Affiliate Disclosure: We’re independent & reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
28 Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Sites & Attractions | Museums & Culture
As a frequent visitor to the area, I’m here to share my top things to do in Virginia Beach with you.
If sun, sand, and music are your vibe, then Virginia Beach is the destination for you. However, most tourists only visit the beach and miss out on everything else the city has to offer.
But that won’t be you! In this article, I share a mix of waterfront, inland, and downtown locations you can’t miss. If you’re looking for more to do than sunbathing, read on! But first, bookmark my guide to where to stay in Virginia Beach to read next.
Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Oceanfront District
Eat, drink, shop, and play with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront District is full of hotels, shops, nightlife, and activities. It even has a 3-mile-long boardwalk to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for the energy along the boardwalk or a more relaxed, family-friendly feel of North Beach, there’s something on the waterfront for everyone.
Stroll or bike the boardwalk to spot dolphins (my personal favorite activity!) and watch the waves crash in. Or, walk down Atlantic Avenue for a variety of coastal shops and activities.
Taking a boardwalk stroll is always my first stop after settling into my hotel room. There’s nothing like having your toes in the sand and smelling the salty air.
Virginia Aquarium Dolphin Tour
Spot dolphins and other aquatic wildlife on this boat ride.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-385-3474 | Website | Tours vary by day | Entrance: $28.95 adults, $23.95 ages 3-11, Free under 3
The Virginia Aquarium offers the best dolphin tour in Virginia Beach, in my humble opinion.
The aquarium offers two boat experiences. The first is The Atlantic Explorer. This is a catamaran that carries more than 100 passengers and has both exterior seating and interior climate-controlled seating. I recommend this for groups or those looking for a more family-friendly experience.
The second boat is The Atlantic Scout. This is recommended if you want a more up-close and personal, sea-level experience. This boat is a low-riding vessel that can hold up to 39 guests.
In winter, also check out their whale watching experiences.
Orion’s Roof
Enjoy drinks, dishes, and views 180+ feet above the Atlantic.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-937-4222 | Website
Orion’s Roof is a stylish rooftop garden-style restaurant. It offers Asian-fusion cuisine and an unforgettable panoramic view of the ocean, like nowhere else on the beach.
With indoor and outdoor seating, brunch, lunch, and dinner options, and a fantastic cocktail menu, there’s something for everyone here. Just don’t bring your fear of heights!
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Visit the 4th-oldest lighthouse in the USA.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-422-9421 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $12 general admission
Although it’s the fourth oldest lighthouse in the US, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first lighthouse actually authorized by the US Government. It’s an often-overlooked attraction in the area, but I think it’s definitely worth a visit for history buffs.
Cape Henry Lighthouse opened in 1792 and was the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton.
The lighthouse is located on Fort Story Military Base, so guests must bring a valid US ID and pass a background check to visit.
Virginia Aquarium
Learn about aquatic life, animal habits, and local conservation efforts.
📍Google Maps | Phone: 757-385-3474 | Website | Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily, closed Thanksgiving & Christmas | Entrance: $34.95 for adults, $29.95 for seniors and youth, Children 0-4 free
The Virginia Aquarium takes you on a journey through the state’s various ecosystems and helps educate about local aquatic life.
Here, you’ll look eye-to-eye with the animals, touch a stingray, and adventure through the Nature Trail. They also recently reopened their South Building Exhibits to include multiple types of Jellyfish and otters. The aquarium is fun for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
Fun fact – I love this place so much that I’m a member! I could sit for hours in front of their sea turtle exhibit.
Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
Get a bird’s eye view from the trees.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (757) 385-4947 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Sun-Wed, 9 am – 10 pm Thu-Sat. Hours change seasonally | Entrance: $74 – save $10 when you book ahead
With 33 ziplines, 6 challenge levels, and 17 treetop trails, Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is sure to get your heart racing. Children and adults alike can enjoy climbing, obstacles, and ziplining at the largest forest climbing park in Virginia.
I’m not usually one to enjoy heights, but I had such a blast! The staff is also super helpful and patient if heights make you a little squeamish, like me.
Virginia Beach Pier
Enjoy closer water views on your stroll on the Pier.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (757) 904-0119 | Hours: 6 am to Midnight May 28- October 31, Spring & Winter Hours Vary
For fishing or a better view of the water without stepping on a boat, the Virginia Beach Pier is the place for you. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the resort area at 15th street and measures approximately 1,000 feet in length.
My favorite time to walk out on the pier is in the evening, right at sunset, and look back at all the lights along the shoreline.
Ocean Eddy’s
Take in unobstructed water views and great food on the Pier.
📍Google Maps | Phone: 757-425-7742 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Fri; 8 am – 10 pm Sat-Sun
After you’ve taken a stroll on the Pier, stop in to Ocean Eddy’s for a casual and delicious dining experience at the only restaurant over the beach.
This family-run establishment offers local farm-raised soft shells when in season, oysters from the Lynnhaven River, Virginia beef for the delicious burgers, and fresh fish from the ocean. I stop by at least once a visit, and I am never disappointed.
Sites & Attractions
Nightmare Mansion
Visit the East Coast’s oldest walk-through haunted attraction.
📍Google Maps | Phone: 757-428-3327 | Website | Hours & Pricing Change Seasonally
The Nightmare Mansion is an immersive experience that is great for a scare. It’s been rated one of the top 10 haunted attractions in the country, features live actors, and is located right on the resort strip.
You can choose the original haunted experience, the escape room, or both! Although fun for adult horror lovers, it is intense and not recommended for children.
King Neptune’s Mini Golf
Feel like you’re golfing underwater in this blacklight-lit indoor course.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (757) 422-1742 | Website | Hours: 10 am- 10 pm daily | Entrance: $8 per person, Ages 4 & under free
King Neptune’s Mini Golf is a glow-in-the-dark golfing facility with underwater scenes.
This is the perfect activity for a rainy day and great for a date night or part of a family-friendly day. My husband and I stop here on rainy trips, and it’s always such a fun way to spend time indoors.
Atlantic Fun Park
Ride the biggest Ferris wheel in Virginia Beach and enjoy other family-friendly activities.
📍Google Maps | Phone: 757-422-0467 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 12 am daily | Entrance: $39 unlimited armband, $1/ticket for single ride tickets
Atlantic Fun Park offers rides and games for the whole family. Rides like Gravitron and Sea Dragon excite the thrill-seeker in your party, while a kiddie train and other rides are available for the less adventurous in your group.
This is the perfect place to bring kids, especially if it’s too cold to get in the ocean.
Sculpture Scavenger Hunt
Look for sculptures along the oceanfront.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
An “unofficial” activity, I highly recommend seeing how many coastal statues you can find along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk offers a multitude of huge, coastal statues to admire and use as a fun photo opportunity! The most famous and largest is the King Neptune Statue at Neptune’s Park.
This park also serves as a concert venue for local acts in the summer. I love to wander the boardwalk and see how many different sculptures there are to see, from seashells to turtles; there are too many to count.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Experience thrilling rides and refreshing pools at Ocean Breeze.
📍Google Maps | Phone: 757-422-4444 | Website | Hours & Prices vary
Water slides, an adventure river, and several pools make up Ocean Breeze Waterpark. With varying levels of intensity, this is a great family-friendly activity and is perfect to be refreshed on a hot day.
iFLY VA Beach
Feel the adrenaline rush of free-falling indoors.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (757) 754-4359 | Website | Open 9:30 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: $80 for 2 Flights
iFLY VA Beach is an indoor skydiving center that’s great for adults and older teenagers. The wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe flight experience indoors. If you’ve always wanted to try skydiving, but something has held you back, this is a great way to try it in a totally controlled environment.
Because this is an indoor activity, I recommend saving it for a rainy day.
Hugh Mongous
Strike a pose at this unusual photo opportunity.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free
Standing 45 feet tall at the entrance to Ocean Breeze Waterpark, Hugh Mongous is a local landmark and staple of the Virginia Beach area.
University of Richmond’s professor, Demetrios Mavoudi, designed Hugh in 1977. Hugh was so popular when the park opened that local newspapers occasionally wrote a feature about the gorilla asking him about his experience at the water park.
Even if you don’t stop for a photo, it’s a super cool statue to see when driving by.
Mt. Trashmore
Visit this unique environmental wonder.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (757) 385-2995 | Website | Entrance: Free
In the late 1960s, the city converted a 640,000-ton pile of garbage into the nation’s first landfill park named Mt. Trashmore. Mt. Trashmore now hosts two lakes, a large playground, a skate park, and more. Take a break from the busy strip and relax in this luscious green space.
Virginia Beach Amphitheater
Enjoy a show at the VA Beach Amphitheater.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-368-3000 | Website
Some of the biggest names in music and live entertainment grace the Virginia Beach Amphitheater stage for spectacular performances.
Listen to your favorite songs and maybe learn a few new ones on a night out during your stay.
First Landing State Park
Relax at Virginia’s first planned State Park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (757) 412-2300 | Website | Hours: 8 am – dusk daily (for day visitors) | Entrance: $7 per car weekdays, $10 per car weekends
In my book, First Landing State Park is always a good idea. Here, a calmer beach, hiking trails, and camping opportunities await. It’s the perfect nature escape from the city.
First Landing State Park is a great stop for families, couples, solo travelers, or those traveling with dogs, as it’s a dog-friendly park. My husband and I are planning on bringing our dog here for a trip soon, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Kayak Tours
Adventure out on the water for a wildlife-spotting kayak tour.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-235-4859 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $65 per person
Taking a Virginia Beach kayak tour is an up-close-and-personal way to spot dolphins. This is one of my favorite things to do in Virginia Beach!
As a result of the somewhat unpredictable waves and weather conditions, this is best for adults and older children. During your tour, your guide will also provide a history of the area, information about the dolphins, and a crash course on the local ecosystem.
Linked above is the kayaking company, GoKayak!, but there are several tour operators in the area.
Apex Entertainment
Play arcade games and more at this entertainment complex.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-678-8666 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Wed; 1:30 pm – 10 pm Thu; 4 pm – 12 am Fri; 11 am – 12 am Sat; 11 am – 9 pm Sun | Entrance: Prices vary
If games, a bowling alley, and axe-throwing aren’t enough, there are also escape rooms at Apex Entertainment, a multi-level entertainment center.
This is a fun destination for the whole family as there are so many different activities to choose from. There’s even an indoor restaurant. It’s a great idea for rainy days or when it’s too hot for outdoor activities.
Museums & Culture
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Visit this non-collecting museum and art center.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-425-0000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tue | Entrance: Virginia Residents are Free, Out of State Visitors $16.50
Rotating exhibits, events, and art classes await at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Explore the work of local and regional artists, and if you visit more than once, you’ll be delighted by the rotating exhibits.
Military Aviation Museum
See military planes in action through this museum’s “Summer of Flight” events.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-721-7767 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, closed Thanksgiving & Christmas | Entrance: Free for Members & WWII Veterans, $17 for Adults, $15 Senior (65+), Military, Teachers, $10 Youth (ages 5-13), Free Youth 4 & Under
The Military Aviation Museum is where to learn about the history of military aviation through its collection of more than 70 aircraft.
Experience its “Summer of Flight” events as aircraft make unscheduled flights throughout the week. In addition to viewing the aircraft, you can also visit multiple historic structures on site, like the Cottbus Luftwaffe Hangar or the Goxhill Watch Office.
My husband and I have self-guided through the museum, but you can also take a free docent-led tour.
Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum
Explore the history of Virginia’s coastal communities.
📍 Google maps | Phone: 757-422-1587 | Website | Summer Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed-Sat, Closed Sun-Tue; Winter Hours: By appointment only | Entrance: Free
If you’re like me and think pirate history and shipwrecks are fascinating, then the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum is a must-see.
Learn of nearby shipwrecks, lifeguarding efforts, the Life-Saving Service, and much more at this museum located right on the boardwalk.
If you’re visiting in October, I highly recommend visiting for their Annual Pig & Oyster Fest.
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Learn about Atlantic Waterfowl and the history of VA Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-437-8432 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tue | Entrance: Free
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum is a one-stop shop for learning about wildfowl and local history. I found the amount of history within this one structure mesmerizing.
The museum is found inside the historic DeWitt Cottage, the oldest remaining private structure on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Bernard Peabody Holland built the structure in 1895 and, later, filed with others to incorporate the Town of Virginia Beach and served as mayor.
Virginia Legends Walk
Take a self-guided tour through this outdoor exhibit.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Virginia Legends Walk is an outdoor exhibit that honors Virginians who have made significant contributions to the state and beyond. It is located at 13th Street Park between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue.
It’s a great place to take a break from the boardwalk and learn about icons like Thomas Jefferson, Booker T. Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and others.
Naval Aviation Monument Park
Explore this park overlooking the Atlantic.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Naval Aviation Monument Park is a small outdoor park containing multiple monuments dedicated to decades of Naval history.
It features sculptures and educational plaques showcasing three periods of naval aviation – the early 20th century, WWII, and modern times.
Ferry Plantation House
Experience 300+ years of history at this historic site.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-473-5182 | Website | Entrance:$20/tour for two guests
Ferry Plantation House is a historic site that was once home to The Ferry Boat Service on the Lynnhaven River, the second Princess Anne Courthouse that tried Grace Sherwood (Virginia’s last person convicted of witchcraft), and a Confederate Navy Captain.
I’m a little obsessed with the Witch Trials, so this site was of particular interest to me. Dating back to 1642, the site offers a unique educational experience of many eras.
Thoroughgood House
Visit one of the oldest surviving colonial homes in Virginia Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 757-385-5100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Thu-Sat, 1 pm – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
Thoroughgood House is where you can learn about Adam Thoroughgood, one of Virginia’s first colonists who helped establish Virginia Beach. This 1719 house is furnished as it would have been back in the day, and is a fascinating look at living history.
Step back in time as you tour the home and the gorgeous English gardens.
***
Thanks for reading my list of the best things to do in Virginia Beach! Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below.