Things to do in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is home to a spectacular array of fun attractions, unique activities and exciting things to do. Stroll the famed Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which was named by the Discovery Channel as one of "America's favorite boardwalks."See an IMAX movie and go for an undersea adventure without ever getting wet at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.  Take a fascinating step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown Settlement.

Explore the stunning natural attractions of Virginia at First Landing State Park. Go for big thrills and fun at Ocean Breeze Water Park. Drive the marvelous expanse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which offers unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach offers the ideal spot for all the fun things to in Virginia Beach, VA. Check out a couple of our staff favorites.

Virginia Beach Attractions

The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse -

The historic Cape Henry Lighthouse is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and was the first lighthouse commissioned by the U.S. government, which was authorized in 1792. The first federal construction project under the Constitution, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was budgeted at $15,200. Located within Fort Story, the charming Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is part of Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia Beach, VA. For more details about the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, visit www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrid=24648, www.apva.org/OldCapeHenryLighthouse.

Virginia Beach, Virginia Boardwalk -

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches for three beautiful miles and features a separate biking and rollerblading path. Home to exciting events, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is one of America's most famed boardwalks and was named by the Discovery Channel as one of "America's favorite boardwalks." For more details and information about visiting the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, go to www.beachstreetusa.com.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center -

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums to explore, a huge IMAX Theater where special nature movies play, interactive exhibits you can get your hands on, an aviary and a nature trail. Some of the fascinating creatures you'll see here include-Harbor Seals, Loggerhead Turtles, Great Horned Owl, North American River Otter, Spotted Eagle Ray and Sand Tiger Sharks. To learn more about fun things to do at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, visit www.virginiaaquarium.com.

Ocean Breeze Water Park -

Ocean Breeze Water Park is a water-filled fun time amusement park that the whole family will love. Fun things to do at the park include Runaway Bay Wave Pool, Paradise Pipeline, Hurricane, Jungle Falls, Largo Loop, Coconut Drops & Bamboo Shoots, Mat Slides-Kool Runnings, Pelican Falls and Toucan Tunnel, Buccaneer Bay and the all-new Pirates' Plummet and Walk the Plank slides. To view a map of the park, and get more details about all the fun things to do with kids at Ocean Breeze Water Park, visit www.oceanbreezewaterpark.com.

Colonial Williamsburg -

Colonial Williamsburg preserves and recreates the history of the American 18th century and the people who lived it. The wide array of attractions at Colonial Williamsburg range from shows, historic reenactments and interpretations to museums and beautifully preserved old buildings that offer a real-life way to experience what daily life would have been like for people living in Virginia in the 18th century. To learn more about the many splendid family attractions and things to do with kids at Colonial Williamsburg, visit www.history.org/.

Historic Jamestown Settlement -

The Historic Jamestown Settlement was America's first permanent settlement of Englishmen and women. Today, Historic Jamestown offers a look back in history that includes special exhibits and attractions, even movies that detail the lives of the settlers. Currently, archaeological teams are still working to excavate the site and you may sign up for tours of the digging going on, which is run by the National Park Service and the APVA Preservation Virginia. To learn more Historic Jamestown Settlement, visit www.historicjamestowne.org.

First Landing State Park -

First Landing State Park is located near the Chesapeake Bay and offers a little over a mile of beach front, plus an impressive array of activities and facilities. Built in the 1930s, the 2,888-acre First Landing State Park is home to hiking, picnicking, biking, swimming, nature programs, restrooms, showers, a boat launch and more than 20 miles of trails. To learn more about attractions and facilities at First Landing State Park, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml.

Rudee Rocket -

Rudee Rocket is a 70-foot speedboat docked in Virginia Beach, VA that will allow you to speed along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean at thrilling speeds. Not just a fast fun ride, the Rudee Rocket tour will take you on a wildlife adventure where you'll see dolphins and creatures from the deep as you speed along the ocean. To learn more about fun things to see on a Rudee Rocket boat tour, visit www.rudeerocket.com/.

Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show -

The Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show takes place in September, usually with a Friday night kick off, then a full day of demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Expect to see flying legends like the United States Navy Blue Angels, Otto the Helicopter, The Horsemen, Bob Carlton's Jet Powered Glider, and more. To learn more about seeing the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show in Virginia Beach, visit www.oceanaairshow.com.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel -

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is a modern architectural landmark that offers an awe-inspiring way to experience the natural wonder of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Stretching for a total of 23 miles the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects the Virginia mainland at Virginia Beach to Virginia's Eastern Shore. To learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, visit www.cbbt.com.