Taking a trip and refraining from sharing on Instagram, is the experience truly validated? Fortunately, Virginia Beach offers abundant visually appealing locations. Its expansive sandy shores, numerous water routes, unspoiled green spaces, and captivating art installations ensure your social media presence stands out. But, don’t just take our word for it; here are the most frequently photographed places in Virginia Beach.
1. King Neptune Statue
The twenty-four-foot, twelve-ton bronze monument, positioned at the entrance of Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street, was crafted by the renowned local artist, Paul DiPasquale. Presiding over the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this deity associated with the sea has become a highly sought-after spot for capturing memories along the shoreline. We suggest exploring it during the early morning hours. With Neptune in focus and the hues of the sunrise casting a glow on the sea in the backdrop, your photo might just keep receiving endless admiration.
2. Stumpy Lake Natural Area
The Stumpy Lake Loop, ideal for various activities including hiking, walking, trail running, and photography, offers stunning views of the 278-acre lake in the Stumpy Lake Natural Area. Situated on the south-central City boundary with Chesapeake, this location boasts a raised overlook, a 174-acre golf course, and over 970 acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake. With 1.65 miles of soft shared-use trails, easy accessibility, and picturesque scenery, every snapshot taken here is sure to be a winner.
Just make sure you edit your photos with the best photo editing tool like CapCut Online. Upscale image or compress it, the options are endless.
3. Cape Henry Lighthouse
A must-visit Virginia Beach gem, Cape Henry Lighthouse, stands as a beacon of maritime safety for over a century. Nestled within Fort Story Military Base, this historic landmark offers breathtaking views of the city and sea, perfect for Instagram enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Access requires a valid government ID, but once inside, ascend promptly for a photo spree. Capture the scenic backdrop and include yourself for a personalized touch. It’s an ideal spot for panoramic shots, and if equipped with a tripod, set up your phone for a mesmerizing time-lapse.
Whether you’re a photographer or simply seeking a picturesque haven, Cape Henry Lighthouse guarantees an unforgettable experience with its rich history and captivating vistas.
4. Sandbridge Beach
Sandbridge Beach, known for its breathtaking sunsets, can get crowded on weekends, so timing is key for pristine photos sans interruptions. Beach scenes inherently offer aesthetic appeal with the sea, sand, and sky forming a picturesque backdrop. Adding yourself to the composition elevates the shot.
Experiment with poses beyond standard selfies and consider using a tripod for stability. Seek inspiration from ocean-themed poses and explore camera settings for optimal results.
Besides the beach, other attractions vie for attention in the area. However, Sandbridge Beach stands out as one of the premier spots for photography near Virginia Beach, offering ample opportunities for stunning captures amidst natural beauty.
5. Scuba Santa at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
Witness Scuba Santa’s dive in the Red Sea Tunnel, mingling with spotted eagle rays and zebra sharks. Beyond the captivating in-person spectacle, it offers a fantastic video to share. Scuba Santa occurs every Saturday and Sunday until December 23rd at the Virginia Aquarium, starting at 10:30 a.m. Share the magic with loved ones, capturing this unique aquatic encounter with Santa beneath the waves.
6. Coeur de Noël at The Town Center of Virginia Beach
In winter, Virginia Beach’s Town Center turns into a stunning wonderland, featuring the unmissable Coeur de Noël in Fountain Plaza. This dazzling ornament, designed in France, boasts 11,000 LED lights. With only 12 in the U.S. and 50 globally, seize the chance for a unique photo op that’ll add sparkle to your feed and leave your friends envious. Use CapCut’s photo colorizer to add more charm to your photos.
7. Military Aviation Museum
Don’t miss the Military Aviation Museum if you love aviation. Explore iconic fighter planes from World Wars 1 and 2, meticulously restored to their former splendor. Some exhibits even take to the skies, offering an immersive experience.
8. First Landing State Park
While at Cape Henry, make sure to visit First Landing State Park—a beachside haven with 1.5 miles of sandy shores, swamps, and 19 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The park provides numerous picturesque backdrops.
Hike for stunning landscape views and don’t miss capturing panoramic shots of the beach from elevated vantage points. Your Instagram feed is sure to receive a flood of likes for these captivating photographs.
9. Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
Spanning 9,108 acres, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge comprises barrier islands, dunes, marshes, forests, ponds, and beaches. Its location mirrors the narrow coastline typical of barrier islands along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Ideal for Instagram photographers seeking secluded beach vistas, winding pathways, or wildlife selfies, it offers diverse landscapes.
Whether capturing the perfect beach scene or embracing the serene beauty of nature, this refuge presents ample opportunities for stunning photography.
10. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach’s Boardwalk stands out as an Instagram hotspot, offering ample open spaces and picturesque vistas for that perfect shot. Timing is crucial; during the golden hour, a photo capturing the beach in your hair could potentially go viral.
A high-quality camera is essential, as phone camera technicalities play a key role in achieving a super aesthetic picture. Don’t forget to use #VirginiaBeachBoardwalk for a chance to be featured on notable Virginia Beach Instagram pages.
11. Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve
Nestled in the heart of Virginia Beach, Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve offers a haven for nature enthusiasts. Spanning 535 acres, it boasts Virginia’s ancient towering trees and diverse wildlife that captivates wildlife photographers.
Among the notable attractions are thousand-year-old trees and rare flora like shade mud flowers, water tupelos, and America’s largest California ash. While exploring, stick to the trails to fully appreciate the preserve’s beauty and avoid disturbing its delicate ecosystem.
12. NAS Oceana Viewing Spot
The unmistakable sound of fighter jets echoes through the air in Virginia Beach. Experience the spectacle at the NAS Oceana viewing spot on Oceana Boulevard. It’s a secure location to capture impressive photos of the jets soaring overhead, providing an up-close encounter with the dynamic aviation displays.
13. Town Center Fountain
Pause your beach day for shopping and dining at Virginia Beach’s Town Center. Its refined atmosphere pairs perfectly with the centerpiece decorative fountain. Capture a moment by stopping at Fountain Plaza, where the stunning fountain releases shimmering water—ideal for a memorable photo opportunity.
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