One of the East Coast’s more popular beach destinations offers many of the usual beach amenities, but also look for a wild side beyond the attractions, boardwalk bars and beach restaurants. Virginia Beach offers an array of tours, but many activities work best when self-guided.
While the weather can be unpredictable, this beach destination at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay goes beyond the ordinary selection of tours and attractions, primarily because of its unique geography. Most visitors arrive by private car, but two major regional airports — Norfolk International Airport and Newport News Williamsburg International Airport — also serve the area. Upon arrival, start by stretching your legs on the three-mile boardwalk. The water is usually calm and the setbacks to the water are wide.
There’s a lot to see along the Atlantic Avenue and Oceanside boardwalk corridors, including shops with beach gear and clothing and excellent restaurants serving local seafood. The wide boardwalk features separate lanes for bike riders. And walkers. And joggers. In summer, several stages offer live entertainment. Don’t miss the photo op at the sculpture of Neptune. At the south end of the boardwalk lies Rudee Inlet, where you can pick up a charter fishing boat, rent a bike or just enjoy the scenery and waterside dining (try Big Sam’s Inlet Café & Raw Bar).
Next, escape the beach crowds and explore the wilder, natural side of Virginia Beach. Many tours can be self-guided, such as a trip to Sandbridge Beach, where it will mostly be just you and the birds. Or visit First Landing State Park for a nature walk. Not far is the National Wildlife Refuge, a link to the Atlantic Flyway, or take a wetlands zip tour for a thrill under the canopy.
After all this nature, pause for a tasting at Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. in the newly renovated Cavalier Virginia Beach hotel and spa. Drop by the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and then wrap up your day with a sunset dolphin kayak tour. Before your departure, take a tour of the Military Aviation Museum and get back on the water for a whale tour aboard Atlantic Explorer.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 29, 20234 Great Jewelry and Accessory Boutiques in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
One thing surprising about the Prince Edward Island capital is its abundance of shops specializing in affordable, fashion-forward jewelry rendered in sterling silver, vermeil, 14K gold and semi-precious stones. Whether you prefer delicate pieces or bold wearable art, you can be assured the pieces for sale are inspired by the maritime island setting and, therefore, specific to the place where they are created. Here are a few shining, woman-owned examples:
Sponsored Content
Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!
Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.
Daily
Nov 29, 2023Norway for Art Lovers: New Venues Worth Visiting
Norway, a haven for visionary artists, architects and designers, showcases an exceptionally diverse array of cultural attractions. This year, the country commemorates exciting milestones and unveilings captivating enthusiasts of the arts, from iconic scenic routes to new museums to gallery openings. Up Norway features these new offerings in personalized itineraries catered to aesthetes.
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 29, 2023Review: Hilton Head Health
As a peripatetic traveler, I am always trying to balance the pleasures of dining well with a life-long challenge to control my weight. It’s not always easy, because I consider tasting typical, authentic regional dishes among the highlights of most journeys, and those foods are rarely known for “healthful” rankings! So, I started staying at spas way back in the 1980s — before they were ubiquitous — because meals were assured to be pure, clean and wholesome.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
eFlyer News
Nov 29, 2023Airlines Announce New Direct Flights to Turks & Caicos
Flying to the paradise of Turks & Caicos has never been easier thanks to many new, non-stop flights across three airlines to the destination. Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways all announced new flights, allowing travelers to visit this dreamy destination.
Daily
Nov 29, 2023Up Your Gift Giving Game This Holiday Season
With the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday over, many of us still wrack our brains on what to buy friends and family this holiday season. For the traveler in your life, finding the perfect gift can go a long way. Here are some top-quality products sure to impress loved ones this season:
Sponsored Content
A New Perspective on Incentive Travel
Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.
November 2023
Nov 28, 2023Volcanoes to Glaciers to Hot Springs, Adventure and Awe Await in Iceland
PHOTO: © VADYM LAVRA | DREAMSTIME.COM
ShareThis