While the beaches are undoubtedly at the top of your list of places to visit in Virginia Beach, there is more to our coastal city than just sun and sand. From historic lighthouses and iconic statues to scenic parks and architectural marvels, Virginia Beach is home to landmarks that tell the story of its rich past and vibrant present. Here are some of the most popular landmarks that you won’t want to miss while you’re in town.
Oceanfront
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 28-foot-wide marvel that stretches 3 miles and features a separate bike path for strolling, rollerblading and biking. Every night, all summer long, jam out to live musical acts by four oceanfront stages at 7th, 17th, and 24th and 31st Streets. Along the boardwalk, grab a meal on airy restaurant patios or rent a bike or surrey from a local vendor. Nautical sculptures adorn many of the side streets that lead to Atlantic Avenue.
King Neptune Statue
Standing at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street, the 24-foot, 12-ton bronze King Neptune Statue was created by acclaimed Richmond-area sculptor Paul DiPasquale. Reigning over the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Roman God of the Sea is one of the most popular photo opportunities in Virginia Beach. To capture the perfect photo, it’s best to visit at sunrise to get that golden morning glow.
The Cavalier Hotel
Reopening in 2018 after an extensive restoration, The Cavalier Hotel has regained its former magnificence with 62 beautifully-designed guest rooms and 23 suites, as well as two restaurants, an onsite bourbon and gin distillery, an indoor plunge pool, a luxurious spa and The Raleigh Room social lounge. No matter which room you choose (there are 11 unique room types!), each one seamlessly blends the hotel's rich history with modern comforts through exquisite features like claw-foot tubs and marble baths.
Chesapeake Bay
First Landing State Park
The 2,888-acre Chesapeake Bay-front First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in all of Virginia. A registered natural landmark, it features 1.25 miles of beach, along with more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp. Notably, the park also preserves one of the world’s most endangered habitats: the maritime forest community.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Located within the Fort Story military base in Chesapeake Bay, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating back to 1792. It was also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, for an original contract amount of $15,200 (though an additional $2,500 was required to finish the lighthouse).
A newer structure stands nearby, so there are actually two lighthouses at Cape Henry. The older lighthouse was acquired in 1930 by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (Now APVA Preservation Virginia). A brick lining and an iron stairway have been added to the interior. The lighthouse is open to the public and a breathtaking view can be enjoyed from its observation platform. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 29, 1964. In 2002, the American Society of Civil Engineers designated the lighthouse a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located on an active military base. Before visiting, be sure to read additional information on location, arrival, and rules and regulations.
First Landing Cross
Placed in 1935 at the north end of Virginia Beach, the granite First Landing Cross commemorates the 1607 landing of English settlers who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on three small ships: Discovery, Susan Constant and Godspeed. Upon landing, the settlers from the London Company erected a cross on the newly-anointed Cape Henry in gratitude to God and to affirm England’s claim to the area. After exploring several days, they went up the James River and established the first permanent settlement in the new world, Jamestown. Today, the monument is a registered National Landmark.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
Connecting Virginia Beach with Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the 23-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is an engineering marvel spanning the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you're crossing it or simply visiting, it offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. For avid anglers, the Sea Gull Fishing Pier, located off the bridge-tunnel, provides direct access to the bay's rich marine life.
Inland
Mount Trashmore Park
Head Inland for a visit to the world-renowned Mount Trashmore Park, encompassing 165 acres and consisting of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skatepark and vert ramp and multi-use paths. The main mountain, Mount Trashmore, now 60 feet in height and 800 feet long, was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Recognized for its environmental feat, this former landfill features a water-wise garden that uses xeriscaping, where you can enjoy a beautiful garden that requires minimal water.
The park also includes the smaller Encore Hill and two lakes. Lake Windsor, a brackish water body fed by Thalia Creek, is located along South Boulevard. Lake Trashmore, a freshwater lake teeming with fish, is situated along Edwin Drive.
About Our Writer
Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
