This coastal city in southeastern Virginia brings out the vibrant side of the area. Virginia Beach is home to many amusement and entertainment options. You may also opt for serene getaways by going to natural parks in the area as well! From your retreat here in Virginia Beach, take advantage and check out the noteworthy places to visit and the fun activities to do. Besides strolling along the beautiful coastline, bask in the liveliness of Virginia Beach by looking into these top fun-filled activities. It is the ideal holiday destination with family and friends. Read on to get to know the awesome things to do in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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1. See some fish at the Virginia Aquarium
Witness the exhilarating sea life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center with a spacious display of both seawater and freshwater creatures. Get close and touch a horseshoe crab! Test your agility at Adventure Park! Cruise along with the family on boating trips. Many events are held in the venue so check out the schedules. Also, did you know that the Virginia Aquarium is a non-profit organization? It focuses on efforts in preserving seawater and freshwater life. Go ahead and appreciate the aquatic life.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Address: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Website: Virginia Aquarium
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8-30 USD
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is my favorite location to visit in Virginia Beach. Before you even walk in the door, you will see seals swimming in an outdoor tank! Inside, you have the opportunity to touch stingrays, explore and learn about the ocean, watch sharks in a massive floor-to-ceiling tank, and even walk outside along multiple paths and through an aviary. The perfect place to take your kids while in Virginia Beach, I highly recommend visiting the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center on a rainy day when you can't do outdoor beach activities.
2. Board Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship
Admire the Virginia buildings in a unique way by boarding Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship! Get gorgeous views of Virginia as you sail through the sea on a one-of-a-kind ship. What’s great about this is that there are lots of options to choose from with regards to the event or the type of cruise. Some of which are the family-fun cruises, birthday party cruises, and the Club 21+ cruise. How cool is that?
Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship
Address: 308 Mediterranean Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Website: Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 10-25 USD
3. Visit the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
One of the famous landmarks here in Virginia is the Cape Henry Lighthouse. With its strategic location at Fort Story, this lighthouse serves a great purpose as it facilitates significant ocean-going traffic for the harbors, rivers, and bays of the area. Taking pictures here would be a good idea. Go to the top floor of the lighthouse and look adventurous as the camera shoots from below. You’ll love the view from up there.
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
Address: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459, USA
Website: Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
An awesome experience while in Virginia Beach that also allows you to go on an active military base, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to give yourself extra time on your way to the lighthouse, as you will have to provide photo identification to the gate guard before they allow your group onto the base. The gate guard may ask you to open the trunk of your car, but don't worry this is just normal procedure.
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4. Ride the Crazy Surf in the Atlantic Fun Park
Get a dose of amusement here at Virginia Beach by visiting the Atlantic Fun Park! Get an aerial perspective of the city by riding the Ferris Wheel! The Sea Dragon pirate ship will offer the thrill of a ride along with awesome ocean views. For children, going for the rolling pool balls would be such a delightful experience! You will appreciate how the amusement park is situated by the beach, offering magnificent views nearby. Grab finger foods as much as your heart desires.
Atlantic Fun Park
Address: 233 15th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Website: Atlantic Fun Park
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
Price: 5-69.99 USD
5. Explore the Great Dismal Swamp National Park
A glimpse of marsh life gives you a drastic contrast from the usual sight of buildings and busy city life. Visit and explore the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge! Walk through the lovely nature trails shadowed by luscious foliage with grounds covered by grass. Kayak through the river and look at the unique trees growing on the swamps. Go biking or hiking. This place is a sanctuary that protects and preserves the Great Dismal Swamp, so appreciate the wonder it brings here to Virginia.
Great Dismal Swamp National Park
Address: 3120 Desert Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA
Website: Great Dismal Swamp National Park
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
6. Get a tour of the Nightmare Mansion Haunted House
Test your braveness as you enter the terrifying Nightmare Mansion! With the origin of the property built more than a century ago and the owners adorning the place so much that they stayed there until their untimely death – the theme of the amusement venue is well suited! Explore the narrow halls and at every corner, there is a surprise waiting for you. Test your problem-solving skills with escape rooms! Take note that the suitable minimum age here is 10 years since the place is designed for courageous individuals only. Enter at your own risk!
Nightmare Mansion Haunted House
Address: 2008 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3345
Website: Nightmare Mansion Haunted House
Opening hours: 2pm - 12am (daily)
Price: 11-23 USD
7. Pay a visit to the Ferry Plantation House
For a unique place to visit, try the Ferry Plantation House that is also known as the Old Donation Farm. This is a historic, spacious house made of bricks. Built in the 1980s, this is a classic example of a Federal farmhouse. Here, you are surrounded by greens – luscious trees, lawns, and grass. So get ready to inhale the fresh breeze here. Check out the events on their site and get to know the history of the place when you pay a visit.
Ferry Plantation House
Address: 4136 Cheswick Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23455-6559
Website: Ferry Plantation House
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat: 10am - 2pm
8. Play games at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex
Are you a sports fanatic? Visit the Virginia Beach Sportsplex! Step on to the grand main stadium, which has an impressive seating capacity of 6000 and could even extend up to 17000! For the field hockey facility, the US Field Hockey Regional Training Center right here offers two spacious turf fields. Play games and take advantage of the huge space. Do check out the schedules of upcoming tournaments so you can visit right on time for a game. Make sure to reserve a seat!
Virginia Beach Sportsplex
Address: 2044 Landstown Centre Way, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Website: Virginia Beach Sportsplex
9. Take part in the Virginia Beach Sandcastle Competition
Virginia Beach End of Summer Sandcastle Competition September 27th, 2009 By mccready (http://tinyurl.com/yg68w3q)
Posted by Visit Virginia Beach on Tuesday, 1 December 2009
If you are very good at making sandcastles, then this event is perfect for you! The Virginia Sandcastle Competition is a world-class event with sculptors representing 11 competing countries. Viewers are welcome as well, so take time to look at the exhilarating designs of the sandcastle art showcased in the gallery.
Virginia Beach Sandcastle Competition
Address: 7th Street Oceanfront Stage, Virginia
Website: Virginia Beach Sandcastle Competition
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
10. Hike on some trails at the First Landing State Park
Now, this is the place where you can experience a wholesome tropical adventure. Take in the beauty of First Landing State Park with its nature walks and hiking spots. Overlooking the ocean while at the same time being surrounded by tall trees, this park offers a wonderful tropical experience with natural views. Bring the camera and take lots of pictures!
First Landing State Park
Address: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Website: First Landing State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 4-5 USD
Feel the liveliness of Virginia
With all the amusement and entertainment options available for you, both man-made and natural, Virginia Beach has you covered. Make the most of your time by exploring the points of interest and make every day count. Enjoy yourselves thoroughly and take in the energy of the city.
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