Virginia Beach, Virginia
USA
Geographic Coordinates: 36.733500, -76.043500
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Virginia Beach vary throughout the year, with hot and humid summers, mild autumns, cool winters, and rainy springs.
Population: 1500764
Language: English
Virginia Beach is a vibrant city located in southeastern Virginia, USA. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, Lively boardwalk, And rich history. The city has around 450, 000 residents and covers an area of 497 square miles. The main attraction in Virginia Beach is its long stretch of pristine beaches that run along the Atlantic Ocean. The beachfront spans over 35 miles and offers visitors plenty of opportunities to swim or take part in water sports activities such as surfing or paddleboarding. One particular highlight is the iconic three-mile-long boardwalk that runs parallel to the beachfront.
First Landing State Park is another must-see attraction in Virginia Beach. This park covers over 2, 800 acres and features hiking trails through lush forests and marshes leading out to secluded beaches on Chesapeake Bay where visitors can enjoy swimming or picnicking with family or friends. For those interested in history, Virginia Beach has much to offer as well. One such site worth visiting is Fort Story which was built during World War II as a coastal defense battery by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Today it serves as an active military installation but visitors can still tour parts of it including its historic lighthouse which was built-in 1792. Additionally, Virginia Beach also boasts several museums dedicated to preserving local history such as the Military Aviation Museum which showcases vintage aircraft from both World Wars along with other aviation artifacts from throughout American military history. When it comes to entertainment options outside of sunbathing on the beach there are plenty available too!
From live music venues like Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach which hosts concerts by top artists throughout summer months; shopping centers like Lynnhaven Mall featuring hundreds stores ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to popular department stores; and even amusement parks like Ocean Breeze Waterpark which is home to over 30 water rides and attractions. whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure holiday, Virginia Beach has it all!
Important Landmarks
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- First Landing State Park
- Cape Henry Lighthouse
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Military Aviation Museum
- Neptune Statue and Park
- Sandbridge Beach
- Ocean Breeze Waterpark
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE)
Primary Industries
- Tourism and Hospitality: Virginia Beach is a popular tourist destination with its beaches, boardwalk, and attractions. The tourism industry generates significant revenue for the city.
- Military: Virginia Beach is home to several military installations including Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation.
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry is a significant employer in Virginia Beach with several hospitals and medical centers located in the area.
- Education: There are several colleges and universities located in or near Virginia Beach including Regent University, Tidewater Community College, and Norfolk State University.
- Retail: The retail industry is also an important contributor to the local economy with numerous shopping centers and malls located throughout the city.
- Technology: Several technology companies have established operations in Virginia Beach due to its proximity to major research institutions such as NASA Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing has traditionally been an important industry for Virginia Beach with companies producing products ranging from electronics to textiles.
Museums and Things To See
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Military Aviation Museum
- First Landing State Park
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Cape Henry Lighthouse
- Old Coast Guard Station Museum
- Adam Thoroughgood House
- Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.
- Neptune Statue on the Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Sports Teams
- Virginia Beach Mariners FC was a professional soccer team founded in 1994 that played in various leagues, including the USL First Division and USL Second Division. They won multiple division titles and made several playoff appearances before folding in 2006.
- The Virginia Beach Neptunes were a minor league baseball team affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros during their existence from 1963 to 1968.
- The Old Dominion University Monarchs are a NCAA Division I athletic program based in Norfolk, VA but have many fans from Virginia Beach as well. Their football team has made two bowl game appearances while their basketball program has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
- The Tidewater Tides were a minor league baseball team that played from 1961 to 1992, with most of their seasons spent as an affiliate of the New York Mets or Baltimore Orioles.
- The Hampton Roads Admirals were a minor league ice hockey team that played from 1989 to 2000, winning three ECHL championships during their existence.
- Virginia Wesleyan University Marlins is a small NCAA Division III school located within city limits of Virginia beach but still considered part of Norfolk’s metropolitan area. Their Softball program is one of the best in nation having won five national championships since year 2000 alone.
- Virginia Destroyers was an American football franchise founded by businessman and former NFL executive UFL (United Football League) they only existed for two seasons (2011-2012) but did win one championship.
- Beach FC is a youth soccer club based out of Virgina beach which has produced many talented players over years including current pro players such as Jeremy Ebobisse who plays for Portland Timbers in MLS.
Cultural Events
- Neptune Festival: This festival is held every year in September and celebrates the city’s coastal heritage with events such as a sand sculpting competition, a parade, and live music performances.
- Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival: This festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend and honors the military with concerts, fireworks displays, and other patriotic events.
- Boardwalk Art Show & Festival: Held in June, this event showcases works of art from local and national artists along the boardwalk.
- Pungo Strawberry Festival: Celebrating Virginia Beach’s agricultural roots, this festival features strawberry-themed food vendors, live music performances, carnival rides and games.
- Virginia Beach FunkFest Beach Party: This event brings together funk musicians from around the country for a beach party featuring live music performances on the oceanfront stage.
- Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships: Held annually in August on the oceanfront boardwalk area of Virginia Beach since 1963 it is one of the largest surfing competitions on the east coast of America.
- Sandbridge Pig Pickin’: A family-friendly event held at Little Island Park featuring pig roasts with all-you-can-eat barbecue along with beer gardens and live music entertainment in mid-August each year.
- Bayou Boogaloo Music & Cajun Food Festival : A three-day celebration that features authentic Louisiana-style cuisine such as gumbo and jambalaya alongside two stages for live Zydeco music performances during June each year.
- Virginia International Tattoo – The largest tattoo (military band concert) show in America which includes performers from across Canada to New Zealand to Africa to Europe showcasing their musical talents along with military bands from America’s armed forces held annually during April-May timeframe at Scope Arena downtown Norfolk (close by).
- Fall Wine Fest – For wine lovers there is Fall Wine Fest held annually at Neptune’s Park during October each year featuring Virginia’s best wines, live music, and delicious food from local vendors.
Cuisine
- Seafood: Due to its coastal location, seafood is a must-try cuisine in Virginia Beach. Some popular seafood restaurants include Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Catch 31 Fishhouse & Bar, and Dockside Restaurant.
- BBQ: Virginia Beach has some great BBQ joints such as Mission BBQ and Malbon’s BBQ The Old Fashioned Way.
- Southern Cuisine: For those who love Southern-style food, restaurants like Tupelo Honey Cafe and The Bee & the Biscuit offer delicious dishes like fried chicken and biscuits.
- Italian Cuisine: If you’re looking for Italian food in Virginia Beach, try Mannino’s Italian Bistro or Il Giardino Ristorante for authentic pasta dishes.
- Craft Beer Scene: Virginia Beach has a thriving craft beer scene with breweries like Back Bay Brewing Co., Commonwealth Brewing Company, and Wasserhund Brewing Company offering unique brews.
- Oceanfront Dining: For those who want to enjoy a meal with an ocean view, check out Mahi Mah’s Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Saloon or Chix on the Beach for beachfront dining experiences.
- First Landing State Park offers hiking trails, camping, and kayaking opportunities.
- Mount Trashmore Park is a popular park with a large hill made of compacted trash that offers great views of the city and is perfect for picnics, kite flying, and outdoor games.
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a three-mile boardwalk along the beach with bike rentals, restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
- False Cape State Park offers hiking trails through dunes and marshes as well as camping opportunities.
- Sandbridge Beach is a quieter beach area perfect for swimming, sunbathing or fishing.
- Ocean Breeze Waterpark is a water park with slides and wave pools for all ages to enjoy.
- Red Wing Park includes a dog park area as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for children to play in.
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers bird watching tours or canoeing/kayaking opportunities through the marshes to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center – An aquarium featuring exhibits on marine life including sharks!
- Military Aviation Museum – This museum displays vintage military aircraft from World War I & II!