Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions 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: The massive, 9,200-acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge closes its longer East and West Dike Trails for wildlife protection from November through March, but the shorter Kuralt, Bay, Seaside, and Dune trails remain open in winter for half-mile to one-mile round-trip hikes from the parking area. If you don’t mind getting a little sandy, there’s also access to 3 miles of beachfront hiking down to the neighboring False Cape State Park.Admission: Free, November-MarchWhat to expect: Established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a protective habitat in 1938, Back Bay is a secluded destination for encountering nature, away from distractions of modern technology. (Well, besides maybe your phone -- you’re gonna want a way to capture all the interesting animals you’ll spot.) Its oceanfront beaches, woodland forests, and fertile marshes serve as a migratory location for thousands of varieties of Atlantic waterfowl during the winter, and beached seals have also been known to make appearances."

"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."

"Nature & Wildlife Areas4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456MoreLess Info. The completely natural environment at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers many outdoor activities along Virginia Beach. Visitors are able to fish, bike, and hike within designated segments of the area."

"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 First Landing Cross marks the area where America’s first English settlers touched shore in the New World in 1607. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1791, is the oldest government-built lighthouse in America. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek / Fort Story, 89th St. and Atlantic Ave., (757) 422-9421"

"Cape Henry Lighthouse is one of Preservation Virginia’s six historic sites. The non-profit is dedicated to preserving historic places and raising awareness of Virginia’s rich cultural heritage. To say this 18th-century lighthouse is rich in American history would be an understatement."

"If you have room for a little more historical knowledge a trip to the Cape Henry Lighthouse is a good stop. It’s located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay and get this, you have to enter an actual working military base. What is historic about this site?"

"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."

"• 2015 HRACRE Excellence in Design Award for Juror’s Choice Award • 2015 APA Sustainability Award • 2015 HRACRE Excellence in Design Award for Best Master Planning Project Award of Excellence • 2015 HRACRE Excellence in Design Award for Best Sustainable Design Award of Excellence • Sustainability Initiatives of the Year, Business Intelligence Group’s 2016 Sustainability Awards Program • BeyondGreen Honor Award for a High-Performance Building in the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council’s (SBIC) 2016 Beyond Green High Performance Building Awards"

"The Chesapeake Bay Foundation built the Brock Environmental Center to engage, inform, and inspire generations about the environment and how we can all help Save the Bay. The Center, located at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an innovative example of environmentally sensitive and… Read More"

"Naval Station Norfolk is known as the largest station in the world, which is definitely something of a claim to fame. The base spreads for over six kilometers over the waterfront of Norfolk and 134 aircraft are housed here as well as an impressive 75 naval vessels. This is very much a working naval base and is actually home to the largest number of navy personnel in the United States, but despite this visitors can still tour the base with a member of naval staff who will explain the history and work of the navy, as well as offering a tour of some of the ships and aircraft carriers that are kept here."

"Naval Station Norfolk is the biggest Naval base in the world. Truly a sight to behold, this is one of the best things to do in Norfolk to get a great idea of our military history. Naval Station Norfolk supports the operational readiness and preparedness of the US Atlantic Fleet of ships."

"The largest naval station on earth occupies 11 miles of wharf and pier space as well as 4 miles of seaside space."

"Elation brings great happiness, hence the name, to Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood. Here, at Norfolk’s only brewpub, you’ll find black leather chairs accompanied with high top tables made of old bowling alley lanes, that complement the overarching centerpiece of the brewery, the bar. It might seem obvious that the bar is the centerpiece, but the arch that resides over Elation's bar was handcrafted by the owner himself, an architect guru."

"COVA is nestled in the heart of East Ocean View, also known as East Beach, and is owned by two local families whose passions brought this project to life. COVA’s building was formerly an auto repair shop but has been beautifully transformed into a coastal influenced brew-house, offering both craft beers and coffee. Cedar slatted counters imitate beachy dune fencing and the color schemes throughout reflect the palette and sheen of sea glass."

"As the newest addition to the Virginia Beach craft beer scene Vibrant Shore Brewing Company brings a passion for good beer to the VIBE Creative Arts District. Grab a pint of the Future (a juicy IPA) or the Spectral Signature Milk Stout and enjoy the view from Vibrant Shore’s rooftop beer garden. Vibrant Shore Brewing Company is located at 505 18th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451"

"Monday: CLOSED Tuesday – Wednesday: 4 PM – 10 PM Thursday – 4 PM – 10 PM Friday: 1 PM – 10 PM Saturday: 1 PM – 10 PM Sunday: 1 PM – 10 PM"

"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."

"Whether after a big lunch or dinner, hot day or simply craving sweets, Strawberry Fields Smoothie and Gelato would be an ideal place to go. Located about 10 minutes away from campus, Strawberry fields has a variety of options for gelatos and smoothies. From freshly squeezed juices to acai bowl, the shop uses exclusively natural flavors to make their delicious desserts."

"And then there's Heritage Amish Bake Shoppe, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 30 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the bakery by heading over to 3600 Dam Neck Road. In addition to desserts, the shop sells spices, snacks, candy and jams."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Looking for food, fun, and fashion?. Then Red Mill Commons is the spot."