Virginia Beach: Virginia's Vacation Central

	Virginia Beach Aerial View Photo Courtesy Virginia Beach CVB

The reputation for relaxation and fun that defines Virginia Beach is bolstered by college students who flock to the city every year for Spring Break, a time when accommodation in the city can be hard to come by. The large influx of visitors seeking a good time has led to the institution of anti-cruising laws that make it illegal to pass the same spot in a car twice in a three hour span. Nonetheless, the city is also billed as a family destination, and a host of activities and attractions for the young and old confirm this, bringing visitors back again and again.

ORIENTATION

Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia and can be found in the southeast corner of the state, roughly 12 miles (19 km) from Norfolk and 90 miles (145 km) from Richmond, VA. Located just a short distance from Norfolk, Virginia Beach is an ideal base from which to explore both coastal and inland Virginia. False Cape State Park and First Landing State Park are just east and north of the city and feature camping, fishing and more in a maritime environment. Virginia Beach is also situated amongst a number of military installations, and visitors should be aware that some areas are designated as restricted access.

Old Coast Guard Station Photo Courtesy Virginia Beach CVB

Recorded history in Virginia Beach dates back to 1607 when British colonists first came upon the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Seeking a suitable area for settlement, the British eventually established towns around Cape Henry in the Chesapeake Bay. Fifty years later, the mouth to the Bay was so congested with merchant ships that crude fire markers were needed to guide the vessels safely to port. The first permanent beacon wasn't operational until 1792 with the inauguration of the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Despite the precaution, over 180 boats were wrecked off the coast of Virginia Beach between 1874 and 1915, necessitating the creation of five lifesaving stations to aid with the rescue of distressed ships. These stations were re-designated as back-up posts when the US Coast Guard was formed in 1915.

The natural beauty of the area has been an inevitable attraction for visitors for decades, and with the introduction of national rail travel in the late 1800s, the city came to the fore as a resort destination. Once the railroad was established, guests could easily access the area's scenic beauty and natural attractions. Along with the railroad came entrepreneurs who set up shops, restaurants and accommodations that catered to guests seeking respite from the working world.

Several luxury hotels sprang up in the 1920s to accommodate the influx of visitors introduced by the railroad. One of the grandest, the Cavalier Hotel, was known as the Queen of the Beach and still stands in Virginia Beach as a testament to the vacationers that helped put this destination on the map.

Virginia Beach is a seasonal destination for many visitors, with the summer months offering average temperatures between 65°F (19°C)and 85°F (29°C). During the winter, Virginia Beach experiences cooler weather, often with snow and freezing temperatures, stemming the flow of visitors significantly. Spring is an agreeable time to visit for most guests, as the weather in April and May is warmer though not as humid as July and August, when Virginia Beach experiences its greatest amount of precipitation. Fall comes to Virginia Beach in September and October, revealing spectacular colors as the leaves change on the trees and providing a wealth of subjects for photographers.

ATTRACTIONS

Aquatic Activities
This coastal resort city counts aquatic activities as one of the major draws for visitors to the area. From waterparks to surfing to fishing to diving, water is integral to much of the fun in Virginia Beach. Scuba diving is a popular activity that reveals a rich underwater environment for enthusiasts to enjoy. The East Coast Surfing Championship also calls Virginia Beach home and pits world class surfers against each other and the sea as they battle for the title of gnarliest rider of the year.

The annual Neptune Festival celebrates the sea with Atlantis-like décor, a wine tasting event, a golf tournament and a dance. The Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is another annual event that takes place on the beach and features hundreds of kites of various description, live entertainment and more. The Oktober Brew Fest, the Pungo Strawberry Festival and the Beachstreet USA festival round out the calender of other events that Virginia Beach hosts throughout the year.

Atlantic Wildfowl Center Photo Courtesy Virginia Beach CVB

Home to a botanical conservatory and 350 animals that represent 110 species, the Virginia Zoo provides yet another local animal attraction. Located in nearby Norfolk, the Zoo is dedicated to conservation on every level and schedules information sessions in an effort to educate the general public. The Hunt Club Farm Petting Zoo and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are also in the area and offer more chances to glimpse some local flora and fauna.

Dry Land Activities
Visitors looking to experience the outdoors around Virginia Beach have much to choose from. The False Cape State Park and the Chesapeake Bay Center help guests appreciate the immediate environment through interpretation and educational displays. The Chesapeake Bay Center also features a wet lab and touch tank that allows the uninitiated a first-hand experience with aquatic animals.

The Virginia Beach Amusement Park is open from March to October and offers free admission to visitors, charging only for individual games. Another local amusement park is the Ocean Breeze Fun Park, featuring mini golf, a waterpark, batting cages and more.

	Adam Thoroughgood House Photo Courtesy Virginia Beach CVB

Virginia Beach boasts several unique landmarks such as the Norwegian Lady Statue, a figurehead from a Norwegian ship that was wrecked off the coast in 1891. This nine-foot bronze replica was commissioned by the city of Moss in Norway, where a twin statue stands in commemoration of the lives lost when the ship ran aground.

Another local historical landmark is the Adam Thoroughgood House, a 17th century parlor house that also features a herb garden, flower gardens and unique English architecture. Ownership was transferred to the city of Virginia Beach in 2003, ensuring the continued conservation and upkeep of this historical home.

Mount Trashmore Park is yet another intriguing and innovative Virginia Beach landmark, featuring a green space that boasts picnic shelters, basketball and baseball facilities and more. As the name implies, this park was constructed by compacting solid waste and clean soil, resulting in a grass covered mountain that is 60-feet high and 800-feet long.