Virginia Beach: Coast, Nature and History

Virginia Beach has 38 miles of coastline and more than 4,000 acres of scenic parks. Wildlife refuges and historic homes complement this natural side with wildlife viewing and history. When planning your hotel stay, you can shape your trip around the experiences that matter most to you: trails and wildlife viewing, coastal activities or cultural history.

Wildlife Refuges and Trails

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migratory and wintering waterfowl. The refuge’s landscapes include beach areas, freshwater marshes, dunes, scrubland and upland forests. Visitors can hike, bike, watch wildlife and take photographs there. Kayaking, as well as freshwater and surf fishing, is also possible; permits and regulations may apply.

Seven trails and one beach are available for visitor recreation at the refuge. The Raptor Trail is 0.4 miles long and leads in one direction to viewpoints overlooking Back Bay. On the East Dike Trail, you can walk or bike to False Cape State Park from April through October. This seasonal trail connection makes the time of year an important consideration when planning.

First Landing State Park offers a different park landscape: its 2,888 acres include cypress swamps, tidal marshes, sand dunes and maritime forests. More than 20 miles of hiking trails and a bike path complement the landscape; guided kayak tours may be offered seasonally. At False Cape State Park, six miles of coastline, sand dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes and wooded swamps define the scenery. More than 300 bird species can be found there. Educational tram rides lead into the center of the park from April through October; check current dates before visiting.

Coast and Water Activities

Water activities are also a focus at Rudee Inlet. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and jet skis are available to rent, and the inlet is also a hub for fishing charters. Rental options and operators may change. If you have a specific activity in mind, it’s a good idea to check current offerings.

Aquarium and Active Experiences

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is fully accessible to visitors of all abilities. It is home to more than a dozen species of sharks, rays, eels and reptiles, as well as North American river otters and seals. Offerings include interactive exhibits, touch pools, an interactive water-quality lab and outdoor play areas. The aquarium also offers trips out to sea to look for marine mammals and other wildlife. Animal populations, exhibits and schedules may change, so check current information when making specific plans.

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium covers five acres and features more than 170 platforms connected by bridges, rope courses and ziplines. Its 15 treetop trails offer a range of difficulty levels. Equipment and course layouts may change.

Homes and History

Built in the early 18th century, Thoroughgood House is one of the oldest surviving colonial homes in Virginia Beach and is a National Historic Landmark. Tours explore the history of the Thoroughgood family, the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property, and the Indigenous history of the region associated with the landscape.

Lynnhaven House dates to about 1725 and is considered a significant surviving example of early Virginia vernacular architecture. Free Preservation Tours are offered on the third Thursday of each month at noon; regular tours are affected by restoration work. At Francis Land House, tours explore life on a plantation and the experiences of free and enslaved members of the household. Free family programs take place there on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Dates and topics may change, so it’s worth checking the current calendar before your visit.

Another historic landmark is Cape Henry Memorial, associated with the first landing of English colonists in Virginia in April 1607. Along with the historic homes, it offers a different way to explore the destination’s history than its nature trails and coastal landscapes.

Art and Summer Programming

During the summer months, “Live! On Atlantic” offers music and other entertainment on four stages at the beach; most events are free. As program details may change, check event dates before visiting. The public art tour through the ViBe Creative District includes more than 450 works of art; this number may change.

Explore more destinations: Virginia Beach, Washington County, Louisa County, Bath, Chesterfield, Manassas, Winchester, Arlington

For the broader travel overview: Virginia.