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Largest city in Virginia, United States
Photo: Jason Pratt (FishSpeaker), CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Virginia Beach is a resort city in southeast Virginia on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
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The first lighthouse built by the federal government, completed in 1792. Once you reach the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay – the same view once seen by ship watchers more than 200 years ago. Located on the Fort Story military base, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse is open to the public. Across the dune line, you’ll find the new Cape Henry Lighthouse. Built in 1881, it’s the tallest iron-encased lighthouse in the country, and is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Adjacent to the lighthouses, visitors also can tour the Cape Henry Memorial Park which includes a replica of the First Landing Cross, planted by the first settlers to give thanks for a safe voyage after arriving on shore in 1607. Note: Access to military bases may be restricted for public tours and a valid picture ID is required.
marks the point where English settlers landed in 1607.
Visitors from around the world gather at the Association for Research and Enlightenment at 67th Street and Atlantic Avenue to attend workshops, conferences and lectures based on the works of Edgar Cayce, one of the most documented clairvoyants of the 20th century. As a young man, Cayce found that by placing himself in a self-induced trance, he could answer questions or give accurate information on any topic. Today, physicians found Cayce's “readings” to be controversial regarding many health-care concerns, particularly the mind-body relationship to health and healing. Founded in 1931, his Virginia Beach headquarters houses 14,000 readings (on everything from medicine to world affairs) and one of the most extensive metaphysical libraries in the world. Guided tours that include films, lectures, meditation classes and ESP demonstrations are offered daily, as well as a full menu of health services including massage, facials and reflexology.
Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum
Housed in a 1903 former U.S. Life Saving Station, this quaint, oceanfront museum is chock-full of rescue equipment used by turn-of-the-century surf men to save shipwrecked crews from a watery grave. Learn about shipwrecks that occurred just off the Virginia Beach coast and the history of life-saving service from World War II to the present day.
The resort city is becoming a year-round meeting destination. Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) manages the Convention Center, which hosts regional and national trade shows, conventions, sports tournaments and special events, and sponsors some of the city's major festivals and special events.
Located in the historically registered DeWitt cottage built in 1895, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum displays art and artifacts documenting migratory wildfowl that pass through Eastern Virginia. Exhibits of wildfowl and shorebird carvings trace the evolution of this unique American art form. Enjoy on-site wood-carving demonstrations, interactive computer programs, decoys dating from historic times to present day and a collection of exhibits covering the history of Virginia Beach.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the state’s largest and one of the most-visited aquariums in the nation. It is an authority on the state’s various aquatic and marine environments and features more than 700,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, more than 300 hands-on exhibits and the IMAX 3D Theater. A one-third mile-long nature trail connects the two Pavilions that make up this “must sea” museum, and an outdoor aviary offers an up-close glimpse of the marsh birds seen along Virginia Beach’s shore.
POW/MIA Flame of Hope Memorial Park
The designated location to watch fighter jets taking off and landing at Naval Air Station Oceana
World-renowned Mount Trashmore Park is , , over long, and was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Recognized for its environmental feat, Mount Trashmore Park features the Water Wise demonstration garden that boasts xeriscaping where you can learn how to create a beautiful garden with minimal water requirements. The park features two lakes and its facilities include four large and 11 small picnic shelters, skate park, playground areas, a basketball court, four volleyball areas, parking, vending machines and restrooms. Mount Trashmore Park also has a walking trail that measures approximately 1.45 mi.
Experience the rural side of Virginia Beach at the Farmers Market, a country-style, open-air market that features fresh, locally grown produce, dairy products, organic groceries, a meat market, home and garden gifts, jams and jellies, and a restaurant. It is open year-round and special events are held each month.
Virginia Beach is home to some of the world’s most pristine natural environments, with more than of state parks and national wildlife refuges.
The most-visited state park in Virginia, contains of protected salt marsh habitat, bay and dune maritime forests and freshwater ponds. You will find a campground, miles of hiking and biking trails and both cultural and natural history interpretive displays. A registered Natural Landmark, it fronts the Chesapeake Bay.
An plot is made up of barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches. No pets.
A park featuring six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat. Both Back Bay and False Cape are home to wild horses, feral pigs, loggerhead turtles, American bald eagles and a large variety of migratory birds and endangered species, making the comprehensive area a true Virginia jewel.
The park is one of the largest and most significant nature preserves in the state. The boardwalk is as of April 2019 closed to the public.
With eight public courses in Virginia Beach and 20 in the surrounding region, players will experience intriguing, challenging greens for all handicaps, from beginner to novice to pro. With designs by Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Pete Dye, George Cobb, Gene Bates and others, golfers will find miles of bent Bermuda grasses, hardwood forests, and challenging layouts. Year-round affordable golf package opportunities are offered. The resort city's mild weather permits play almost year-round.
Beautiful outdoor concert venue with a 20,000 seating capacity books the biggest names in music. Sit under the stars on the lawn.
Inside the park, visitors will find brilliant, colorful water slides and tubes for all-day excitement, featuring a million-gallon Runaway Bay wave pool and 13 water slides. Shoot the rushing Rocky River Rapids on an inner tube or soar down the Maui-Wowie speed slide.
Perfect place to have nice lunch with specialty coffees and crepes for dessert. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Local hole in the wall will ruin all other Mexican food for you. Great fish tacos; voted Best of the Beach. Chef Jen Cavey is an alumnus of the San Francisco Culinary Academy and whips up nightly chalkboard specials. Be warned, when they're gone, they're gone, so get there early. Friendly staff provides great service.
Popular place to eat, by the water, no less! It has sandwiches and seafood. Come early to avoid lines, waits can stretch to three hours.
Popular new hangout for young professionals and tourists alike. There is an indoor and outdoor bar, with fire pits outside. Bands often play at the adjacent park.
Oysters and wings. They offer a discount on oysters, clams and chicken wings during their Happy Hour. Make sure that you try the corn bread and pretzel bread. The restaurant has a nice nautical theme. Lots of big screens in the bar for the sport nut.
Three Amigos Mexican Restaurant is a clean well run Mexican bar and grill with excellent service. It stays packed with locals.
Seats 1000 guests. Serving its world-famous "all-you-can-eat" seafood buffet with over 70 items including fresh broiled fish, steamed shrimp, prime cut beef and delicious desserts. The "Port" and "Starboard" Lounges each have in diameter, vertical rise stained glass domes.
local LGBTA club; 2 dancefloors and weekly drag shows
Easy access to I-64 and I-264 which are the primary travel hubs for the region. Outdoor pool and one pet is allowed.
HI-Virginia Beach
Angie's guest cottage is the only hostel in Virginia Beach, and offers cheap beds and great location.
The Marriott Courtyard Virginia Beach/Norfolk is located inside the Central Business District of Virginia Beach. This Marriott hotel is located just 6 mi from downtown Norfolk and 5 mi from Norfolk International Airport (ORF).
Formerly the Holiday Inn Surfside, newly renovated hotel located in the center of the Virginia Beach resort area, all rooms include a complimentary continental breakfast and have a private balcony with a full oceanfront view of the beach and boardwalk.
150 rooms offering oceanfront view of the beach
Offering over of meeting space
121 rooms all feature a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
4 mi from Norfolk International Airport and miles of beautiful Virginia beaches.
Located on Virginia Beach Boardwalk, each suite with private balcony and ocean front views.
72 suites each with full kitchens and direct beach access.
Va. Beach accommodations with 90 rooms & 24 suites with ocean views.
Indoor pool and hot tub available on site.
160 Virginia Beach hotel rooms with ocean views from private balconies
8 Room Bed and Breakfast located 3 blocks from the beach and only steps to the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Beautiful resort one-half block from the beach. The style and architecture resemble the beach charm and atmosphere that visitors come to the beach for.
21-story hotel sets a new standard of elegance for Virginia Beach hotels.
This award winning Victorian B&B located in an historic neighborhood with only a 2 minute walk to the beach is a romantic alternative to high-rise lodging.
Virginia Beach hotel with service and sophistication to spare; Can accommodate an intimate gathering for 20, or a festive gala for 500. Located in the heart of a new "main street" development, bustling with business, retail, and dining options.
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere, right in the middle of all VA Beach has to offer. Direct beach access, indoor/outdoor pools and upscale dining.
By car
S. Route 13, and across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
By train
While Virginia Beach has no train station, nearby Newport News has at least two daily trains both to and from Boston. There is also an Amtrak station in nearby downtown Norfolk.
By bus
Sprinter Bus operates daily service between Virginia Beach and Dover (Delaware) ($35) and New York City ($45). Their phone number is: 1-757-456-5555.
Virginia Beach is easily traversable during the off-season but not during the main season by car. The Boardwalk is traversable by walking or biking. Surreys are popular and can fit from 2 to 7 people.
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Norfolk · International · ORF
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