Virginia Beach FAQ: Where to go, what to do and more

“Virginia Beach is actually three beaches; something for everyone” declares a spokeswoman for VisitVirginiaBeach.com. Action-packed Resort Beach is backed by the famous 59-block boardwalk. Chesapeake Bay Beach fronts the tranquil, shore-lapping estuary. Along the southern shore, Sandbridge Beach offers a secluded, rustic environment bordering a wildlife refuge. visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/beaches/
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Virginia Beach's state parks to explore 4,000 acres of rustic greenery, trails, maritime forests and marsh habitats, secluded shorelines, and wildlife refuges, filled with masses of marine life and hundreds of bird species, including bald eagles, piping plovers and a snow geese population of 10,000. visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/articles/state_national_parks.aspx.
Josh Thompson, a local surfer battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, inspired this vibrant, handicapped-accessible beach playground with cushioned equipment and beach-access walkways leading to the sea. “Originally, kids were the focus; but it also serves disabled veterans and seniors who have difficulty navigating the sand,” says Billy Ennis of Virginia Gentleman, the park's foundation. Boardwalk & 2nd Street, jtwalk.org
Junkers, Avengers, even Spitfires — if Snoopy and the Red Baron got together to reminisce, history buffs would meet them here. This airport-museum exhibits spectacularly restored American, British and German World War I and II fliers; many were flown by the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Daredevils can even schedule a ride. 1341 Princess Anne Road, 757-721-7767, militaryaviationmuseum.org
Eco-adventurers braving paddle treks through sea swells out where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic will be rewarded with close-up encounters with frolicsome bottlenose dolphins. “I've been sprayed in the face by them,” says tour guide Kevin Fonda. “And there's also great wildlife on our sunrise and full moon river paddles.” 89th Street, 757-480-1999, kayaknaturetours.net
Cownose rays, sand tiger sharks and komodo dragons are some of the 300 species living in Virginia's largest aquarium, featuring 800,000 gallons of marine exhibits, live animal habitats, native plants, ocean reef and aviary. The Behind the Scenes tour is just one of an array of exceptional programs for every age. 717 General Booth Blvd., 757-385-3474, virginiaaquarium.com
Take the oyster-farming boat tour on the Lynnhaven River to sample native oysters. Farmer Chris Ludford leads the touchy-feely Chefs Table tour where, “outfitted in waders, you stand knee-deep at a dining table and reach below the water to harvest fresh bivalves at your feet,” says Ludford. 3211 Lynnhaven Drive, 757-663-6970, pleasurehouseoysters.com/tours
Looking for a cool time in the trees? This aerial adventure park offers a variety of treetop trails where thrill-seekers ages 5 and up can coast through the air on zip lines and climb from bridge to bridge, or along elevated ropes courses, ranging beginner level to expert. 801 General Booth Blvd., 757-385-4847, virginiabeachadventurepark.com
“This was the nation's first federally funded lighthouse — the first time that our brand-new Congress got together to build something as a government,” says Jennifer Hurst-Wender of Preservation Virginia. From the top, sightseers can catch panoramic views of the first settlers' passage from the Atlantic Ocean into the Chesapeake Bay. 583 Atlantic Ave., Fort Story, 757-422-9421, preservationvirginia.org/visit/historic-properties/cape-henry-lighthouse.
Adults can shear sheep and learn how to make cheese, kombucha, noodles and other dishes using local and seasonal ingredients, while immersing themselves in farm life at this educational working farm. Cooking classes at the farm's Food Lab are taught by some of the area's top chefs. 1885 Indian River Road, 757-536-6102, newearthfarm.org

JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY

by Stephanie Citron

Everything you need to know to have a successful trip to Virginia Beach, Va.

Best time to visit: While Virginia Beach is idyllic during beach season, winter is optimal for smaller crowds, whale watching and horseback riding along the deserted sands.

Worst time to visit: Spring break season, when throngs of students swarm the streets. Nights, especially, are often rowdy, so not the best time for a family getaway here.

Beach rules: No fires, glass containers, alcoholic beverages on the beach. No picnicking on sand dunes. No pets on public beaches or boardwalk from Memorial Day to Labor Day. No surfing outside designated surfing zones 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends between 1st and 41st Streets

What to do if you’re …

A young family: Toddlers can easily wade Chesapeake Bay Beach‘s gentle tide. Admission to Virginia Beach Amusement Park, with loads of kiddie rides, is free.

People watching: “There’s no better view into the local vibe than from our patio bar,” says Ginny Zapar of Waterman Surfside Grille, which overlooks the boardwalk and beach.

Willing to drive: In Hampton, “Grandview Nature Preserve offers one of the few truly undisturbed natural beaches on the East Coast, filled with dunes and bird-nesting areas,” says Hampton spokeswoman Robin McCormick.

Into beach sports: There are perpetual pickup volleyball, soccer, Frisbee and all-volley tennis matches on Resort Beach, advises Virginia Beach’s Visitors Association. Oceanfront, 13th-37th streets.

Into marine life: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is 9,108 sea-forested acres teaming with elusive and endangered loggerheads, tiger sand sharks, dolphins, sea horses and waterfowl.

Into fishing: License required except from private boat with Virginia boat license or private property or pier; or holding a reciprocal Maryland saltwater license. “Sea bass, tile fish, rose fish; we catch it all out there,” says Capt. Skip Feller of Rudee Tours‘ Deep Drop, a 17-hour expedition, 70 miles offshore. Or just drop a line off the Virginia Beach Pier, 15th Street.

Into surfing: All day long, boarders hang 10 at Virginia Beach’s First Street jetty, or along the northern boundary of Little Island Park.

Into craft brewing: Pleasure House Brewing offers revolving selection of handcrafted brews. Wasserhund Brewing Company’s Tap Room features German-style beer.

A foodie: Shuck ’em, then slurp ’em down, dockside at sunset at Chick’s Oyster Bar. Most of the ingredients used at Commune are locally sourced or harvested from their garden.

Doing as the locals do: Shop regional purveyors, Saturday mornings at Old Beach Farmers’ Market. Locals dodge tourists by doing their surfing and sunning at North End beach, 8800 Oceanfront Ave.

Looking for fresh, local seafood to cook: Cast a line. Then let a restaurant participating in VB’s Catch and Cook program clean, cook and serve you your catch. It’s vacation, after all.

Into nightlife: The Saturday scene happens at Peabody’s “Bash on the Beach.” The beautiful crowd sips mojitos and pomegranate cocktails at Oceanaire’s Ultra Martini Lounge.

Looking to go upscale: VB’s chic elite catch “The Wave” shopper’s shuttle to the chichi Shops at Hilltops. Local epicureans devour the fresh, sustainable menu at Terrapin.

In need of a rainy-day diversion: The Tar Roof is a 160-year-old farmhouse-turned-art gallery, showcasing local artists. Kids ages 3 and older savor the cooking lessons at Young Chef’s Academy.

New this year

ViBe Creative District, the neighborhood around 18th Street. Established last year in Resort Beach, the area encompasses an enclave of art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants that showcase local artisans working with canvases, jewelry, custom surfboards, artisan food and beverages. First Fridays here are a favorite of the artsy crowd.

TopGolf, 5444 Greenwich Road, 757-544-9217. This state-of-the-art golf entertainment complex opened late last year and provides real-time and virtual golf experiences through skills activities, games and classes. The super-cool micro-chipped golf balls measure your accuracy and distance.

Commonwealth Brewing Co., 2444 Pleasure House Road, 757-305-9652. This is Virginia Beach’s newest brewery, residing in a repurposed landmark firehouse. They’ve got 15 brews pouring in the tasting room, but you can choose to “Cheers” in the outdoor beer garden. It’s all about the suds here, so if you want snacks to munch, BYOF.

Big events

Strawberry Festival: Strawberries. every which way. In shortcakes, shakes, fresh off the vine, and pie-eating contests. Sweeter still, the fest features a parade, one of the largest carnivals on the East Coast, live music, pig races and a multi-million-dollar military display. May 28 and 29. 1776 Princess Anne Road, 757-721-6001.

Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose: This exhibit at The Museum of Contemporary Art is a 10-year retrospective of the avant-garde pop and counter-culture art magazine Hi-Fructose. May 22-Dec. 31. 2200 Parks Avenue, 757-425-0000.

East Coast Surfing Championship: More than 100 of the world’s top professional surfers and some 300 amateurs compete in what’s known as North America’s Oldest Running Surfing Competition. For spectators, there is live music, food, and beach activities, including sand hockey and beach flag football. Aug. 21-28. 2nd Street and Atlantic Avenue.

American Music Festival: It’s all here, in the East Coast’s largest outdoor music fest: rock, jazz, country and R&B. Sept 2-4. Even better, concerts at three of the four stages are free to the public. The festival coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Half Marathon, in Virginia Beach. Performances in various locations around town.

International Sandsculpting Championship: 12 solo and 10 double sand-sculpting teams from around the globe mold and etch spectacular works of art, from granules of Virginia Beach sand. Sept. 30-Oct. 9. The works are on view in oceanfront tents between 4th-10th streets.