My TopTen Reasons to visit Virginia Beach

Have you ever thought of going to visit Virginia Beach? We’ll I actually did a few years back. My DH lived in Virginia Beach for a few years. At the time his dad still lived there so we visited them back in 2004. My DH wanted to introduce me to his family for the first time. (We were still dating at the time). On our last night there we took a romantic stroll along the beach and he asked me to stand for a picture near the ocean. Odd I thought because it was dark?! Then he suddenly got down on one knee and proposed to me! Yes, Virginia Beach holds a special place in my heart! So here are my top ten reasons for going back and why you should pay a visit!

1) The Cape Henry Lighthouse – Built in 1792, it’s the oldest government-built lighthouse in America. It’s standing near the spot of the First Landing Cross where in 1607 Captain Newport raised a cross to offer thanks for their safe crossing of the Atlantic. Not to mention the view. It was breathtaking! FYI it’s the perfect spot to stargaze.

2) Beaches for as far as the eye can see! - Virginia Beach has more than 18,600 acres of state parks and wildlife refuges, over 121 navigable miles of waterways and 35 miles of ocean and bay beaches! According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach is the longest pleasure beach in the world! Lots of room to explore, relax and repeat.

3) Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center – Has over 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats! It has all the best sea life you to view from sharks, tortoises, otters, seals and so much more! It has hands-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary, nature trail, marshlands, changing exhibits, and even IMAX® movies! I loved it when I visited so pretty and great displays! (FYI my DH did a few of the plastic display case back when he lived there!)

4) Outdoor actives – From having a picnic lunch to playing in the water Virginia Beach has you covered. Want a snorkel, build sand castles, collect shells, or soak up the sun here is the place you want to be. What about a kayak ride or taking a dolphin watching tour?

5) Neptune Festival – Need I say more?! The DH told me it’s the best time of the year to visit because of the parades, concerts, and sand castle contest. Fun Times for the family.

6) The Boardwalk – Get your shopping fix done in one spot! There are many wonderful stores to window shop. The three mile boardwalk has something for everyone. Plus you can rent a Surrey with your family to help carry back your loot! Stop by and get some saltwater taffy!

7) Mount Trashmore Park – Yes, it doesn’t sound like the best place to visit but it is interesting! It is a huge park with playgrounds and skating area that was originally a landfill. The city converted it to a local park and thus Mount Trashmore was born! Have a picnic with the family to get away from the tourist!

8) Virginia Legends Walk- It’s an interesting walking tour where you learn about famous Virginians like Edgar Allen Poe, Arthur Ashe, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, Thomas Jefferson and Captain John Smith.

9) Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge – Is situated around a thin strip of coastline and covers over 9,250 acres of barrier islands. It’s a great place to explore dunes, woodland, marshland and learn about the different side of nature.

10) Fishing – Virginia Beach has you covered on fishing tours from local bay areas to deep sea fishing. Don’t be surprised if along the way you see a few dolphins! It’s a nice relaxing way have fun catching your dinner! If you prefer to say on dry land then try your luck at Pier fishing at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, or crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay from Lynnhaven Fishing Pier.

Unfortunately, we probably won't be going back to Virginia Beach this summer. But, we do plan on going back to take Lil Baby Booty to visit and see where his family started. I hope you’ll take the time to visit and check it out for yourself!

About Virgina Beach

Virginia Beach entices visitors to “Live the Life” year-round! Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach is four hours southeast of D.C. by car and within a day’s drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800/822-3224) or visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for online trip planning. For media information and digital images, click on www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom. Please
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