Swoop Away Travels

 I’ve been visiting Virginia Beach multiple times a year for more than 5 years and I’m excited to share my love of the area with you! 

Most tourists only visit the beach, which is great, but miss out on everything else the area has to offer. I’ll share a mix of waterfront, inland, and downtown locations in this guide for the perfect mix of history, culture, food, and beachfront fun. So if you’re looking for more to do than sunbathing, this is the guide for you!

The waterfront is a given. Whether you’re looking for nightlife and attractions along the boardwalk or a more relaxed, family friendly feel of North Beach, there’s something on the waterfront for everyone.

Stroll or bike the boardwalk to spot dolphins(my personal favorite) and watch the waves crash in or walk down Atlantic Avenue for a variety of coastal shops and activities. It’s always my first stop after settling into the hotel room. There’s nothing like having your toes in the sand and smelling the salty air. 

Spot dolphins and other aquatic wildlife on a Dolphin Tour with the Virginia Aquarium

The Virginia Aquarium offers two boats to choose from for this experience. The Atlantic Explorer is a catamaran that can carry more than 100 passengers, has exterior seating for a closer look and interior climate-controlled seating. This is great for groups or those looking for a more family- friendly experience. 

If you want to get up close and personal at sea level, opt for The Atlantic Scout. A faster low-riding vessel that can hold up to 39 guests. In winter, also check out their whale watching experiences. 

Visit the 4th Oldest Lighthouse in the USA- Cape Henry Lighthouse

While it’s the fourth oldest, it’s the first authorized by the U.S. Government and an often overlooked attraction in the area. Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. It is one of two lighthouses located on Fort Story Military Base, since it is on a military base, guests  must bring a valid U.S. ID and be able to pass a background check to visit. My mom loves lighthouses and being able to bring her here a few years ago was so much fun. Make sure to bring the lighthouse lover in your group as well!

Virginia Aquarium  

I love this place so much that I’m a member and I could sit for hours in front of their sea turtle exhibit if you let me. This Aquarium takes you on a journey throughout different ecosystems of Virginia and helps to educate children and adults alike on the animals with whom we share our waterways and how we can help protect them.Look eye to eye with harbour seals, sea turtles and many others, touch a stingray, and adventure through the Nature Trail. They also recently reopened their South Building Exhibits to include multiple types of Jellyfish and otters!

This destination is great for those of all ages and is wheelchair accessible. 

Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium

With 33 ziplines, 6 challenge levels, and 17 treetop trails, this experience is sure to get your heart racing. Children and adults alike can enjoy climbing, obstacles, and ziplining at the largest forest climbing park in Virginia. I’m not usually one to enjoy heights but I’d wanted to try this course since it opened since we walk by every time we’re at the aquarium. I finally tried it recently and had such a blast! The staff is also super helpful and patient. 

Virginia Beach Pier

If you want a better view of the water without stepping on a boat, or you want to try your hand at fishing, The Virginia Beach Pier is the place for you. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the resort area at 15th street and measures approximately 1,000 feet in length. My favorite time to walk out on the pier is in the evening right at sunset and look back at all the lights along the shoreline. 

Tiki Boat Tour

Getting out on the water is the ultimate way to fully immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy Virginia Beach. This https://gyg.me/XoNVHFmr Tiki Tour is such a fun time if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends.

Nightmare Mansion 

You can choose the original haunted experience, their escape room, or both! It’s been rated one of the top ten haunted attractions in the country. This immersive experience features live actors and is located right on the resort strip.I’m not a horror fan so I haven’t been inside but I’ve always loved the exterior of the building and think it’s super fun to see along the strip.  Although fun for adult horror lovers, it is intense and not recommended for children. 

King Neptunes Mini Golf

The glow in the dark underwater scenes have a 3D effect that takes mini golf to another level. This is the perfect activity for a rainy day and great for a date night or part of a family-friendly day. My husband and I stop here on rainy trips and it’s always such a fun way to spend time indoors. 

Bugatti Jet Car Experience

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience during your trip, check out this water car experience here https://gyg.me/DMZiBEaO

This is one of the best ways to get out on the water at the beach and it also provides some beautiful photo opps.

Atlantic Fun Park

Atlantic Fun Park offers rides and games for the whole family. Rides like Gravitron and Sea Dragon excite the thrill-seeker in your party while a kiddie train and other rides are available for the less adventurous of the group. This is the perfect place to bring the kids in your group, especially if it’s too cold to get in the ocean.

iFLY VA Beach 

iFLY’s wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe flight experience indoors. If you’ve always wanted to try skydiving, but something has held you back, this is a great way to try it completely contained. I’ve never been interested in skydiving but this is one wau I could envision myself giving it a try. This is a great activity for the whole family and perfect for a rainy day. 

Hugh Mongous

Standing 45 feet tall at the entrance to Ocean Breeze Waterpark, Hugh has become a landmark and staple of the Virginia Beach area. University of Richmond’s professor, Demetrios Mavoudi designed Hugh in 1977. Hugh was so popular when the park opened, that local newspapers occasionally wrote a feature about the gorilla asking him about his experience at the Waterpark. Even if you don’t stop for a photo, it’s a super cool statue to see when driving by. 

If you want to see more of the art featured throughout the city, check out this https://gyg.me/1QRayVDN walking tour exploring the murals in the artistic VIBE district.

Virginia Beach Amphitheater

Some of the biggest names in music and live entertainment grace the stage here for spectacular performances. Listen to your favorite songs and maybe learn a few new ones on a night out during your stay.

First Landing State Park 

In my book, State Parks are always a good idea. Here, a calmer beach, hiking trails, and camping opportunities await. Visit for a few days or a few hours. This is a great place to get into nature and unwind. It’s a great stop for families, couples, solo travelers, or those traveling with dogs as it’s a dog friendly park! My husband and I are planning on bringing our dog here for a trip soon and I’m really looking forward to it!

Kayak Tours

Personally, dolphin spotting is one of my favorite things to do at the beach. Kayak tours allow you to get up close and personal to these amazing animals! You’re also getting some exercise in at the same time, a win-win. Linked here is one kayaking company, but there are several in the area! https://gyg.me/fAObmWHg

Apex Entertainment 

If games, a bowling alley, and axe-throwing aren’t enough, there are also escape rooms in this multi-level entertainment center. This is a fun destination for the whole family as there are so many different activities to choose from. There is also a restaurant inside. A great idea for rainy days or when it’s too hot for outdoor activities. 

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Rotating exhibits, events, and art classes await here. Explore the work of local and regional artists. This is a great stop to add to your itinerary, especially if you’re an art lover! As an art lover myself, I always think it’s super interesting to check out their rotating exhibits.

Military Aviation Museum 

Learn about the history of military aviation through their collection of more than 70 aircraft. Experience their Summer of Flight events as aircraft make unscheduled flights throughout the week. In addition to viewing the aircraft, you can also visit multiple historic structures on site like the Cottbus Luftwaffe Hangar or the Goxhill Watch Office. My husband is really interested in military history so this museum is definitely a place of interest for him. We’ve self guided through the museum but you can also take a free docent-led tour. 

Virginia Beach Search and Rescue Museum

If you’re like me and think pirate history and shipwrecks are fascinating, this place is a must see. Learn of nearby shipwrecks, lifeguarding efforts, The Life-Saving Service and much more at this museum located right on the boardwalk. This museum is an educational experience for those of all ages. If you’re visiting in the fall, I highly recommend joining them for their Annual Pig & Oyster Fest in October.

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum 

I found the amount of history within this one structure mesmerizing. This museum is found inside the historic DeWitt Cottage, the oldest remaining private structure on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.  Bernard Peabody Holland built the structure in 1895. Later, Holland filed with others to incorporate the Town of Virginia Beach and served as Mayor. His wife, Emily, operated the first lending library of the area. Holland used the open cupola on the roof as an observatory for wildfowl so it is fitting that it is now home to this museum. 

Naval Aviation Monument Park 

This small outdoor park contains multiple monuments dedicated to decades of Naval history. It features sculptures and educational plaques showcasing three periods of naval aviation from the early 20th century, to WWII, to modern times. I’ve already mentioned my husband’s interest in military history, so you can imagine how cool it was for both of us to experience taking in the exhibits with a military helicopter flying by. 

Ferry Plantation House 

This historic site was once home to The Ferry Boat Service on the Lynnhaven River, the second Princess Anne Courthouse that tried Grace Sherwood (Virginia’s last person convicted of witchcraft), and a Confederate Navy Captain. I’m a little obsessed with the witch trials so this site was of particular interest to me. Dating back to 1642, the Plantation offers a unique educational experience for history lovers of many eras.

Thoroughgood House

As a history lover, I’ve been wanting to visit this site for quite some time. This circa 1719 house was home to the great grandson of Adam Thorowgood , a leader in the Virginia Colony, who helped establish Princess Anne County, now the independent city of Virginia Beach. Enter back in time as you tour the home and  the gorgeous English gardens. 

Virginia Beach is the perfect destination for beachgoers, history lovers, and foodies alike. Whether you’re learning about aquatic life at the Aquarium, getting out on the water, or eating your way through the city while listening to live music, there’s something for everyone. There are also several events throughout the year along the oceanfront and beyond.