Top Rated Parks to Visit in Virginia Beach

"First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp. A registered Natural Landmark, First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia and contains one of the most endangered habitat types in the world, the maritime forest community. Campers can find refuge within the park, as well."

"First Landing State Park is brimming with exciting and relaxing activities for the whole family. The nearly 3,000-acre park boasts 20 miles of trails to explore on foot. While traversing First Landing’s trails, you’ll come across cypress swamps, maritime forests, freshwater wetlands, dunes, shoreline on the bay and salt marshes."

"First Landing State Park was the first planned state park in Virginia and is listed as a Seashore State Park Historic District."

"Activity Type:Amusements and Amusement Parks, Outdoor and Adventure Tours. Once a landfill, over 60 feet high, 800 feet long and 165 acres. Home to Kids Cove playground, skate ramps, and many special events."

"World-renowned Mount Trashmore Park encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skate park, vert ramp and multi-use paths."

"Distance/Time: During the colder months, False Cape State Park can only be accessed by hiking, biking, or taking small boats along 3.5 miles of beach from the Back Bay Visitor’s Center. (That or hopping aboard the park’s Terra-Gator beach transporter, a massive rover that looks like it could navigate the surface of the moon. Operated on weekends only in the off-season, rides are $8 per person and require reservations and a minimum of 10 passengers.) While its interior trails close for winter, there are nearly 6 miles of hikeable beachfront within the park’s 4,321 acres. Make sure to give yourself at least a few hours due to the remote location and intermediate-level, sandy trails.Admission: Free, November-March (enter through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge)What to expect: There is a certain charm to the lore surrounding False Cape."

"In Virginia Beach, you’ll also find Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Both have miles of pristine beaches, barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, and ponds. On False Cape, hop on a bike tour with Surf & Adventure Co. — there’s no better way to get acquainted with the more remote areas of these sands."

"Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean near Sandbridge Beach and the Back Bay, False Cape State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas on the Atlantic Coast. False Cape State Park has a total of 15.3 miles of trails for hiking. Each trail varies in length and difficulty."

"The King Neptune Statue is situated at the entrance area of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and is something that is worth the title of one of the city’s tourist attractions in its own right. Standing at 34 feet in height and fashioned from aesthetically pleasing bronze, it rises out of the Atlantic and stares down over Neptune Park. The money used to construct the King Neptune Statue was raised at the Neptune Festival, an annual event that has been held since 1973 as one of America’s greatest festivals."

"You don't need a lot of time to check out the King Neptune Statue along the boardwalk, but it is still worth adding to your checklist. This bronze statue is 34 feet high and seems to rise right out of the Atlantic Ocean from the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 31st Street, where it overlooks Neptune Park. This statue honors the Neptune Festival held in September and volunteers from this festival raised the money to hire Paul DiPasquale to design and create this famous statue."

"Set on the Oceanfront, the Naval Aviation Monument is dedicated to the aviation of the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. The monument is made up of several beautiful bronze statues created by master sculptor Mike Maiden. There are also a number of other historical monuments here, including a statue of World War II pilot Eugene Ely, who was the first to land successfully on a shipboard."

"Stop by the Naval Aviation Monument along the boardwalk to learn about the heritage of naval aviation honoring our proud aviators, the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard who defend our country. Stroll along the beach and boardwalk for the afternoon and evening."

"Distance/Time: The Pleasure House Point Natural Area sprawls over 118 acres with a network of three sandy trails winding over a mile among marshland and maritime forest to the beach. In its entirety, hikers can handle trails at an easy pace in an hour to two hour’s time.Admission: FreeWhat to expect: Located where the ebb of the Lynnhaven River reaches the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, this natural sanctuary was saved from property development in 2012 thanks to the efforts of community preservation groups. The area is also home to the Brock Environmental Center, recognized as one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world for its ability to produce more energy than it uses."

"For an easy, rugged dirt trail with some beautiful photo opportunities, look no further than the Pleasure House Point trail. Situated close to the shoreline in a marshy area, this sunset favorite offers fabulous bird watching opportunities on its 2.3 mile stretch of trail. The trails here are largely surrounded by tall grasses with views of the calm wetlands of the area, a great spot for enjoying nature on one of the most tranquil hikes in Virginia Beach."

"The Pleasure House Point Natural Area boasts more than 118 acres of forests, marshland, and beaches. It includes three sandy trails ideal for hikers of all skill levels. The park’s location between the Lynnhaven River and the Chesapeake Bay, make this nature sanctuary an ideal setting to spend the day."

"Virginia Beach is home to 264 parks and park facilities, covering over 4,000 acres including neighborhood and community parks, metro parks, signature parks, natural areas, waterway accesses, trail linkages, open space preservation areas and park athletic facilities. Ranging from playgrounds to picnic shelters, ball fields to wide-open spaces, there’s a park for every personality. Parks are open from 7:30 a.m."

"Termed as one of the best places to visit in Virginia, the Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area is one of the most stunning natural destinations in Virginia Beach. It rests in the Bayside Borough, covering 42 acres and 12,000 feet of shoreline. There is a range of diverse habitats scattered about the expanse, and it’s a great place for many different activities."

"This park in the Virginia Beach area features a beautiful 42 acres of nature. You'll enjoy it whether you have your hiking shoes on, or if you're trying to put your feet to your bike pedals. You can complete the trail in about a half-hour, and there are plenty of areas where you can take a dip or catch some fish."

"Ocean View Beach Park is the perfect spot for the best beach vacations from Virginia Beach. It is located in Norfolk and is only 26 minutes away, making it the nearest beach spot outside the city."

"Located in Downtown Norfolk, Town Point Park provides eight acres of peaceful outdoor space, nestled right on the banks of the beautiful Elizabeth River. Sit and enjoy the stunning sunset view while watching sailboats float by on the shimmering water. @__d_w_p__, Instagram"

"Next up is Mears Corner's Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Co., situated at 1805 Kempsville Road. With 4.5 stars out of 87 reviews on Yelp, the brewery and event space has proven to be a local favorite."

"Just outside of the Ghent neighborhood (and a four min walk from O’Connor Brewery) lives the Chesapeake Bay-themed microbrewery, Rip Rap. Their once four tap menu has now more than doubled offering many much-loved brews. This being said they brew in smaller batches and once the barrel is gone, it is gone."

"Check out Rip Rap Brewing Co, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 26 reviews on Yelp. You can find the brewery at 116 E."

"Finally, Pelican's SnoBalls, a spot to score desserts and shaved ice, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 24 Yelp reviews. Head over to 6011 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. to see for yourself."

"Best known for their frozen yogurt, Sweet Frog has been an instant hit since they first opened shop by the oceanfront. Ever since then, several other branches of this well loved cold dessert place have dotted the beach and other parts of Virginia. What makes Sweet Frog worth the visit?"

"The Beach Gallery exhibits many fine contemporary art works by regional and national artists. These original works, including lithographs and prints, can tell a visitor a lot about the art scene in the region. Some of these great pieces are even available for purchase."