Three miles along the Oceanfront, trails through marshland and dunes, and a lighthouse with a history dating back to the 18th century: Virginia Beach offers different perspectives on the coast, nature, and the past. Which of these shapes your stay depends on whether you prefer spending time by the water, exploring habitats, or visiting historic sites.
Boardwalk and Beach
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk runs along the Oceanfront from 2nd Street to 40th Street. On one side are beachfront hotels, shops, and restaurants; on the other is Oceanfront Beach. In the morning, visitors can walk, jog, or ride bikes along the Boardwalk. Its three-mile length gives this stretch of coast a clear boundary; the activities mentioned offer different ways to spend the morning there.
During the summer months, “Live! On Atlantic” brings music and other entertainment to four stages on the beach. Most events are free, and individual programs may vary. If you’d like to plan a visit around the summer program, check the event dates for your travel period.
Nature Trails and Protected Areas
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect habitats for migratory and wintering waterfowl. These include beach, freshwater marshes, dunes, scrubland, and higher-elevation forests. The refuge therefore brings together a range of landscape types. Possible activities there include hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography, as well as kayaking, environmental education, guided programs, and freshwater and surf fishing.
The refuge’s main visitor area is at 4005 Sandpiper Road in Virginia Beach. It has a visitor center, trails, fishing spots for freshwater and surf fishing, photography platforms, and an associated kayak launch. The address can help you get your bearings if you choose this area as a specific starting point for your visit.
West Neck Creek Natural Area has about 2.5 miles of soft-surface trails and 0.3 miles of paved, ADA-compliant trails. The details about length and surface make the difference between the two types of trails clear. In First Landing State Park, more than 19 miles of hiking trails pass through protected salt marshes, freshwater ponds, dunes, tidal marshes, and cypress swamps. There is also 1.25 miles of beach along the Chesapeake Bay. If you’re especially interested in comparing trails and habitats, you’ll find very different scales and landscapes here.
Marine Life and Unique Experiences
The North Building of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is home to sea turtles, sharks, seals, and Komodo dragons. Interactive exhibits also focus on the Stranding Response Program; a live view shows the sea turtle rehabilitation facility. The topics range from different animal groups to rescue and rehabilitation work.
The Atlantic Explorer offers family-friendly dolphin-watching cruises of about 90 minutes. Sightings and schedules may vary, so it’s worth checking the details for your preferred date. The Military Aviation Museum offers a different experience with a set duration: a 30-minute flight in a 1941 Stearman, including 20 minutes of flight time. The approximate duration of the dolphin cruise and the stated flight time help put these two different experiences into perspective.
History at Cape Henry
First Landing State Park takes its name from the historic landing of the three ships Discovery, Susan Constant, and Godspeed at Cape Henry in 1607, right next to the park. Cape Henry Lighthouse tells the story of a later chapter: it was the first lighthouse approved, fully completed, and illuminated by the newly established federal government, and it began operating in October 1792.
A visit to the lighthouse with timed general admission includes the climb and a 45-minute tour of Cape Henry. Access to the base is subject to requirements; keep these in mind when planning your visit. Cape Henry is therefore associated both with the early history of the 1607 landing and with the history of a lighthouse that began operating in 1792.
For the broader travel overview: Virginia Beach.
