Ah, sweet, sweet summertime… Can you feel it in the air? This season, Virginia Beach puts on its sunniest disposition and abounds with opportunities to soak in the warmth of summer in the best ways. Enjoy miles of vast beaches, coastline and waterways; explore the city’s lush outdoors; leave plenty of room for tasty seafood; and join the locals in celebrating some of the season’s most beloved traditions.
The year was 1912, and in the then-sleepy seaside resort community of Virginia Beach, which had only been incorporated as a town six years prior, a young local received an unexpected package from his wayfaring uncle. In fact, James M. Jordan Jr. would soon come to be known for the massive redwood surfboard – weighing in at more than 100 pounds and reaching more than 12 feet in length – that his uncle bought for him while on a trip to Hawaii. When the iconic board met the waves of the Atlantic for the first time, East Coast surfing was born. The rest, as they say, is history.
Whether setting sail to spot some dolphins or reel in the big one on a guided boat tour, or looking for a serene day paddling out on your own kayak or stand-up paddleboard, there's no shortage of ways to explore the beautiful waterways of Virginia Beach.
With over 4,000 acres of city and state parks and a 9,000-acre national refuge, Virginia Beach’s parklands offer something for everyone, locals and visitors alike. From untouched natural habitats to pristine city parks in every far-reaching corner of our city, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Virginia Beach’s parks.
Virginia Beach has over 200 miles of bikeways and trails, not counting trails in our 230+ parks and natural areas. Plus, there are 23 miles of unpaved paths in 2 state parks and a federal wildlife refuge. With new paths, lanes, and routes to existing roads, new roads, and other corridors being added regularly, it is no surprise that we are frequently voted as one of America’s Healthiest Cities.
From firework shows over the Atlantic Ocean to the steady stream of live music at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the summer in Virginia Beach is host to some of the best events on the East Coast. From star-studded concerts on the sand in the summer to the state-of-the-art shows at our acclaimed concert venues, Virginia Beach is your summer destination for music and entertainment.
With fresh seafood, unbeatable cold cocktails, like VB's famous Orange Crush, local ice cream options to cure any sweet tooth, and an endless supply of outdoor dining options with views you'll never want to leave, the food scene in Virginia Beach really comes alive during the summer months.
