Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Wondering where you can take advantage of world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment while still enjoying plenty of access to nature? Look no further than Virginia Beach! The City of Virginia Beach is a bustling coastal community of over 450,000 people. Not only is the area home to the largest concentration of military personnel outside of the Pentagon, but it’s also become a major East Coast vacation destination. With so much within driving distance, it’s no wonder the city’s popularity continues to endure. Here, there’s no shortage of fun things to do, whether you just want to chill at the beach or you’re looking to make the most of the city’s many unique attractions. If you’re in the Virginia Beach area, here are some great ways to take advantage of all the city has to offer.

Take a Stroll Down the Boardwalk

Virginia Beach’s iconic boardwalk is three miles of beautiful ocean views and excitement. Enjoy free entertainment and live music at the boardwalk’s four oceanfront stages and soak in the vibrant sights and sounds. When you get hungry, you’ll find plenty of classy restaurants to select from all along the boardwalk, whether you’re craving fresh seafood or just something simple and casual.

Check Out First Landing State Park

If you’re a nature lover, you won’t want to sleep on First Landing State Park, the site where the English colonists first landed back in 1607. The park boasts 20 miles of trails to hike or bike, as well as a whole stretch of secluded beach to enjoy. Boating, fishing, crabbing, bird watching, and swimming are all popular recreational activities in the park. The park’s numerous picnic areas make it a great day trip destination, but if you enjoy camping, there are also plenty of excellent spots for overnighters.

Get Wet at Ocean Breeze Waterpark

In the heat of the summer, there’s nothing quite like cooling off at a waterpark. Virginia Beach’s Ocean Breeze Waterpark has all the fun of Williamsburg’s Water Country USA without the drive or nearly as many crowds. Bodysurf in the wave pool, lay back and relax in the lazy river, and challenge your friends and family on the log roll. Feeling adventurous? Go for a ride down the park’s many twisty waterslides.

Shop, Dine, and Play at the Virginia Beach Town Center

The Virginia Beach Town Center has all the convenience and amenities of the suburbs packed into one central location. Take in an award-winning performance at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, shop to your heart’s content at both locally owned stores and national franchises like the Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and lululemon, or laugh it up at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. For a day of gaming, Apex Entertainment’s 85,000-square-foot complex offers fun for the whole group, including laser tag, go-karts, bowling, mini golf, sports simulators, traditional arcade games, and more.

Explore History at the Military Aviation Museum

Home to one of the world’s largest authentic collections of vintage military aircraft, Virginia Beach’s Military Aviation Museum is like stepping back in time. The museum houses 50 aircraft from the World War I and World War II eras, with weekly flight demonstrations held each summer. During the annual airshows held on the museum’s grounds, visitors can witness these historic military aircraft take to the skies.

Tour the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

With over 300 species of marine life ranging from harbor seals to sea turtles, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has it all. The aquarium’s wide array of interactive, ever-changing exhibits allows guests to see the wonders hidden under the sea up close, and knowledgeable staff members ensure the experience will be a memorable one for all ages. Book a dolphin or whale watching tour during the warmer months and gain a new appreciation for the majestic creatures that call the ocean home.

Spend an Afternoon at Mount Trashmore Park

Once a massive landfill, Mount Trashmore is a 165-acre, repurposed park that has trash no more. Instead, you’ll find a trail that loops around the park for biking, jogging, and walking, outdoor fitness stations for working out, two nearby lakes perfect for canoeing or kayaking; a big playground for the kiddos; volleyball courts; and an iconic skatepark complete with a 13.5-foot-tall vert ramp. On windy days, climb the steps up the man-made mountain for hours of kite-flying fun.

Visit Us at Regent University in Virginia Beach

Regent University is a premier Christian college ranked among the top national universities with a beautiful, 70-acre campus centrally located in Virginia Beach. We provide an enriching, Christ-centered, high-quality educational experience designed to help you grow academically, personally, and spiritually. At Regent, you can select from over 150 areas of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level.

We’ll help you discover your unique, God-given purpose, whether you’re just beginning your higher education journey or coming back to it. Come visit us today! Schedule a personalized tour or join us for Discover Regent to discover the Regent difference and find out why our campus continually ranks among the best college campuses in Virginia. Already know what you want to study? Get started on your application and take the next step toward your future.