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Preservation Virginia: Cape Henry Lighthouse

Location: Chesapeake Bay

#11 of 183 things to do in Virginia Beach

Description

Tour the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally funded lighthouse and first federal works project of the United States. The Cape Henry lighthouse was built in 1792, authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. Cape Henry sits next to the "First Landing" site where the English arrived in 1607, prior to settling Jamestowne.

Self-guided tours take place every day and our historic interpreters discuss the history of the area, lighthouse, military, and do STEM-related topics.

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located within the Fort Story military base. To visit the lighthouse, you must state you are visiting the lighthouse to pass through the security gates of Fort Story. Proof of vehicle registration and insurance is required, as well as a government-issued form of identification for all persons over the age of 16. Weapons of any kind are prohibited. State concealed weapons permits are not valid. Children must be 42" tall to climb.

Citrus

Location: Virginia Beach

A staple breakfast and lunch eatery established in 2006, Citrus has always been known for quality, innovation, and customer service in the Coastal Virginia area.

Dog friendly policy for outdoor diners

Virginia Beach Trolleys

Location:

Virginia Beach's Trolleys are the best way to experience all that Virginia Beach has to offer. Don't miss out on the opportunity to peruse the shops and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue or the restaurants along the Bay from one of the vintage, open-air trolleys. These trolleys have a style that harkens back to the early 1900's passenger cable cars, but are fitted with modern accessibility features and air conditioning, ensuring the ride will be comfortable for all passengers. Daily shuttles will run about every 15 minutes May-September.Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) also operates two seasonal bus shuttle routes from the resort beach that cater to visitors. Route 31 connects the resort beach to the Virginia Aquarium and campgrounds along General Booth Blvd. and runs every 20 minutes. Route 35 connects the Resort Area to First Landing State Park and the Bay Area restaurants via Shore Drive and offers service every 45 minutes. See HRT site for details.

Virginia Beach Tennis & Country Club

Location: Virginia Beach

After a major transformation, we've just opened our doors to an incredible 94,000 square feet of fun. There's something for everyone. The VBTCC is one of the largest tennis facility in the country, a certified USTA facility and past winner of the prestigious Tennis Club of the Year Award.The club offers numerous instructional programs for tennis, swimming, wellness and fitness as well as opportunities to compete and join teams on all levels. Our state-of-the-art fitness center features Technogym equipment, (the official equipment of the Olympic Village), offers spin classes on Technogym bikes, yoga, Zumba, personal training and massage therapy. The facility has two great dining options, wi-fi, a well-stocked Pro Shop and even a juice bar. Membership also includes beach access, events and beach rentals at sister property, Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

Virginia Beach Electric Boat Tours

Location: Va. Beach

Our unsinkable, ultra stable electric kayaks are perfect for the first timer as no experience is necessary to operate this effortless watercraft. Your local guide will answer any questions on operation and then its off to enjoy a 2-3 hour guided tour of the calm inland waters of First Landing State Park on Broad Bay. Your electric kayak will quietly take you to places where you can enjoy all the sights the waterway has to offer. Small groups and entertaining narrative with a personal touch will make this an experience to tell your friends about. Osprey, Eagles and dolphin are just a small sample of what you might see. We meet at the water edge of First Landing State Park at 64th Street. We offer departures 7 days a week at 8:30am, 12:30pm and 5:30pm . Enjoy the quiet morning tour, scenic afternoon tour or the adults sunset tour. All tours include Beverages and Snacks

Chesapeake Bay Center

Location: Virginia Beach

Get back to nature at this environmentally-focused, interactive Visitor Information Center in First Landing State Park. The Center showcases a historical exhibition of the first landing of settlers in 1607, aquariums, environmental exhibits, classroom space, a wet lab and touch tanks . It also has a city visitor information center , visitors can participate in park programs, also sea kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay.Open 7 days a week

Coastal Grill

Location: Virginia Beach

Located in Virginia Beach, just 3 miles from the oceanfront strip, we have been a local's favorite for fresh seafood since 1989. Famous for our soft shell crabs, tuna and other delicious seafood dinners.Certified Virginia Green Establishment!

Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites

Location: Virginia Beach

As the only all-suite, waterfront hotel on the Chesapeake Bay, Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites delivers a rare blend of space, serenity, and sweeping natural beauty. Just 10 minutes from the Oceanfront and steps from First Landing State Park, this bayfront oasis offers panoramic water views from every suite, along with private balconies, spacious living areas, and modern comforts like complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and plush bedding.

Relax on our private beach, paddle into the bay with on-site water sport rentals, or take in the sunset from our outdoor pool deck overlooking the shoreline. Savor fresh-caught seafood and craft cocktails at Tin Cup Kitchen + Oyster Bar, where every seat comes with a view. With 4,000 square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor event space, a 24-hour fitness center, and exclusive Marriott Bonvoy perks, Delta Virginia Beach redefines what it means to stay on the water—effortlessly upscale, refreshingly relaxed, and unmistakably Chesapeake.

Tides Coastal Kitchen

Location: Virginia Beach

Where coastal flavors and breathtaking views unite to create Virginia Beach’s most unique dining experience - perfect for a casual gathering with friends or an elegant night out. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines exceptional coastal flavors, warm hospitality, and a touch of seaside magic.

Dive into our tide-to-table menu, featuring fresh coastal dishes and innovative cocktails, while enjoying breathtaking beachfront views perfect for any occasion.

Virginia Beach Restaurant Association

Location: Virginia Beach

From Back Bay to Chesapeake Bay, Oceanfront, Town Center, and beyond, Virginia Beach’s restaurant scene offers a rich and diverse food culture. Our beach community is a melting pot of tastes featuring international cuisine, American fare, and, of course, great seafood. Whether you are looking for that farm-to-table eatery, family, or pet-friendly, fine dining establishment, or a casual night out, you can find it in Virginia Beach. Travel anywhere in the city, there are restaurants for every taste and any budget. The restaurants listed on this website are active, participating members of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA). Each one of these establishments is committed to keeping Virginia Beach’s dining scene innovative, vibrant, and trendy while ensuring our diners have the most enjoyable and rewarding experience possible.

Tides Coastal Kitchen

Location: Virginia Beach

Located within Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites, ignite your senses with bayfront dining at our scenic restaurant. Savor fresh oysters, fish, and coastal cuisine amid stunning water views while enjoying a "Tin Smash” cocktail.

Cape Henry Memorial Cross

Location: Virginia Beach

Upon touching the shore of the New World on April 26, 1607 (13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock) the first permanent English settlers from the London Company set up a cross on the newly named Cape Henry shore in gratitude to God and to affirm England's claim to the site. These settlers later traveled up the James River to Jamestown. Each year a pilgrimage is organized by the Order of Cape Henry to celebrate this milestone. The present-day granite cross was erected in 1935 and is a national landmark.

Blue Cow Ice Cream Co.

Location: Virginia Beach

We're a small-batch ice cream company that makes unique and classic flavors from quality ingredients, sourced locally when possible. We spin our own flavors fresh on-site, serving up smiles, one hand-crafted scoop at a time.

Hot Tuna Bar

Location: Virginia Beach

Here at Hot Tuna, our food is 5-star, but our dress code is surfer chic. Hot Tuna is a member of the Farm-to-Fork Movement; our menu features what is fresh, in-season and local. Eastern Shore seafood and produce from our local farms are staples, and our menu runs the gamut, from the freshest Ahi tuna to gourmet gouda burgers. Our bartenders are as adventurous as our chefs, providing you with hand-muddled mojitos, homemade sangria and organic margaritas. We hope you enjoy your dining experience with us!

Beach Weddings Virginia

Location: Virginia Beach

Free consultations on Sundays at 5 PM through the end of March. Just beginning to plan your beach wedding and not sure where to turn? We can help. With over 18 years' experience, we've seen it all. Call 757-321-0348 to arrange for an appointment, or reserve your free consultation online.

Lynnhaven Marina

Location: Virginia Beach

​​Lynnhaven Marina offers a safe and convenient location to keep your boat with easy access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Lynnhaven Inlet. The marina offers 50 slips that are leased on an annual basis to both recreational and commercial boaters with craft 36 feet in length or less.

Call Parks & Natural Areas at 385-2080 to inquire about availability.

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Location: Virginia Beach

Newly Renovated, exclusive North End Oceanfront, four-star oceanfront dining and lounge, weight room, jacuzzi, and year-round pool. Summertime weekday discounts. All major credit cards. Children under 18 are free. Bicycles, coffee in room, hairdryer, iron, safe in room, hot tub/whirlpool/jacuzzi in the pool area and some rooms, internet access in lobby, wireless internet access in room. We are proud to be a pet-friendly hotel with no breed/size limitations(additional fees do apply). Live oceanfront entertainment on our Patio Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Edgar Cayce's Association for Research & Enlightenment

Location: Virginia Beach

Visit the international headquarters of Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.—Association for Research and Enlightenment, founded in 1931 by Edgar Cayce, the father of holistic medicine. Research subjects from his readings including holistic health, dreams, intuition, ancient mysteries, ESP and psychic phenomena, meditation and prayer, spiritual growth, life purpose, and more. Join us daily for a free movie, tour, and lecture on topics from the readings. Open to the public, our Library is one of the world's largest metaphysical resources, housing more than 85,000 volumes. Enjoy a massage at our Spa, shop the Bookstore & Gift Shop, relax in our meditation garden, stroll the stone labyrinth and reflexology walk, or enjoy a delicious meal at our Cafe. The center also offers membership benefits, experiential group tours, and hosts conferences and workshops year-round. Offering tools for personal empowerment and healing at all levels—body, mind, and spirit. A great rainy-day activity; visit our historic campus seven days a week. World-class massage. Metaphysical library. Unique Bookstore & Gift Shop.

Guided by spirit, Edgar Cayce moved his family to Virginia Beach in 1926. He instigated the construction of one of the oldest existing structures remaining in the City. Opened in 1928 as the Cayce Hospital of Enlightenment, the building today is home to the A.R.E. HEALTH CENTER & SPA and is listed on the City of Virginia Beach Historic Register.

The original hospital building is just one architectural treat on the A.R.E. campus. Witness the post-modern architectural example that is the campus Visitor Center. The A.R.E. Visitor Center houses the BOOKSTORE & GIFT SHOP, the world-class LIBRARY, and a Meditation Room with ocean views.

The campus is also home to The Edgar Cayce Foundation, Atlantic University, Cayce/Reilly School of Massage, and A.R.E. Press. Tours of the Foundation vault are only available by special advance appointment by calling 757-457-7204.

A.R.E. Health Center & Spa

Location: Virginia Beach

Located on the A.R.E. Headquarters campus at 67th and Atlantic streets, find the A.R.E. HEALTH CENTER & SPA.

Since 1967, the non-profit A.R.E. HEALTH CENTER & SPA has been helping individuals transform their lives with holistic healing, including massage therapy, bodywork, hydrotherapies, acupuncture, chiropractic care and more. The Spa focuses on comprehensive body/mind/spirit care - as recommended in the Edgar Cayce readings - which support your body’s innate healing abilities.

Schedule an appointment at AREHealth.org or call 757-457-7202.

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Our massage therapists are licensed by the state of Virginia and graduates of the Cayce/Reilly School of Massage, recognized as one of the oldest and best-regarded massage therapy schools in the world. Our holistic health providers have advanced degrees in chiropractic (D.C.), clinical psychology (PhD.), divinity (MDiv.), public health (M.P.H.), nutrition (R.D.), theology (PhD.), nursing (R.N.), counseling (MEd.), and acupuncture (Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine).

The A.R.E. Health Center and Spa is located in the beautifully restored 1928 Cayce Hospital building on 67th and Atlantic Ave. Our location on top of a sand dune on the A.R.E. campus provides lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dine at Cafe 67, located off the Spa lobby. Enjoy healthy, seasonal, local fare over ocean views.

Walk the Stone Labyrinth, located outdoors, in front of the Spa. Free, from sunup to sundown, ponder while you wander and find answers among this meditative tool.

One Knot On Water Boat Training

Location: Virginia Beach

The mission of One Knot is to take the stress out of boating so you can enjoy your time on the water. Our prices are all per outing not per person, so we encourage individual or group experiences. Overall we encourage new boaters to have fun, while learning the skills needed to make boating more enjoyable every time they get on the water. We recognize that each boater is different, so we tailor the three-hour experience to the individual. We have a checklist we use as a starting point that includes line handling, navigation, low-speed maneuvering, setting a safe speed for the conditions and docking. We walk though these items, and focus on the areas the boater wants to focus on. Some boaters do not feel ready for more difficult tasks such as docking in current, where others want to focus only on the most difficult tasks, and that’s good with us. We want each boater to enjoy the experience but more importantly to get the most out of our training.

VB Boat Rentals

Location: Virginia Beach

Cruise in the comfort of a luxurious Duffy boat while celebrating a birthday, bridal shower, baby shower, bachelor or bachelorette party, entertaining guests, hosting corporate events, or just recharging your own batteries. Bring your own food or drink, make a quick stop at one of the restaurants, or arrange to have us cater your experience.Duffy boats are equipped with iPod hookups, and a stereo radio so bring along your favorite music for an experience unlike any other in Virginia Beach. They also provide shade from the sun on hot days with a full-canopy and on those chilly nights can be fully enclosed so the heaters can keep you warm while you enjoy the sunset. Renting a Duffy is the perfect way for you and your family, friends, and loved ones to enjoy the scenery and wildlife since the Duffy is so quiet you can hardly hear it running.Reserve your Duffy experience now and see for yourself why these high quality boats have become so extremely popular in the US.