Location: Virginia Beach
Top Things to do in Virginia Beach
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What to do and see in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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. Tula Paddle Sports
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 147 reviews
Stand-up paddleboard and Kayak rentals, lessons, tours and sales. Pontoon cruises up to 6 people. See dolphins, visit waterfront restaurants, cruise the back waters of VB. Open every day of the week Memorial Day through Labor Day or by reservation. 757-502-TULA
2. Taste Virginia Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Coastal Virginia's Premier Craft Brewery, Winery, and Culinary Tours guided by life long locals. A fun and educational tasting adventure you'll want to experience again and again. Tours include transportation to all venues in our executive coach, guide and behind the scenes info (and access when available). Tasting fees can be included for convenience.
3. Military Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,316 reviews
World War One and Two aircraft THAT STILL FLY are the heart of this unique museum. 40,000 guests each year travel from all over the world to see our aircraft, especially during our major events and airshows. Come see why the Military Aviation Museum is one of the top attractions in all of Virginia Beach! Take a flight in an open cockpit biplane for a once in a lifetime experience, and learn about the heroes of the first fifty years of military aviation.
Reviewed By PABuckeyeFans - Fort Myers, United States
Check out the Jetrtasic Park sculpture garden. Great for kids. Toured the Navy Hangar, Army Harbor, RAF Goxhill Tower, WWI Hangar, Fighter Factory and Cottbus German Hangaar. Has a great gift shop. Service volunteers do the tours with lot's of details and experience.
4. Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 709 reviews
Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle is a school that teaches Stand Up Paddle. In business since 2011, we strive to spread aloha and have fun while teaching the way cool sport of SUP. We start out in nice calm flat water teaching intro to paddle..then graduate up to ocean and or yoga paddles....RI'SUP the place to start and continue your paddle journey!!
5. First Landing State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,070 reviews
Nature enthusiasts will love this park with 2,700-acres of hiking trails, cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a variety of birds.
Reviewed By Davidgetsaround
Tucked away on the North side of Virginia Beach is a hidden treasure, a beach and campground, nature preserve and set of hiking trails. First Landing is popular, for those who know where to find it. I find myself going there all throughout the year as a way to enjoy a bit of nature in an otherwise urban life.
6. Sandbridge Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,434 reviews
Reviewed By BiscottiLady - Herndon, United States
We loved our one week beach rental at BEAUTY AND THE BEACH, 3241 Sandpiper Road, Sandbridge Beach, VA. This was literally a last minute rental with Siebert Realty b/c our original rental with Sandbridge Realty was full of mold and we REFUSED to stay there. Beauty and the Beach was lovely, apparently recently been renovated. The house has 3 levels, 5 bedrooms and 4 baths - lots of room for our family of 6, plus a very tame dog, to spread out (our adult children accompanied us). The house backs to the canal, so it's a couple of blocks from the beach, but that was ok for us. Plenty of driveway space for several cars, a deck on the front and back of the house, a well maintained backyard swimming pool, a small dock to the canal with an available kayak, and a firepit on the side of the house (we made s'mores one night which was fun). This was our first family vacation to Sandbridge and it was great - very quiet and not many people on the beach (we were there Aug 29-Sept 5, 2020). We've had family beach vacations for 30+ years with our kids, who all said this was their favorite beach rental yet. We would rent here again. And many thanks to Siebert Realty for helping us rent at the last minute :)
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Flowering Almond Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Inspired by the elegant beauty of The Founders Inn and Spa resort and the time-honored rejuvenation and relaxation technique, the resort's spa is a favorite choice of hotel guests and Virginia Beach residents alike. Complete your inner transformation with a visit to our peaceful conservatory and perhaps a spa lunch during your stay at Virginia Beach spa resort. We offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
Reviewed By 528chinab
I was scheduled for a pedicure yesterday at the Flowering Almond Spa with Destiny. I was greeted promptly by the front desk receptionist. She was nice and advised my nail tech i was there. Destiny greeted me and took me to the conservatory to wait for my service. While waiting she showed me the hand sanitizer and advised mask were required. Which i definitely can appreciate the measures of safety and sanitizing they took due to covid. I was offered water while i waited. Destiny was very sweet and accommodating! Even with her mask on i could tell she was smiling.. She took me back to the nail room and i noticed they had shields hanging to provide a barrier between the tech and the client, which was also a huge plus. Safety and cleanliness were definitely taken into consideration and i appreciated that. I was offered delicious sparkling cider as my feet soaked. I also enjoyed a massage in the chair whilst getting my feet done... Awesome sauce!! I enjoyed my treat to the spa, and will definitely be returning. The ambiance is very relaxing and zen, and the conservatory is beautiful overlooking the water. My experience was great. Booking with Destiny was a smooth and professional experience from start to finish. Thanks Flowering Almond Spa and Destiny!! My feet feel brand new!! Lol. I'm spring ready now.
