Virginia Beach Winter

We like to think that whales enjoy hanging out in our waters during the cooler seasons because it’s their home away from home. You can join in on the fun on one of the many whale-watching cruises offering opportunities to see these magnificent creatures first-hand. You never know what you might see, so make sure that your camera is always ready!

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 places to hike and camp in Virginia Beach.

With a variety of horseback riding opportunities available, you need only choose your charger and get to galloping. For a local experience like no other, look no farther than the beaches of the Oceanfront District, where Virginia Beach Horseback offers guided rides along the surf during the fall, winter and spring months.

From seaside sophistication to hip to classic, Virginia Beach opens the doors to a coastal shopping paradise full of unique discoveries and wonderful treasures. From the urban appeal of Town Center to the personal attraction of local boutiques and shopping centers, there’s a lot of ground to cover and even more deals to be found. So stretch out those shopping bags and fill them up with a bounty of coastal charm.

While we’re always looking to get out and enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings, there are an abundance of adventures to be had away from the sun and sand, too. For the days when the weather just isn’t cooperating, here are a few of our favorite indoor activities that are as good as being outside.

Since the first American settlers stepped foot on our hallowed shores, Virginia Beach has been a historic meeting place for remarkable events. Look up to the celebrated lighthouses at Cape Henry, retrace the footsteps of our forefathers at First Landing State Park, or call the notable Adam Thoroughgood House home for the day, it’s all here and historic, in Virginia Beach.

Whether you’re an avid marine lover or just enjoy exploring, there’s something for everyone at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Come by and explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums in the country. From hundreds of hands-on exhibits to their National Geographic 3D Theater, it’s hard to fit all that the Virginia Aquarium has to offer into just one trip.

With our location on the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay, our coastal community makes for a seafood-centric culinary culture, which boasts a wide array of unique restaurants and delectable fare. With the famously rich waters of the Bay, hundreds of inlets snaking through the city and miles of farmland, Virginia Beach is the place for seafood and locally harvested ingredients, and that’s only the beginning. 

With Valentine’s Day approaching, we're filled with visions of candle lit dinners across from the ones you love. Here are a few of our favorite spots for a romantic dinner for two.

From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the strawberry fields of Pungo, and everywhere in between, craft beer flows through Virginia Beach like the mighty Lynnhaven River. With no shortage of brews to peak any beer-lover's interest, all you need to do is dive in. Cheers!