Each Earth Day, we look to do our part to help preserve and protect the environment of our beautiful city so that future generations can enjoy it as we have. From helping support our local agriculture to learning more about how we are protecting and restoring our local, natural resources, here are some ways you can join us in keeping it green this Earth Day.
Virginia Beach Earth Day Events
Environmental and conservation activities and events in Virginia Beach are easy to come by around Earth Day.
Earth Week Cleanup
On April 18, 2026, the City of Virginia Beach is hosting an Earth Week Cleanup at Williams Farm Park. Volunteers will contribute to keeping the park and surrounding natural areas clean and learn about environmental stewardship, local ecosystems and how small actions like these can make a big impact on the city’s beloved green spaces.
False Cape Beach Cleanup
Everyone (but especially wildlife) wins when Virginia’s beaches are clear and healthy. On April 19, 2026, at False Cape State Park, grab a trash bag at the visitor center and help clean up the park’s beaches, where each tide brings in a new load of refuse. Bring your bag back to the center for a prize!
Hike and Lab Exploration at First Landing State Park
Virginia State Parks celebrate Earth Week, so the stewardship keeps going! At First Landing State Park, participate in the 7 Steps to Stewardship Hike, where you’ll learn how small choices on the trail make a big difference on April 25, 2026, and visit the Bay Lab Exploration on April 26, 2026, to explore the hands-on topographic sand box and meet the diamondback terrapin.
Family-Friendly Storywalk
On April 25, 2026, eco-friendly families can take a StoryWalk at Williams Farm Park, strolling along a trail while “The Earth and I” by Frank Asch is read aloud, detailing simple ways to build a relationship with the planet. After the walk, an arts-and-crafts activity inspired by the book will continue the fun.
Things to Do for Earth Day in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has so many ways to appreciate the environment and conservation efforts. Here are a few ideas for celebrating the planet on your own.
Visit the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
The marine science center’s primary goal is to inspire conservation through education, research and sustainable practices. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations, join its award-winning stranding response team to help rescue and learn more about our local sea life, participate in efforts to build new oyster reefs — or just marvel at the immersive exhibits of otters, harbor seals, sharks, rays, eels and more.
Visit a U-Pick farm in Pungo
Farms like Cullipher Farm, Flanagan Farms, Henley Farms, Brookdale Farm and more offer U-pick strawberries and a variety of handpicked produce. Picking your own produce supports these local farms, reduces the amount of waste from packaging used by grocery stores and supports the farms’ families, who are dedicated to land stewardship — not to mention that produce this fresh just tastes better!
Hop Aboard an Oyster-Farming Boat Tour
Pleasure House Oysters lets you come along on a journey to sustainably harvest the legendary Lynnhaven oysters (and slurp a few, if you wish!), which are known for their delectable size and saltiness. Partnering with other conservation groups, Pleasure House Oysters has worked to revitalize the local habitat, saving the oysters from near-extinction and putting them back on the menus at top restaurants in Virginia Beach.
Enjoy a Nature Walk at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center
Offering stunning views of the Lynnhaven River and engaging in hands-on and enriching outdoor educational experiences, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the world. The center hosts events throughout the year that visitors can participate in, from planting native trees to shoreline restoration.
Sustainable Travel in Virginia Beach
Being mindful of your travel footprint is easy in Virginia Beach — and also allows you to explore some of its tastiest and most scenic attributes.
Seek Out Sustainable Seafood
The Virginia Aquarium works hard to promote sustainable eating through its Sensible Seafood Program, encouraging locals and visitors alike to enjoy ocean-friendly seafood. Through Sensible Seafood partners, the program focuses on the importance of buying local, which in turn delivers a fresher and tastier dish to your table. Review their seafood guide to know what to look for on local menus.
Sleep Under the Stars
From private campgrounds with lots of amenities (especially for families) to state park options with ocean views, camping allows for a unique appreciation of the gifts of nature in Virginia Beach. No matter where you pitch your tent, follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to ensure your natural surroundings remain natural for the guests that come after you.
Sustainable Lodging and Attractions Virginia Beach
These Virginia Green Travel Partners (scroll to bottom of page) have made significant commitments to reducing waste, lowering water and energy usage, and working with sustainable suppliers. Seek out these hotels, tour companies, attractions and more to show you care about keeping Virginia Beach special for generations to come.
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