Your guide 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.vbfun.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.vbfun.com, or by calling the Visitor Information Center at 800-VA BEACH. 1-800-VA BEACH vbfun.com There’s something about this place. A sparkle. An indigenous vibe. You’ll feel it. Tugging on your 80-pound-test line. Under your feet in First Landing State Park. Biting into a sweet Pungo strawberry. Is it the land that fosters a carefree, independent spirit? Or is the source an ever-present ocean and bay – stimulant, tranquilizer, multivitamin in one? Explainable or not, beautiful things happen here. Spontaneous things. A dolphin escort, kayaking off bay beaches. Colors you never knew were in the spectrum. This is your chance. To stage a coup – of yourself. Permission granted to do exactly what puts wind in your sails. To dive in and Live the Life. And hold on tight to what you live for. vbfun.com 1-800-VA BEACH 01 2 1-800-VA BEACH vbfun.com Hotel or cottage? 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. Try on another way of living. vbfun.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 GINIA BEAC VIR H perfect for roller-blading, jogging or just strolling. IS FAMOUS for Sunbathers come for the wide sandy beaches. Surfers come for the waves. Everyone comes The Boardwalk for the people-watching. RANKING: Top 10 IN THE NATION Top American Boardwalks ForbesTraveler.com 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 restau- rant 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 vbfun.com 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. Cottage 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. 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 ■,whilea marina on the Chesapeake Bay carries a ■,andapier in Sandbridge shows a ■. Some listings are offered at multiple locations throughout the City, and don’t carry a color block. vbfun.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 PARKS AND VISTAS ■ Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge An approximately 9200-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. 4005 Sandpiper Rd. (757) 721-2412 www.fws.gov/backbay $ ■ Chesapeake Bay Center Informative visitor center features aquariums, environmental and historical exhibits and displays, classroom space and information on nature-based tourism activities in the area. 2500 Shore Dr. / First Landing State Park. (757) 412-2316 ■ 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 Little Island City Park (please call for schedule). Primitive camping is permitted. 4001 Sandpiper Rd. (757) 426-7128 www.dcr.virginia.gov ■ 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 19 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.dcr.virginia.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 3000-acre natural lake. Headquarters is located at 3100 Desert Rd., Suffolk. (757) 986-3705 www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp 6 1-800-VA BEACH vbfun.com GUIDED KAYAK TOURS Over 120 miles of scenic waterways to explore. Local outfitters offer trips seasonally throughout the area. $ Back Bay Getaways (757) 721-4484 www.backbaygetaways.com Chesapean Outdoors (757) 961-0447 www.chesapean.com Kayak Nature Tours, LTD. (757) 480-1999 or (888) 669-8368 www.kayaknaturetours.net Surf & Adventure Company (757) 721-6210 www.surfandadventure.com Wild River Outfitters (757) 431-8566 or (877) 431-8566 www.wildriveroutfitters.com GUIDED ECO-TOURS GINIA BEAC VIR H ■ Cruise the Creek Experience wildlife firsthand on a pontoon IS FAMOUS boat tour through Owls Creek Salt Marsh. Daily May through August; for weekends only September and October. Departs from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Outdoor (757) 385-0317 www.VirginiaAquarium.com $ Activities RANKING: ■ Dolphin Watching Boat Trip Join the Aquarium for an ocean 6th excursion to search for our local population of bottlenose IN THE NATION dolphins in their natural habitat. Daily June through August; Best Cities weekends only April, May, September through mid-October. for the Outdoors Reservations required. Sightings are not guaranteed. Forbes, 2009 (757) 385-0317 www.VirginiaAquarium.com $ ■ Ocean Collections Boat Trip Delve beneath the surface of the ocean. Aquarium staff bring sea life on board during this 90-minute trip. Mid-June through August, Fridays only. (757) 385-0317 www.VirginiaAquarium.com $ ■ Whale Watching Boat Trip Search for humpback and fin whales wintering in the food-rich waters at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on a 2 1/2 hour trip with Aquarium interpreters. Learn about local whale population and the Aquarium’s research efforts. End of December through mid-March. Thursday - Sunday and Monday holidays. Sightings are not guaranteed. (757) 385-0317 www.VirginiaAquarium.com $ ■ Eco Images Discover the hidden treasures of Virginia Beach through nature walks, plant identification, wild food foraging workshops, canoe trips and more. (757) 421-3929 www.ecoimages-us.com $ ■ Back Bay Birding Club Monthly bird walks. Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, 1113 Atlantic Ave. (757) 437-8432 www.awhm.org $ vbfun.com 1-800-VA BEACH 7 The Virginia Beach coastline is a major freeway for species migrating from one point to another. Any time of year, there’s an abundance of fish making their way through, and a number of ways to get out on the water with them. Our inshore waters are brimming all year with a variety of catch-worthy species, including Atlantic Mackerel, Black Drum, Bluefish, Cobia, Croaker, Flounder, Grey Trout, King Mackerel, Red Drum, Sea Bass, Spanish Mack- erel, Speckled Trout, Striped Bass and Tautog. Offshore, do battle with the fastest, biggest, most storied fish in the sea. June through September are prime months for Blue Marlin, Bluefin Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, White Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna. FISHING CHARTERS Private charters and group party boats are available from the following locations.