Things To Do In Virginia Beach

If you are looking for a fun and affordable vacation or weekend away, consider Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is a short drive or flight from many areas of the east coast and neighboring states. There are lots of things to do here whether you live here or are visiting. During the winter months, locals outnumber tourists, enjoying the restaurants, shops, taking dogs for walks in the sand (not allowed during summer months), and exercising.

Most visitors avoid the oceanfront during the winter months because it's too cold to enjoy the water but there are many other options to enjoy. If you don't like crowds, visit in the fall, winter, or spring to see the fewest tourists and have more interaction with locals. If you enjoy bustling places, visit the oceanfront during the summer. A lesser known fact is that you will find international tourists in Virginia Beach during the summer. There are many French speaking Canadians who travel here during the summer in addition to Russians and students from abroad. I have even had the pleasure of meeting people from Germany and Romania without leaving VB.

Some visitors enjoy the oceanfront restaurants and nightclubs year round and if this describes you, try visiting the oceanfront for the highest concentration of nightclubs in VB. You will literally be able to walk from one club to the next with many clubs located next door to or a block away from one another. Just be sure to park in the properly marked places or city garages or you may find your car towed upon your return. There are music entertainment options in Virginia Beach such as concerts at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater and the Sandler Center For The Arts.

The Verizon Wireless American Music Festival takes place in August of each year and has performances ongoing through the weekend on several different stages. Some performances are free while others are not but you'll be able to hear the music if you're taking a stroll on the beach or boardwalk. There are clubs and smaller venues where you will be able to hear local artists play. For a good laugh, there is a Funny Bone Comedy Club in Town Center across the street from Pembroke Mall. About 10 minutes away from the oceanfront is the larger of Virginia Beach's two shopping malls, Lynnhaven Mall. It has over 185 stores and restaurants and this is where you'll find the AMC 18 movie theater (stadium seating).

During the summer, you will likely be able to take in free fireworks shows at the oceanfront which can be seen from anywhere along the boardwalk and many areas of Atlantic Avenue. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends typically are the most crowded and if you are planning a visit, be sure to book your hotel room(s) well in advance if you want to stay at an oceanfront hotel. On the 4th of July, there are also free fireworks at Mount Trashmore. Mount Trashmore is a park with walking trails, a couple of playgrounds, grills and picnic areas, and a large lake. This event is always extremely popular and you will have to stake out a spot hours beforehand if you hope to get a prime location to view the show.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, there are several state parks in Virginia Beach such as Fort Story, and First Landing where you will be able to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. If you are an early bird, you'll probably see dolphins playing in the water and you will be able to see whales just offshore as well. Year round Virginia Beach has a very active fishing community and there are lots of opportunities to get out and test your skills whether you have a boat or not. Jet skiing and kayaking are more popular pastimes and stand up paddle boarding is also gaining popularity. Beach Eco Tours offers group and private lessons and you might even have the chance to see dolphins while you're out paddle boarding!

I would not be a true VB resident if I couldn't recommend the East Coast Surfing Championships/ECSC which takes place in August of each year drawing thousands of surfers, their family, and supporters to the beach. You will see great surfing and hear a variety of good bands, some of them local. This is a fun event to see even if you can't surf. Before you say that Virginia Beach has no waves, just think about the fact that this competition is the longest run competition on the North American continent and the 2nd longest run competition in the world.

As a figure skater, I must tell you that you can get some ice at IceLand in Virginia Beach which is a good place to take the whole family or a group of friends. This rink is figure skating and hockey friendly with most public sessions occurring on the weekends. You can check the schedule online or by calling. If you want to see a professional hockey game, visit the Norfolk Scope to see the Admirals in action, just a short drive from VB.

While in VB, you should visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. It is relaxing, fun, and informative. There is also an IMAX theater, an aviary, a gift shop, and a variety of events. You will be able to get tickets to go dolphin or whale watching or spend part of your day as a trainer with the seals.

If you enjoy art, visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art located in VB. This museum has a large selection of pieces, there are classes, a gift shop, and a variety of ongoing activities to choose from. There are several art galleries in Virginia Beach and another option would be to take a short drive to the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk. The Annual Boardwalk Art Show in Virginia Beach typically takes place in June and draws thousands of people to the oceanfront for art, music, and the beach.