Location: Virginia Beach
Top Things to do in Virginia Beach
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7 Historic Sites in Virginia Beach That You Shouldn't Miss
Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Sports enthusiasts will find celebrated golf courses in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, as well as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails. Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off-season, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild.
Restaurants in Virginia Beach
1. Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Association for Research and Enlightenment
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Explore the fascinating work of Edgar Cayce, documented psychic and the "father of holistic medicine." Founded in 1931 to research and explore transpersonal subjects such as holistic health, ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, dreams, philosophy, reincarnation, and intuition. Join us daily for free lecture, film and tour. Visit our library, bookstore and gift shop, relaxing meditation garden, or stone labyrinth. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Leaping Lizard Café or relax in our holistic spa. Visit our Web site for a full schedule of events for our non-profit organization.
Reviewed By msdee123 - Virginia Beach, United States
I was a regular here for so long that I'd get hugs when I walk in. I enjoyed the student massages most of all but they're not in full service during the pandemic. They reopened July 9th but not quite everything is open or offered. They offer a full range of massage therapy and reflexology as well as things like cranial sacral or colonics. I always wanted to try the more. I also saw a chiropractor there once. They offer body work, holistic clinical works, hydrotherapies, spa packages and hypnotherapy screenings. They use to offer free classes at 3:30 daily but no longer. Peter would lead the meditation for the staff. They have a library and book store as well. They had weekend events that were a bit pricey however, I'm not certain when they'll be offered with the pandemic limitations. I'd recommend this place highly. It's bought me peaceful times over the years and taught me a thing or two as well. I know quite a few massage therapy students who have gradated from their massage school and went on to be the best ones in the area! Can hardly wait to return for reflexology. This place is where I began receiving it decades ago. I learned a lot over the years. Edgar Cayce was considered way ahead of his time. I watched videos of his life and was shocked the and pleasantly surprised that the center still stands even tho he's deceased. Smart man with gifts beyond belief.
2. Thoroughgood House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Visit the Thoroughgood House to hear the great success story of Adam Thorowgood, one of Virginia's first colonists. Learn about the house Argall and Susannah Thorowgood built and what makes it so extraordinary. See the special touches added by John Thorowgood and tour the passage and parlor, furnished as they might have been when John lived there. Finally, follow the house in pictures up to the present and find out what-and how-we are continuing to learn about this historic treasure.
3. Cape Henry Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,266 reviews
Dune Restoration Project in Progress The dune at Cape Henry Lighthouse is currently undergoing restoration and the lighthouse tower is temporarily inaccessible for climbing. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2019. During construction, we will remain open with walking tours every hour from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The Lighthouse is situated near the “First Landing” site where English settlers first set foot on their way to settle in Jamestown. Built with the same Aquia sandstone as much of Washington, D.C, the lighthouse guided sea travelers to safety for almost 100 years. The distinctive black and white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 but remains closed to the public.
Reviewed By _MandyMichele_ - Fredericksburg, United States
First of all, this is on an active military base, so don't be surprised or upset when they ask for photo IDs, proof of insurance, registration, and inspect your car, this is for everyone's safety! Once you get through the security checkpoint and on base, it is just a short drive to see the lighthouses. The stair climb is definitely worth it, the view was incredible. I will say that the top of the lighthouse can get a little warm on a hot day, depending on the number of people, but it's manageable. As others have said, there are 2 lighthouses that you can see. Once you are done viewing the lighthouses, continue driving just a short distance up the road to Fort Story/Cape Henry Memorial, a unique and interesting piece of history, and unobstructed views of the ocean, and a chance to capture both lighthouses. I love my flip flops, but I highly recommend tennis shoes for the stair climb up the lighthouse.
4. Ferry Plantation House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Ferry Plantation House is a 1830 brick structure (once covered with oyster shell stucco) with a ten-room central passage plan. It's an example of a Federal farm house facing the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River. The volunteers of Ferry Plantation tell the recorded past of the families who have lived on the property since the mid-1650s as-well-as the history of Virginia Beach.
Reviewed By NJPete76 - Oxford, United States
We went on a Saturday, got there about 11AM, right as a tour was starting. It was a $10 donation to take the tour. We learned a lot of fascinating information about the area, the pungo witch, and the life and history of the plantation itself. The tour was an amazing 3 hours long, but not because it needed to be, but because the volunteer tour guide was passionate about history and the area. Because it was so long, people basically came in at different sections of the tour. The tour guides name was Cody, and he was very good. One note is the tour was my wife's idea, and I don't usually enjoy them, but Cody made it worth going.
5. Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By 518mikelb - Georgetown, United States
A very nice memorial to the VB law enforcement. The sculpture is well done, unique in design and the plaques are very informative.
6. New Cape Henry Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By LadyRedRider - Charleston, United States
Understand that you will go through security and they can search your car. If you are a military member have your ID ready. Non military are permited yet limited access on this installation. This is a joint expeditionary base, once a historic Army Base. There are two light houses - sadly the best time to see it is at night but most non-military are permitted after closing of lighthouse tour closing.
7. Francis Land House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
The historic Francis Land House was once surrounded by hundreds of acres of farmland. It served as the home of Francis Land VI, a wealthy plantation owner from a prominent family in Princess Anne County, Virginia. Tours of the Francis Land House consider plantation life; the roles of the household members, both free and enslaved; Federal style; and ways that the formation of the new nation affected private lives. Tour guides also discuss the colorful history of the house in the 20th century, when it functioned as the Rose Hall Dress Shop.
