Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum , 1113 Atlantic Ave, (757) 437-8432, [6] . Located in the historic

Virginia Beach offers the classic beach vacation, and maintains a long-standing reputation as a family-friendly oceanfront resort. Visitors are greeted by a 300-foot wide beach lined by Virginia williamsburg virginiavacation packages Beach's three-mile concrete oceanfront Boardwalk. The resort offers a mild climate year-round. Itineraries include lazy days on the beach, the state parks and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge beckon, hiking, kayaking, and biking williamsburg virginiavacation packages adventures. Fishing, golfing, whale watching, dolphin watching, historic landmarks, and exciting attractions and popular williamsburg virginiavacation packages events are part of the Beach experience.
If you are coming from the Delmarva Peninsula, or anywhere northeast of it, the fastest way to drive to Virginia Beach is down Delmarva Peninsula, williamsburg virginiavacation packages onto U.S. Route 13, and across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
If you are staying at the Oceanfront, there are a few ways to get around the beach area, including the trolley and bus system operated by Hampton Roads Transit. If you want to explore other areas in Hampton Roads, the best way is to rent a car.
The Cape Henry Lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay was the first lighthouse built by the federal government, completed in 1792. Once you reach the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay – the same view once seen by ship watchers more than 200 years ago. Located on the Fort Story military base, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse williamsburg virginiavacation packages is open to the public. Across the dune line, you'll find the new Cape Henry Lighthouse. Built in 1881, it's the tallest iron-encased lighthouse in the country, and is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Adjacent to the lighthouses, visitors also can tour the Cape Henry Memorial Park which includes a replica of the First Landing Cross, planted by the first settlers to give thanks for a safe voyage after arriving on shore in 1607. Note: Access to military bases may be restricted for public tours and a valid picture ID is required.
Virginia Aquarium Marine Science Center , 717 General Booth Boulevard, 757-385-FISH, [4] . The Virginia Aquarium Marine williamsburg virginiavacation packages Science Center williamsburg virginiavacation packages is the state's largest and one of the most-visited aquariums in the nation. It is an authority on the state's various aquatic and marine environments and features more than 700,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, more than 300 hands-on exhibits and the IMAX® 3D Theater. A one-third mile-long nature trail connects the two Pavilions that make up this "must sea" museum, and an outdoor aviary offers an up-close glimpse of the marsh birds seen along Virginia Beach's shore.
Mount Trashmore , [5] . World-renowned Mount Trashmore Park is 165 acres, 60 feet high, over 800 feet long, and was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Recognized for its environmental feat, Mount Trashmore Park features the Water Wise demonstration garden that boasts xeriscaping where you can learn how to create a beautiful garden with minimal water requirements. The park features two lakes and its facilities include four large and 11 small picnic shelters, skate park, playground williamsburg virginiavacation packages areas, a basketball court, four volleyball areas, parking, vending machines and restrooms. Mount Trashmore Park also has a walking trail that measures approximately 1.45 miles.
The Old Coast Guard Station williamsburg virginiavacation packages , 24th Street. Housed in a 1903 former U.S. Life Saving Station, this quaint, oceanfront museum is chock-full of rescue equipment used by turn-of-the-century surf men to save shipwrecked crews from a watery grave. Learn about shipwrecks williamsburg virginiavacation packages that occurred just off the Virginia Beach coast and the history of life-saving service from World War II to the present day.
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum , 1113 Atlantic Ave, (757) 437-8432, [6] . Located in the historically registered DeWitt cottage built in 1895, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum displays art and artifacts documenting migratory wildfowl that pass through Eastern Virginia. Exhibits of wildfowl and shorebird carvings williamsburg virginiavacation packages trace the evolution of this unique American art form. Enjoy on-site wood-carving demonstrations, interactive computer programs, decoys dating from historic times to present day and a collection of exhibits covering the history of Virginia Beach.
Association for Research and Enlightenment , [7] . Visitors from around the world gather at the Association williamsburg virginiavacation packages for Research and Enlightenment at 67th Street and Atlantic Avenue to attend workshops, conferences and lectures based on the works of Edgar Cayce, one of the most documented clairvoyants of the 20th century. As a young man, Cayce found that by placing himself in a self-induced trance, williamsburg virginiavacation packages he could answer questions or give accurate information on any topic. Today, williamsburg virginiavacation packages physicians are finding Cayce's "readings" to be on the cutting edge of many health-care concerns, particularly the mind-body relationship to health and healing. Founded in 1931, his Virginia Beach headquarters houses 14,000 readings (on everything from medicine to world affairs)and one of the most extensive metaphysical libraries in the world. Guided tours that include films,lectures, meditation classes williamsburg virginiavacation packages and ESP demonstrations are offered daily, as well as a full menu of health services including massage, facials and reflexology.
State Parks and National Wildlife Refuge , [8] . Virginia Beach is home to some of the world's most pristine natural environments, with more than 18,000 acres of state parks and national wildlife refuges. First Landing State Park , [9] the most-visited state park in Virginia, contains 2,700 acres of protected salt marsh habitat, bay and dune maritime forests and freshwater ponds. You will find a campground, miles of hiking and biking trails and both cultural and natural history interpretive displays. A registered Natural Landmark, it fronts the Chesapeake Bay. Back Bay National williamsburg virginiavacation packages Wildlife Refuge , an 8,500-acre plot is made up of barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, williamsburg virginiavacation packages ponds and ocean beaches. Sharing a border is the 4,321-acre False Cape State Park , featuring six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat. Both Back Bay and False Cape are home to wild horses, feral pigs, loggerhead turtles, American bald eagles and a large variety of migratory birds and endangered species, making the comprehensive area a true Virginia jewel. Additionally, the 2,907-acre North Landing River Natural Area Preserve , owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy, williamsburg virginiavacation packages is one of the largest and most significant nature preserves in the state.
Virginia Beach Farmers Market , 3640 Dam Neck Rd, 757-427-4395. Experience the rural side of Virginia Beach at the Farmers Market, a country-style, open-air market that features fresh, locally grown produce, dairy products, organic groceries, a meat market, home and garden gifts, jams and jellies, and a restaurant. It is open year-round and special events are held each month.
Ocean Breeze williamsburg virginiavacation packages Waterpark , 849 General Booth Blvd, 757-422-4444, [10] . Inside the 19-acre park, visitors will find brilliant, colorful water slides and tubes for all-day excitement, featuring a million-gallon Runaway Bay wave pool and 13 water slides. Shoot the rushing Rocky River Rapids on an inner tube or soar down the Maui-Wowie speed slide.
Virginia Beach Convention Center , [11] . The resort city is becoming a year-round meeting destination. Virginia Beach Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB) manages the Convention Center, which hosts regional and national trade shows, conventions, sports tournaments and special events, and sponsors some of the city's major festivals and special events.
Golfing , [12] . With eight public courses in Virginia Beach and 20 in the surrounding region, players will experience intriguing, challenging greens for all handicaps, from beginner to novice williamsburg virginiavacation packages to pro. With designs by Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Pete Dye, George Cobb, Gene Bates and others, golfers will find miles of bent Bermuda grasses, hardwood forests, and challenging layouts. Year-round affordable golf package opportunities williamsburg virginiavacation packages are offered. williamsburg virginiavacation packages The resort city's mild weather permits play almost year-round.
Surfing . The surf in Virginia Beach is sometimes small but usually rideable. In August, more than 100 of the world's top professional surfers and an estimated 400 amateur surfers come for North America's oldest surfing contest, the East Coast Surfing Championships. One of the best surf spots is at the beach called Croatan , off of General Booth Blvd. Visitors can also experience surfing with former professional champions who offer surf camps for people of all ages. The various outfitters, including Quicksilver and Billabong Surf camps, offer individual instruction, 2-hour classes, 1-day, 3-day and 5-day camps.
Kayaking and Canoeing . Virginia Beach's williamsburg virginiavacation packages 121 navigable miles of waterways, channels, bays and lagoons are perfect for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. Explore the multitude of coves and inlets on a guided tour of coastal Virginia, or experience kayaking alongside bottlenose dolphins williamsburg virginiavacation packages in the ocean. Virginia Beach's creeks and rivers are also perfect for canoeing – venture into Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or state parks such as False Cape and First Landing.
Running . The resort city hosts several professional and amateur races, williamsburg virginiavacation packages like Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, that draws more than 20,000 athletes. The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon features musical talent along every mile for both participants and spectators to enjoy. Virginia Beach also hosts the Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K - another event where records have been shattered.
Fishing . With the food-rich Chesapeake Bay meeting the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia williamsburg virginiavacation packages Beach and its neighboring waters williamsburg virginiavacation packages are home to a multitude of freshwater, brackish williamsburg virginiavacation packages and saltwater fishing opportunities. Croaker, spot, flounder, striped bass, tautog, sea bass, trout, bluefish, skipjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, spanish and king mackerel, puppy and red drum, yellowfin and bluefin tuna, marlin, amberjack and wahoo are abundant at various times of the year. Tow yo