While vacationing in Virginia Beach, there are countless activities you can do both on and off the land. But what if we told you a long list of these activities are for FREE? Virginia Beach offers a wide variety of things to do free of charge so that you can have a fun and affordable vacation. So, put away your wallet and make your way to one of these destinations while visiting this exciting and generous city.
Strawberry Picking in Pungo
During season, people of all ages head out to Pungo where you will find multiple fields covering the land filled with fresh, bright red strawberries ready to be picked. Grab a basket and make your way down the field’s pathways as you pick high quality strawberries and enjoy the summer breeze.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
With over eight miles of scenic trails, Back Bay provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife including endangered species such as the loggerhead sea turtle, piping plover and bald eagle. Visitors are able to walk the trails to witness the wildlife as well as a beautiful scenery of freshwater marshes, beaches, dunes and woodlands. Located at the southern end of Sandbridge Beach, Back Bay is the perfect opportunity to face nature one-on-one.
Location:
4005 Sandpiper Road
Hours:
Open daily from 8 a.m.—4 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.—4 p.m. on weekends
Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
Lotus Garden Park
Used as a launching point for a calm, yet adventurous kayak or canoe ride, Lotus Garden is a roadside park on the south side of Sandbridge Road. Enjoy a ride down Ashville Bridge Creek to the North Bay or simply bring a chair and admire the pleasant view of enormous lotus flowers and lily pads covering the surface of the water.
Location:
1280 Sandbridge Road
Hours:
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Red Wing Park
A 97-acre park that is home to numerous amenities and several gardens such as the Reba S. McClanan Fragrance Garden, Red Wing Park has been a popular destination since 1966. Five picnic tables, tennis courts, two volleyball courts, three playground areas, a dog park, open fields, horseshoe pits and much more is what makes up this fun and friendly area open to the public. Enjoy the weather and all the park has to offer which is currently undergoing some renovations for an even more modern and expanded park.
Location:
1398 General Booth Blvd
Hours:
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to various closing times
The Boardwalk
The boardwalk located at Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront is enough for an entire day of activities. Walk down the boardwalk and you will be easily entertained by all the historical attractions, free entertainment and beautiful scenery of the Atlantic Ocean. With an amusement park with free admission, daily concerts at the 31st Street Stage and a separate bike path for biking, rollerblading or skateboarding, the boardwalk is perfect for a day and night out on the town.
King Neptune on 31st Street
Old Beach Farmers Market
Located directly next to Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, the Old Beach Farmers Market is every Saturday open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend offering fresh seasonal produce, newly baked breads and cakes, Virginia wines, potted plants, homemade gifts and much more! A charming setting filled with goodies and a unique food truck, the Farmers Market is a great way to spend your Saturday.
Location:
At the corner of 19th Street and Cypress Avenue
Hours:
9 a.m.—Noon every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
Movie Theaters
During the summer time, both AMC and Regal movie theaters offer free movies for kids. Times vary by location.
First Landing State Park
Swimming, hiking, boating, jet skiing, crabbing, biking, picnicking, hiking and fishing. All of these activities are just some of many that you can do at First Landing State Park, formally known as Seashore State Park. This 2,888-acre park offers a wide variety of outdoor opportunities on one of the most beautiful shorelines in Virginia. Stay overnight at a campsite to continue the fun the next day. A local area in close proximity to heart of Virginia Beach, First Landing is a great escape from the more heavily developed areas.
Location:
2500 Shore Drive
Hours:
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Mount Trashmore Park
Consisting of two man-made mountains, two playgrounds, a skate park, two lakes, multiple paths, a Kids Cove Playground and more, Mount Trashmore has been a park nationally-loved destination for years. The two mountains are made up of compacted layers of solid waste and clean soil, giving the park special environmental features. With plenty of activities that are both physical and relaxing, you can’t go wrong with spending a day at Mount Trashmore.
Location:
310 Edwin Drive
Hours:
Open daily from 7:30 a.m.—Posted closing time
Hunt Club Farm
Known to be a part of the area’s rich agricultural history, Hunt Club offers various events throughout the year that are both agricultural-based and fun! Pumpkin picking, pony rides, petting farm, Haunted Hayride, Easter Egg Hunts, a Farm Market and various seasonal festivals are held here to entertain the whole family! Open from April 1st to New Year’s Eve, Hunt Club invites guests to explore their grounds and see all the farm life has to offer.
Location:
2388 London Bridge Road
Hours:
Open daily from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. with extended hours during certain seasons
