The Ultimate Virginia Beach Shore-Side Guide

What to Do in Virginia Beach When You’re Not Fishing

While we pride ourselves on delivering the ultimate angling experience at Casting Horizon Fishing Charter VA, we know that a perfect vacation means enjoying everything a destination has to offer. Virginia Beach is far more than just a world-class fishery; it is a vibrant coastal city bursting with excitement, history, flavor, and family-friendly fun. Many of our guests love to pair a day of heavy bottom dropping over wrecks with several days exploring the diverse land-based attractions that make this region special.

Whether you are traveling with avid anglers, young children, or someone looking for a relaxing cultural escape, Virginia Beach delivers. From the bustling energy of the oceanfront to the quiet beauty of our state parks, there is an adventure waiting around every corner. Let us help you plan the terrestrial portion of your itinerary with our top recommendations for things to do in Virginia Beach when your lines aren't in the water. We encourage you to explore these fantastic local hotspots and book your Virginia Beach fishing trip today to complete your ultimate coastal getaway.

Stroll the Iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk

You haven't truly experienced Virginia Beach until you’ve spent time on our world-famous boardwalk. Stretching three miles along the pristine Atlantic coastline, this lively esplanade is the beating heart of the resort district. It is the perfect place for a morning jog, a leisurely sunset stroll, or simply people-watching from a comfortable bench. The separate bike path makes it safe and easy to traverse the entire length while enjoying panoramic ocean views, sea breezes, and the cheerful energy of fellow vacationers.

As you navigate the boardwalk, you cannot miss the massive bronze presence of the King Neptune Statue, a 34-foot marvel presiding over Neptune Park. This stunning piece of art is perhaps the most photographed landmark in the city and serves as the epicenter for numerous festivals and live concerts throughout the summer. For a fun, family-friendly way to see the sights, we highly recommend visiting one of the many Surrey Bike Rentals locations along the path. Pedaling a four- or six-person surrey together is a memorable Virginia Beach tradition that offers a unique perspective of the shops, hotels, and the beautiful oceanfront.

Encounter Marine Marvels

For an immersive look at the world beneath the waves without leaving dry land, a visit to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a must. This world-class facility is consistently ranked among the best in the country and is a favorite for families and nature enthusiasts alike. It offers a fascinating journey through Virginia’s aquatic environments, from the tidal marshes of the Chesapeake Bay to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The exhibits are engaging, educational, and designed to inspire conservation.

The aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals representing more than 300 species. You can walk through marvelous overhead tunnels while sharks and rays swim above you, marvel at the graceful movements of sea turtles in their massive habitat, and get up close to playful river otters. The hands-on touch pools are always a hit with younger guests. To complete your marine-themed day, the Aquarium also offers seasonal Dolphin Watching Boat Tours departing right from their dock, giving you a chance to see these incredible mammals in their natural habitat.

Explore Aviation History

Step back in time and witness one of the world’s largest private collections of vintage military aircraft at the Military Aviation Museum. Located in the rural Pungo area of Virginia Beach, this impressive museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. The collection includes meticulously restored planes from World War I and World War II, many of which are still in airworthy condition and take to the skies during special airshows throughout the year.

The museum consists of several hangars, including an authentically reconstructed 1934 German hangar and a 1942 RAF Goxhill control tower. Walking through these spaces offers a tangible connection to the past. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers often share incredible stories behind the planes and the brave pilots who flew them. For a truly unforgettable memory, you can even book a biplane ride in a vintage aircraft, providing a breathtaking, open-cockpit view of the Virginia Beach countryside.

Hike Through History at First Landing

Escape the hustle of the oceanfront and immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty of First Landing State Park. This remarkable park is Virginia’s most visited state park and is a registered Natural Landmark. It is named for the site where the Jamestown colonists first landed in 1607 before moving up the James River. This park offers a fascinating blend of ecological diversity and American history, making it a perfect outdoor destination in Virginia Beach.

First Landing features over 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails that wind through seven distinct ecosystems, including rare maritime forests, cypress swamps, salt marshes, and freshwater ponds. The trails are well-maintained and range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. We recommend starting your adventure at the First Landing State Park Trail Center, where you can pick up maps and learn about the unique flora and fauna. The park also offers 1.25 miles of sandy beach fronting the Chesapeake Bay, perfect for a quieter swimming or sunbathing experience.

Taste the Best of Coastal Cuisine

A vacation in Virginia Beach is not complete without indulging in the region's incredible culinary scene. While we love seeing our guests take home their fresh fillets, sometimes you want a master chef to handle the preparation. Our city has become a major dining destination, offering everything from classic seafood shacks to refined farm-to-table restaurants. A quintessential local experience can be found at Waterman’s Surfside Grille, located right on the boardwalk. They are famous for their fresh catches, lively atmosphere, and, most importantly, the original Orange Crush cocktail—a must-try Virginia Beach staple.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, we highly recommend Terrapin Restaurant. As a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Virginia Beach, Chef Rodney Einhorn serves an exquisite, seasonally changing menu that showcases the finest ingredients from local farmers and watermen. The intimate ambiance and commitment to quality make it the perfect spot for a special dinner. From salty Lynnhaven oysters to award-winning crab cakes, the dining options in Virginia Beach are sure to satisfy every palate.

Discover the Local Arts Scene

Immerse yourself in the colorful, contemporary soul of the city within the ViBe Creative District. Located just a few blocks from the oceanfront, this vibrant neighborhood serves as a dedicated hub for local artists, artisans, and creative businesses. The ViBe is a walkable, dynamic space where you can witness art in action, from massive, intricate murals covering the sides of buildings to potters and jewelers working in their studios. It represents the modern, community-driven side of Virginia Beach.

Spending an afternoon exploring the ViBe is a fantastic way to discover unique, hand-crafted souvenirs and support local talent. The district is packed with charming boutiques, coffee shops, and culinary hotspots. We suggest stopping by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) to view their regularly rotating exhibitions of pioneering modern art. The museum also hosts numerous community events, art classes, and the monthly ViBe First Friday event, which features live music, pop-up markets, and open studios.