when you have a large group. As you meander down the boardwalk, check out the souvenir shops, and there are plenty of places to shop on Atlantic Avenue which is the first street as you leave the boardwalk--all very convenient. At Christmas time, you can drive on the boardwalk and see all the decorations and lights.
5. Thoroughgood House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Visit the Thoroughgood House to hear the great success story of Adam Thorowgood, one of Virginia's first colonists. Learn about the house Argall and Susannah Thorowgood built and what makes it so extraordinary. See the special touches added by John Thorowgood and tour the passage and parlor, furnished as they might have been when John lived there. Finally, follow the house in pictures up to the present and find out what-and how-we are continuing to learn about this historic treasure.
6. Cape Henry Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,266 reviews
Dune Restoration Project in Progress The dune at Cape Henry Lighthouse is currently undergoing restoration and the lighthouse tower is temporarily inaccessible for climbing. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2019. During construction, we will remain open with walking tours every hour from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The Lighthouse is situated near the “First Landing” site where English settlers first set foot on their way to settle in Jamestown. Built with the same Aquia sandstone as much of Washington, D.C, the lighthouse guided sea travelers to safety for almost 100 years. The distinctive black and white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 but remains closed to the public.
Reviewed By _MandyMichele_ - Fredericksburg, United States
First of all, this is on an active military base, so don't be surprised or upset when they ask for photo IDs, proof of insurance, registration, and inspect your car, this is for everyone's safety! Once you get through the security checkpoint and on base, it is just a short drive to see the lighthouses. The stair climb is definitely worth it, the view was incredible. I will say that the top of the lighthouse can get a little warm on a hot day, depending on the number of people, but it's manageable. As others have said, there are 2 lighthouses that you can see. Once you are done viewing the lighthouses, continue driving just a short distance up the road to Fort Story/Cape Henry Memorial, a unique and interesting piece of history, and unobstructed views of the ocean, and a chance to capture both lighthouses. I love my flip flops, but I highly recommend tennis shoes for the stair climb up the lighthouse.
7. Mount Trashmore Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By edl228 - Schenectady, United States
We all have local dumping sites and land fills in our surrounding areas and it was great to see an area turn that land into something useful. The actual park is nice with plenty of pavilion spaces there are many different stairs to go up the hill. From there you get a good view of surrounding area. They also have an exceptional kids playground for all ages 1-10. No cost to enter and couldn't have found a better place to spend a day away from the beach while on vacation!
8. Hunt Club Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Hunt Club Farm is a one-of-a-kind family-owned and operated farm attraction in Virginia Beach with over 30 acres of farm fun for everyone. Visit our Petting Farm and make friends with our animals, including goats, chickens, cows, sheep, donkeys, llamas, and pigs. Explore our BirdWalk Aviary and have a chat with our precious parakeets and doves. You can even take a pony ride or venture a view of the farm from the trees on our NEW TreeWalk Adventure. There’s fun on every acre and throughout the year, such as our seasonal Farm Market and our special agricultural-themed events featuring a Spring Fling and Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Fair, and our ever-popular Haunted Hunt Club Farm. We also offer field trips and guided tours, birthday and private parties, and for ages 6-12, our fantastic Summer Farm Camp. At Hunt Club Farm, we aim to make your visit a time to remember by offering something for all walks of life and every generation.
Reviewed By 151christinek
Visiting from Vegas, we were excited to experience a Harvest Festival while we were in town. So glad we did! The farm is beautiful and the staff helpful and pleasant. They took our temperatures before we were able to get our tickets, had banners all around reminding folks to maintain 6’ apart and the emcee said it every 15 minutes or so. You could tell the animals are well taken care of and lived the attention. It was great to feed them and we thoroughly enjoyed feeding the birds.
9. New Earth Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
New Earth Farm is a 21 acre sustainable, working and educational farm located in Virginia Beach, VA. We grow all-natural vegetables, fruits and herbs and pasture raise chickens and ducks for eggs and sheep and lambs for meat, milk and wool. We host a variety of classes on the farm from cooking classes to gardening and composting!
10. Ferry Plantation House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Ferry Plantation House is a 1830 brick structure (once covered with oyster shell stucco) with a ten-room central passage plan. It's an example of a Federal farm house facing the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River. The volunteers of Ferry Plantation tell the recorded past of the families who have lived on the property since the mid-1650s as-well-as the history of Virginia Beach.
Reviewed By NJPete76 - Oxford, United States
We went on a Saturday, got there about 11AM, right as a tour was starting. It was a $10 donation to take the tour. We learned a lot of fascinating information about the area, the pungo witch, and the life and history of the plantation itself. The tour was an amazing 3 hours long, but not because it needed to be, but because the volunteer tour guide was passionate about history and the area. Because it was so long, people basically came in at different sections of the tour. The tour guides name was Cody, and he was very good. One note is the tour was my wife's idea, and I don't usually enjoy them, but Cody made it worth going.
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