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Numerous studies indicate that spending time in nature or near water significantly enhances personal well-being. Even the simple experience of listening to water can decrease stress and promote relaxation. With 38 miles of scenic coastline, Virginia Beach presents an accessible escape for those seeking a rejuvenating experience.
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities, from lively festivals and hiking trails to opportunities for picking fresh produce and engaging with marine life. Virginia Beach is filled with adventures that can elevate one’s mood, making it a perfect getaway.
Enjoy the Beach
As noted by the Guinness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach is recognized as the largest pleasure beach in the world. Relishing the sensation of sand between your toes while soaking up the sun and listening to the waves is a delightful experience. Entry is free around the clock, although lifeguard services are available only from mid-May to mid-September. However, enjoying Virginia Beach doesn’t require you to simply lounge on the sand.
For a more dynamic experience, take a stroll along the 3-mile Boardwalk, where you can capture a photo with the renowned 26-foot King Neptune Statue or grab a bite at one of the oceanfront eateries. The Boardwalk is designed with separate paths for walking and biking, making it convenient for both pedestrians and cyclists; consider renting a fat tire bike for a unique ride on the sand.
Camping enthusiasts can enjoy various accommodations right by the coast, whether at False Cape State Park, First Landing State Park, or North Landing Beach RV Resort & Cottages, which even offers massages on-site. Regardless of where you stay, witnessing a sunrise or sunset over the water is bound to uplift your spirits.
Surf’s Up
Virginia Beach is a favored destination for surfers of all skill levels, thanks to its diverse surfing conditions created by various jetties, piers, and inlets. The East Coast Surfing Championships, taking place from August 17–24, is among the oldest surfing competitions in the world.
If you’re looking to hone your skills, the upcoming Atlantic Park Surf will debut this summer, an innovative facility developed with the support of Wavegarden and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams. The park aims to cater to both novices and expert surfers alike.
The local waters are not just a draw for humans; bottlenose dolphins can also be spotted off the coast, particularly in the Sandbridge Beach area from late spring through early fall. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best chances for sightings, especially if you explore via kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or on a boat tour operated by Rudee Tours or the Atlantic Explorer.
Dining at one of the waterfront restaurants might give you an opportunity to see dolphins while you enjoy fresh seafood, which is rich in essential nutrients to invigorate your body. Notably, a fishing license isn’t needed at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, open from April to October, although times vary by season. If you prefer to buy rather than catch your fish, the Lynnhaven Fishing Company offers an open-air market featuring fresh seafood caught that day.
Participate in Local Festivals
Virginia Beach hosts over 40 events annually, catering to a wide array of interests, including sporting events, concerts, and wine tastings along the shore. Events like the East Coast Surfing Championships attract thrill-seekers, while unique offerings like the Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo (April 13–14) feature top-tier bull riding and barrel racing, presenting a taste of western culture on the East Coast with a total prize of $12,000. Additionally, the Jackalope Festival (May 30–June 1) showcases extraordinary athletic feats in sports such as skateboarding and bouldering.
The schedule for this summer’s Oceanfront Concert Series has yet to be announced, but past performers have included notable artists like Jefferson Starship and Ace Frehley. The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater can accommodate up to 20,000 attendees, with upcoming performances by Rufus du Sol (May 10), Styx (July 11), and a joint concert featuring Nelly, Ja Rule, and Eve (July 25).
This year marks the 51st celebration of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival (Sept. 26–28). Spanning over 30 blocks of the Boardwalk, the festival will host a variety of activities such as live music from local and national artists, sand sculpture contests, foot races, and an arts and crafts fair.
Explore Scenic Trails
Virginia Beach boasts over 200 parks and natural areas, covering more than 7,000 acres ripe for exploration by foot or bicycle. The area features more than 300 miles of biking trails suitable for all levels of cyclists. For example, the Cape Henry Trail offers a scenic 6-mile route through the lush vegetation of First Landing State Park, where you may spot various bird species, including ospreys and egrets. The trails at False Cape State Park wind through marshes, forests, and sandy beaches, offering glimpses of deer and turtles along the way.
Nature lovers will find the 217 acres of West Neck Creek Natural Area ideal for hiking and birdwatching, where seasonal visitors may include ovenbirds and great crested flycatchers. The Pungo Loop Trail, extending 21 miles, traverses picturesque rural views dotted with horses, grapes, and strawberry fields.
For a unique challenge, the Lake Trashmore Loop Trail provides a 1.9-mile route around Mount Trashmore Park, complete with 10 outdoor fitness stations designed to enhance your cardiovascular workout.
Harvest from the Garden
While the soothing experience of sand beneath your feet can be exhilarating, getting your hands into the earth has proven mental health benefits, particularly in boosting serotonin levels. Fortunately, Virginia Beach offers both experiences. The Pungo area encompasses 8,000 acres of arable land that supplies farm-to-table products to local restaurants and seasonal treasures at farmer’s markets.
In Pungo, numerous u-pick farms allow visitors to harvest strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and apples throughout different seasons. Popular destinations include Cullipher Farm, Henley Farms, and Flanagan Farm, where guests may also encounter friendly farm animals.
Are You Ready? Start planning your trip to Virginia Beach.
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www.travelzoo.com