Virginia Beach has a number of activities for all ages and interests that are free to enjoy.
Save Money with these Free Activities in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach was recently named one of the “Best Beaches to Visit this Summer” by Money Magazine. However, the coastal city is a great destination for a budget-friendly vacation year-round. Virginia Beach has a number of activities for all ages and interests that are free to enjoy.
Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Here are some of our favorite free activities in Virginia Beach
Find Free Events
Many of Virginia Beach’s popular attractions feature free events and activities throughout the year. Attend a free gallery talk at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Watch a free movie at the Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Be sure to visit a local winery or brewery for free tastings throughout the week. The city also plays host to plenty of free events.
Click here to view a calendar of Virginia Beach events.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Virginia Beach boasts three beaches that each offer a different experience. Choose from the Oceanfront beach, Sandbridge Beach or Chesapeake Bay Beach (also known as Chic’s Beach). Spend a weekend exploring all three to figure out which is your favorite.
Click here to read more about the beaches in Virginia Beach.
Explore the Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers plenty to see and do. Bring your bicycle and ride down the designated bike lanes or start your day with a walk or jog along the three-mile boardwalk. As you stroll, take a look at all of the fantastic monuments and statues along the boardwalk, including the massive King Neptune statue.
Click here to read more about the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Listen to Live Music
During summertime, Virginia Beach is filled with live music from local restaurants as well as the stages on the streets and beach. Live! On Atlantic brings live entertainment right to the Oceanfront sidewalks from May through September. There are also free concerts held throughout the year that bring local and national headliners right to the beach.
Visit a Local Museum
While not completely free, a trip to one of Virginia Beach’s local museums doesn’t have to break the bank. The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum tells the historical stories of Virginia’s coastal communities and maritime heritage. Admission is $1 for adults, seniors and active military, while children under 6 are free.
The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum houses art and artifacts showcasing the history of the region’s wildfowling heritage. Located in the historic deWitt Cottage, admission to the museum is only $2 for adults. Children under 16 are free.
Experience Virginia Beach’s City Parks
Virginia Beach features almost 300 parks and park facilities throughout the area. These parks are perfect for a family picnic, a run on a paved trail, access to waterways and more. Mount Trashmore park boasts a 60-foot-tall manmade hill as well as a tricked out skate park and multi-use paths. Grommet Island Park, located at the Oceanfront, is a “playground for everybody,” with wheelchair accessible structures, sensory boards and more. Find a local park near you.
Discover Virginia Beach’s Art Scene
The ViBe Creative District is Virginia Beach’s arts and culture neighborhood, located just a few blocks from the Oceanfront. The ViBe District is bursting with vibrant murals, sidewalks and buildings that showcase the city’s talented local artists. Explore the ViBe District and snap a few selfies along the way.
Image by Chesley De Leon
Pay Tribute to Virginia’s Legends
Head to 13th Street Park, at the Oceanfront, to honor to some legendary Virginia residents. These people have made a significant contribution to the country and even the entire world. View the plaques in honor of people, past and present, such as: Edgar Allen Poe, Ella Fitzgerald, Booker T. Washington, Arthur Ashe, Patsy Cline and more.
Visit False Cape State Park
There’s no charge to visit False Cape State Park and take advantage of the area’s natural surroundings and array of activities. Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean near Sandbridge Beach and the Back Bay, the nearly 4,000-acre park offers outdoor adventurers six miles of beaches, 15.3 miles of trails for hiking and biking and 12 primitive campsites.
Click here to read more about False Cape State Park.
Kayak through Ashville Bridge Creek
Launch a kayak for free into the Ashville Bridge Creek from Lotus Garden Park. This secluded park off Sandbridge Road provides access to scenic waterways. Paddle down the creek to the North Bay or simply relax with a view of the large lotus flowers and lily pads that cover the surface of the water.
To save more when you visit Virginia Beach, check out our coupons for local activities, attractions, restaurants and more.
Click here for Virginia Beach coupons.
