Ready for sun, sand, and a stroll through history? Our Virginia road trip is taking us to the vibrant shores of Virginia Beach! Where the Chesapeake Bay greets the mighty Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find a world of wonder waiting to be explored. Think endless miles of sandy beaches, pristine state parks, the iconic Cape Henry lighthouses, and of course, the lively Virginia Beach boardwalk.
But Virginia Beach isn’t just about beach bliss; it’s also a history lover’s dream. Imagine walking the same sandy paths as the first Jamestown Settlers stood at their initial landing in America. Beyond that pivotal spot, you can delve into nearly a dozen historic sites, from the 1719 Colonial Thoroughgood House to America’s first government-commissioned lighthouse at Cape Henry.
Love museums? Virginia Beach is home to fun museums for the entire family like the Virginia Aquarium Marine Science Center, Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and so much more!
While it could take a lifetime to experience all that Virginia Beach has to offer, this list of Must-See in Virginia Beach will help you ‘seas the day.’
Ocean vibes and historical roots at First Landing State Park:
In May, I enjoyed a beach day at this wonderful state park located in the heart of Virginia Beach, less than a mile away from the Cape Henry Lighthouse. This state park provides pristine beach access, nature trails and wildlife viewing, a museum, ranger activities and ample spots for picnicking.
The park commemorates the first landing of the original Jamestown settlers, as they first stepped foot on American soil on April 26th 1607 before moving inland to establish the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown. The park’s museum does an excellent job taking you on a time traveling journey using journal entries from those on the voyage describing their trip from England to the West Indies before reaching present-day Virginia Beach. The museum also dedicates exhibit space to the history of the native tribes of the region, which date back thousands of years. At the time of the Jamestown settlement, the mighty Powhatan Confederacy lived in the region.
As a descendant of several Jamestown settlers (my ancestor Thomas Lassiter came over as an indentured servant in 17th century), I love to learn about and explore the history of the colony and the Powhatan. Can you imagine stepping foot on a continent trying to establish the first permanent English colony, especially after The Lost Colony in Roanoke had failed. It certainly took tenacity and perseverance to be willing to take that risk.
For a day at the beach, you can’t be First Landing. My mom and I were staying in Williamsburg and wanted to catch the ocean breeze without the hubbub of the Virginia Beach boardwalk. First Landing allowed us that laid back beach access where you can plop down your beach chair and dabble on sunscreen while taking in the surf and sand. The park has showers and restrooms nearby, as well as a snack bar in the gift shop, making this the perfect beach day spot for people of all ages.
Official Park Website…I also recommend checking out the Friends of First Landing State Park Website – they have a great page about the history of First Landing.
Cape Henry Lighthouse(s):
Next door to First Landing State Park you can learn about the beacon lights of Cape Henry, which is home to the oldest government commissioned lighthouse in the United States, Cape Henry Lighthouse. Built in 1792 as the first federally public works project of the newly formed United States government under President George Washington. The lighthouse was overseen by Alexander Hamilton.
In 1881, a second lighthouse was built nearby (known as the Second Cape Henry Light) to take over lighthouse responsibilities and is still in service (according to my research). This Lighthouse is not open for tours but you can see it in the distance.
The original lighthouse is open for tours and curated by the amazing historical organization Preservation Virginia, who also manages sites like Historic Jamestowne.
However, this lighthouse is on a U.S. Military Base and you have to go through multiple screenings before you are allowed lighthouse access. I understand the reasoning for this as security is important on a base, but without a passport or Real ID you’ll be denied entry. We both have passports, but my mom needs her Real ID and our passports were at home…We had to learn about the lighthouse virtually.
Learn more about the Two Lighthouses on the NPS website
Life’s a Beach – Virginia Beach Public Beach Access:
While many of Virginia Beach’s resorts and hotels offer beachfront views, what’s awesome about Virginia Beach is the city offers prime beachfront access with public beaches and city and state parks. So you don’t have to burst your budget just to catch a wave. Here are a few of my favorite spots to enjoy a day listening to ocean waves in the Virginia Beach area:
Sandbridge Beach area:
Tucked just a few miles from the more crowded Virginia Beach oceanfront, Sandbridge Beach provides a peaceful atmosphere, defined by its natural beauty where you can explore five miles of pristine sand dunes and sea oats, while watching the ocean waves crash into the sandy shore. For beachfront access and natural wonders I recommend these Sandbridge gems.
Back Bay Wildlife Refuge: Located in the southeastern corner of the City of Virginia Beach, this refuge was established in 1938 to help protect and provide critical habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Today you can visit this refuge, exploring diverse habitats from beachfront to freshwater march, dunes, shrub and upland forests. The refuge is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish. Back Bay is a popular spot for kayakers and also offers extensive hiking trails.
One of the best ways to experience Back Bay is with a tram tour. The Blue Goose Wildlife Tram is a partnership between Back Bay National Refuge and False Cape State Park where you can hop on an open-air bus and ride through the wildlife refuge to reach False Cape State Park and the site of the historic Wash Woods community. You then can participate in a one-mile, roundtrip hike to the cemetery and church steeple, all that is left of this community. Plan your visit here
False Cape State Park:
This secluded state park is a treasure waiting to be discovered. What sets this beach apart is it isn’t dotted by beachfront hotels and development. False Cape is one of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the Atlantic coast. This primitive beach is a world apart, providing serene beach views and nature trails, where you can experience the unique ecosystems of coastal forest to ocean life. This park is only accessible via trails and it is essential you come prepared with lots of water, suntan lotion and snacks. There is a visitor center where you can learn about the park ecosystem and human history of the park, including the former settlement of Wash Woods, which existed here until the 1930s. The museum tells the story of the hardy citizens of Wash Woods who made their living off the sea. False Cape features guided kayak trips, primitive camping, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and 6 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach.
For day-use visitors, parking is available at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge visitor center parking lot. Back Bay has East Dike and West Dike trails that lead to False Cape State Park. Only one of those trails is open at a time. Pay attention to refuge signs indicating which trail is open. Plan your trip here
Little Island Park: This 122-acre beach park is in the Sandbridge area, just north of the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. This park allows you the chance to explore the confluence of several unique ecosystems like Back Bay, a brackish lake, perfect for fishing and crabbing, a 400 fishing pier and multiple ocean front access where you can sit and want the waves crash as the seagulls ‘dance’ and the pelicans dive into the water. The park also offers other amenities including picnic areas, charcoal grills, pickleball, basketball and volleyball courts. Learn more here
Croatan Beach is closer to the main hub of the city of Virginia Beach. This beloved beach is three quarters of a mile long, stretching from Rudee Inlet to Camp Pendleton. What sets this beach apart is its waves, making it a popular spot for local surfers. There is a lifeguard on duty during the summer season. Because of the popularity of the beach, the city of Virginia Beach operates a parking lot adjacent to Camp Pendleton in addition to neighborhood parking. As a tip I always recommend getting there early to secure a parking spot and your prime beach hangout spot. Plan your day at the beach here
For a complete list of public access beaches click here
Walking The Boardwalk:
Virginia Beach boasts a world-class boardwalk that runs 59 blocks alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Fun fact: Virginia was named as the longest stretch of pleasure beach in the world by The Guinness Book of World Records. Here you can enjoy 3-miles of oceanfront boardwalk access lined by beachfront shops, lively arcades, delicious restaurants, seaside parks, museums and more. The only way to truly describe Virginia Beach is for you to experience it yourself. The boardwalk provides different activities for different interests. For me, I enjoy relaxing by the beach, listening to Jimmy Buffett or The Drifters with a popular local cocktail, an orange crush in my hand, after perusing shops like Sunsations or Life is Good. I also love the fact they have cool museums like the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum and Virginia Surf and Rescue Museum steps from the boardwalk. Various areas of the boardwalk also host live music throughout the year. You can also enjoy amusement park style fun at Atlantic Fun Park.
Don’t forget to stop to visit the massive Neptune sculpture who appears to emerge from the ocean. Click here to plan your boardwalk fun!
Fun Museums in Virginia Beach:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science
Dive into the wonders of the ocean at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center! With over 800,000 gallons of water and thousands of fascinating fish and marine wildlife, ranging from sharks and loggerhead turtles to otters, harbor seals, the endangered Tomistoma freshwater crocodile, and the legendary Komodo dragon, the Aquarium offers an immersive journey. Explore both freshwater and saltwater habitats across multiple buildings, discovering the vital importance of river and ocean ecosystems.
What truly sets this center apart is its role as a living conservation hub. A dedicated team of marine biologists works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate species, including endangered sea turtles. The staff passionately educates visitors on vital conservation efforts and how we can all help protect our oceans and riverways. You’ll find knowledgeable staff throughout the exhibits, ready to answer your questions and share insights about the diverse animals.
Beyond the incredible exhibits, enhance your experience by signing up for a behind-the-scenes tour or embarking on one of their popular dolphin and wildlife cruises (available seasonally).
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art: Virginia MOCA presents ever-changing exhibitions where neighbors, strangers, students, families, communities, and cultures are invited to explore our shared humanity, through locally relevant and nationally resonant, contemporary art that’s exceptional—in all of its timeliness, restlessness, and beauty. Official Website
Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum: Right off the boardwalk, the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum honors and preserves the history of Virginia’s maritime heritage, coastal communities, the United States Lifesaving Service, and the United States Coast Guard along the Atlantic coast. Website
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum: Housed in the historic 1895 de Witt Cottage right off the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this museum allows visitors to learn about the evolution of the art of decoy carving using primitive tools to the more elaborate and expressive contemporary carvings and artwork of today. The museum also has two interactive computer exhibits which provide educational and artistic programs. You can also enjoy viewing original oil and watercolor paintings by award-winning contemporary carvings by nationally known artists. Plan your visit here
Military Aviation Museum: This museum defies gravity, housing one of the world’s largest private collections of warbirds in flying condition. It includes examples from Germany, France, Italy, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, from both World War I and World War II. Take flight on your museum adventure here
Travel Through History:
Virginia Beach is home to 37 places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The past meets the present in Virginia Beach. As a Colonial History buff I was thrilled to discover Virginia Beach has several 18th structures including the Adam Thoroughgood House, which dates to 1719. Here are a few historic homes you can visit while in Virginia Beach – Imagine how they’d survived wars, hurricanes and development – testaments of time.
Thoroughgood House: Nestled in a quaint Virginia Beach neighborhood, the Thoroughgood House stands as the city’s oldest surviving home, dating back to 1719. Built by the descendants of early Virginia Beach colonist Adam Thoroughgood, this unique residence showcases a fascinating architectural transition from early frontier-style housing to the more refined early Georgian aesthetic. I highly recommend taking a tour of the historic property and the adjacent museum. We thoroughly enjoyed this stop on our recent Virginia Beach getaway. Plan your visit
Ferry Plantation: The history of Ferry Plantation House is so rich, it could fill a mini-series! With over 300 years of documented heritage, its story begins in 1642 when colonist Adam Thoroughgood initiated a crucial “ferry” service to connect burgeoning plantations via the Lynnhaven River. The home’s prime location, near the western branch of the Lynnhaven, perfectly facilitated regional waterway connections.
Adam Thoroughgood himself arrived in America as an indentured servant, bravely working for his freedom before rising to become a respected community leader (his descendants would later build the historic Thoroughgood House). The original structures at Ferry Plantation faced their share of challenges, enduring destruction and rebuilding, including a significant fire, before the impressive ten-bedroom Federal-style home you see today was completed in 1830.
This beautiful residence stands on centuries-old foundations that have witnessed incredible change, from the earliest European settlement in the region to the tumultuous Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and beyond.
Interesting fact: This historic plantation also stands near the site of Virginia’s only convicted witch trial—that of Grace Sherwood, famously “tried by water” in 1706.
Today, Ferry Plantation House operates as a vibrant museum, inviting visitors to delve deep into its pivotal role in shaping centuries of local history. Official Website
Lynnhaven House: Dating to 1725, this home is considered to be among the most well- preserved examples of early Virginia vernacular architecture with its brick archways, closed spindle staircase and ship lap floor construction. The home was built by Francis Thelaball. On select days you can tour the museum (they have been in a restoration project lately, so verify in advance what days you can tour the home) and learn about the Thelaball family and several enslaved persons who lived and worked on this smaller plantation. Email vbhistory@vbgov.com to learn more
Francis Land House: This was once the home of Francis Land VI, a wealthy plantation owner. Built in 1805, the home’s exterior architecture is Georgian, while the interior is in the Federal style of the period. The house is furnished with a mix of period antiques and reproductions transporting visitors to what life was like circa 1805-1819. Tour guides help tell the story of this important period of American history when the new nation was in its formative years. The tour details the colorful history of the home from working plantation to 20th-century Rose Hall Dress Shop. To schedule a tour click here
Wolfsnare Plantation: Built in 1759 by Thomas Walke III, who served as a ratifier of the U.S. Constitution from Virginia. Open on select days – contact Princess Anne County Historical Society: https://www.virginiabeachhistory.org/
In the Greater VB area:
Virginia Beach is a perfect base camp for regional day trips to Williamsburg (1 hour west), Norfolk, Hampton and The Chesapeake Bay region. It is also the starting point for the famed Chesapeake Bay Tunnel Bridge, which provides a 17.3 mile shortcut over the Chesapeake Bay from VA Beach area to the Eastern Shore of Virginia and on towards Cape Charles to Chincoteague. I remember taking this voyage as a middle-schooler with my dad and was terrified of going ‘under water’ but my fears were quickly quelled once we got driving. Chincoteague has wild horses and is a cool side trip (about 2 hours north) of VA Beach.
Where to Stay:
Virginia Beach has a variety of wonderful accommodations for every need – from family adventure to romantic getaway on every budget. I recommend utilizing the Visit Virginia Beach Travel Site.
If you want a five-star hotel experience with historic beachfront charm, look to splurge at The Cavalier. This is one hotel that is worth stretching your budget for. This grand dame was built in the 1920s and stands today as a beacon of elegance and classic Virginia Beach hospitality. Book your stay here
Where to Eat:
Virginia Beach is a foodie heaven with a wide variety of cuisines to tempt any palette. For great restaurant tips I recommend perusing the Visit Virginia Beach site. Here are a few local favorites: Chix, Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Catch 31 and Dockside Restaurant and Marina.
And no trip to VA Beach is complete without sipping an Orange Crush.
Orange Crush Recipe:
Make sure to have crushed ice (a critical ingredient for making the crush in the Orange Crush) 3oz of fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1.5oz of orange vodka
- 1.5oz of Triple Sec
- 1oz of Sprite
Mix all ingredients together, either by shaking or pouring the drink into another cup to mix it up before serving!
Ready to Catch the Waves at Virginia Beach?
I recommend these resources for planning your trip.
Visit Virginia Beach Official Page
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This blog where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. Her new album is available here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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