Virginia Beach is a tourist destination just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. With plenty to see and experience, it is an ideal getaway place to have fun and partake of unique local culture.  

The city’s main attraction is its oceanfront. Located on the southeast side, it spans three miles and has accommodating hotels for your stay. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the bronze statue of King Neptune. Standing over 24 feet and weighing two tons, this monument of the Roman god of the sea will serve as the perfect backdrop for your vacation selfie. If you’re fortunate enough to visit during the summer, the best time to take in the sun rays and scenery, you can attend one of the free nightly concerts put on by local musicians. Be sure to check out the Virginia Legends Walk, too. Located between Atlantic and Pacific Avenues, it honors individuals who were either born in or lived in the state and made notable contributions to the world. The long list of honorees includes Edgar Allen Poe, Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald, Walter Reed, Thomas Jefferson, Chief Powhatan, and Pocahontas. 

As lovely as the beach is, it isn’t the only thing this exciting place has to offer. Valerie Wilson, a travel expert, suggests that vacationers journey beyond main attractions when visiting a new place. 

“… It’s easy to stick to the beaten path of tourist destinations and tour groups,” she writes for the Huffington Post. “If you do that, you aren’t truly experiencing the culture or the destination. Instead, wander down a few streets off the main strip and find where the locals live, eat, drink, and relax.” 

An excellent place to experience that is the hip and trendy ViBe Creative District. This eclectic area was created to promote artistic industries and features tons of homegrown talent. Visitors can purchase art at the Old Beach Art Market or explore an exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Restaurants and artisan shops make it a great place to spend the day and pick up souvenirs. There’s even a spa! 

Town Center has a lot to offer, too. Located in the heart of the city, it gives plenty of options for a night full of enjoyment. And if by chance the lodging options on the beachfront are out of your price range, Town Center’s Westin Hotel offers a pleasant and affordable alternative. 

You can start your evening with Happy Hour at Twist, a martini bar that also serves fine gourmet appetizers and meals. It’s known especially for its trendy drinks and elegant ambiance. If your preference is wine you won’t be disappointed with Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro. Its extensive selection features over 325 different varieties, and it also offers bistro-style cuisine. From there visit any of the stores that take up Town Center’s 24 blocks for further indulgence. Options include tried and true staples like Barnes & Noble Booksellers and The Cheesecake Factory, and upscale boutiques like Monkee’s and Bluemercury. Before turning in, be sure to catch a show at The Funny Bone Comedy Club. Some of the biggest names in comedy are known to visit, so you surely won’t be disappointed. 

All in all, Virginia Beach is an ideal place to vacation. With its beautiful beach and bubbling art and entertainment scene, it’s sure to be a place you will never forget.