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W E L C O M E T O oouu rr gguuiiddee YY TO SEIZING THE DAY Life’s rewarding experiences – do they just happen, unplanned and unexpected? Or do these moments only occur as a plan comes together? This Vacation Guide will help you make the most of your time in Virginia Beach. You’ll find places to stay, what’s cool to see, things you won’t want to miss doing, and where to find it all. This is your handbook for creating your best vacation. Use it along with the videos and features you’ll find at www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com. Items listed throughout the guide are identified by a color block, showing in which area of Virginia Beach you’ll find a particular attraction or accommodation. The color-coded map on page 5 shows the areas. To help you find your way around when you’re here, there is a pullout map page in the center of the guide. More information is always available online at www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com, or by calling the Visitor Information Center at 800-VA BEACH. 1-800-VA BEACH VisitVirginiaBeach.com Beyond memories, you experience a feeling. It’s the thrill of loading the car with beach gear, tucking in your beside-themselves-with- excitement family, and hitting the open road that leads to the oceanfront. It’s the sweet reminiscence of youth as you watch your children chasing crabs for the first time. It’s the TRIP ADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE 2012 warmth of the sun’s rays on your neck as you step out for the first summer beach session. Here, you’ll sense a year-round summer fragrance to the air and rhythm to the streets, the essence of the beach life. Virginia Beach is the feeling; the adventure is discovering it for yourself. Explore our beaches, experience our wildlife, and embrace our culture. Come live the life and love the moment. VisitVirginiaBeach.com 1-800-VA BEACH 1 Beach L ife 2 1-800-VA BEACH VisitVirginiaBeach.com coast (v): to proceed easily without special application of effort or concern Try on another way of living. Hotel or vacation rental home? Atlantic Ocean or Chesapeake Bay? Peace and quiet or right in the thick of it? Maybe somewhere in between? Whatever it is you desire in a beach, our lovely stretch of Virginia coast aims to please. There’s more to this than soft sands and rolling waves. It’s the way you feel when your lungs fill with salt air, and the possibility of a day all to yourself. Or the sensation of the warm sun as it evaporates tiny drops of ocean from your skin. There’s the echo of birds and laughter that cause you to wonder what you’ll see when you open your eyes. You might be dreaming; you might be feeling this for the first time in a long time. You might be more yourself than ever. VisitVirginiaBeach.com 1-800-VA BEACH 3 The place to see and be seen. Our three-mile boardwalk is only part of what makes the Resort Area so irresistible. From Croatan Beach to the south, up to the North End Beaches, this is where Virginia Beach reveals its outgoing nature. There’s a park-like atmosphere here that goes on for miles. With a separate bike path, the boardwalk is perfect for FORBES TRAVELER.COM roller-blading, jogging or just strolling. Sunbathers come for the wide sandy beaches. Surfers come for the waves. Everyone comes for the people-watching. YOU CAN’T PUT A PRICE ON THIS BEACH ACCESS IS FREE! Some secrets are meant to be shared. Kinder, gentler waves, can be found in the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay, just off Shore Drive. From swimming to sand castles to volleyball, all the traditional beach rituals are here. And nothing beats an evening stroll or dining at a fine restaurant as the sun sets over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Anglers can fish from the shore, Lynnhaven Pier, or launch a boat and head out to the heart of the Bay. Runners, bikers and campers can explore the lush green of First Landing State Park. GETTING THERE: From the Resort Area head north on Atlantic Avenue until it turns into Shore Drive. Continue west, through First Landing State Park to the Bay Area. 4 1-800-VA BEACH VisitVirginiaBeach.com j Coastal village charm in its natural state. Located 15 miles south of (and 180º opposite) the Resort Area, Sandbridge is a secluded beach hideaway of pristine sand dunes and dancing sea oats. Beachside, the Atlantic never fails to entertain. And for those craving even more of the great outdoors, the marshes and open waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park make for great kayaking, biking, hiking, birding and fishing. Vacation rental homes and condominium rentals are available year-round. GETTING THERE: From the Resort Area head south on Pacific Avenue which turns into General Booth Boulevard, then left onto Princess Anne Road. Continue straight onto Sandbridge Road. YOU CAN’T PUT A PRICE ON THIS BEACH ACCESS IS FREE! Items listed throughout the guide are identified by a color block, showing in which area of Virginia Beach you’ll find a particular attraction or accommodation. This color-coded map shows the areas. For instance, a hotel at the oceanfront is identified by a n, while a marina on the Chesapeake Bay carries a n, and a pier in Sandbridge shows a n. Some listings are offered at multiple locations throughout the City, and don’t carry a color block. VisitVirginiaBeach.com 1-800-VA BEACH 5 There’s nothing like suddenly spotting a pod of dolphins glide through the water, and knowing they see you too. Or a still and silent grey heron, completely unimpressed by your presence in his river. These are everyday experiences here, yours to discover. Nature& EcoTours NATURE PARKS AND VISTAS n Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge An approximately 9000-acre beach, woodland and marsh refuge for a wide variety of migratory birds, endangered species and other wildlife, including snow geese, marsh hawks, red foxes, loggerhead turtles and American Bald Eagles. Wildlife observation, photography, nature study areas. Fresh and saltwater fishing, canoe and kayak launch. Bike, hike, or take the tram. Please call for schedule. 4005 Sandpiper Rd. (757) 301-7329 www.fws.gov/backbay $ n Chesapeake Bay Center Informative visitor center features historical exhibits and displays, area attraction brochures and information on nature-based tourism activities in the area. 2500 Shore Dr. / First Landing State Park. (757) 412-2316 www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com n False Cape State Park A pristine, ocean-to-brackish water bay habitat. Accessible only by boat, five-mile trip by bike or on foot through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, or via tram from Back Bay (please call for schedule). Primitive camping is permitted. 4001 Sandpiper Rd. (757) 426-7128 www.VirginiaStateParks.gov n First Landing State Park Virginia’s most visited state park is also famous as the site of the landing of the first permanent English settlers in 1607. Today, this National Natural Landmark features 20 miles of hiking trails, a bike trail, boat ramp, and picnic areas. The trail center includes exhibits on the unique environmental features of the park. Campsites and cabins are available for rent. 2500 Shore Dr. (757) 412-2300 or (800) 933-7275 www.VirginiaStateParks.gov $ Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge More mammals call this home than any other local preserve. The refuge covers 172 square miles and includes Lake Drummond, a 3100-acre and the largest natural lake in Virginia. Headquarters is located at 3100 Desert Rd., Suffolk. (757) 986-3705 www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp n The Aerial Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium High-flying adventure is coming to the Aquarium Summer 2014. The Adventure Park is a joint venture between the Aquarium’s non-profit Foundation and the Outdoor Ventures Group. Consisting of 12 different ropes courses containing 160 platforms in the trees, zip lines over Owls Creek, plus another 40 platforms in a unique separate outdoor facility called “The Labyrinth”, the park will boast a variety of challenge levels, from introductory through advanced for children, teens and adults. 717 General Booth Blvd, (757) 385-FISH, www.VirginiaAquarium.com 6 1-800-VA BEACH VisitVirginiaBeach.com Nature EcoTours GUIDED ECO-TOURS & n Cruise the Creek Experience wildlife first hand on a pontoon boat tour through Owls Creek Salt Marsh. April through mid-October. Departs from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. (757) 385-FISH www.VirginiaAquarium.com $ n Dolphin Watching Boat Trip Join the Aquarium for an ocean excursion to search for our local population of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Cruises are offered April through October. Sightings not guaranteed. (757) 385-FISH www.VirginiaAquarium.com $ n Eco Images Discover the hidden treasures of Virginia Beach through nature walks, plant identification, wild food foraging workshops and medicine making, canoe trips and more. (757) 421-3929 www.ecoimages-us.com $ n Ocean Collections Boat Trip Delve beneath the surface of the ocean. Aquarium staff bring sea life on board during this 75-minute trip. Public cruises begin in July and run through August on Fridays. (757) 385-0300 www.VirginiaAquarium.com $ n Premium Experiences Make your experience at the Virginia Aquarium even more unique. Harbor Seal Splash is an in-water, interactive opportunity that runs seasonally. Seals Behind the Scenes is an hour-long family experience with the harbor seals up-close. Sea Turtles Behind the Scenes offers a chance to learn about turtles and watch them being fed.