Get your heart racing and your blood pumping with an active trip to Virginia Beach. Spend your days hiking through tree-framed trails and kayaking through the Atlantic Ocean, competing in pickleball competitions and making new friends at run clubs. It’s safe to say you’ll find plenty of ways to stay active and turn Virginia Beach into your very own playground.
Of course, with all the activity, don’t forget to stay fueled. Pop into some of the healthiest and tastiest eateries in Virginia Beach for a bite, like The Green Cat Juice Bar & Market or Simpli Natural Wellness and Juice Bar.
Hike Through the Many State Parks
Virginia Beach has a well-established system of lush parks and natural areas that gives hikers plenty of ground to cover. At First Landing State Park, hike through seven different ecosystems and 19 miles of trails as you explore this registered Natural Natural Landmark.
For a more adventurous take, venture through dunes, woodland, marshes and beaches within the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for loggerhead sea turtles, bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other local wildlife. You can even wander all the way to neighboring False Cape State Park to discover six miles of pristine beaches, all accessible only by foot or by boat. And those are just the beginning of the more than 550 miles of trails zig-zagging through sunny Virginia Beach.
Bike Over 200 Miles of Trails
Zig-zag across Virginia Beach by bike on the city’s 200+ miles of bikeways and trails. From ones that wind through tree-framed paths and others that stay right along the oceanfront, it’s the perfect way to get a dose of the refreshing salty breeze.
Even better, there are designated themed bike trails to make your pedal-bound journey more exciting than ever. Take your pick from the Bike, Brew and History Trail; the Bike, Brew and Arts Trail; or the Family Fun Trail, each of which provides its own unique way to explore Virginia Beach on two wheels.
No bike? No problem! Rent one (or any equipment you need) from a local vendor, like Cherie’s Bicycle and Beach Rentals or Ocean Rentals LTD. Alternatively, you can sign up for a guided biking tour, like Ocean Rentals LTD’s False Cape State Park bike tour.
Surf Epic Swells
Virginia Beach is a mid-Atlantic surfing paradise, and you can stay in shape the VB way by riding the waves just like the locals.
Most days, the waves range from between 2 and 4 feet. On days with smaller swells, it’s easy enough for beginners to book a lesson and ride the waves. And on days with larger ones, even more experienced surfers can have a blast. Plus, if you happen to be visiting in August, don’t miss the annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), when you can watch the pros in action.
Looking for lessons? 17th Street Surf Camp and VB Surf Sessions both deliver. Just want to rent a board? The latter can help with that too.
Brush Up on Your Paddling Skills
From its inland waterways to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is prime real estate for paddlers. As a matter of fact, by kayak or paddleboard, you can see parts of the region that you’d never get to spot via land.
Start off easy at Rudee Inlet, where calm, shallow waters are perfect for those trying to just get their toes wet (metaphorically, of course). Head inland to Stumpy Lake Natural Area for a unique paddling experience, where towering trees jut right out of the middle of this 278-acre lake. Or paddle out right into the ocean at Sandbridge Beach, where navigating the waves and currents can be a thrilling sort of challenge.
You can rent kayaks or paddleboards from several retailers around town, including Tula Paddle Sports and VB Surf Sessions.
Play a Few Games of Pickleball
Try your hand at the fastest growing recreational sport around: pickleball. Pickleball Virginia Beach offers paddle rentals, lessons and weekend-long tournaments that even visitors can join. Prefer to do something a little less structured? Virginia Beach has a few recreational sports complexes and centers with pickleball courts, where you can drop in and play a game or two. Woodstock Park and Lake Placid Park are both local favorites for the sport.
Go for a Picturesque Run
Picture this: you’re hitting your stride on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk just as the sun breaks the horizon—cool sea mist on your skin, seagulls overhead, and not a soul in sight. Sounds like a dream, right? And it’s easy enough to make that dream a reality on any Virginia Beach trip. In addition to the Boardwalk, the city has several other great running spots, including Mount Trashmore Park and First Landing State Park.
Don’t want to run alone? Join in on a North End Run Club event, even making new friends as you power through the miles. Or participate in one of the many 5ks, 10ks or marathons that pop up throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in March and Neptune’s 8k in September.
Challenge Yourself with Beachfront Strength Training
Try a strength-training workout directly on the sand at Hillier Ignite Fitness Park on the Oceanfront. There, fitness becomes like child’s play—in the best way. With rings, beams, bars, ropes and a variety of body-weight-based exercise equipment, you’ll feel like a little kid on the monkeybars again.
Watch Action Sports Live at the Annual JACKALOPE Virginia Beach Event
Even if you aren’t dropping into the halfpipe yourself, the energy at the annual JACKALOPE Virginia Beach festival is contagious. This captivating action sport festival features both professional and amateur athletes competing in skating, bouldering, Moto X, BMX, base jumping and more. Before you know it, you’ll be searching for a place to test your own skills out!
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Written by 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.
