What to do in Virginia Beach City County, VA

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches for 3 miles (5 kilometers) along Virginia Beach. Lined with bars, restaurants and hotels, this concrete esplanade features an adjacent bike path for cyclists and skaters. Enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant overlooking the ocean, watch buskers perform and inspect the sculptures and monuments along the boardwalk.

Sandbridge Beach is a serene, golden-sand beach just south of busy Virginia Beach. A secluded alternative to its popular neighbor, Sandbridge Beach is an ideal place to get away from the crowds. Kayak or hike in nearby Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, dine on fresh seafood and spend an evening stargazing.

First Landing State Park is a picturesque site with a varied terrain and a multitude of activities. It covers an area of 2,888 acres (1,168 hectares), with beaches and freshwater areas that are ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Arrive at the information center to learn about the park, its ecosystems and activities.

The King Neptune Statue announces this northeast portion of Virginia Beach from very far away. Appreciate its gigantic proportions. The loggerhead turtle where Neptune rests his hand is 11 feet (3.3 meters) long. The statue itself is 34 feet (10 meters) tall, about three stories, and surrounded with representations of marine life. Get close and look up to appreciate this stunning creation.

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is an exciting, educational center featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits. Encompassing over 800,000 gallons (3,000,000 liters) of aquariums and live animal habitats, the center offers visitors a chance to examine sea turtles, sharks and jellyfish, as well as dozens of other aquatic animals and birds. Handle horseshoe crabs in touch pools, use computers to predict the weather and see a compelling movie in the center’s IMAX theater.