A beloved city for more than 60 years, Virginia Beach is a sought-after vacation destination that has continuously proven to be a place of relaxation, exploration and fun.
By Kelsey Thomas
Ranked by Forbes as the second safest large city in the nation in 2023, Virginia Beach is an enticing place for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you come annually or if it’s your first visit, we are so glad to have you! You’ve probably already noticed the endless list of ways to spend your time while you’re here, from digging your toes into the sand of our wide-open beaches to taking advantage of the coastal cuisine or exploring one of our many attractions. The Virginia Beach Visitors Guide is here to provide you the perfect list of resources to make your family’s trip unforgettable.
Dive into the city’s culinary and craft beverage scene by dining al fresco at one of the many restaurants with a water view or partaking in your own Virginia Beach spirit trail. From succulent and sustainable seafood to farm-to-table eats, you can expect fresh dishes made with local ingredients.
Become one with nature by exploring the many trails and beaches at First Landing State Park, where camping, boating, hiking and biking await. If you’re more on the adventurous side, go for a ride ziplining or try out indoor skydiving. Take a stroll down Atlantic Avenue for everything from live music and beach shops to unique activity centers and more. And don’t forget to visit the top shopping spots throughout the city.
Explore all there is to see and do within the ViBe Creative District, the waterside marina district at Rudee Inlet and inland Town Center. Or take a short road trip to nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, where history and even more adventure awaits. You’ll quickly understand why we are one of America’s most scenic and historic travel destinations when you read all about Coastal Virginia’s incredible attractions.
Of course, let’s not forget to mention the beautiful beaches that we have here in Virginia Beach. Whether you enjoy the excitement of the Oceanfront or want to feel like one of the locals on Chic’s Beach, the perfect beach day awaits. Perhaps the thrill-seeker in you will want to hop on a jet ski or boat and explore out on the open waters.
No matter what suites your style, Virginia Beach has got it all. We are so excited that you are here and can’t wait for you to discover all there is to love about this incredible city. Cherish your time here because it will certainly fly by and before you know it, we’ll be hopefully welcoming you back again!
WHAT’S NEW IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Virginia Beach is lucky to be a city that is always growing and evolving. Whether it be with new developments or new attractions, the area thrives off refinement and restoration.
The Virginia Beach Bike Trail
With phase 1 expected to be complete in 2029, this brand-new multi-purpose trail will extend from the Norfolk border all the way to the oceanfront. Read more about it on page 32.
Oceanfront Construction
You may find a lot of construction happening around the Oceanfront. Don’t let that deter you from going into the incredible businesses that line Atlantic and Pacific Avenues. From big projects like Pharrell Williams’ Atlantic Park and The Dome, which you can read more about on page 18, to smaller improvements and new additions, the construction around the resort area are efforts to continue to make the city such a thriving and sought-after vacation locale.
The Laskin Road Bridge Replacement & Widening Project
With construction that began in 2019 and expected to be completed by spring 2025, this project maintains efforts in enhancing roadway safety and increasing capacity of both drivers and pedestrians. Starting at Republic Road and extending through the First Colonial Road intersection, the Hilltop area is a heavily traveled spot, as it is just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and boasts restaurants, small businesses and high-end stores. The improvements will open the road into an 8-lane highway, with 3 lanes accommodating bikes and two wide sidewalks on each side.
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm
The recent addition of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm is paving the way to a clean energy future for the city of Virginia Beach. From offshore wind turbines to onshore transmission, this project is currently under construction and will consist of 176 wind turbines, three offshore substations, undersea cables and an onshore transmission infrastructure. Read more about this project and the perks on page 66.
