The Virginia Shoreline
With over 35 miles of wide, sandy beach to frolic in, it’s no wonder that Virginia’s southeastern shore has emerged as a staple of Eastern Seaboard summertime vacations. From surfing to saltwater taffy, it’s the perfect getaway for creating classic family traditions, but that’s not all. Nestled in between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s also an outdoor lover’s dream brimming with chances to swim, fish and paddle your way to a new perspective on the Old Dominion.
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Water, Water Everywhere
Life revolves around the water here, and the area’s top attractions serve up H2O fun in myriad ways. The Cape Henry Lighthouse, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay since 1792, dishes out stunning panoramic views to visitors brave enough to climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top. The Virginia Beach boardwalk spans 3 miles of oceanfront possibilities with bike rentals, cafes, shops and a 34-foot-tall bronze statue known as King Neptune.
Scaly Swimmers
Once you’ve got the lay of the land, head to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in downtown Virginia Beach. With over 10,000 animals, the center is an window into the area’s diverse sea life and boasts interactive exhibits that tell the stories of life beyond surf.
Dropping a Line
From Norfolk to Virginia Beach and beyond, there are dozens of charter companies vying for the chance to take you on the sport-fishing excursion of a lifetime. Depending on the time of visit, boats regularly land record-sized sea bass, amberjack, flounder and more. Some of the top boats can be found in Rudee Inlet at the south stretch of Virginia Beach.
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Fun on Land
When you’re ready to take a break from lounging on golden sand, First Landing State Park offers nearly 20 miles of hiking trails that wind past lagoons and forests, and are home to osprey and other wildlife. False Cape State Park, on the border with North Carolina, is a pristine stretch of undeveloped landscape boasting natural, untouched flora and fauna.
Sunny Delights
Fun-in-the-sun activities like surf lessons, gorging on saltwater taffy at famous Forbes Candies and endless rounds of mini golf constitute many Virginia Beach getaways, but don’t forget to explore the quaint hamlets of the Eastern Shore. Directly across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from Virginia Beach, the peninsula extends another 70 miles to its border with Maryland and is home to Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge, where a vast monarch butterfly migration captivates photographers each fall.
For More Information
Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism
757-331-1660
www.esvatourism.org
Virginia Tourism Corporation
804-545-5500
www.virginia.org
