Attractions and Places To See around Virginia Beach - Top 20

Virginia Beach offers several significant historical sites. You can explore the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy, docked on the Elizabeth River. Another notable site is the MacArthur Memorial, a museum and research center dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur. Additionally, the Cape Henry Lighthouse, one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the U.S., and the Thoroughgood House, a colonial home dating back to 1719, offer glimpses into the region's past.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Virginia Beach area offers a variety of trails. The Long Creek Trail in First Landing State Park is a popular choice, featuring diverse terrain and scenic views along the Broad Bay waterway. First Landing State Park itself is Virginia's most visited state park with numerous trails. You can find more hiking options and detailed routes by visiting our guide on Hiking around Virginia Beach.

Yes, Virginia Beach has many attractions suitable for families. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center features thousands of marine animals and interactive exhibits. King Neptune Statue at Neptune's Park is a popular photo spot, and the park often hosts entertainment. Mount Trashmore Park offers playgrounds and wide-open spaces for activities. The Battleship Wisconsin also appeals to families interested in naval history.

The region boasts several beautiful natural areas. First Landing State Park offers marshes, maritime forests, and Chesapeake Bay beaches. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected environment ideal for birdwatching and kayaking. Mount Trashmore Park, a unique urban park, features two lakes and man-made mountains. For a more serene coastal experience, Sandbridge Beach and False Cape State Park provide undeveloped sandy shores and scenic trails.

Virginia Beach offers several great cycling opportunities. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a popular spot for an easy ride with ocean views. For more extensive routes, the Cape Henry Trail provides longer distances. Mount Trashmore Perimeter Trail is another option for a pleasant ride. Discover more cycling routes and detailed information in our guide on Cycling around Virginia Beach.

Beyond historical landmarks, Virginia Beach features unique cultural sites. The Military Aviation Museum houses a vast collection of restored World War I and World War II-era aircraft. The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, located in the historic DeWitt Cottage, showcases the region's wildfowl history. The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum preserves maritime history, and the ViBe Creative District is known for its vibrant street art and thought-provoking exhibits.

Several attractions in Virginia Beach are designed to be accessible. The King Neptune Statue and Neptune's Park area along the boardwalk are generally wheelchair accessible. The Mermaid Sculpture in the Waterside District is also located in an accessible area. Many parts of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk itself are flat and suitable for wheelchairs, offering ocean views and access to shops and restaurants.

For a more tranquil beach experience, consider visiting Sandbridge Beach. It's known for its wide, undeveloped sandy shores and natural beauty, offering a serene escape with opportunities for swimming, surfing, and kayaking in calmer waters. False Cape State Park also provides a wild and untouched environment with peaceful beaches, ideal for nature lovers seeking solitude.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse range of experiences available. Many appreciate the blend of natural beauty, such as the scenic views along the Long Creek Trail, and the vibrant atmosphere of the boardwalk area around the King Neptune Statue. The historical depth offered by sites like the Battleship Wisconsin and the family-friendly options like the Virginia Aquarium are also highly valued.

Yes, Virginia Beach features several unique parks and green spaces. Mount Trashmore Park is a distinctive urban park built on a reclaimed landfill, offering two lakes, two man-made mountains, and multi-use paths. First Landing State Park provides extensive natural areas with marshes and maritime forests. Stumpy Lake Natural Area offers peaceful walking trails and wildlife observation around a large freshwater lake, while Pleasure House Point Natural Area preserves a significant undeveloped parcel along the Lynnhaven River.

Runners can enjoy various trails throughout Virginia Beach. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers a long, flat route with ocean views. For more natural settings, the Cape Henry Trail and the Long Creek and Cape Henry Trail Loop provide scenic runs within First Landing State Park. You can find more detailed running routes and distances in our guide on Running Trails around Virginia Beach.