Sustainable Virginia Beach

Sustainable Travel in Virginia Beach

As a supporting partner of the Virginia Green program, we’re making it easier than ever to travel responsibly when you visit us. Each certified Virginia Green Travel Partner has made significant commitments to reducing waste, lowering water and energy usage and working with sustainable suppliers. When you travel with these partners, you’re helping to reduce the environmental footprint of your time with us — and for that, we’re eternally grateful. So be sure to check out Virginia Green attractions, events, places to stay and more.

Marine and Wildlife Conservation in Virginia Beach

Did you know: Your visit to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center supports the preservation of our wonderful waterways — as well as wildlife here and around the world? The organization is actively involved in conservation efforts targeting two species of sea turtle, Komodo dragons, zebra sharks, coral, several species of hawks, ospreys and more. 

In addition, the aquarium’s nationally acclaimed Stranding Response Team coordinates the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles and marine mammals that come ashore in Virginia. Their Sensible Seafood Program reduces overfishing by helping restaurants and consumers understand which seafood species are in season — so everyone can make choices that support the replenishment of critical populations. They also support the 30×30 Initiative, which aims to designate 30% of U.S. land and water as protected space by the year 2030. 

Bay, River and Beach Conservation

Of course, the Chesapeake Bay is a wonderful place to enjoy a sunset dinner. But covering nearly 5,000 square miles, it’s also one of the country’s most environmentally significant estuaries, hosting more than 3,600 species of plant and animal life and producing 500 million pounds of seafood per year. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is dedicated to preserving this important waterway; to learn how — and why it’s important to do so — pay a visit to the Brock Environmental Center.

Local Lynnhaven oysters, coveted around the world for their size and saltiness, were nearly extinct just 12 years ago. Today, thanks to habitat revitalization efforts in partnership between Lynnhaven River Now and Pleasure House Oyster Farm, the river’s oyster population is thriving. And finally, the good folks at Keep it Beachy Clean continue to work tirelessly toward spotless sands — with beach toy recycling, beach cleanup days, single-use straw reduction and more. 

If you have sweet memories of Virginia Beach, we encourage you to support the organization of your choice, via the links above. Thanks for helping us Live the Life.