Virginia Beach is one of the top family vacation destinations in the country. After booking your stay at one of our beautiful beaches, you will definitely want to make plans outside of just lounging on the beach all day. (Trust us, that's not a bad thing!) But, if you need a list of fun places to explore, you've come to the right article!
Get Under the Sea at the Aquarium
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center tops our list of quintessential attractions to visit while on vacation! The aquarium features hundreds of animal species like Komodo Dragons, Sand Tiger Sharks, dart frogs, Seahorses, and lots of turtles! Get an up close look at our natural wildlife with a Dolphin Boat Tour, a popular add-on folks enjoy year after year.
Have adventure in mind? You can also go zip lining or tree top exploring at The Adventure Park! Packed with 258 challenge elements, 17 treetop trails, 33 ziplines, and six challenge levels, there's something for everyone in your group!
Explore Nature and Natural Landmarks
Another great attraction is First Landing State Park. It is Virginia's most visited state park, a National Natural Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. First Landing State Park includes a sandy beach along the shores plus 20 miles of trails, campsites, boat ramps, and picnic areas to enjoy. With several trails to choose from, you can pick your own adventure and challenge.
Go Back in Time at Williamsburg and Jamestown
For the history buffs or those who just need a day off the beach, a quick 45-minute drive to Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement are the perfect respite! Experience life as a colonial person, explore shops, and stop in an old-timey tavern and order traditional coastal colonial fare! Watch a battle reenactment, hear a cannon explode, and maybe pick up one of those funny little triangle hats! With the America250 celebration in full swing, it's the perfect opportunity to visit this iconic site and take a piece of history home with you!
Pop down the road to via the historic triangle to the Jamestown settlement and experience over 400 years of Virginia history. See live archeological digs, board a ship, walk through a tobacco smoke house and experience life first-hand as history comes to life!
Atlantic Park Wave District
The newly-built Atlantic Wave Park District is truly a spectacle worth exploring! From the year-round Wave pool where pros and amateurs can drop in on crispy waves (or get a lesson on how to shred it up), this is truly a must-do experience. They offer beginner sessions (gentle whitewater waves), novice, progressive, intermediate, advanced, all the way up to professional barrel/high-performance sessions. That means: whether you’ve never stood on a board or you’ve been chasing waves for years, there’s a session for you.
Not ready to shred the surf? No problem! Book a Beach Pass and enjoy watching the surfers from their oh-so-cozy lounge chairs, cool off in the pool, and grab a bite to eat at one of their many fantastic eateries.
Climb the Cape Henry Lighthouse
Whether you're looking to stretch your legs or you just have an innate sense of adventure, the Cape Henry lighthouse can satisfy both! Built in 1792 and authorized by President George Washington, this lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project in U.S. history! (Have you picked up on the fact that we love our fun facts around here yet?) The historic area is home is two lighthouses, and the original lighthouse is ONLY open for climbing on National Lighthouse Day, which is August 7. So double your fun, your steps, and epic views!
Looking for a Place to Stay?
Discover a wide selection of vacation rentals in Virginia Beach, perfectly situated near your favorite activities and attractions. Whether you're traveling with a group or seeking an oceanfront retreat, we have the ideal home for you. Don't miss out on creating unforgettable memories - book now for an extraordinary stay in Virginia Beach!
If you have a specific activity in mind that you don’t see listed here, ask your friendly Atkinson Realty agent for more recommendations when you reserve your Atkinson Realty Vacation home.
