Searching for sunshine, beach and culture? Virginia Beach offers it all, in a mild subtropical climate along the Virginia coastline in the southeastern USA. The area is a mix of ocean, bay and marshes, with museums, restaurants and movie theaters dotted around.
Virginia Beach Holidays: Travel Essentials
The closest airport for Virginia Beach holidays is Norfolk International, about 20 miles away from Virginia Beach. There is no train station in Virginia Beach, but Amtrak has a connecting shuttle bus to the city. Virginia Beach time is GMT-5. It is at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel which is the world's longest bridge complex. With a subtropical climate offering lots of sunshine in the summer, the beaches are a very popular spot for families. The rest of the year is also pleasant to visit, with very little snowfall in the winters.
Virginia Beach: choose your beach paradise
Virginia Beach has 35 miles of coastline. The primary beach is Chesapeake Bay which is the resort area on the Atlantic coast. Here, a waterfront boardwalk is lined with restaurants. Further south is Sandbridge Beach which has about five miles of golden sand. Just off that beach is the 9,062 acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge which includes maritime forests, sand dunes and fresh water marshes. For kids, the Cape Charles Beach is perfect with shallow waters and no waves.
Virginia Beach: beyond the surf
Beyond the beaches, make a trip to the Cape Henry Lighthouse which provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Travellers looking for sportier activity on Virginia Beach holidays can hike through the Mount Trashmore park or try out its volleyball courts and skate park. To cool off, the Ocean Breeze Waterpark offers water slides and a large wave pool. For culture buffs, there are several art and history museums. Once your appetite is built up, check out one of the endless restaurant options in the area.