Virginia Beach Tourist Information and Tourism

(Virginia Beach, Virginia - VA, USA)

Virginia Beach is a major tourist destination in the state of Virginia. Dating back to the late 18th century, Virginia Beach's first hotel resort opened in 1883 and since then, the Virginia Beach area has been considerably developed, becoming a charming and attractive vacation spot. Much of Virginia Beach life is centered around the stunning beach itself and also the oceanfront Boardwalk, which is lined with animated restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Virginia Beach is now the largest city in Virginia and is the state's main summer resort, often pitched as a family location, famous for having the world's longest pleasure beach.

Apart from sunbathing on the spacious golden sands of Virginia Beach, which have recently been widened as part of a multi-million-dollar scheme, other highlights in Virginia Beach include water sports in the adjacent Atlantic Ocean and around Chesapeake Bay, such as surfing and scuba diving. Surfing in Virginia Beach has become a popular activity at the southern side of the beachfront, close to Rudee's Inlet and next to the 14th Street Pier.





Tourism in the Virginia Beach area is promoted by the tourist information center, which is located along Parks Avenue, off the I-264. Virginia Beach's useful tourism center offers a range of advice and leaflets about the region's top tourist attractions, entertainment venues, resorts, walking trails and water sports.

Hotels in Virginia Beach are both plentiful and popular, with a large range of accommodation available for all budgets. Many Virginia Beach vacation rentals, holiday apartments, condos and hotels are concentrated along Atlantic Avenue - on the oceanfront, with superb coastal views; the Boardwalk - the focal area of entertainment and dining; Chesapeake Bay - an important waterway offering many recreational activities; and Beach Street - where many of the city's most impressive festivals are held. Further hotels can be found close to Virginia Beach, in nearby Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and next to the surrounding airports of Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF). Those who prefer camping should check out the scenic bayfront First Landing State Park at Cape Henry.

Virginia Beach has many impressive tourist attractions, including the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - an impressive reserve, with a spectacular variety of wildlife; the First Landing State Park - paying tribute to the first Europeans to land on this coastline, featuring numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging, boating, cycling and picnicking; Virginia Beach's Old Coast Guard Station - with many fascinating displays, historical information and exhibits from shipwrecks; and the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater - an impressive venue in Virginia Beach, hosting an array of concerts and seasonal events. More information about Virginia Beach Tourist Attractions.

Some of Virginia Beach's top museums and art galleries include the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia - featuring an extensive art collection, focusing on the 20th century; and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum - with numerous hands-on exhibits, spectacular collections of sea life, an impressive outdoor aviary and nature trails. More information about Virginia Beach Museums and Art Galleries.

More Virginia Beach Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: United States of America (USA)
• Location: Virginia (VA)
• Area: approximately 497 square miles / 1,287 square kilometers
• Population: approximately 437,000
• Language: American English
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Time zone: GMT - 5 hours Eastern Standard Time (daylight saving time is observed)
• Country dialing code: +1
• Telephone area code: 757
• Religion: various religions
• Average daily Virginia Beach January temperature: 8°C / 46°F
• Average daily Virginia Beach July temperature: 20°C / 68°F