You’ve heard that Virginia is for lovers. But did you know that Virginia Beach is for millennials?
With its close proximity to the ocean, which means swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing and playing sand volleyball, this coastal town is attracting millennials to visit here year after year for spring break, as well as being an affordable place for these young adults to live.
So whether you’re planning your next vacation or big move, here are six attractions to get you to Virginia Beach.
[Image: Virginia State Parks/Flickr]
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the coastline crowds, head to First Landing State Park—a park that got its name because it’s where the Jamestown colonists first landed in 1607. Today, you can easily spend a half or whole day swimming, fishing, biking or hiking, as it’s home to nine miles of trails covering more than 19 miles in this scenic area.
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Resort Beach Area
[Image: Tony Alter/Flickr]
For those who enjoy the beach and making friends with strangers, the Virginia Beach resort area screams your idea of a fun afternoon or night. On the three-mile oceanfront boardwalk, that’s made of concrete, you can walk, bike or roller blade and see a variety of local public art. Make sure to snap a selfie with the King Neptune Statue. You can’t miss him—he stands at 34-feet tall and is surrounded by large bronze sea creatures. The area also boasts outdoor cafes, live music and festivals throughout the year, as well as some hot nightlife.
[Image: Beach Eco Tours/Facebook]
Besides the mainstream water activity of swimming, explore the waters, beautiful scenery and local marine life of Virginia Beach via paddle boarding. Beach Eco Tours is the city’s first stand up paddleboard company, offering tours, lessons, rentals and sales. They also give wave-riding lessons and can take you on dolphin and moonlight tours.
[Image: Shaka’s Live/Facebook]
Shaka’s Live is Virginia Beach’s premier oceanfront venue. Besides a mellow beach vibe (shorts and flip flops are totally acceptable), there are pool tables, a quick bar that serves up tasty drinks, live music and a lively dance floor all inside a spacious venue. Shaka’s always has great talent that puts on great shows every week, featuring local and touring acts from various genres. The live music show is an all-ages show, but once the show is over, the venue becomes a 21 and older nightclub.
[Image: Leaping Lizard Café—Shore Drive/Facebook]
There are two reasons locals and tourists alike love this eatery—low prices and farm-fresh produce. And as a bonus, this local joint was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy Fieri couldn’t get enough of the gourmet Panini-style chicken salad sandwich that’s made on homemade bread with fresh tomatoes, greens and curry yogurt. Other palate pleasers include their quinoa salad and fresh tuna salad. For fast, casual dining of delicious organic foods for lunch or dinner and amazing service, Leaping Lizard Café is where to go.
[Image: Coastal Edge/Facebook]
We’ve told you where to play and where to eat; now it’s time to get your shop on. For all things beach-related, from guys’ sunglasses to ladies’ tees and other surfing and skater gear, Coastal Edge is the shop to visit. Whether you need a long-sleeved shirt to keep you warm on those cool beach nights or a new hat to keep your wet, messy ocean hair covered, come check out Coastal Edge’s array of clothing, accessories and gear in one of their six locations in the Virginia Beach area.
Be sure to check out the Holiday Inn Hotel in Virginia Beach during your visit as well.