About Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is a classic seaside destination featuring gorgeous beaches, amazing ocean views, a fantastic boardwalk, and tons of restaurant and nightlife opportunities. There are also a variety of amusement park-style rides that are especially popular among children. Many people in Virginia Beach like to live in beachside homes, and travelers often prefer hotels near the ocean.

Virginia Beach is most well-known and is named for its beach. However, at 250 square miles, the city is much bigger than its most famous landmark. While a lot of people live by the ocean, you might also find yourself living or staying a good distance away. Keep that in mind and don't take the beach for granted.

A lot of people head to Virginia Beach during the summer. That should come as no surprise, and the beaches are often packed. However, a lot of people swear that the town is actually at its best during the offseason. The weather is still quite pleasant, even if not beach worthy, most days. However, the city itself is less crowded outside of the touristy summer months.

Virginia Beach is lucky enough to house a huge aquarium where you can see stingrays, tiger sharks, and other sea creatures. Perhaps the most popular attraction is the 70 thousand gallon sea turtle aquarium as well as jellyfish and octopus exhibits. You can also enjoy some hands-on attractions where you can interact with the wildlife. Or visit the great outdoor park, Owls Creek.

More of a sports enthusiast? Virginia Beach has you covered. There are some top-notch golf courses scattered around Virginia Beach and nearby areas. Want to get out on the water? Consider kayaking. Looking to stretch the legs? There are a variety of fantastic hiking trails, although you may prefer a stroll along the boardwalk.

The Neptune Festival attracts roughly a half-million people to the beach every year. It's considered one of the top festivals in the entire United States. The festival celebrates the history and heritage of the city itself.

A lot of young families move to Virginia Beach. Besides pleasant weather, the city has enjoyed a stronger than average economy. The unemployment rate generally comes in below the national average. At the same time, average earnings are substantially higher. This has made VA Beach an excellent choice for those looking to start a new career. Of course, there are a lot of military families as well.

Several Air Force and Navy bases are set up nearby. The military presence is big and is ingrained into town society, often putting on big shows and participating in events. The Oceana Air Show is a favorite. So too is the Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival, which celebrates the Armed Forces. There are some downsides to a military presence, however. The sound of jets and military craft can take some getting used to, for example.

Virginia Beach isn't just about beaches, attractions, military bases, festivals, and all that. Virginia is well-known for the nearby farmlands, which produce a variety of crops and meats, including corn, soybeans, pork, dairy, wheat, and a variety of other fruits, vegetables, and other foods. Best of all, you can pick up fresh, local goods from Old Beach Farmers Market. Oh, and don't forget to try some of those famous Chesapeake blue crabs.

Want to visit or move to VA Beach but want to be someplace a bit more chill? Consider the Sandbridge community, which is well-known for its laid-back, relaxed vibe. The community is filled with condos and vacation homes. However, hotels are few and far between. The nightlife is still great and there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment. There's also a fishing pier that tends to be a bit less intense.

Speaking of fishing, if that's your thing, then Virginia Beach might just be heaven on earth for you. There's the Atlantic Ocean, of course, but there are numerous fresh waterways as well. You can cast lines all year round, and there are enough hotspots that finding some space usually isn't a challenge. Striped bass, or Rockfish as they are often called, are a favorite species to fish for here.

Ultimately, Virginia Beach is a family-friendly town that offers big city energy mixed in with a relaxed, suburban town and dressed up with amenities of resort luxury. There's a lot to do but when you want some peace and quiet, you can find that as well. This makes Virginia Beach a great choice for families, young people, and professionals alike.