Virginia Beach
Visit Virginia BeachAs the sun slowly breaks along the horizon, it sends a shimmering cascade of highlights across the rolling whitecaps, and it brings with it a cool breeze to gently caress your hair. This is daybreak in the city of Virginia Beach, and there's nothing quite like it in the world. Grab a couple of beach chairs, a thermos of coffee and a loved one and start the day off right.
For generations, families have been heading to this jewel of the East Coast for the ultimate, old-fashioned summer vacation. Virginia Beach is a suitable escape for couples and families alike, thanks to its many family-friendly attractions and romantic hideaways. If you're planning a trip for two or an entire family reunion, then a Virginia Beach vacation has everything you require for a memorable time.
Welcome to Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is nicely nestled in the southeastern corner of Virginia, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to its ideal location, the temperature tends to be rather mild year round. Avoiding the extreme heat and humidity of other East Coast summer retreats is one of the reasons so many people flock to Virginia Beach. While you can definitely expect some hot weather in the summer months, it's much more palatable than most other resort areas on the coast.
While a Virginia Beach vacation is a time-honored tradition for some, every year sees new visitors simply looking for a cost-effective, yet thoroughly satisfying vacation. The city is also a relocation point for the headquarters of many of today's leading technological firms, lending it the nickname, "The Golden Mile." A city steeped in tradition and old-fashioned hospitality, Virginia Beach is without equal as one of the fastest growing cities in America.
Where to Stay in Virginia Beach
Due to its popularity in the summer months, Virginia Beach has no shortage of accommodation options. If you want a hotel room where you can open the window and smell the sand and surf and watch the sun rise over the waves, no problem! You just described the majority of Virginia Beach hotels! If you want a hotel that's spacious and comfortable but one that won't break your budget, then you're in luck! You just described most of the hotels in Virginia Beach again!
Besides the pleasant weather, one of the other things that draw families to Virginia Beach is that it's not very expensive to visit. Most of the hotels have rooms ranging from $35 a night to rooms costing much more, but no matter what your budget is, if you reserve early, you can get an impressive Oceanside room at very reasonable price. Some of the more popular hotels include the Ramada on the Beach, the La Quinta Inn and the Quality Inn Virginia Beach. The price, the quality of the accommodations and the convenient locations make these hotels some of the area's top picks. Beyond the selection of hotels, there are also many Virginia Beach vacation rentals to choose from, all of which offer the traveler an experience more like being at home.
Eating out in Virginia Beach
Being a coastal town, you can expect some of the best seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach. For example, Croaker's is a small, hole-in-the-wall seafood shack that draws customers by the "school" thanks in part to their expansive menu of seafood delights. Another local seafood legend is Harpoon Larry's where only the day's freshest catch makes the menu.
If by the third day of your vacation your taste buds are asking for different dinner fare, then try the Otani Japanese Steakhouse, where the table-side preparation is just as lively as the cuisine. If Italian food is calling your name, then the menu at Aldo's Ristorante will have you crying, "Mama Mia!"
Caribbean cuisine is finely represented at Croc's Restaurant. If you're looking to add a little spice to dinner, try the award-winning Mexican food at Coyote Cafe & Cantina. No matter what kind of food your belly's demanding, it can be found in Virginia Beach's vast selection of restaurants. If you need help deciding, just ask your hotel's concierge to recommend one of the best Virginia Beach Restaurants.
Enjoying Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, besides being a world-class beach town, is probably best known for its nature preservations and wildlife refuges. Some of the most visited preserves in the world include the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve and the First Landing State Park. Here, bald eagles still soar the skies and wild horses run free.
Virginia Beach is also an adventurer's dream. With canoeing, kayaking with the bottlenose dolphins and surfing available, you'll have no problem finding the adrenaline rush you're looking for.
As the perfect family vacation destination, Virginia Beach also has plenty for the whole gang to enjoy. Some travelers will find that on a trip to Virginia Beach, car rental makes the most sense and allows for the most freedom to see all the sights. Mom can shop the day away at Atlantic Avenue or the Lynnhaven Mall while Dad hits the links at one of the eight nearby public golf courses. The kids won't miss you much because they'll be cooling off at the Ocean Breeze Water Park! When everyone gets back together again, head to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse and enjoy some quality family time.
Isn't it time to make a return to what makes America great? Take your family to one of the nation's favorite vacation destinations. It's like sitting on the porch, listening to a ball game on the old transistor while munching on a slice of Mom's apple pie. Virginia Beach is a part of our American heritage. This year, make it part of your family's too.
