Virginia Beach offers an endless array of activities to enjoy, and it becomes a top tourist destination in the summer, attracting visitors from all over the US. This beach town paradise bursts with surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, and excitement. Weekends are packed with movie nights, outdoor concerts, family festivals, and even fireworks. Here we list some of the best things to do in Virginia Beach in the summer.
OUTDOOR CONCERTS BY THE BEACH
Formerly known as GTE Virginia Beach Amphitheater, the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater hosts popular acts throughout the summer. Artists have included Sting, The Dave Matthews Band, and The Backstreet Boys. You can watch bands and artists covering many music genres — from pop and hip-hop to jazz and country. Most event tickets include parking, and the food and drink concession stands feature local beers. The outdoor venue has a 20,000 seating capacity, with events running from April to October. A fixed seating area is available under a canopy and open lawn seating surrounds it. The venue rents out small chairs, or you can bring picnic blankets.
In addition, the City of Virginia Beach organizes Beach Events every summer and includes festivals, family activities, and free concerts. These events are held at the 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks all along the oceanfront resort area. You’ll find vendor booths and plenty of entertainment for the whole family so be sure to add one of these events to your Virginia Beach bucket list!
HIKING AND EXPLORING STATE PARKS
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Located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is a 2,900-acre oasis where you can go hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing. There are over 19 miles of nature trails from which you can explore the habitats that make up this unique ecosystem. The trails go through a cypress swamp, salt marshes, dunes, a maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, and the shoreline. The park’s northernmost East Coast location features subtropical and temperate plants that can be found growing together. Bikers can take the six-mile Cape Henry Trail that traverses through the park — bring your own bikes or rent them at the park store.
The park also includes picnic areas, camping facilities, and cabin rentals. The main picnic area has barbeque grills, a camping pavilion, and restroom facilities. Camping and cabin rentals range in price. They offer a perfect getaway for your whole family and are all pet-friendly. A one-mile stretch of beach in the park runs along the Chesapeake Bay.
False Cape State Park is one of the last undeveloped areas along the Atlantic Coast. The 4,300-acre park is bordered by Back Bay and the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. There are nature trails for hiking and biking, and a seasonal tram is available. Stop by the visitor center for more information on seasonal activities, primitive campgrounds, and educational programs.
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS
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The annual Fourth of July fireworks attract people from all around the state, North Carolina, and beyond. Launched from 22nd Street, the city’s “Star-spangled Salute” includes live entertainment, food trucks, and local vendors. Although the fireworks can be seen from anywhere along the beach, most of the festivities are held at Mount Trashmore Park. In the past, other Virginia Beach fireworks were set off weekly, but they haven’t returned since the pandemic.
BOATING, CRUISING, AND WATER SPORTS
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Of course, the Virginia Beach area has a nearly unlimited supply of water activity options. Several businesses rent speed boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks. Waterskiing and wakeboarding are other popular activities. Wave Riding Vehicles has multi-day surf camps taught by professional instructors in the summer, and they offer weekly catered parties for the students.
With its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach offers some of the finest fishing on the East Coast. Rudee Tours hosts fishing charters that are available year-round. They provide all the equipment, and there are opportunities for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned anglers.
Looking for something more romantic? Virginia Beach sunset cruises cater to couples and small groups. The tours typically last about one-and-a-half hours. Tour operators usually provide light snacks and drinks or you can bring your own. Ask the operator to take you by the lighthouse for incredible views of the coastline!
FUN ANNUAL FESTIVALS
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One of the most anticipated festivals in Virginia Beach is Funk Fest, which brings a weekend of live music and entertainment to the oceanfront. The performing artists bring more than funk as concert-goers enjoy pop, soul, jazz, and R&B. The event is free but capacity is limited; however, there are reserved sections available for purchase. You can buy food from select caterers and memorabilia from numerous vendors. Music lovers should also check out the Totally Tribute Music Fest. Tribute bands playing music from bands that date back to the 1960s and 1970s take over 17th and 24th Street Parks for an entire weekend of free concerts.
The annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival brings 30 different breweries from all over the East Coast — and from as far away as Hawaii. More than 60 craft beers are featured, and if that’s not enough, the festival is loaded with live music, food trucks, and artisanal vendors.
Looking for family-fun events? The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) puts together Family Fest every summer. They have activities for all ages, including art-making and 3D printing. Not to be missed is the new Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, where you can ride in one of the balloons or watch the skies fill with color soaring up from the ground and overhead.
DISCOVER VIRGINIA BEACH WITH US
If you want to know more about what Virginia Beach has to offer, contact Brandon Carney. As one of Virginia’s top real estate agents, he can give you insights into the market, lifestyle, seasonal activities, and what it’s like to live in the area. He specializes in buying and selling homes in the Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach real estate markets. If you’re ready to buy or sell in the area, reach out to Brandon for guidance throughout the entire journey.
