Where do we start?!!! The vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach has something for everyone...a flourishing local culinary scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment. From the lively beach-lined oceanfront with a 3-mile boardwalk to remote Sandbridge, the calming Chesapeake Bay to bustling Town Center, or the eclectic ViBe creative district, you will enjoy your time in this vacation wonderland! You need to plan on arriving the week before to enjoy it ALL!

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Address: 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an aquarium and marine science museum with exhibits containing over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays. Experience their hands-on exhibits, nature path, and marshlands.

757-385-3474

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Address: 2200 Parks Avenue, VA Beach, VA 23451

MOCA features painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video, and other visual media from internationally acclaimed artists as well as artists of national and regional renown. You can enjoy gallery exhibitions, studio art classes, educational outreach programs, and outdoor art shows! 

757-425-0000

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Address: 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk, VA 23518

Discover these 175 beautiful acres, 7 miles of paved paths and another 7 miles of unpaved paths to explore! Visit the gorgeous collections of roses, camellias, crapemyrtles, a very popular Butterfly House and 3-acre Children's Garden. The Garden is surrounded by water on three sides!

757-441-5830

Lynnhaven Mall

Address: 701 Lynnhaven Pkwy., VA Beach, VA 23452

An incredible shopping destination boasting over 120 premier stores, an AMC 18 Theater showing the latest new releases, inviting outdoor plazas, Food Court, and unlimited entertainment. Only seven miles from the beach, this luxury retail center is a fun-filled tourist attraction. 

Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours

Camp Ground First Landing State Park - Main Entrance, 2500 Shore Dr., VA Beach, VA 23451

Watch the sunset over Chesapeake Bay on a 2-hour, small-group dolphin tour by kayak from Virginia Beach. Paddle along the coast as you spot native Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their own habitat, and see the Cape Henry Lighthouses and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the water. All necessary equipment included.  855-773-3510

Rudee Tours

Address: 200 Winston Salem Ave., VA Beach, VA 23451

Rudee Tours is located in the VA Beach Fishing Center at the corner of 5th St. and Pacific Ave. at the VA Beach Oceanfront. The GPS address is 200 Winston Salem Ave. Look for the Rudee Tours Banner! With Rudee, you can catch fish, view dolphin and whales, and speed along the oceanfront on the Rudee Rocket.

757-425-3400

MacArthur Mall

Address: 300 Monticello Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510

MacArthur Center is a unique shopping experience with three floors of over 140 extraordinary stores and restaurants including Dilliard's department store. Located in the center of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Open Monday - Saturday: 9am - 9pm and Sunday 11am -6pm.

Wetland Zip Tour

Address: 1304 Prosperity Road, VA Beach, VA 23451

This spectacular tour is located at the Adventureworks Wetland Zipline Park. Soar through the trees on this 90-minute zip tour through a gorgeous wetland forest on 9 different zip lines. Climb up 70' towers and fly through the air while seeing nature at its best! All of your needed gear is provided. Tour duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. 757-216-9891

VA Beach Guided Beach Horseback Ride

Address: 26th St. and Atlantic Ave., VA Beach, VA 23451

See the Virginia Beach Pier and ride along the beach and through the surf as you experience nature at its best! This is an experience you'll never forget as your horse walks along the soft sands of the beach and the lapping waves of the ocean serenade you. This horseback ride takes you from 26th St. to 9th St. and back! Phone: 757-289-5470

Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill

Address: Marriott Oceanfront, 4201 Atlantic Blvd., VA Beach, VA 23451

Enjoy locally sourced, chef-driven cuisine and an inventive cocktail menu featuring locally made craft spirits. With a breezy seaside patio serving up spectacular ocean views, Tulu is sure to be your new go-to spot for fresh, healthy oceanfront dining. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

TULU = "To U, Lovin' U"

757-937-4252

Orion's Roof

Address: Marriott Oceanfront, 4201 Atlantic Blvd., VA Beach, VA 23451

Enjoy this panoramic rooftop view...from 183 feet above the Atlantic Ocean...paired with unforgettable cuisine. Orion's Roof showcases refined Asian-fusion cuisine featuring an open kitchen with wok station, sushi bar, 33-seat bar and private dining room, as well as live entertainment during the summer months on the outside patio. Open for lunch and dinner!

757-937-4200

The Grain - Rooftop Beer Garden

Address: 100 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

This rooftop venue has one of the best selections of craft beer in Norfolk! It brings the indoors out and the outdoors in with an open air patio and fire pit against spectacular views of the Elizabeth River. $$ 757-763-6279

Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro Restaurant

Address: 189 Central Park Ave (Town Center), VA Beach, VA 23462

Stylish restaurant and lounge with 300+ wines available serving modern New American cuisine.  $$$ 757-490-9463

Waterman's Surfside Grille

Address: 415 Atlantic Ave. (5th and Atlantic), VA Beach, VA 23451

Waterman's is a fabulous, upscale yet casual oceanfront restaurant. Free valet parking! $$

757-428-3644

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Address: 733 Lynnhaven Mall Loop, VA Beach, VA 23452

An upscale, casual restaurant, tasting room, and wine bar. $$ 757-213-7777

Catch 31 Fish House and Bar

Address: 3001 Atlantic Ave., VA Beach, VA 23451

Catch 31 serves sustainable seafood and fresh ingredients from local docks and farms. Located on the first floor of the Hilton VA Beach Oceanfront, right on the VA Beach boardwalk! This seafood restaurant offers both oceanfront indoor and outdoor dining with incredible ocean views and expansive bar for Happy Hour. Listen to live music while you dine from the amphitheater. COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING! $$$

757-213-3472

Byrd and Baldwin Bros Steakhouse

Address: 116 Brooke Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510

Traditional steak and chophouse fare (including beef aged on-site) served in an elegant, historic building. An extensive wine selection. $$$$

757-222-9191

The Best Burger on the Beach!

Lager Heads VA Beach, 3315 Atlantic Ave., VA Beach, VA 23451

Come to this treasure, just as you are...dress is casual! Enjoy the best burgers, beers, and views on the VA Beach Boardwalk. And guests can park at the hotel or valet AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE! No reservations needed - 757-995-1400  $$

Twist Martini & Associates

Address: Town Center, 4517 Commerce St., VA Beach, VA 23462

Twist Martini and Associates in Town Center features a progressive cocktail bar and a private cigar lounge alongside. They feature a $7 martini menu all day every day! $$$


757-995-7878

The Virginia Beach Winery

Address: 152 N. Newtown Road #108, VA Beach, VA 23462

The VA Beach winery is a local family owned winery that grew out of a passion for making wine at home. Free wine tasting every Thursday to Sunday!

757-995-4315

The BEST VA Beach Happy Hours

*  The Terrapin, 3102 Holly Rd., VA Beach, VA, 23451, 757-321-6688, 5 to 6pm Sun.-Thurs.

*  McCormick and Schmick's, Town Center, 211 Market St., VA Beach, VA 23462, 757-687-8686, 4 to 7pm daily

*  Ruth's Chris Steak House, Town Center, 205 Central Park Ave., VA Beach, VA 23462, 757-213-0747,  4 to 6:30pm Mon.-Thurs., Sun.

*  The Atlantic on Pacific, 3004 Pacific Ave., VA Beach, VA 23451, 757-422-2122, 3 to 6pm daily

Funny Bone Comedy Club Restaurant

Address: 217 Central Park Avenue, VA Beach, VA 23462

The Funny Bone is the place to visit if you're looking for fun and laughter! This large venue hosts national, high-caliber comedic acts on a regular basis along with the latest "up and coming" sensations. Located in the Town Center District. 757-213-5555