Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach’s high rises overlook more than 56 kilometres of sandy beaches, enticing surf breaks and oceanfront restaurants. Themed bars line the boardwalk, while theme parks, pristine wildlife reserves and a thriving craft beer scene keep the entertainment rolling in.

Things to do

Virginia Beach was made for summer vacations, thanks to its idyllic coastline, which includes three distinct swimming areas. Sandbridge beach is located to the south and provides a tranquil vibe with sand dunes, beachfront cottages and a fishing pier. To the north is Chesapeake Bay, home to fine-dining restaurants, calm waters and the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. Between these you’ll find Resort Beach, the main hub of surfing, swimming and late-night partying.

If you’re interested in the local wildlife, head to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a wetlands reserve with migratory birdlife, including snow geese and tundra swans. It’s positioned next to False Cape State Park, where you can kayak, ride bike trails and fish.

Get your culture fix around the city centre at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art or De Witt Cottage, a historic beachfront home built in 1895. You can find one of the world’s largest collections of flyable war planes at the Military Aviation Museum, such as a P-51 Mustang and Supermarine Spitfire. Organise a truly unforgettable flight in one of the museum’s authentic World War II aircraft.

Families love Virginia Beach’s range of fun-filled attractions, from the carnival games at Virginia Beach Amusement Park to the go karts and mini-golf at Motor World. Visit turtles, spotted eagle rays and seahorses at Virginia Aquarium, before cooling off with water slides, a wave pool and tubing river at Ocean Breeze Waterpark.

Getting around

Greyhound buses and the Virginia Beach Wave trolley run regular routes to Virginia Beach, which is also 30 minutes from Norfolk International Airport. Virginia Beach is one of America’s most walkable cities, but you can also catch the Hamptons Road Transit buses around town.