First Presbyterian Church
757- 428-6332
Region: Oceanfront North (26-40), Virginia Beach
Description
Just as Jesus walked along the beach and said, “Follow me,” we invite persons to engage in the adventure of serving Jesus Christ as part of our growing seaside community of believers. We share God’s gracious love through joyful worship and challenging preaching. We serve the community through ministries of healing, reconciliation and justice. We teach the faith in ways that stretch the mind, strengthen the spirit and address the needs of all God’s people. We build up the body of Christ, by equipping disciples with the skills and grace to extend Jesus’ invitation- “follow me” -to others.
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First Presbyterian Church
300 36th Street, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
757- 428-6332
VIRGINIA BEACH “BUCKET LISTS”
These are short lists of things that you can do while staying in Virginia Beach. Obviously there are so many things to do in Virginia Beach that we couldn’t possibly fit them all here, but this is a good start!
Check out the Bucket List “Topic” and see what items we have come up with for each. You might not be able to do them all but it sure is going to be fun trying!
Enjoy your stay and if you can come up with any ideas of your own, please Contact Us and let us know so that we can add them to one of our lists!
Kids are a blessing and bringing them to Virginia Beach is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family. Virginia Beach loves kids and the oceanfront and surrounding area caters to kids and families! Getting your kids out on the sand beach is great.. but there is so much more to do and see that you have to at least check out some of these recommended kids activities while you are here. Your kids will thank you and who knows… you might even get a little break from non-stop parenting and get to enjoy watching your kids as they experience new things for the first time. What a treat!
Are you the type of person who comes to Virginia Beach simply because you have a primal urge to be near the ocean? Does the slapping of the waves against the sand shore soothe you and make you feel at home? If you are an ocean lover, then Virginia Beach is the best place to be during the summer. We have direct access to the ocean as well as the Chesapeake Bay and you can fulfill whatever desires you have when it come to living the “salt life”.
Go extreme or stay simple. It doesn’t matter… as long as you are feeling the salt air and water on your skin all is right in the world.
Virginia Beach is home to some beautiful golf courses each with their own unique style.
So you want to come to Virginai Beach and “explore” huh? I mean, laying on the beach and getting tan is nice but for some people it just isn’t their “thing”. They feel the urge to get out and explore the region and find out more about it’s history and everything there is to do that the “normal” vacationer might not think about. Well. you are in luck! There is soooooo much to explore in Virginia Beach that it is hard to limit it to just a few bullet points on a list. Please check out some of the items below and if you find something else in the area that isn’t on this list but should be… then please let us know!
Have a great time exploring Virginia Beach!
It sure can be difficult to do everything in Virginia Beach. There are so many awesome restaurants, fun attractions, sightseeing and ocean tours that it may be difficult to decide what to do. Our best recommendation is to try a few of our bucket lists for starters… so here is a day of events and activities we recommend on one of your visits to Virginia Beach.
If there is one thing we definitely cannot control is Mother Nature. Sometimes the weather in Virginia Beach is not ideal for a day on the beach, but don’t fear there are so many awesome activities for these days. Besides when you and the family spend a few days in the hot sun at Virginia Beach your body needs a break anyway. We have compiled a list of some of the attractions and things to do for these days. There is always something fun to do in Virginia Beach.
VIRGINIA BEACH “BUCKET LISTS”
These are short lists of things that you can do while staying in Virginia Beach. Obviously there are so many things to do in Virginia Beach that we couldn’t possibly fit them all here, but this is a good start!
Check out the Bucket List “Topic” and see what items we have come up with for each. You might not be able to do them all but it sure is going to be fun trying!
Enjoy your stay and if you can come up with any ideas of your own, please Contact Us and let us know so that we can add them to one of our lists!
It sure can be difficult to do everything in Virginia Beach. There are so many awesome restaurants, fun attractions, sightseeing and ocean tours that it may be difficult to decide what to do. Our best recommendation is to try a few of our bucket lists for starters… so here is a day of events and activities we recommend on one of your visits to Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach is home to some beautiful golf courses each with their own unique style.
Are you the type of person who comes to Virginia Beach simply because you have a primal urge to be near the ocean? Does the slapping of the waves against the sand shore soothe you and make you feel at home? If you are an ocean lover, then Virginia Beach is the best place to be during the summer. We have direct access to the ocean as well as the Chesapeake Bay and you can fulfill whatever desires you have when it come to living the “salt life”.
Go extreme or stay simple. It doesn’t matter… as long as you are feeling the salt air and water on your skin all is right in the world.
If there is one thing we definitely cannot control is Mother Nature. Sometimes the weather in Virginia Beach is not ideal for a day on the beach, but don’t fear there are so many awesome activities for these days. Besides when you and the family spend a few days in the hot sun at Virginia Beach your body needs a break anyway. We have compiled a list of some of the attractions and things to do for these days. There is always something fun to do in Virginia Beach.
So you want to come to Virginai Beach and “explore” huh? I mean, laying on the beach and getting tan is nice but for some people it just isn’t their “thing”. They feel the urge to get out and explore the region and find out more about it’s history and everything there is to do that the “normal” vacationer might not think about. Well. you are in luck! There is soooooo much to explore in Virginia Beach that it is hard to limit it to just a few bullet points on a list. Please check out some of the items below and if you find something else in the area that isn’t on this list but should be… then please let us know!
Have a great time exploring Virginia Beach!
Kids are a blessing and bringing them to Virginia Beach is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family. Virginia Beach loves kids and the oceanfront and surrounding area caters to kids and families! Getting your kids out on the sand beach is great.. but there is so much more to do and see that you have to at least check out some of these recommended kids activities while you are here. Your kids will thank you and who knows… you might even get a little break from non-stop parenting and get to enjoy watching your kids as they experience new things for the first time. What a treat!
RECENT THINGS TO DO ARTICLES
When you come to Virginia Beach and start walking toward the northern end of the beach (beyond 31st Street), you may notice something a little unique on the beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Located on beach, at 36th Street, Hillier Ignite Fitness Park has been completed (as of 2016)! It is a great place to visit to watch others test their skills.. or to try and test your own physical prowess. This fun new Virginia Beach attraction is a great place to test your physical and athletic skills and endurance while still being able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean!
Hillier Ignite is a Virginia Beach-based non-profit organization. They donated the fitness park to the Oceanfront resort area. They also enlisted the help of WPL for free design services and Ballard Construction for free installation of the park elements.
Modeled after an existing fitness park in Santa Monica, CA the park features a wide variety of strength training apparatuses and body-weight-based exercise equipment.
Amenities Include:
- High Bars (2)
- Low Bar (2)
- Parallel Bars
- Fitness Climber/Ropes
- Level Ring Climber
- Slackline Posts
- Swing-a-long Rings
- Rope Climber
- Low Parallel Bars
- Balance Beam
- Multipurpose Post
Luke Hillier, President and founder of Hillier Ignite and executive chairman of the board for ADS, Inc., first presented his proposal for the park to Virginia Beach City Council on Nov. 3, 2015. A site at 40th Street was originally selected, but the site location was changed to the location four blocks further south near the Edgewater Condominiums.
Luke liked the idea of having a fitness park on the beach so much, he decided to duplicate what he had seen in California and create it in Virginia Beach.
The Hillier Ignite Fitness Park is a fantastic way to get a workout in while visiting the beach! The exercises that you are encouraged to try and equipment provided will strengthen your body as well as test your balance, stamina and endurance. Since it is FREE, it is not going to impact your wallet or vacation funds. People of all ages are welcome to come and watch others or test their own skills at this Virginia Beach fitness park. NOTE: There is no security check but it is required that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while using the park equipment.
When initially walking up to the park, there is a sign that displays the rules of the park. Of course, the first and most important rule is to consult your primary physician before starting any exercise program. it is indicated on the “board of rules” that the use of the equipment is at your own risk. Since this is a fitness area on the beach, all drugs, alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited from the area. The famous Virginia Beach No Cursing Law is in full effect, so the use of profanity in the area should be little or none. The sign will also remind you to respect other people, share the equipment, and keep the Hillier Fitness Park clean and free of debris and trash. As always, the last rule on the sign should not have to be repeated… it says HAVE FUN! A great mantra for anyone to live by!
The Hillier Fitness Park hours are from sunrise to sunset every day. That leaves plenty of time to enjoy this exciting way to get in some fun and fitness in Virginia Beach!
Come visit Virginia Beach and check out the Hillier Ignite Fitness Park now!
See a map, more photos and information about Hillier Fitness Park here.
There are a lot of things in the world today that cost outrageous amounts of money. Even going to a Disney park can be expensive. In Virginia Beach you luck out, becasue there are so many things that you can do without spending much money, or any at all. Here are some ideas for Virginia Beach activities that won’t break the wallet.
Beach Summer Festivals
Virginia Beach has one thing that it isn’t short of, festivals. These festivals happen at the oceanfront and around town and rarely cost any money. When they do cost money, it is very little. Here are some of the regular festivals:
Explore The Great Outdoors
Whether you want to spend time at the beach or go to one of the other nearby attractions you can save money by exploring the great outdoors. Virginia Beach, like its name implies, is full of beaches that you can spend your time on for only the cost of a swimsuit. There are also over 15,000 acres of state and national parks in the area that you can adventure. If you go on a free park week/weekend you can even get free admission.
The Farmer’s Market
If you like amazingly fresh food you can go to the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market. It operates from May 15th until September 25th and can be found at the Oceanfront. It is a fresh-air market that allows shoppers and visitors to walk through. Locally grown produce, crafts, and more can be found exhibited at this market.
Old Coast Guard Station
If you like boats or learning about history then a tour of the Old Coast Guard Station at Virginia Beach is a must. This tour costs only $4 for adults and $2 for children. During the tour you will learn about some of the various ship wrecks that have happened in the area as well as get to learn how people were rescued. If you go to the top of the Coast Guard Tower you can look out the tower and see ships in the area.
Walk the Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is famous for stretching 3 miles along the beachfront. Many of the local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments abut the boardwalk. You can look at all of the different stores and wares, you don’t have to spend a cent. If you want though you can rent a bike, skateboard, or scooter and travel down the boardwalk that way.
With all of these various things to do in Virginia Beach without spending money you can fill more than one trip. If you have any favorite activities to participate in that don’t cost any money, leave a comment below.
There was an old advertising company called the Martin Agency and they created the famous saying, “Virginia is for lovers,” but as it turns out that might actually be true. Virginia Beach has been named the most romantic city in America. This is according to OpenTable’s Top 25 Most Romantic Cities in America.
OpenTable is a major provider of online restaurant reservations for various cities all over the United States. The ranking was calculated by the percentage of restaurants rated “romantic” according to OpenTable dinner reviews, the percentage of tables seated for two and the percentage of people who dined out for Valentine’s Day last year. Seems like a good source :).
Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer of OpenTable states..
“The cities on this list, from the charming coastal community that is Virginia Beach to the top dining destination of Chicago, are those in which deliciously romantic dinners are de rigueur for couples in all stages of courtship…”.
OpenTable’s Top 25 Most Romantic Cities in America:
- Virginia Beach, Virginia (chant… We’re #1!… We’re #1…)
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Omaha, Nebraska
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Baltimore, Maryland
- San Antonio, Texas
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Savannah, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Columbus, Ohio
But that isn’t all we are known for. Virgina Beach ranks well in a lot of other categories.
When looking for a great vacation spot, anyone with kids will definitely look for the most family-friendly locations. This can mean different things for different people, but fortunately for you Virginia Beach has a little something for every family. From entertainment to dining, and the peace of mind that you are in a safe location, Virginia Beach has it all!
Family Safety – #10
One of the biggest factors I look for when traveling with my son is how safe the city is. According to Sperling’s Best Places, Virginia Beach was ranked #10 out of 50 cities as one of the safest cities for families with children. They used criteria such as crime rates, air quality, child pedestrian accidents and drowning. When traveling to a city that my family is unfamiliar with, knowing that it is one of the top 10 safest cities gives me some extra peace of mind.
Family Fun – #8
Of course, families really just want to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while on vacation, and since families can range in age it can sometimes be difficult to make everyone happy. Not to worry, Virginia Beach has you covered! Virginia Beach has tons of fun activities and things to do for the whole family. Try out Tula Adventure Sports for weekly kid’s camps, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, kayaking, sailing, and boat tours. Or, try out Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship and sail the open seas with your kids as a pirate. But it’s not just for kids, the young and old alike will enjoy sailing along the waters off the coast of Virginia Beach with pirates – in a REAL pirate ship – as they entertain with songs and dancing! There is also a snack bar aboard the ship and a good possibility of seeing dolphins on your voyage.
Virgina Beach is the Best Place for Events – #8
Don’t forget all of the fun events going on around town. On the boardwalk there are nightly events during the summer months and four oceanfront at 7th Street Stage, 17th Street Stage, 24th Street Stage and 31st Street Stage that provide live musical acts. We have a list of our LIVE music acts on our Virginia Beach Nightlife page. You can also go on down to Fountain Plaza where they hold different festivals throughout the year, such as the Craft Beer Festival in April and Festa Italiana in September.
Then, check out the fireworks during Salute to Summer at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, and of course during the Fourth of July! There are weekly fireworks displays held from July-September!
For those who prefer shopping therapy, there are plenty of shops and specialty stores around town, as well as spas and nail salons to relax after a day of shopping. Families can also enjoy mini-golf, jet ski and boat rentals, movies and museums – great for the few rainy days – for other outlets of fun!
Other Areas Where Viginia Beach Ranks
No matter the size of your family or ages of your children, you can see there is plenty to do in Virginia Beach. This rapidly growing area has been voted one of the top cities in the country in many categories, just come visit to see why. You may just end up wanting to stay!
- #2 out of 10 – Best Places for Military Retirees
- #4 out of 50 – Most Competitive Public Colleges
- #7 out of 80 – America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for Dating
- #8 out of 50 – America’s Most Playful Cities
- #10 out of 50 – Safest Cities for Families with Young Children
- #17 out of 331 – 2005 Best Places to Live
- #19 out of 20 – Best Cities for Teleworking – Large Metro Areas
- #21 out of 50 – Best Block Party Places
- #24 out of 50 – Best and Worst Cities for Sleep
- #28 out of 50 – Most Romantic Cities for Boomers
- #29 out of 100 – The Most (and Least) Gender Imbalanced Cities
- #30 out of 100 – Most Popular Cities for the Holidays
- #32 out of 50 – Sleepless Cities 2011
- #32 out of 50 – Best Cities for Seniors 2005
- #33 out of 361 – Best Baseball Cities
- #39 out of 50 – Healthiest Cities
- #42 out of 60 – America’s Best Cities for a Healthy Retirement
- #43 out of 100 – America’s Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Large Metro Areas)
- #45 out of 50 – Fiscally Fit Cities Report
- #45 out of 50 – Most and Least Risky Places for Identity Theft
- #47 out of 50 – Stressful Cities 2012
- #48 out of 85 – High Gas Prices – Which Cities are Hit the Hardest?
- #49 out of 50 – Most Energetic Cities
- #75 out of 100 – The Most Single Cities
- #87 out of 110 – America’s Migraine Hot Spots
- #93 out of 100 – America’s Most (and Least) Stressful Cities (100 Largest Metro Areas, ranked most stressful to least)
- #96 out of 379 – Best Green Cities
Everyone wants to go to Virginia Beach, get a tan, cruise the boardwalk and have a lot of fun. There are so many things to do for all types of people. Unfortunately, not everyone has someone to bring with them when they go to Virginia Beach. Single ladies may be wondering where they should go and what they should do in Virginia Beach. While a trip to Virginia Beach can be fun, not knowing these things though can make the trip stressful or even depressing if you find yourself in the wrong spot. How would you like to find yourself in a romantic restaurant all alone while everyone around you is enjoying themseles with their “significant other”?
Here is a brief guide to visiting Virginia Beach as a single lady.
Hit the Spas
Arrive early to Virginia Beach and/or wake up early. This allows you to spend the morning getting pampered at one of the many spas and massage resorts in Virginia Beach. Once you are fully relaxed then go out and enjoy the beach afterwards and soak up the sun. The spa treatments will also help you to prepare to hit the clubs later in the day and look your best. Because of the resort nature of Virginia Beach there are a lot of high quality spas to choose from. View all Virginia Beach Spas and Massage treatment centers.
Know where to Eat
Virginia Beach is well known for its seafood and if you don’t like seafood almost all of the restaurants in the area are outstanding. However, once again, you don’t want to find yourself inthe midst of a bunch of honeymooners when you happen to be all alone. Pick a place with a lively atmosphere and a good bar so that you can be mobile and not confined to one little table or booth. If you want some exciting places for singles, we could recommend Catch 31, Mahi-Mahs, or even grab a craft brew at Back Bay Brewing Company. If you still want some finer dining save up a little extra money so that you can treat yourself at one of these amazing local restaurants. Fire and Vine or Eurasia are two fantastic places that have a great atmosphere to wind down from a long day at the beach.
Go Shopping!
Don’t just sit in your hotel or walk endlessly up and down the boardwalk searching for something to do to pass the time. There are tons of Shopping centers and districts all around Virginia Beach. If you stay at the oceanfront, obviously you will be exposed to the oceanfront shops and they can sometimes be far apart or too small to find what you are looking for. If you visit Hilltop Shopping District, approximately 4 miles from the oceanfront, you will find tons of shops and eateries where you can spend an entire afternoon. The Shops at Hilltop have everything a woman could want.
Nightlife
There are a few nightclubs to spend your time at in the evenings however Virginia Beach is not known for it’s huge number of nightclubs or party zones. Most of the entertainment at the oceanfront is in the form of bars and lounges where people can meet and gather around food and drink. Many of them have live music or other activities to enjoy while you are drinking.
If we had to pick one spot where you can go and dance and party and have a ton of fun, it would have to be Eagles Nest Rockin Country Bar. Although it is not located directly on the oceanfront area it is only a 5 minute cab or Uber ride inland.
Enjoy a Drink and Mingle
Almost any drink you can think of you can find on Virginia Beach. Happy hours exist all over the boardwalk and if you know where to go and when to do it, you can get some cheap drinks and experience the smaller bars of Virginia Beach that most people dont’t think about. Most people want to come and experience an Orange Crush. You can get an Orange Crush made ant any oceanfront bar or restaurant. It is a delicious drink made with real crushed oranges and has taken Virginia Beach by storm. If you travel alone to Virginia Beach as a single girl speak with the bar tenders, they will have plenty of drinks for you to try and also ideas of activities for you to try out the next day.
Events
If there is an event it town, be sure to find out what it is and get there. This is where the real fun is. Wine festivals, musical events, boardwalk art shows and so much more. No matter what event it is, you can be assured that hundreds (or maybe thousands) of people will be there and it will be a blast! View all of our Virginia Beach Events.
Be Safe
Whenever you go anywhere as a single person make sure to remain safe. If something doesn’t feel right when you are walking out alone or doing another activity make sure you find somewhere safe. Overall the main areas of Virginia Beach such as the boardwalk are incredibly safe at night. The Virginia Beach Police are very protective and out to make sure that locals and visitors alike are safe.
Virginia Beach is a fantastic vacation spot for both familes as well as single people. You just need to know what to do. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, there is always something to do and fun to be had in Virginia Beach. Just keep your eyes and ears open and explore!
MORE THINGS TO DO INFORMATION
There’s nothing quite like going to a live show and hearing your favorite band or song. The excitement and energy of the crowd, the dancing, the loud music. It can’t be beat! That’s why we are bringing you some of the best places to catch live music in Virginia Beach. It just wouldn’t be right to leave out some of the best entertainment around town! We’ve got country, we’ve got rock, we’ve got pop, hip-hop, reggae and more. And it doesn’t matter what your price range may be because almost all of it is FREE! There is something going on every night from free shows up to national tours with more expensive seating options. Check out all the live music that Virginia Beach has to offer.
VIEW ALL LIVE MUSIC IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Eagle’s Nest Rockin’ Country Bar
The Eagle’s Nest brings live local and national entertainment to a huge stage located in an exciting and fast-paced bar atmosphere. The best part? Most shows are FREE of charge. The venue includes five bars and two stages, featuring hot acts like Kevin Mac, Pat Russell Band, Tyler Hammond and The Deloreans. When there isn’t a local or national band playing, they have DJ’s pumping out the tunes, along with line dancing, Jumbo Jenga, bull riding and more entertainment than you can experience in one night.
Central 111 Tapas Lounge
When you think tapas Lounge, you should automatically think of Central 111. It is both 100% tapas and 100% lounge at their finest. Hit up Central 111 Tapas Lounge for live entertainment, DJ’s and the best tapas in town! If you want a place with high energy, great drinks and food, and some of the best DJ’s around, you’ve found it here. Glam up, gather your friends and be prepared for a wild night.
Big Woody’s – Virginia Beach
For more of a laid back experience, check out Big Woody’s for lunch or dinner or on any evening for music. Their award-winning wings pair nicely with the live bands playing weekly and brunch is even better with the Bloody Mary Bar! Don’t forget to check out Big Woody’s for NASCAR, basketball or football on one of the many TV’s. And you won’t want to miss out on karaoke night!
Calypso Bar & Grill
If you want to relax at a venue with a real beach and surfing vibe, Calypso is the place to check out. Situated right at the oceanfront, Calyupso boasts the largest covered patio at the beach. You will be sure to enjoy listening to live music from the numerous local and regional bands while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner and watching the waves flow in and out and people-watch the boardwalk. This location is a true paradise for beach and music lovers alike!
Lucky Oyster
Feeling nautical? Lucky Oyster’s nautical décor and rustic, laid back atmosphere provides a fun, family location for eating great food and listening to live music. Imagine yourself with a big bucket of fresh oysters with all of your friends and family listening to some great toe-tapping tunes of the best local bands around. With fresh seafood, local bands, and even painting events, there is something for everyone – including the kids – at Lucky Oyster!
7th Street Stage
During the summer months, the oceanfront stages play great music all week long. These open air stages and gazebos are along the oceanfront boardwalk and available for anyone to walk by, relax and listen to some of the best local bands. The best oceanfront stage is the 7th Street Stage. Nestled in between Mahi Mah’s Restaurant and Chix Seaside Grill, it is the perfect place to grab a bite and hunker down for the evening to some great sounds. The music is free but the experience is priceless!
As you can tell, Virginia Beach is the place to be for live music, DJ’s, parties, and all-around great entertainment! Top that off with the great food and drinks, and you are sure to have a great time, whether you are a local or a visitor.
Off-Leash Dog Parks in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach boasts several “off-leash” dog parks where dogs can go to socialize and run free with other dogs.
Woodstock Community Park
(Inland)
Redwing Metro Park
(General Booth)
Bayville Farms Park
(Shore Dr)
Pet Friendly Links and Info
IMPORTANT PET NUMBERS
Virginia Beach Animal Control Unit: (757) 385-5000
Virginia Beach Health Department: (757) 518-2700
Beach Veterinary Emergency Center: (757) 498-4900
Tidewater Veterinary Emergency Hospital: (757) 499-5463
In case of an emergency dial: 9-1-1
Keeping Your Pet Cool
PET TIPS:
- Never leave your pet alone or unattended in the car on a warm or sunny day. Cars can rapidly heat up to a dangerous temperature, even with the window slightly open.
- When taking your dog for a walk on a hot day, you should plan for shorter walks during the midday sun, when temperatures are at their peak. You can take longer walks in the morning and evening when it’s cooler. Even though your pet may seem tough on the outside, the hot sidewalks can burn the pads on your dog’s paws, so walk on the grass when possible.
- Never leave your dog outdoors unattended on a chain, leash or tether. They have no place to go if they are uncomfortable and long-term chaining during the hot summer months can result in insect and predator bites, dehydration and even heat stroke.
- When driving with pets, be sure to keep them properly restrained and inside the vehicle. Remember, pets are not allowed to be in the bed of an open truck.
- During a busy vacation, pets can easily become distressed by the noise and commotion involved with festivals and events. Leave pets at home and in a doghouse or crate so that they cannot jump a fence and become lost. Make sure your pets are wearing identification at all times or an internal chip so that if they do become lost we can get them back home.
In a recent study done by job resource website Zippia, Virginia Beach was named the Number 8 happiest city in the U.S.
While they did consider residents’ average salaries, they also used the following criteria to measure happiness and rank the top 10 happiest U.S. cities:
- Level of education
- Unemployment rate
- A short commute to work
- Low cost of living
- Having a family
- Owning a home
- The poverty rate
Fun-Fact
Not only does Virginia Beach have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, great food and fun entertainment, but it also boasts the 12th lowest rate of poverty and 13th lowest unemployment rate.
How can you not be happy living in a city where you can go whale watching in the morning, golf at one of our area golf courses in the afternoon, then walk on the boardwalk and have a delicious dinner in the evening? Residents also enjoy year-round events on the boardwalk, including events at the 31st Street Park/Stage, art festivals, concerts, fireworks, parades and holiday light shows.
The wide range of delicious and gourmet food is enough to entice anyone to move here. From Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop for breakfast, Eurasia Restaurant or Calypso Bar & Grill for lunch, to Eat Bistro, Lucky Oyster Seafood Co for dinner and Duck Donuts for dessert, there is something for every taste bud here.
Being surrounded by positivity, community, and fun are the keys to happiness, and you will find all of that here in Virginia Beach!
There are a lot of things in the world today that cost outrageous amounts of money. Even going to a Disney park can be expensive. In Virginia Beach you luck out, becasue there are so many things that you can do without spending much money, or any at all. Here are some ideas for Virginia Beach activities that won’t break the wallet.
Beach Summer Festivals
Virginia Beach has one thing that it isn’t short of, festivals. These festivals happen at the oceanfront and around town and rarely cost any money. When they do cost money, it is very little. Here are some of the regular festivals:
Explore The Great Outdoors
Whether you want to spend time at the beach or go to one of the other nearby attractions you can save money by exploring the great outdoors. Virginia Beach, like its name implies, is full of beaches that you can spend your time on for only the cost of a swimsuit. There are also over 15,000 acres of state and national parks in the area that you can adventure. If you go on a free park week/weekend you can even get free admission.
The Farmer’s Market
If you like amazingly fresh food you can go to the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market. It operates from May 15th until September 25th and can be found at the Oceanfront. It is a fresh-air market that allows shoppers and visitors to walk through. Locally grown produce, crafts, and more can be found exhibited at this market.
Old Coast Guard Station
If you like boats or learning about history then a tour of the Old Coast Guard Station at Virginia Beach is a must. This tour costs only $4 for adults and $2 for children. During the tour you will learn about some of the various ship wrecks that have happened in the area as well as get to learn how people were rescued. If you go to the top of the Coast Guard Tower you can look out the tower and see ships in the area.
Walk the Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is famous for stretching 3 miles along the beachfront. Many of the local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments abut the boardwalk. You can look at all of the different stores and wares, you don’t have to spend a cent. If you want though you can rent a bike, skateboard, or scooter and travel down the boardwalk that way.
With all of these various things to do in Virginia Beach without spending money you can fill more than one trip. If you have any favorite activities to participate in that don’t cost any money, leave a comment below.
Fishing in Virginia Beach
Fishing in Virginia Beach is an adrenaline rush when you land “the big one”! You may not always catch the one you want to mount over your fireplace, but it is is always exciting to bring in a fresh catch.
Since Virginia Beach is located in such a prime coastal area, at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and a variety of freshwater waterways, it provides a uniquely diverse range of fish species and fishing destinations. From world-class off-shore competitions, to a plethora of coastal species and a myriad of inland, freshwater adventures, it’s no wonder Virginia Beach is considered an angler’s paradise.
TYPES OF FISHING IN VIRGINIA
Offshore (Charter) Fishing
What most people don’t know about off-shore charter fishing is that you don’t have to travel to far away exotic locations to catch the most desirable fish in the sea. The warm Gulf Stream and Chesapeake Bay provide a fantastic mix of waters with a bounty of fish to choose from.
From June through September both serious deep sea anglers and rookies go looking to do land some of the kings of the sea and will find some of the east coast’s most productive fishing areas just outside our inlets. If you have the skills you might be able to do battle with an energetic tuna, or maybe you will be mesmerized by the high-flying antics and lightning speed of the Wahoo, or maybe a tug-of-war with a Bluefin tuna is more to your liking. Whatever your desire, we have it here off the shores of Virginia Beach.
Inshore Fishing
Locals are already aware that Virginia Beach is considered the Striper fishing capital of the world. But that isn’t all. We have a bay and an ocean full of other fish that are just as temperamental as the striper and can provide year-round fishing opportunities for anyone itching to angle. Our unique location on the Virginia coast makes our fishing special because we are at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Those two great bodies of water make for a very fertile feeding ground for a large variety of fish.
Pier Fishing
Pier fishing is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities at the oceanfront. Just bring yourself, your kids and/or your friends or family members and drop a line over the railing. There’s no need to bring any special gear or pay for any fishing licenses.
4 different piers are located near the resort area. Many of them offer rod and reel rentals as well as sell additional equipment and bait.
One thing that you might find useful when pier fishing… always carry a handy fish identification chart because you never know what’s going to swim by and grab your line!
Surf (Shoreline) Fishing
Surf fishing literally puts you right at sea level and allows you to feel in harmony with the ocean. Obviously, you will need to bring your own rod and reel equipment and bait and you will also need to buy a saltwater fishing license at one of the local tackle shops. It is required if you want to fish from the shore.
Common shore and urf catches are large Red fish and Bluefish, as well as Stripers and other species. The real secret to having fishing success in the surf is knowing when the big fish are migrating through a particular area.
Inlets
Rudee Inlet
Located at the southern end of the resort area adjacent to Grommet Island Park. Rudee inlet is home to a huge population of fishing charters and other water sport activities.
The inlet is primarily home to the area’s offshore sport fishing fleet and consists mainly of 44 foot to 58 foot sport fishing boats that are designed to quickly and comfortably get fishermen out to sea. There they can get access to the “big” fish.
Once the big fish migrate out of the area throughout the fall and winter months, the Rudee Inlet fleet turns its attention to more local waters near the coast and bay to fish for Striper and Bluefish.
Lynnhaven Inlet
This inlet is located at the northern end of Virginia Beach’s resort area, the inlet hosts a small mix of local marinas, restaurants and agile charter boats that specialize in fishing the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach’s inshore waters.
The captains who fish out of this inlet are experts at putting their guest anglers behind the reel of Stripers, Bluefish and Flounder.
Fishing Captains
Virginia Beach is filled with gnarly sea captains who seem to have the ocean in their veins. Many of them have been fishing the Virginia waters for 10, 20, or 30 years. Even those who are relative newcomers to the charter fishing business are usually experts as they have most likely worked as mates in the fleet or they grew up locally fishing the waters.
The one thing all of the captains seem to have in common is their passion for fishing, the ocean, and putting their guests behind the reel on the fish of their dreams.
All of our captains are licensed by the Coast Guard. This means they have gone through rigorous testing and certification that continually updates their seamanship skills as well as their capabilities to take care of their passengers through first aid and CPR.
In addition to the high skill set of the captains, many of the boats in the sport fishing fleet are equipped with some of the most advanced communications, motors, weather radar and fish finding technology available today.
Fishing Licenses
If you want to fish in Virginia, the state does require you obtain a fishing license. Since just about all of the fishing in Virginia Beach involves saltwater fishing, visitors are required to buy a saltwater fishing license.
Those who are not required to buy a license are people aged 16 and younger or 65 and older.
Additionally, those fishing on a recreational boat, charter boat, headboat, partyboat, or rental boat which already possesses a valid Virginia recreational fishing license covering all people using that boat do not have to buy a fishing license.
Those wishing to fish on a friend’s boat or commercial fishing pier that does not have a license must register with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
Types and prices of fishing licenses are:
| Type of License | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 day temporary saltwater license | $10 |
| Individual non-resident annual freshwater/saltwater | $48 |
| Individual resident annual freshwater/saltwater | $30 |
| Non-resident five day temporary freshwater/saltwater | $21 |
| Resident five day temporary freshwater/saltwater | $16 |
For more accurate and detailed information regarding Fishing License Exceptions and Fishing License Fees, please visit
Virginia State Fishing Records
If you want your name in the record books, Virginia Beach is a good place to try your luck.
All of these fish were caught in Virginia Beach’s inshore waters or offshore locations frequented by our sport fishing fleet.
Inshore Fishing Records
- Striped Bass – 73 lbs.Cobia – 109 lbs.
- Sheepshead – 20 lbs.
- Gray Trout – 19 lbs.
Offshore Fishing Records
- Blue Marlin – 1,093 lbs.
- White Marlin – 131 lbs.
- Sailfish – 68 lbs.Swordfish – 381 lbs.
- Bigeye Tuna – 285 lbs.
- Bluefin Tuna – 573 lbs.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 203 lbs.
- Wahoo – 109 lbs.
- Dolphin (Dorado, Mahi-Mahi) – 71 lbs.
- King Mackerel – 63 lbs.
- Sea Bass – 10 lbs.
Marine Forecast
Before you head out on the water, always make sure the weather is cooperating and the seas are calm. Don’t end up like Gilligan!
Fishing Types and Info
WHAT’S RELATED?
So you want to come to Virginai Beach and “explore” huh? I mean, laying on the beach and getting tan is nice but for some people it just isn’t their “thing”. They feel the urge to get out and explore the region and find out more about it’s history and everything there is to do that the “normal” vacationer might not think about. Well. you are in luck! There is soooooo much to explore in Virginia Beach that it is hard to limit it to just a few bullet points on a list. Please check out some of the items below and if you find something else in the area that isn’t on this list but should be… then please let us know!
Have a great time exploring Virginia Beach!
EDUCATE YOURSELF
In a recent study done by job resource website Zippia, Virginia Beach was named the Number 8 happiest city in the U.S.
While they did consider residents’ average salaries, they also used the following criteria to measure happiness and rank the top 10 happiest U.S. cities:
- Level of education
- Unemployment rate
- A short commute to work
- Low cost of living
- Having a family
- Owning a home
- The poverty rate
Fun-Fact
Not only does Virginia Beach have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, great food and fun entertainment, but it also boasts the 12th lowest rate of poverty and 13th lowest unemployment rate.
How can you not be happy living in a city where you can go whale watching in the morning, golf at one of our area golf courses in the afternoon, then walk on the boardwalk and have a delicious dinner in the evening? Residents also enjoy year-round events on the boardwalk, including events at the 31st Street Park/Stage, art festivals, concerts, fireworks, parades and holiday light shows.
The wide range of delicious and gourmet food is enough to entice anyone to move here. From Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop for breakfast, Eurasia Restaurant or Calypso Bar & Grill for lunch, to Eat Bistro, Lucky Oyster Seafood Co for dinner and Duck Donuts for dessert, there is something for every taste bud here.
Being surrounded by positivity, community, and fun are the keys to happiness, and you will find all of that here in Virginia Beach!
When you come to Virginia Beach and start walking toward the northern end of the beach (beyond 31st Street), you may notice something a little unique on the beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Located on beach, at 36th Street, Hillier Ignite Fitness Park has been completed (as of 2016)! It is a great place to visit to watch others test their skills.. or to try and test your own physical prowess. This fun new Virginia Beach attraction is a great place to test your physical and athletic skills and endurance while still being able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean!
Hillier Ignite is a Virginia Beach-based non-profit organization. They donated the fitness park to the Oceanfront resort area. They also enlisted the help of WPL for free design services and Ballard Construction for free installation of the park elements.
Modeled after an existing fitness park in Santa Monica, CA the park features a wide variety of strength training apparatuses and body-weight-based exercise equipment.
Amenities Include:
- High Bars (2)
- Low Bar (2)
- Parallel Bars
- Fitness Climber/Ropes
- Level Ring Climber
- Slackline Posts
- Swing-a-long Rings
- Rope Climber
- Low Parallel Bars
- Balance Beam
- Multipurpose Post
Luke Hillier, President and founder of Hillier Ignite and executive chairman of the board for ADS, Inc., first presented his proposal for the park to Virginia Beach City Council on Nov. 3, 2015. A site at 40th Street was originally selected, but the site location was changed to the location four blocks further south near the Edgewater Condominiums.
Luke liked the idea of having a fitness park on the beach so much, he decided to duplicate what he had seen in California and create it in Virginia Beach.
The Hillier Ignite Fitness Park is a fantastic way to get a workout in while visiting the beach! The exercises that you are encouraged to try and equipment provided will strengthen your body as well as test your balance, stamina and endurance. Since it is FREE, it is not going to impact your wallet or vacation funds. People of all ages are welcome to come and watch others or test their own skills at this Virginia Beach fitness park. NOTE: There is no security check but it is required that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while using the park equipment.
When initially walking up to the park, there is a sign that displays the rules of the park. Of course, the first and most important rule is to consult your primary physician before starting any exercise program. it is indicated on the “board of rules” that the use of the equipment is at your own risk. Since this is a fitness area on the beach, all drugs, alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited from the area. The famous Virginia Beach No Cursing Law is in full effect, so the use of profanity in the area should be little or none. The sign will also remind you to respect other people, share the equipment, and keep the Hillier Fitness Park clean and free of debris and trash. As always, the last rule on the sign should not have to be repeated… it says HAVE FUN! A great mantra for anyone to live by!
The Hillier Fitness Park hours are from sunrise to sunset every day. That leaves plenty of time to enjoy this exciting way to get in some fun and fitness in Virginia Beach!
Come visit Virginia Beach and check out the Hillier Ignite Fitness Park now!
See a map, more photos and information about Hillier Fitness Park here.
If you are visiting Virginia Beach this summer, or any other beach for that matter, you need to know what sunscreen to bring. Sunscreen is what protects your skin and helps prevents your body from getting cancer fro the sun’s harmful UV rays. Picking the right sunscreen isn’t easy, there is a lot of competition on the market.
Multiple sources have performed tests on many brands of sunscreen to find that a lot of them don’t make the cut. Consumer Reports has performed lab tests that prove that the SPF listed on many bottles of sunscreen are higher than the actual effectiveness. This means that you need to be careful when you pick your sunscreen.
There are limited brands that have been found to be effective. These brands were tested and found to be the most reliable but not the only reliable ones. New brands come out regularly and require testing. However, only about half of the brands that were tested held up to the standards for the listed SPF rating. Here are some of the brands that you can find that can be trusted.
- Aveeno Lotion Sunscreen
- Bull Frog Spray Sunscreen
- Neutrogena Lotion Sunscreen
- Pure Sun Defense Lotion Sunscreen
- Trader Joe’s Spray Sunscreen
Pure Sun Defense is often considered to be the best sunscreen to be applied to children from this list. No matter where you live these different sun screens should be easy to find. Trader Joe’s is the only one that has a limited selection of places to buy from.
Before you go out this summer here are a few tips regarding sunscreen:
- Do your research. You have already started along the path to doing your research on sunscreen but there is more to do if you don’t want to pick one of the above brands. You need to be willing to put in the time to find the one that is right for you.
- Sunscreen is needed for everywhere. While most people are aware that your regular skin can burn, many people forget about the fact that your lips can burn. Areas that are covered by clothing can burn too. Make sure to be cautious when applying sunscreen.
- Make sure to buy a sunscreen that has a level of waterproofing. This will not only prevent it from being washed off when you swim but it will help to keep you from washing it off when you sweat.
- Remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. Sunscreen gets rubbed, washed, and worn away, it is important to make sure that you replace it when it does. Most sunscreen containers say that you should replace the sunscreen every two hours max. Many experts say that you need to reapply you sunscreen every hour when you are active to be safe.
If you’re looking forward to visiting Virginia Beach, but you’re worried about what to do with your lovely furry friend, you don’t need to stress! Virginia Beach is a very pet friendly place. Most places understand that your dog or cat is part of the family too, and deserves to be treated in that respect. During the fall and spring months, your dog is more than welcome to wander and frolic on the beach to his heart’s content, as well as his human family members understand that you will need to clean up after him. Cats are welcome too, and the same rules apply. Please see our page for “Dogs and Other Pets in Virginia Beach” for more information on the rules of pets on the beach.
For a stroll along the boardwalk, your furry companions will need to put on a leash or other kind of restraint so that everyone is comfortable and not have to worry. After all, visitors come to Virginia Beach to relax and not have anxiety about other people’s pets. Having an animal phobia or allergy can ruin a vacation if other visitors aren’t considerate so keep your pet on a leash and give other people their space. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the comforting atmosphere that Virginia Beach puts on for its visitors. We want everyone to be totally content and relaxed. We understand that it’s not a proper vacation unless your dog and/or cat is with you. Here, everyone can enjoy a relaxing time and get their party on!
The beach is not the only place that allows your hairy friends, though. Many hotels and even one or two restaurants are opening their doors to animals, understanding the significance of your pets within your family. No one wants to worry about what’s going on back home, Virginia Beach has taken every opportunity to make sure that your furry companions get to explore and have a vacation, too. Just make sure that check the pet rules and regulations so that no one gets on the wrong side of sticky situations.
The next time that you are planning a vacation and can’t wait to get relaxed on the beach, we hope that you will consider Virginia Beach, due to its animal friendly policies. We work hard to create the best environment for both dog and human, and we understand that the best way to do that is to do so by keeping your furry companion in mind. Whether your little ones are loud, your pets are rambunctious, or anything in between, we welcome you to our world and hope that you will enjoy your stay. After all, a family vacation is going to be loud and crazy, because that’s how your family is!
Get the most out of your next family vacation by taking advantage of all of the benefits that Virginia Beach has to offer, from top of the line service, to pet friendly spaces, to complete understanding of how crazy the vacation will be. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our spacious beaches that will soon be filled with all of the memories you can handle. Get a head start on your adventure by finding out what we’re all about and using our online resources to help you with your adventure. We’re here to help and serve. That includes your furry family, too!
RECENT THINGS TO DO ARTICLES
When you come to Virginia Beach and start walking toward the northern end of the beach (beyond 31st Street), you may notice something a little unique on the beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Located on beach, at 36th Street, Hillier Ignite Fitness Park has been completed (as of 2016)! It is a great place to visit to watch others test their skills.. or to try and test your own physical prowess. This fun new Virginia Beach attraction is a great place to test your physical and athletic skills and endurance while still being able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean!
Hillier Ignite is a Virginia Beach-based non-profit organization. They donated the fitness park to the Oceanfront resort area. They also enlisted the help of WPL for free design services and Ballard Construction for free installation of the park elements.
Modeled after an existing fitness park in Santa Monica, CA the park features a wide variety of strength training apparatuses and body-weight-based exercise equipment.
Amenities Include:
- High Bars (2)
- Low Bar (2)
- Parallel Bars
- Fitness Climber/Ropes
- Level Ring Climber
- Slackline Posts
- Swing-a-long Rings
- Rope Climber
- Low Parallel Bars
- Balance Beam
- Multipurpose Post
Luke Hillier, President and founder of Hillier Ignite and executive chairman of the board for ADS, Inc., first presented his proposal for the park to Virginia Beach City Council on Nov. 3, 2015. A site at 40th Street was originally selected, but the site location was changed to the location four blocks further south near the Edgewater Condominiums.
Luke liked the idea of having a fitness park on the beach so much, he decided to duplicate what he had seen in California and create it in Virginia Beach.
The Hillier Ignite Fitness Park is a fantastic way to get a workout in while visiting the beach! The exercises that you are encouraged to try and equipment provided will strengthen your body as well as test your balance, stamina and endurance. Since it is FREE, it is not going to impact your wallet or vacation funds. People of all ages are welcome to come and watch others or test their own skills at this Virginia Beach fitness park. NOTE: There is no security check but it is required that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while using the park equipment.
When initially walking up to the park, there is a sign that displays the rules of the park. Of course, the first and most important rule is to consult your primary physician before starting any exercise program. it is indicated on the “board of rules” that the use of the equipment is at your own risk. Since this is a fitness area on the beach, all drugs, alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited from the area. The famous Virginia Beach No Cursing Law is in full effect, so the use of profanity in the area should be little or none. The sign will also remind you to respect other people, share the equipment, and keep the Hillier Fitness Park clean and free of debris and trash. As always, the last rule on the sign should not have to be repeated… it says HAVE FUN! A great mantra for anyone to live by!
The Hillier Fitness Park hours are from sunrise to sunset every day. That leaves plenty of time to enjoy this exciting way to get in some fun and fitness in Virginia Beach!
Come visit Virginia Beach and check out the Hillier Ignite Fitness Park now!
See a map, more photos and information about Hillier Fitness Park here.
There are a lot of things in the world today that cost outrageous amounts of money. Even going to a Disney park can be expensive. In Virginia Beach you luck out, becasue there are so many things that you can do without spending much money, or any at all. Here are some ideas for Virginia Beach activities that won’t break the wallet.
Beach Summer Festivals
Virginia Beach has one thing that it isn’t short of, festivals. These festivals happen at the oceanfront and around town and rarely cost any money. When they do cost money, it is very little. Here are some of the regular festivals:
Explore The Great Outdoors
Whether you want to spend time at the beach or go to one of the other nearby attractions you can save money by exploring the great outdoors. Virginia Beach, like its name implies, is full of beaches that you can spend your time on for only the cost of a swimsuit. There are also over 15,000 acres of state and national parks in the area that you can adventure. If you go on a free park week/weekend you can even get free admission.
The Farmer’s Market
If you like amazingly fresh food you can go to the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market. It operates from May 15th until September 25th and can be found at the Oceanfront. It is a fresh-air market that allows shoppers and visitors to walk through. Locally grown produce, crafts, and more can be found exhibited at this market.
Old Coast Guard Station
If you like boats or learning about history then a tour of the Old Coast Guard Station at Virginia Beach is a must. This tour costs only $4 for adults and $2 for children. During the tour you will learn about some of the various ship wrecks that have happened in the area as well as get to learn how people were rescued. If you go to the top of the Coast Guard Tower you can look out the tower and see ships in the area.
Walk the Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is famous for stretching 3 miles along the beachfront. Many of the local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments abut the boardwalk. You can look at all of the different stores and wares, you don’t have to spend a cent. If you want though you can rent a bike, skateboard, or scooter and travel down the boardwalk that way.
With all of these various things to do in Virginia Beach without spending money you can fill more than one trip. If you have any favorite activities to participate in that don’t cost any money, leave a comment below.
There was an old advertising company called the Martin Agency and they created the famous saying, “Virginia is for lovers,” but as it turns out that might actually be true. Virginia Beach has been named the most romantic city in America. This is according to OpenTable’s Top 25 Most Romantic Cities in America.
OpenTable is a major provider of online restaurant reservations for various cities all over the United States. The ranking was calculated by the percentage of restaurants rated “romantic” according to OpenTable dinner reviews, the percentage of tables seated for two and the percentage of people who dined out for Valentine’s Day last year. Seems like a good source :).
Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer of OpenTable states..
“The cities on this list, from the charming coastal community that is Virginia Beach to the top dining destination of Chicago, are those in which deliciously romantic dinners are de rigueur for couples in all stages of courtship…”.
OpenTable’s Top 25 Most Romantic Cities in America:
- Virginia Beach, Virginia (chant… We’re #1!… We’re #1…)
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Omaha, Nebraska
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Baltimore, Maryland
- San Antonio, Texas
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Savannah, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Columbus, Ohio
But that isn’t all we are known for. Virgina Beach ranks well in a lot of other categories.
When looking for a great vacation spot, anyone with kids will definitely look for the most family-friendly locations. This can mean different things for different people, but fortunately for you Virginia Beach has a little something for every family. From entertainment to dining, and the peace of mind that you are in a safe location, Virginia Beach has it all!
Family Safety – #10
One of the biggest factors I look for when traveling with my son is how safe the city is. According to Sperling’s Best Places, Virginia Beach was ranked #10 out of 50 cities as one of the safest cities for families with children. They used criteria such as crime rates, air quality, child pedestrian accidents and drowning. When traveling to a city that my family is unfamiliar with, knowing that it is one of the top 10 safest cities gives me some extra peace of mind.
Family Fun – #8
Of course, families really just want to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while on vacation, and since families can range in age it can sometimes be difficult to make everyone happy. Not to worry, Virginia Beach has you covered! Virginia Beach has tons of fun activities and things to do for the whole family. Try out Tula Adventure Sports for weekly kid’s camps, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, kayaking, sailing, and boat tours. Or, try out Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship and sail the open seas with your kids as a pirate. But it’s not just for kids, the young and old alike will enjoy sailing along the waters off the coast of Virginia Beach with pirates – in a REAL pirate ship – as they entertain with songs and dancing! There is also a snack bar aboard the ship and a good possibility of seeing dolphins on your voyage.
Virgina Beach is the Best Place for Events – #8
Don’t forget all of the fun events going on around town. On the boardwalk there are nightly events during the summer months and four oceanfront at 7th Street Stage, 17th Street Stage, 24th Street Stage and 31st Street Stage that provide live musical acts. We have a list of our LIVE music acts on our Virginia Beach Nightlife page. You can also go on down to Fountain Plaza where they hold different festivals throughout the year, such as the Craft Beer Festival in April and Festa Italiana in September.
Then, check out the fireworks during Salute to Summer at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, and of course during the Fourth of July! There are weekly fireworks displays held from July-September!
For those who prefer shopping therapy, there are plenty of shops and specialty stores around town, as well as spas and nail salons to relax after a day of shopping. Families can also enjoy mini-golf, jet ski and boat rentals, movies and museums – great for the few rainy days – for other outlets of fun!
Other Areas Where Viginia Beach Ranks
No matter the size of your family or ages of your children, you can see there is plenty to do in Virginia Beach. This rapidly growing area has been voted one of the top cities in the country in many categories, just come visit to see why. You may just end up wanting to stay!
- #2 out of 10 – Best Places for Military Retirees
- #4 out of 50 – Most Competitive Public Colleges
- #7 out of 80 – America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for Dating
- #8 out of 50 – America’s Most Playful Cities
- #10 out of 50 – Safest Cities for Families with Young Children
- #17 out of 331 – 2005 Best Places to Live
- #19 out of 20 – Best Cities for Teleworking – Large Metro Areas
- #21 out of 50 – Best Block Party Places
- #24 out of 50 – Best and Worst Cities for Sleep
- #28 out of 50 – Most Romantic Cities for Boomers
- #29 out of 100 – The Most (and Least) Gender Imbalanced Cities
- #30 out of 100 – Most Popular Cities for the Holidays
- #32 out of 50 – Sleepless Cities 2011
- #32 out of 50 – Best Cities for Seniors 2005
- #33 out of 361 – Best Baseball Cities
- #39 out of 50 – Healthiest Cities
- #42 out of 60 – America’s Best Cities for a Healthy Retirement
- #43 out of 100 – America’s Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Large Metro Areas)
- #45 out of 50 – Fiscally Fit Cities Report
- #45 out of 50 – Most and Least Risky Places for Identity Theft
- #47 out of 50 – Stressful Cities 2012
- #48 out of 85 – High Gas Prices – Which Cities are Hit the Hardest?
- #49 out of 50 – Most Energetic Cities
- #75 out of 100 – The Most Single Cities
- #87 out of 110 – America’s Migraine Hot Spots
- #93 out of 100 – America’s Most (and Least) Stressful Cities (100 Largest Metro Areas, ranked most stressful to least)
- #96 out of 379 – Best Green Cities
Everyone wants to go to Virginia Beach, get a tan, cruise the boardwalk and have a lot of fun. There are so many things to do for all types of people. Unfortunately, not everyone has someone to bring with them when they go to Virginia Beach. Single ladies may be wondering where they should go and what they should do in Virginia Beach. While a trip to Virginia Beach can be fun, not knowing these things though can make the trip stressful or even depressing if you find yourself in the wrong spot. How would you like to find yourself in a romantic restaurant all alone while everyone around you is enjoying themseles with their “significant other”?
Here is a brief guide to visiting Virginia Beach as a single lady.
Hit the Spas
Arrive early to Virginia Beach and/or wake up early. This allows you to spend the morning getting pampered at one of the many spas and massage resorts in Virginia Beach. Once you are fully relaxed then go out and enjoy the beach afterwards and soak up the sun. The spa treatments will also help you to prepare to hit the clubs later in the day and look your best. Because of the resort nature of Virginia Beach there are a lot of high quality spas to choose from. View all Virginia Beach Spas and Massage treatment centers.
Know where to Eat
Virginia Beach is well known for its seafood and if you don’t like seafood almost all of the restaurants in the area are outstanding. However, once again, you don’t want to find yourself inthe midst of a bunch of honeymooners when you happen to be all alone. Pick a place with a lively atmosphere and a good bar so that you can be mobile and not confined to one little table or booth. If you want some exciting places for singles, we could recommend Catch 31, Mahi-Mahs, or even grab a craft brew at Back Bay Brewing Company. If you still want some finer dining save up a little extra money so that you can treat yourself at one of these amazing local restaurants. Fire and Vine or Eurasia are two fantastic places that have a great atmosphere to wind down from a long day at the beach.
Go Shopping!
Don’t just sit in your hotel or walk endlessly up and down the boardwalk searching for something to do to pass the time. There are tons of Shopping centers and districts all around Virginia Beach. If you stay at the oceanfront, obviously you will be exposed to the oceanfront shops and they can sometimes be far apart or too small to find what you are looking for. If you visit Hilltop Shopping District, approximately 4 miles from the oceanfront, you will find tons of shops and eateries where you can spend an entire afternoon. The Shops at Hilltop have everything a woman could want.
Nightlife
There are a few nightclubs to spend your time at in the evenings however Virginia Beach is not known for it’s huge number of nightclubs or party zones. Most of the entertainment at the oceanfront is in the form of bars and lounges where people can meet and gather around food and drink. Many of them have live music or other activities to enjoy while you are drinking.
If we had to pick one spot where you can go and dance and party and have a ton of fun, it would have to be Eagles Nest Rockin Country Bar. Although it is not located directly on the oceanfront area it is only a 5 minute cab or Uber ride inland.
Enjoy a Drink and Mingle
Almost any drink you can think of you can find on Virginia Beach. Happy hours exist all over the boardwalk and if you know where to go and when to do it, you can get some cheap drinks and experience the smaller bars of Virginia Beach that most people dont’t think about. Most people want to come and experience an Orange Crush. You can get an Orange Crush made ant any oceanfront bar or restaurant. It is a delicious drink made with real crushed oranges and has taken Virginia Beach by storm. If you travel alone to Virginia Beach as a single girl speak with the bar tenders, they will have plenty of drinks for you to try and also ideas of activities for you to try out the next day.
Events
If there is an event it town, be sure to find out what it is and get there. This is where the real fun is. Wine festivals, musical events, boardwalk art shows and so much more. No matter what event it is, you can be assured that hundreds (or maybe thousands) of people will be there and it will be a blast! View all of our Virginia Beach Events.
Be Safe
Whenever you go anywhere as a single person make sure to remain safe. If something doesn’t feel right when you are walking out alone or doing another activity make sure you find somewhere safe. Overall the main areas of Virginia Beach such as the boardwalk are incredibly safe at night. The Virginia Beach Police are very protective and out to make sure that locals and visitors alike are safe.
Virginia Beach is a fantastic vacation spot for both familes as well as single people. You just need to know what to do. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, there is always something to do and fun to be had in Virginia Beach. Just keep your eyes and ears open and explore!
MORE THINGS TO DO INFORMATION
There’s nothing quite like going to a live show and hearing your favorite band or song. The excitement and energy of the crowd, the dancing, the loud music. It can’t be beat! That’s why we are bringing you some of the best places to catch live music in Virginia Beach. It just wouldn’t be right to leave out some of the best entertainment around town! We’ve got country, we’ve got rock, we’ve got pop, hip-hop, reggae and more. And it doesn’t matter what your price range may be because almost all of it is FREE! There is something going on every night from free shows up to national tours with more expensive seating options. Check out all the live music that Virginia Beach has to offer.
VIEW ALL LIVE MUSIC IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Eagle’s Nest Rockin’ Country Bar
The Eagle’s Nest brings live local and national entertainment to a huge stage located in an exciting and fast-paced bar atmosphere. The best part? Most shows are FREE of charge. The venue includes five bars and two stages, featuring hot acts like Kevin Mac, Pat Russell Band, Tyler Hammond and The Deloreans. When there isn’t a local or national band playing, they have DJ’s pumping out the tunes, along with line dancing, Jumbo Jenga, bull riding and more entertainment than you can experience in one night.
Central 111 Tapas Lounge
When you think tapas Lounge, you should automatically think of Central 111. It is both 100% tapas and 100% lounge at their finest. Hit up Central 111 Tapas Lounge for live entertainment, DJ’s and the best tapas in town! If you want a place with high energy, great drinks and food, and some of the best DJ’s around, you’ve found it here. Glam up, gather your friends and be prepared for a wild night.
Big Woody’s – Virginia Beach
For more of a laid back experience, check out Big Woody’s for lunch or dinner or on any evening for music. Their award-winning wings pair nicely with the live bands playing weekly and brunch is even better with the Bloody Mary Bar! Don’t forget to check out Big Woody’s for NASCAR, basketball or football on one of the many TV’s. And you won’t want to miss out on karaoke night!
Calypso Bar & Grill
If you want to relax at a venue with a real beach and surfing vibe, Calypso is the place to check out. Situated right at the oceanfront, Calyupso boasts the largest covered patio at the beach. You will be sure to enjoy listening to live music from the numerous local and regional bands while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner and watching the waves flow in and out and people-watch the boardwalk. This location is a true paradise for beach and music lovers alike!
Lucky Oyster
Feeling nautical? Lucky Oyster’s nautical décor and rustic, laid back atmosphere provides a fun, family location for eating great food and listening to live music. Imagine yourself with a big bucket of fresh oysters with all of your friends and family listening to some great toe-tapping tunes of the best local bands around. With fresh seafood, local bands, and even painting events, there is something for everyone – including the kids – at Lucky Oyster!
7th Street Stage
During the summer months, the oceanfront stages play great music all week long. These open air stages and gazebos are along the oceanfront boardwalk and available for anyone to walk by, relax and listen to some of the best local bands. The best oceanfront stage is the 7th Street Stage. Nestled in between Mahi Mah’s Restaurant and Chix Seaside Grill, it is the perfect place to grab a bite and hunker down for the evening to some great sounds. The music is free but the experience is priceless!
As you can tell, Virginia Beach is the place to be for live music, DJ’s, parties, and all-around great entertainment! Top that off with the great food and drinks, and you are sure to have a great time, whether you are a local or a visitor.
Off-Leash Dog Parks in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach boasts several “off-leash” dog parks where dogs can go to socialize and run free with other dogs.
Woodstock Community Park
(Inland)
Redwing Metro Park
(General Booth)
Bayville Farms Park
(Shore Dr)
Pet Friendly Links and Info
IMPORTANT PET NUMBERS
Virginia Beach Animal Control Unit: (757) 385-5000
Virginia Beach Health Department: (757) 518-2700
Beach Veterinary Emergency Center: (757) 498-4900
Tidewater Veterinary Emergency Hospital: (757) 499-5463
In case of an emergency dial: 9-1-1
Keeping Your Pet Cool
PET TIPS:
- Never leave your pet alone or unattended in the car on a warm or sunny day. Cars can rapidly heat up to a dangerous temperature, even with the window slightly open.
- When taking your dog for a walk on a hot day, you should plan for shorter walks during the midday sun, when temperatures are at their peak. You can take longer walks in the morning and evening when it’s cooler. Even though your pet may seem tough on the outside, the hot sidewalks can burn the pads on your dog’s paws, so walk on the grass when possible.
- Never leave your dog outdoors unattended on a chain, leash or tether. They have no place to go if they are uncomfortable and long-term chaining during the hot summer months can result in insect and predator bites, dehydration and even heat stroke.
- When driving with pets, be sure to keep them properly restrained and inside the vehicle. Remember, pets are not allowed to be in the bed of an open truck.
- During a busy vacation, pets can easily become distressed by the noise and commotion involved with festivals and events. Leave pets at home and in a doghouse or crate so that they cannot jump a fence and become lost. Make sure your pets are wearing identification at all times or an internal chip so that if they do become lost we can get them back home.
In a recent study done by job resource website Zippia, Virginia Beach was named the Number 8 happiest city in the U.S.
While they did consider residents’ average salaries, they also used the following criteria to measure happiness and rank the top 10 happiest U.S. cities:
- Level of education
- Unemployment rate
- A short commute to work
- Low cost of living
- Having a family
- Owning a home
- The poverty rate
Fun-Fact
Not only does Virginia Beach have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, great food and fun entertainment, but it also boasts the 12th lowest rate of poverty and 13th lowest unemployment rate.
How can you not be happy living in a city where you can go whale watching in the morning, golf at one of our area golf courses in the afternoon, then walk on the boardwalk and have a delicious dinner in the evening? Residents also enjoy year-round events on the boardwalk, including events at the 31st Street Park/Stage, art festivals, concerts, fireworks, parades and holiday light shows.
The wide range of delicious and gourmet food is enough to entice anyone to move here. From Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop for breakfast, Eurasia Restaurant or Calypso Bar & Grill for lunch, to Eat Bistro, Lucky Oyster Seafood Co for dinner and Duck Donuts for dessert, there is something for every taste bud here.
Being surrounded by positivity, community, and fun are the keys to happiness, and you will find all of that here in Virginia Beach!
There are a lot of things in the world today that cost outrageous amounts of money. Even going to a Disney park can be expensive. In Virginia Beach you luck out, becasue there are so many things that you can do without spending much money, or any at all. Here are some ideas for Virginia Beach activities that won’t break the wallet.
Beach Summer Festivals
Virginia Beach has one thing that it isn’t short of, festivals. These festivals happen at the oceanfront and around town and rarely cost any money. When they do cost money, it is very little. Here are some of the regular festivals:
Explore The Great Outdoors
Whether you want to spend time at the beach or go to one of the other nearby attractions you can save money by exploring the great outdoors. Virginia Beach, like its name implies, is full of beaches that you can spend your time on for only the cost of a swimsuit. There are also over 15,000 acres of state and national parks in the area that you can adventure. If you go on a free park week/weekend you can even get free admission.
The Farmer’s Market
If you like amazingly fresh food you can go to the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market. It operates from May 15th until September 25th and can be found at the Oceanfront. It is a fresh-air market that allows shoppers and visitors to walk through. Locally grown produce, crafts, and more can be found exhibited at this market.
Old Coast Guard Station
If you like boats or learning about history then a tour of the Old Coast Guard Station at Virginia Beach is a must. This tour costs only $4 for adults and $2 for children. During the tour you will learn about some of the various ship wrecks that have happened in the area as well as get to learn how people were rescued. If you go to the top of the Coast Guard Tower you can look out the tower and see ships in the area.
Walk the Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is famous for stretching 3 miles along the beachfront. Many of the local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments abut the boardwalk. You can look at all of the different stores and wares, you don’t have to spend a cent. If you want though you can rent a bike, skateboard, or scooter and travel down the boardwalk that way.
With all of these various things to do in Virginia Beach without spending money you can fill more than one trip. If you have any favorite activities to participate in that don’t cost any money, leave a comment below.
Fishing in Virginia Beach
Fishing in Virginia Beach is an adrenaline rush when you land “the big one”! You may not always catch the one you want to mount over your fireplace, but it is is always exciting to bring in a fresh catch.
Since Virginia Beach is located in such a prime coastal area, at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and a variety of freshwater waterways, it provides a uniquely diverse range of fish species and fishing destinations. From world-class off-shore competitions, to a plethora of coastal species and a myriad of inland, freshwater adventures, it’s no wonder Virginia Beach is considered an angler’s paradise.
TYPES OF FISHING IN VIRGINIA
Offshore (Charter) Fishing
What most people don’t know about off-shore charter fishing is that you don’t have to travel to far away exotic locations to catch the most desirable fish in the sea. The warm Gulf Stream and Chesapeake Bay provide a fantastic mix of waters with a bounty of fish to choose from.
From June through September both serious deep sea anglers and rookies go looking to do land some of the kings of the sea and will find some of the east coast’s most productive fishing areas just outside our inlets. If you have the skills you might be able to do battle with an energetic tuna, or maybe you will be mesmerized by the high-flying antics and lightning speed of the Wahoo, or maybe a tug-of-war with a Bluefin tuna is more to your liking. Whatever your desire, we have it here off the shores of Virginia Beach.
Inshore Fishing
Locals are already aware that Virginia Beach is considered the Striper fishing capital of the world. But that isn’t all. We have a bay and an ocean full of other fish that are just as temperamental as the striper and can provide year-round fishing opportunities for anyone itching to angle. Our unique location on the Virginia coast makes our fishing special because we are at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Those two great bodies of water make for a very fertile feeding ground for a large variety of fish.
Pier Fishing
Pier fishing is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities at the oceanfront. Just bring yourself, your kids and/or your friends or family members and drop a line over the railing. There’s no need to bring any special gear or pay for any fishing licenses.
4 different piers are located near the resort area. Many of them offer rod and reel rentals as well as sell additional equipment and bait.
One thing that you might find useful when pier fishing… always carry a handy fish identification chart because you never know what’s going to swim by and grab your line!
Surf (Shoreline) Fishing
Surf fishing literally puts you right at sea level and allows you to feel in harmony with the ocean. Obviously, you will need to bring your own rod and reel equipment and bait and you will also need to buy a saltwater fishing license at one of the local tackle shops. It is required if you want to fish from the shore.
Common shore and urf catches are large Red fish and Bluefish, as well as Stripers and other species. The real secret to having fishing success in the surf is knowing when the big fish are migrating through a particular area.
Inlets
Rudee Inlet
Located at the southern end of the resort area adjacent to Grommet Island Park. Rudee inlet is home to a huge population of fishing charters and other water sport activities.
The inlet is primarily home to the area’s offshore sport fishing fleet and consists mainly of 44 foot to 58 foot sport fishing boats that are designed to quickly and comfortably get fishermen out to sea. There they can get access to the “big” fish.
Once the big fish migrate out of the area throughout the fall and winter months, the Rudee Inlet fleet turns its attention to more local waters near the coast and bay to fish for Striper and Bluefish.
Lynnhaven Inlet
This inlet is located at the northern end of Virginia Beach’s resort area, the inlet hosts a small mix of local marinas, restaurants and agile charter boats that specialize in fishing the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach’s inshore waters.
The captains who fish out of this inlet are experts at putting their guest anglers behind the reel of Stripers, Bluefish and Flounder.
Fishing Captains
Virginia Beach is filled with gnarly sea captains who seem to have the ocean in their veins. Many of them have been fishing the Virginia waters for 10, 20, or 30 years. Even those who are relative newcomers to the charter fishing business are usually experts as they have most likely worked as mates in the fleet or they grew up locally fishing the waters.
The one thing all of the captains seem to have in common is their passion for fishing, the ocean, and putting their guests behind the reel on the fish of their dreams.
All of our captains are licensed by the Coast Guard. This means they have gone through rigorous testing and certification that continually updates their seamanship skills as well as their capabilities to take care of their passengers through first aid and CPR.
In addition to the high skill set of the captains, many of the boats in the sport fishing fleet are equipped with some of the most advanced communications, motors, weather radar and fish finding technology available today.
Fishing Licenses
If you want to fish in Virginia, the state does require you obtain a fishing license. Since just about all of the fishing in Virginia Beach involves saltwater fishing, visitors are required to buy a saltwater fishing license.
Those who are not required to buy a license are people aged 16 and younger or 65 and older.
Additionally, those fishing on a recreational boat, charter boat, headboat, partyboat, or rental boat which already possesses a valid Virginia recreational fishing license covering all people using that boat do not have to buy a fishing license.
Those wishing to fish on a friend’s boat or commercial fishing pier that does not have a license must register with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
Types and prices of fishing licenses are:
| Type of License | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 day temporary saltwater license | $10 |
| Individual non-resident annual freshwater/saltwater | $48 |
| Individual resident annual freshwater/saltwater | $30 |
| Non-resident five day temporary freshwater/saltwater | $21 |
| Resident five day temporary freshwater/saltwater | $16 |
For more accurate and detailed information regarding Fishing License Exceptions and Fishing License Fees, please visit
Virginia State Fishing Records
If you want your name in the record books, Virginia Beach is a good place to try your luck.
All of these fish were caught in Virginia Beach’s inshore waters or offshore locations frequented by our sport fishing fleet.
Inshore Fishing Records
- Striped Bass – 73 lbs.Cobia – 109 lbs.
- Sheepshead – 20 lbs.
- Gray Trout – 19 lbs.
Offshore Fishing Records
- Blue Marlin – 1,093 lbs.
- White Marlin – 131 lbs.
- Sailfish – 68 lbs.Swordfish – 381 lbs.
- Bigeye Tuna – 285 lbs.
- Bluefin Tuna – 573 lbs.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 203 lbs.
- Wahoo – 109 lbs.
- Dolphin (Dorado, Mahi-Mahi) – 71 lbs.
- King Mackerel – 63 lbs.
- Sea Bass – 10 lbs.
Marine Forecast
Before you head out on the water, always make sure the weather is cooperating and the seas are calm. Don’t end up like Gilligan!
Fishing Types and Info
WHAT’S RELATED?
So you want to come to Virginai Beach and “explore” huh? I mean, laying on the beach and getting tan is nice but for some people it just isn’t their “thing”. They feel the urge to get out and explore the region and find out more about it’s history and everything there is to do that the “normal” vacationer might not think about. Well. you are in luck! There is soooooo much to explore in Virginia Beach that it is hard to limit it to just a few bullet points on a list. Please check out some of the items below and if you find something else in the area that isn’t on this list but should be… then please let us know!
Have a great time exploring Virginia Beach!
EDUCATE YOURSELF
In a recent study done by job resource website Zippia, Virginia Beach was named the Number 8 happiest city in the U.S.
While they did consider residents’ average salaries, they also used the following criteria to measure happiness and rank the top 10 happiest U.S. cities:
- Level of education
- Unemployment rate
- A short commute to work
- Low cost of living
- Having a family
- Owning a home
- The poverty rate
Fun-Fact
Not only does Virginia Beach have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, great food and fun entertainment, but it also boasts the 12th lowest rate of poverty and 13th lowest unemployment rate.
How can you not be happy living in a city where you can go whale watching in the morning, golf at one of our area golf courses in the afternoon, then walk on the boardwalk and have a delicious dinner in the evening? Residents also enjoy year-round events on the boardwalk, including events at the 31st Street Park/Stage, art festivals, concerts, fireworks, parades and holiday light shows.
The wide range of delicious and gourmet food is enough to entice anyone to move here. From Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop for breakfast, Eurasia Restaurant or Calypso Bar & Grill for lunch, to Eat Bistro, Lucky Oyster Seafood Co for dinner and Duck Donuts for dessert, there is something for every taste bud here.
Being surrounded by positivity, community, and fun are the keys to happiness, and you will find all of that here in Virginia Beach!
When you come to Virginia Beach and start walking toward the northern end of the beach (beyond 31st Street), you may notice something a little unique on the beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Located on beach, at 36th Street, Hillier Ignite Fitness Park has been completed (as of 2016)! It is a great place to visit to watch others test their skills.. or to try and test your own physical prowess. This fun new Virginia Beach attraction is a great place to test your physical and athletic skills and endurance while still being able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean!
Hillier Ignite is a Virginia Beach-based non-profit organization. They donated the fitness park to the Oceanfront resort area. They also enlisted the help of WPL for free design services and Ballard Construction for free installation of the park elements.
Modeled after an existing fitness park in Santa Monica, CA the park features a wide variety of strength training apparatuses and body-weight-based exercise equipment.
Amenities Include:
- High Bars (2)
- Low Bar (2)
- Parallel Bars
- Fitness Climber/Ropes
- Level Ring Climber
- Slackline Posts
- Swing-a-long Rings
- Rope Climber
- Low Parallel Bars
- Balance Beam
- Multipurpose Post
Luke Hillier, President and founder of Hillier Ignite and executive chairman of the board for ADS, Inc., first presented his proposal for the park to Virginia Beach City Council on Nov. 3, 2015. A site at 40th Street was originally selected, but the site location was changed to the location four blocks further south near the Edgewater Condominiums.
Luke liked the idea of having a fitness park on the beach so much, he decided to duplicate what he had seen in California and create it in Virginia Beach.
The Hillier Ignite Fitness Park is a fantastic way to get a workout in while visiting the beach! The exercises that you are encouraged to try and equipment provided will strengthen your body as well as test your balance, stamina and endurance. Since it is FREE, it is not going to impact your wallet or vacation funds. People of all ages are welcome to come and watch others or test their own skills at this Virginia Beach fitness park. NOTE: There is no security check but it is required that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while using the park equipment.
When initially walking up to the park, there is a sign that displays the rules of the park. Of course, the first and most important rule is to consult your primary physician before starting any exercise program. it is indicated on the “board of rules” that the use of the equipment is at your own risk. Since this is a fitness area on the beach, all drugs, alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited from the area. The famous Virginia Beach No Cursing Law is in full effect, so the use of profanity in the area should be little or none. The sign will also remind you to respect other people, share the equipment, and keep the Hillier Fitness Park clean and free of debris and trash. As always, the last rule on the sign should not have to be repeated… it says HAVE FUN! A great mantra for anyone to live by!
The Hillier Fitness Park hours are from sunrise to sunset every day. That leaves plenty of time to enjoy this exciting way to get in some fun and fitness in Virginia Beach!
Come visit Virginia Beach and check out the Hillier Ignite Fitness Park now!
See a map, more photos and information about Hillier Fitness Park here.
If you are visiting Virginia Beach this summer, or any other beach for that matter, you need to know what sunscreen to bring. Sunscreen is what protects your skin and helps prevents your body from getting cancer fro the sun’s harmful UV rays. Picking the right sunscreen isn’t easy, there is a lot of competition on the market.
Multiple sources have performed tests on many brands of sunscreen to find that a lot of them don’t make the cut. Consumer Reports has performed lab tests that prove that the SPF listed on many bottles of sunscreen are higher than the actual effectiveness. This means that you need to be careful when you pick your sunscreen.
There are limited brands that have been found to be effective. These brands were tested and found to be the most reliable but not the only reliable ones. New brands come out regularly and require testing. However, only about half of the brands that were tested held up to the standards for the listed SPF rating. Here are some of the brands that you can find that can be trusted.
- Aveeno Lotion Sunscreen
- Bull Frog Spray Sunscreen
- Neutrogena Lotion Sunscreen
- Pure Sun Defense Lotion Sunscreen
- Trader Joe’s Spray Sunscreen
Pure Sun Defense is often considered to be the best sunscreen to be applied to children from this list. No matter where you live these different sun screens should be easy to find. Trader Joe’s is the only one that has a limited selection of places to buy from.
Before you go out this summer here are a few tips regarding sunscreen:
- Do your research. You have already started along the path to doing your research on sunscreen but there is more to do if you don’t want to pick one of the above brands. You need to be willing to put in the time to find the one that is right for you.
- Sunscreen is needed for everywhere. While most people are aware that your regular skin can burn, many people forget about the fact that your lips can burn. Areas that are covered by clothing can burn too. Make sure to be cautious when applying sunscreen.
- Make sure to buy a sunscreen that has a level of waterproofing. This will not only prevent it from being washed off when you swim but it will help to keep you from washing it off when you sweat.
- Remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. Sunscreen gets rubbed, washed, and worn away, it is important to make sure that you replace it when it does. Most sunscreen containers say that you should replace the sunscreen every two hours max. Many experts say that you need to reapply you sunscreen every hour when you are active to be safe.
If you’re looking forward to visiting Virginia Beach, but you’re worried about what to do with your lovely furry friend, you don’t need to stress! Virginia Beach is a very pet friendly place. Most places understand that your dog or cat is part of the family too, and deserves to be treated in that respect. During the fall and spring months, your dog is more than welcome to wander and frolic on the beach to his heart’s content, as well as his human family members understand that you will need to clean up after him. Cats are welcome too, and the same rules apply. Please see our page for “Dogs and Other Pets in Virginia Beach” for more information on the rules of pets on the beach.
For a stroll along the boardwalk, your furry companions will need to put on a leash or other kind of restraint so that everyone is comfortable and not have to worry. After all, visitors come to Virginia Beach to relax and not have anxiety about other people’s pets. Having an animal phobia or allergy can ruin a vacation if other visitors aren’t considerate so keep your pet on a leash and give other people their space. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the comforting atmosphere that Virginia Beach puts on for its visitors. We want everyone to be totally content and relaxed. We understand that it’s not a proper vacation unless your dog and/or cat is with you. Here, everyone can enjoy a relaxing time and get their party on!
The beach is not the only place that allows your hairy friends, though. Many hotels and even one or two restaurants are opening their doors to animals, understanding the significance of your pets within your family. No one wants to worry about what’s going on back home, Virginia Beach has taken every opportunity to make sure that your furry companions get to explore and have a vacation, too. Just make sure that check the pet rules and regulations so that no one gets on the wrong side of sticky situations.
The next time that you are planning a vacation and can’t wait to get relaxed on the beach, we hope that you will consider Virginia Beach, due to its animal friendly policies. We work hard to create the best environment for both dog and human, and we understand that the best way to do that is to do so by keeping your furry companion in mind. Whether your little ones are loud, your pets are rambunctious, or anything in between, we welcome you to our world and hope that you will enjoy your stay. After all, a family vacation is going to be loud and crazy, because that’s how your family is!
Get the most out of your next family vacation by taking advantage of all of the benefits that Virginia Beach has to offer, from top of the line service, to pet friendly spaces, to complete understanding of how crazy the vacation will be. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our spacious beaches that will soon be filled with all of the memories you can handle. Get a head start on your adventure by finding out what we’re all about and using our online resources to help you with your adventure. We’re here to help and serve. That includes your furry family, too!
VIRGINIA BEACH “BUCKET LISTS”
These are short lists of things that you can do while staying in Virginia Beach. Obviously there are so many things to do in Virginia Beach that we couldn’t possibly fit them all here, but this is a good start!
Check out the Bucket List “Topic” and see what items we have come up with for each. You might not be able to do them all but it sure is going to be fun trying!
Enjoy your stay and if you can come up with any ideas of your own, please Contact Us and let us know so that we can add them to one of our lists!
It sure can be difficult to do everything in Virginia Beach. There are so many awesome restaurants, fun attractions, sightseeing and ocean tours that it may be difficult to decide what to do. Our best recommendation is to try a few of our bucket lists for starters… so here is a day of events and activities we recommend on one of your visits to Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach is home to some beautiful golf courses each with their own unique style.
Are you the type of person who comes to Virginia Beach simply because you have a primal urge to be near the ocean? Does the slapping of the waves against the sand shore soothe you and make you feel at home? If you are an ocean lover, then Virginia Beach is the best place to be during the summer. We have direct access to the ocean as well as the Chesapeake Bay and you can fulfill whatever desires you have when it come to living the “salt life”.
Go extreme or stay simple. It doesn’t matter… as long as you are feeling the salt air and water on your skin all is right in the world.
If there is one thing we definitely cannot control is Mother Nature. Sometimes the weather in Virginia Beach is not ideal for a day on the beach, but don’t fear there are so many awesome activities for these days. Besides when you and the family spend a few days in the hot sun at Virginia Beach your body needs a break anyway. We have compiled a list of some of the attractions and things to do for these days. There is always something fun to do in Virginia Beach.
So you want to come to Virginai Beach and “explore” huh? I mean, laying on the beach and getting tan is nice but for some people it just isn’t their “thing”. They feel the urge to get out and explore the region and find out more about it’s history and everything there is to do that the “normal” vacationer might not think about. Well. you are in luck! There is soooooo much to explore in Virginia Beach that it is hard to limit it to just a few bullet points on a list. Please check out some of the items below and if you find something else in the area that isn’t on this list but should be… then please let us know!
Have a great time exploring Virginia Beach!
Kids are a blessing and bringing them to Virginia Beach is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family. Virginia Beach loves kids and the oceanfront and surrounding area caters to kids and families! Getting your kids out on the sand beach is great.. but there is so much more to do and see that you have to at least check out some of these recommended kids activities while you are here. Your kids will thank you and who knows… you might even get a little break from non-stop parenting and get to enjoy watching your kids as they experience new things for the first time. What a treat!
RECENT THINGS TO DO ARTICLES
When you come to Virginia Beach and start walking toward the northern end of the beach (beyond 31st Street), you may notice something a little unique on the beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Located on beach, at 36th Street, Hillier Ignite Fitness Park has been completed (as of 2016)! It is a great place to visit to watch others test their skills.. or to try and test your own physical prowess. This fun new Virginia Beach attraction is a great place to test your physical and athletic skills and endurance while still being able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean!
Hillier Ignite is a Virginia Beach-based non-profit organization. They donated the fitness park to the Oceanfront resort area. They also enlisted the help of WPL for free design services and Ballard Construction for free installation of the park elements.
Modeled after an existing fitness park in Santa Monica, CA the park features a wide variety of strength training apparatuses and body-weight-based exercise equipment.
Amenities Include:
- High Bars (2)
- Low Bar (2)
- Parallel Bars
- Fitness Climber/Ropes
- Level Ring Climber
- Slackline Posts
- Swing-a-long Rings
- Rope Climber
- Low Parallel Bars
- Balance Beam
- Multipurpose Post
Luke Hillier, President and founder of Hillier Ignite and executive chairman of the board for ADS, Inc., first presented his proposal for the park to Virginia Beach City Council on Nov. 3, 2015. A site at 40th Street was originally selected, but the site location was changed to the location four blocks further south near the Edgewater Condominiums.
Luke liked the idea of having a fitness park on the beach so much, he decided to duplicate what he had seen in California and create it in Virginia Beach.
The Hillier Ignite Fitness Park is a fantastic way to get a workout in while visiting the beach! The exercises that you are encouraged to try and equipment provided will strengthen your body as well as test your balance, stamina and endurance. Since it is FREE, it is not going to impact your wallet or vacation funds. People of all ages are welcome to come and watch others or test their own skills at this Virginia Beach fitness park. NOTE: There is no security check but it is required that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while using the park equipment.
When initially walking up to the park, there is a sign that displays the rules of the park. Of course, the first and most important rule is to consult your primary physician before starting any exercise program. it is indicated on the “board of rules” that the use of the equipment is at your own risk. Since this is a fitness area on the beach, all drugs, alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited from the area. The famous Virginia Beach No Cursing Law is in full effect, so the use of profanity in the area should be little or none. The sign will also remind you to respect other people, share the equipment, and keep the Hillier Fitness Park clean and free of debris and trash. As always, the last rule on the sign should not have to be repeated… it says HAVE FUN! A great mantra for anyone to live by!
The Hillier Fitness Park hours are from sunrise to sunset every day. That leaves plenty of time to enjoy this exciting way to get in some fun and fitness in Virginia Beach!
Come visit Virginia Beach and check out the Hillier Ignite Fitness Park now!
See a map, more photos and information about Hillier Fitness Park here.
There are a lot of things in the world today that cost outrageous amounts of money. Even going to a Disney park can be expensive. In Virginia Beach you luck out, becasue there are so many things that you can do without spending much money, or any at all. Here are some ideas for Virginia Beach activities that won’t break the wallet.
Beach Summer Festivals
Virginia Beach has one thing that it isn’t short of, festivals. These festivals happen at the oceanfront and around town and rarely cost any money. When they do cost money, it is very little. Here are some of the regular festivals:
Explore The Great Outdoors
Whether you want to spend time at the beach or go to one of the other nearby attractions you can save money by exploring the great outdoors. Virginia Beach, like its name implies, is full of beaches that you can spend your time on for only the cost of a swimsuit. There are also over 15,000 acres of state and national parks in the area that you can adventure. If you go on a free park week/weekend you can even get free admission.
The Farmer’s Market
If you like amazingly fresh food you can go to the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market. It operates from May 15th until September 25th and can be found at the Oceanfront. It is a fresh-air market that allows shoppers and visitors to walk through. Locally grown produce, crafts, and more can be found exhibited at this market.
Old Coast Guard Station
If you like boats or learning about history then a tour of the Old Coast Guard Station at Virginia Beach is a must. This tour costs only $4 for adults and $2 for children. During the tour you will learn about some of the various ship wrecks that have happened in the area as well as get to learn how people were rescued. If you go to the top of the Coast Guard Tower you can look out the tower and see ships in the area.
Walk the Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is famous for stretching 3 miles along the beachfront. Many of the local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments abut the boardwalk. You can look at all of the different stores and wares, you don’t have to spend a cent. If you want though you can rent a bike, skateboard, or scooter and travel down the boardwalk that way.
With all of these various things to do in Virginia Beach without spending money you can fill more than one trip. If you have any favorite activities to participate in that don’t cost any money, leave a comment below.
There was an old advertising company called the Martin Agency and they created the famous saying, “Virginia is for lovers,” but as it turns out that might actually be true. Virginia Beach has been named the most romantic city in America. This is according to OpenTable’s Top 25 Most Romantic Cities in America.
OpenTable is a major provider of online restaurant reservations for various cities all over the United States. The ranking was calculated by the percentage of restaurants rated “romantic” according to OpenTable dinner reviews, the percentage of tables seated for two and the percentage of people who dined out for Valentine’s Day last year. Seems like a good source :).
Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer of OpenTable states..
“The cities on this list, from the charming coastal community that is Virginia Beach to the top dining destination of Chicago, are those in which deliciously romantic dinners are de rigueur for couples in all stages of courtship…”.
OpenTable’s Top 25 Most Romantic Cities in America:
- Virginia Beach, Virginia (chant… We’re #1!… We’re #1…)
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Omaha, Nebraska
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Baltimore, Maryland
- San Antonio, Texas
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Savannah, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Columbus, Ohio
But that isn’t all we are known for. Virgina Beach ranks well in a lot of other categories.
When looking for a great vacation spot, anyone with kids will definitely look for the most family-friendly locations. This can mean different things for different people, but fortunately for you Virginia Beach has a little something for every family. From entertainment to dining, and the peace of mind that you are in a safe location, Virginia Beach has it all!
Family Safety – #10
One of the biggest factors I look for when traveling with my son is how safe the city is. According to Sperling’s Best Places, Virginia Beach was ranked #10 out of 50 cities as one of the safest cities for families with children. They used criteria such as crime rates, air quality, child pedestrian accidents and drowning. When traveling to a city that my family is unfamiliar with, knowing that it is one of the top 10 safest cities gives me some extra peace of mind.
Family Fun – #8
Of course, families really just want to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while on vacation, and since families can range in age it can sometimes be difficult to make everyone happy. Not to worry, Virginia Beach has you covered! Virginia Beach has tons of fun activities and things to do for the whole family. Try out Tula Adventure Sports for weekly kid’s camps, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, kayaking, sailing, and boat tours. Or, try out Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship and sail the open seas with your kids as a pirate. But it’s not just for kids, the young and old alike will enjoy sailing along the waters off the coast of Virginia Beach with pirates – in a REAL pirate ship – as they entertain with songs and dancing! There is also a snack bar aboard the ship and a good possibility of seeing dolphins on your voyage.
Virgina Beach is the Best Place for Events – #8
Don’t forget all of the fun events going on around town. On the boardwalk there are nightly events during the summer months and four oceanfront at 7th Street Stage, 17th Street Stage, 24th Street Stage and 31st Street Stage that provide live musical acts. We have a list of our LIVE music acts on our Virginia Beach Nightlife page. You can also go on down to Fountain Plaza where they hold different festivals throughout the year, such as the Craft Beer Festival in April and Festa Italiana in September.
Then, check out the fireworks during Salute to Summer at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, and of course during the Fourth of July! There are weekly fireworks displays held from July-September!
For those who prefer shopping therapy, there are plenty of shops and specialty stores around town, as well as spas and nail salons to relax after a day of shopping. Families can also enjoy mini-golf, jet ski and boat rentals, movies and museums – great for the few rainy days – for other outlets of fun!
Other Areas Where Viginia Beach Ranks
No matter the size of your family or ages of your children, you can see there is plenty to do in Virginia Beach. This rapidly growing area has been voted one of the top cities in the country in many categories, just come visit to see why. You may just end up wanting to stay!
- #2 out of 10 – Best Places for Military Retirees
- #4 out of 50 – Most Competitive Public Colleges
- #7 out of 80 – America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for Dating
- #8 out of 50 – America’s Most Playful Cities
- #10 out of 50 – Safest Cities for Families with Young Children
- #17 out of 331 – 2005 Best Places to Live
- #19 out of 20 – Best Cities for Teleworking – Large Metro Areas
- #21 out of 50 – Best Block Party Places
- #24 out of 50 – Best and Worst Cities for Sleep
- #28 out of 50 – Most Romantic Cities for Boomers
- #29 out of 100 – The Most (and Least) Gender Imbalanced Cities
- #30 out of 100 – Most Popular Cities for the Holidays
- #32 out of 50 – Sleepless Cities 2011
- #32 out of 50 – Best Cities for Seniors 2005
- #33 out of 361 – Best Baseball Cities
- #39 out of 50 – Healthiest Cities
- #42 out of 60 – America’s Best Cities for a Healthy Retirement
- #43 out of 100 – America’s Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Large Metro Areas)
- #45 out of 50 – Fiscally Fit Cities Report
- #45 out of 50 – Most and Least Risky Places for Identity Theft
- #47 out of 50 – Stressful Cities 2012
- #48 out of 85 – High Gas Prices – Which Cities are Hit the Hardest?
- #49 out of 50 – Most Energetic Cities
- #75 out of 100 – The Most Single Cities
- #87 out of 110 – America’s Migraine Hot Spots
- #93 out of 100 – America’s Most (and Least) Stressful Cities (100 Largest Metro Areas, ranked most stressful to least)
- #96 out of 379 – Best Green Cities
Everyone wants to go to Virginia Beach, get a tan, cruise the boardwalk and have a lot of fun. There are so many things to do for all types of people. Unfortunately, not everyone has someone to bring with them when they go to Virginia Beach. Single ladies may be wondering where they should go and what they should do in Virginia Beach. While a trip to Virginia Beach can be fun, not knowing these things though can make the trip stressful or even depressing if you find yourself in the wrong spot. How would you like to find yourself in a romantic restaurant all alone while everyone around you is enjoying themseles with their “significant other”?
Here is a brief guide to visiting Virginia Beach as a single lady.
Hit the Spas
Arrive early to Virginia Beach and/or wake up early. This allows you to spend the morning getting pampered at one of the many spas and massage resorts in Virginia Beach. Once you are fully relaxed then go out and enjoy the beach afterwards and soak up the sun. The spa treatments will also help you to prepare to hit the clubs later in the day and look your best. Because of the resort nature of Virginia Beach there are a lot of high quality spas to choose from. View all Virginia Beach Spas and Massage treatment centers.
Know where to Eat
Virginia Beach is well known for its seafood and if you don’t like seafood almost all of the restaurants in the area are outstanding. However, once again, you don’t want to find yourself inthe midst of a bunch of honeymooners when you happen to be all alone. Pick a place with a lively atmosphere and a good bar so that you can be mobile and not confined to one little table or booth. If you want some exciting places for singles, we could recommend Catch 31, Mahi-Mahs, or even grab a craft brew at Back Bay Brewing Company. If you still want some finer dining save up a little extra money so that you can treat yourself at one of these amazing local restaurants. Fire and Vine or Eurasia are two fantastic places that have a great atmosphere to wind down from a long day at the beach.
Go Shopping!
Don’t just sit in your hotel or walk endlessly up and down the boardwalk searching for something to do to pass the time. There are tons of Shopping centers and districts all around Virginia Beach. If you stay at the oceanfront, obviously you will be exposed to the oceanfront shops and they can sometimes be far apart or too small to find what you are looking for. If you visit Hilltop Shopping District, approximately 4 miles from the oceanfront, you will find tons of shops and eateries where you can spend an entire afternoon. The Shops at Hilltop have everything a woman could want.
Nightlife
There are a few nightclubs to spend your time at in the evenings however Virginia Beach is not known for it’s huge number of nightclubs or party zones. Most of the entertainment at the oceanfront is in the form of bars and lounges where people can meet and gather around food and drink. Many of them have live music or other activities to enjoy while you are drinking.
If we had to pick one spot where you can go and dance and party and have a ton of fun, it would have to be Eagles Nest Rockin Country Bar. Although it is not located directly on the oceanfront area it is only a 5 minute cab or Uber ride inland.
Enjoy a Drink and Mingle
Almost any drink you can think of you can find on Virginia Beach. Happy hours exist all over the boardwalk and if you know where to go and when to do it, you can get some cheap drinks and experience the smaller bars of Virginia Beach that most people dont’t think about. Most people want to come and experience an Orange Crush. You can get an Orange Crush made ant any oceanfront bar or restaurant. It is a delicious drink made with real crushed oranges and has taken Virginia Beach by storm. If you travel alone to Virginia Beach as a single girl speak with the bar tenders, they will have plenty of drinks for you to try and also ideas of activities for you to try out the next day.
Events
If there is an event it town, be sure to find out what it is and get there. This is where the real fun is. Wine festivals, musical events, boardwalk art shows and so much more. No matter what event it is, you can be assured that hundreds (or maybe thousands) of people will be there and it will be a blast! View all of our Virginia Beach Events.
Be Safe
Whenever you go anywhere as a single person make sure to remain safe. If something doesn’t feel right when you are walking out alone or doing another activity make sure you find somewhere safe. Overall the main areas of Virginia Beach such as the boardwalk are incredibly safe at night. The Virginia Beach Police are very protective and out to make sure that locals and visitors alike are safe.
Virginia Beach is a fantastic vacation spot for both familes as well as single people. You just need to know what to do. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, there is always something to do and fun to be had in Virginia Beach. Just keep your eyes and ears open and explore!
MORE THINGS TO DO INFORMATION
There’s nothing quite like going to a live show and hearing your favorite band or song. The excitement and energy of the crowd, the dancing, the loud music. It can’t be beat! That’s why we are bringing you some of the best places to catch live music in Virginia Beach. It just wouldn’t be right to leave out some of the best entertainment around town! We’ve got country, we’ve got rock, we’ve got pop, hip-hop, reggae and more. And it doesn’t matter what your price range may be because almost all of it is FREE! There is something going on every night from free shows up to national tours with more expensive seating options. Check out all the live music that Virginia Beach has to offer.
VIEW ALL LIVE MUSIC IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Eagle’s Nest Rockin’ Country Bar
The Eagle’s Nest brings live local and national entertainment to a huge stage located in an exciting and fast-paced bar atmosphere. The best part? Most shows are FREE of charge. The venue includes five bars and two stages, featuring hot acts like Kevin Mac, Pat Russell Band, Tyler Hammond and The Deloreans. When there isn’t a local or national band playing, they have DJ’s pumping out the tunes, along with line dancing, Jumbo Jenga, bull riding and more entertainment than you can experience in one night.
Central 111 Tapas Lounge
When you think tapas Lounge, you should automatically think of Central 111. It is both 100% tapas and 100% lounge at their finest. Hit up Central 111 Tapas Lounge for live entertainment, DJ’s and the best tapas in town! If you want a place with high energy, great drinks and food, and some of the best DJ’s around, you’ve found it here. Glam up, gather your friends and be prepared for a wild night.
Big Woody’s – Virginia Beach
For more of a laid back experience, check out Big Woody’s for lunch or dinner or on any evening for music. Their award-winning wings pair nicely with the live bands playing weekly and brunch is even better with the Bloody Mary Bar! Don’t forget to check out Big Woody’s for NASCAR, basketball or football on one of the many TV’s. And you won’t want to miss out on karaoke night!
Calypso Bar & Grill
If you want to relax at a venue with a real beach and surfing vibe, Calypso is the place to check out. Situated right at the oceanfront, Calyupso boasts the largest covered patio at the beach. You will be sure to enjoy listening to live music from the numerous local and regional bands while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner and watching the waves flow in and out and people-watch the boardwalk. This location is a true paradise for beach and music lovers alike!
Lucky Oyster
Feeling nautical? Lucky Oyster’s nautical décor and rustic, laid back atmosphere provides a fun, family location for eating great food and listening to live music. Imagine yourself with a big bucket of fresh oysters with all of your friends and family listening to some great toe-tapping tunes of the best local bands around. With fresh seafood, local bands, and even painting events, there is something for everyone – including the kids – at Lucky Oyster!
7th Street Stage
During the summer months, the oceanfront stages play great music all week long. These open air stages and gazebos are along the oceanfront boardwalk and available for anyone to walk by, relax and listen to some of the best local bands. The best oceanfront stage is the 7th Street Stage. Nestled in between Mahi Mah’s Restaurant and Chix Seaside Grill, it is the perfect place to grab a bite and hunker down for the evening to some great sounds. The music is free but the experience is priceless!
As you can tell, Virginia Beach is the place to be for live music, DJ’s, parties, and all-around great entertainment! Top that off with the great food and drinks, and you are sure to have a great time, whether you are a local or a visitor.
Off-Leash Dog Parks in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach boasts several “off-leash” dog parks where dogs can go to socialize and run free with other dogs.
Woodstock Community Park
(Inland)
Redwing Metro Park
(General Booth)
Bayville Farms Park
(Shore Dr)
Pet Friendly Links and Info
IMPORTANT PET NUMBERS
Virginia Beach Animal Control Unit: (757) 385-5000
Virginia Beach Health Department: (757) 518-2700
Beach Veterinary Emergency Center: (757) 498-4900
Tidewater Veterinary Emergency Hospital: (757) 499-5463
In case of an emergency dial: 9-1-1
Keeping Your Pet Cool
PET TIPS:
- Never leave your pet alone or unattended in the car on a warm or sunny day. Cars can rapidly heat up to a dangerous temperature, even with the window slightly open.
- When taking your dog for a walk on a hot day, you should plan for shorter walks during the midday sun, when temperatures are at their peak. You can take longer walks in the morning and evening when it’s cooler. Even though your pet may seem tough on the outside, the hot sidewalks can burn the pads on your dog’s paws, so walk on the grass when possible.
- Never leave your dog outdoors unattended on a chain, leash or tether. They have no place to go if they are uncomfortable and long-term chaining during the hot summer months can result in insect and predator bites, dehydration and even heat stroke.
- When driving with pets, be sure to keep them properly restrained and inside the vehicle. Remember, pets are not allowed to be in the bed of an open truck.
- During a busy vacation, pets can easily become distressed by the noise and commotion involved with festivals and events. Leave pets at home and in a doghouse or crate so that they cannot jump a fence and become lost. Make sure your pets are wearing identification at all times or an internal chip so that if they do become lost we can get them back home.
In a recent study done by job resource website Zippia, Virginia Beach was named the Number 8 happiest city in the U.S.
While they did consider residents’ average salaries, they also used the following criteria to measure happiness and rank the top 10 happiest U.S. cities:
- Level of education
- Unemployment rate
- A short commute to work
- Low cost of living
- Having a family
- Owning a home
- The poverty rate
Fun-Fact
Not only does Virginia Beach have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, great food and fun entertainment, but it also boasts the 12th lowest rate of poverty and 13th lowest unemployment rate.
How can you not be happy living in a city where you can go whale watching in the morning, golf at one of our area golf courses in the afternoon, then walk on the boardwalk and have a delicious dinner in the evening? Residents also enjoy year-round events on the boardwalk, including events at the 31st Street Park/Stage, art festivals, concerts, fireworks, parades and holiday light shows.
The wide range of delicious and gourmet food is enough to entice anyone to move here. From Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop for breakfast, Eurasia Restaurant or Calypso Bar & Grill for lunch, to Eat Bistro, Lucky Oyster Seafood Co for dinner and Duck Donuts for dessert, there is something for every taste bud here.
Being surrounded by positivity, community, and fun are the keys to happiness, and you will find all of that here in Virginia Beach!
There are a lot of things in the world today that cost outrageous amounts of money. Even going to a Disney park can be expensive. In Virginia Beach you luck out, becasue there are so many things that you can do without spending much money, or any at all. Here are some ideas for Virginia Beach activities that won’t break the wallet.
Beach Summer Festivals
Virginia Beach has one thing that it isn’t short of, festivals. These festivals happen at the oceanfront and around town and rarely cost any money. When they do cost money, it is very little. Here are some of the regular festivals:
Explore The Great Outdoors
Whether you want to spend time at the beach or go to one of the other nearby attractions you can save money by exploring the great outdoors. Virginia Beach, like its name implies, is full of beaches that you can spend your time on for only the cost of a swimsuit. There are also over 15,000 acres of state and national parks in the area that you can adventure. If you go on a free park week/weekend you can even get free admission.
The Farmer’s Market
If you like amazingly fresh food you can go to the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market. It operates from May 15th until September 25th and can be found at the Oceanfront. It is a fresh-air market that allows shoppers and visitors to walk through. Locally grown produce, crafts, and more can be found exhibited at this market.
Old Coast Guard Station
If you like boats or learning about history then a tour of the Old Coast Guard Station at Virginia Beach is a must. This tour costs only $4 for adults and $2 for children. During the tour you will learn about some of the various ship wrecks that have happened in the area as well as get to learn how people were rescued. If you go to the top of the Coast Guard Tower you can look out the tower and see ships in the area.
Walk the Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is famous for stretching 3 miles along the beachfront. Many of the local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments abut the boardwalk. You can look at all of the different stores and wares, you don’t have to spend a cent. If you want though you can rent a bike, skateboard, or scooter and travel down the boardwalk that way.
With all of these various things to do in Virginia Beach without spending money you can fill more than one trip. If you have any favorite activities to participate in that don’t cost any money, leave a comment below.
Fishing in Virginia Beach
Fishing in Virginia Beach is an adrenaline rush when you land “the big one”! You may not always catch the one you want to mount over your fireplace, but it is is always exciting to bring in a fresh catch.
Since Virginia Beach is located in such a prime coastal area, at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and a variety of freshwater waterways, it provides a uniquely diverse range of fish species and fishing destinations. From world-class off-shore competitions, to a plethora of coastal species and a myriad of inland, freshwater adventures, it’s no wonder Virginia Beach is considered an angler’s paradise.
TYPES OF FISHING IN VIRGINIA
Offshore (Charter) Fishing
What most people don’t know about off-shore charter fishing is that you don’t have to travel to far away exotic locations to catch the most desirable fish in the sea. The warm Gulf Stream and Chesapeake Bay provide a fantastic mix of waters with a bounty of fish to choose from.
From June through September both serious deep sea anglers and rookies go looking to do land some of the kings of the sea and will find some of the east coast’s most productive fishing areas just outside our inlets. If you have the skills you might be able to do battle with an energetic tuna, or maybe you will be mesmerized by the high-flying antics and lightning speed of the Wahoo, or maybe a tug-of-war with a Bluefin tuna is more to your liking. Whatever your desire, we have it here off the shores of Virginia Beach.
Inshore Fishing
Locals are already aware that Virginia Beach is considered the Striper fishing capital of the world. But that isn’t all. We have a bay and an ocean full of other fish that are just as temperamental as the striper and can provide year-round fishing opportunities for anyone itching to angle. Our unique location on the Virginia coast makes our fishing special because we are at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Those two great bodies of water make for a very fertile feeding ground for a large variety of fish.
Pier Fishing
Pier fishing is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities at the oceanfront. Just bring yourself, your kids and/or your friends or family members and drop a line over the railing. There’s no need to bring any special gear or pay for any fishing licenses.
4 different piers are located near the resort area. Many of them offer rod and reel rentals as well as sell additional equipment and bait.
One thing that you might find useful when pier fishing… always carry a handy fish identification chart because you never know what’s going to swim by and grab your line!
Surf (Shoreline) Fishing