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VIRGINIA BEACH AREA GUIDE

When you book Sandbridge vacation rentals, you’re minutes from the Virginia Beach Resort Area and the world-famous three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Lined with shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions, the boardwalk has all the best things to do and see.

Sandbridge sits between the Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean making it a hub for water activities all year-round. Venture just slightly north to Virginia Beach Resort Area and you have access to the Rudee Inlet Marina, which is home to a full fleet of charter fishing boats, a pirate boat, parasailing, jet skiing, stand up paddling, and more. Estuaries and inlets around Virginia Beach also offer opportunities to fish from kayaks or do yoga on a stand up paddle board.

Plus, there’s plenty to do on land. Bike through the tall pines at First Landing State Park, visit the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse, learn about aquatic life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, or splash around at the Ocean Breeze Waterpark.

Shopping

You can find everything you need at Red Mill Commons, located about 10 minutes from Sandbridge. This center has a Target, Wal-Mart, grocery store, ABC store, surf shop, dining options, and more.

The Virginia Beach Farmers Market is open year round featuring fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, meat, cheese, and more.

If you’re in the market for an all-day shopping excursion, head to Atlantic Avenue in the Resort Area, Hilltop, Lynnhaven Mall, or MacArthur Center.

Dining Out

Seafood lovers rejoice in the Virginia Beach area. Try steamed blue crab, spiced shrimp, broiled flounder, and more. Some of our local favorites include Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse, The Landing, and Blue Seafood & Spirits. If seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of other options like great Italian, Mexican, American, and more to fit any budget.

Nearby dining options include Blue Pete’s Restaurant, The Bee and The Biscuit, Sage Kitchen, and the Sandbridge Island Restaurant.

Night Life

If you want to stay in the neighborhood, venture into The Baja and Bayview Lounge, where there is nightly entertainment in the summer like live music to kid-friendly dodgeball, and weekly live music the entire year.

You can also find live music at the Sandbridge Island, located next to the market, where acoustic guitarists play outside on the deck in the summer! Shag to favorite beach tunes, try line dancing, listen to some rock, jazz or blues.

Theme Park and Attractions

Within just a 15 minute drive you can spend hours at Ocean Breeze Water Park or Motor World USA riding down water slides and driving motor carts. The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium offers 16 zip-lining trails through the shady trees, and is next door to the Virginia Aquarium. The Virginia Aquarium features more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums, live animal habitats, more than 100 hands-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary, 10 acres of marsh habitat and trails, and so much more.

Other attractions include Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and Norfolk Tides Baseball at Harbor Park.

Museums

Looking for some history lessons or a more cultural experience with an art exhibit? The Old Coast Guard Station Museum highlights Virginia Beach’s early history, shipwrecks, and rescues along the coast. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art center exclusively displays 20th century works of art via permanent and temporary exhibits.

Visit the Military Aviation Museum in Pungo to see one of the world's largest collections of warbirds in flying condition. World War I and World War II era planes and memorabilia are on display with guided tours offered daily. Air shows, plane rides, and seasonal events are offered all year long. Stop by the Dinosaur Exhibit, a unique collection of sculptures and at the entrance to the Virginia Beach Airport.

Nauticus, also known as the National Maritime Museum, is in Norfolk and features interactive science exhibits to learn about battleships, sea life, and more.

Tour Historical Virginia Beach

Thirteen years before the famous Plymouth Rock landing, British settlers first set foot on American soil at Cape Henry. Come see the First Landing Cross commemorating this event as well as Old Cape Henry Lighthouse at nearby Fort Story. Built in 1791, it's America's oldest government-built lighthouse.

Visit historic homes in the area like the Adam Thoroughgood House, the Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House and Upper Wolfsnare.

 

Visit Virginia's Historic Triangle

JAMESTOWN:

In 1607, Englishmen began building a colony here after a 6,000-mile journey. See full-size replicas of their ships and explore the site of the first permanent English settlement in America.

YORKTOWN:

Here the British surrendered to General George Washington in 1781. Come learn about the American Revolution through the eyes of those who lived it. Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg - A Short Drive from Virginia Beach - Sandbridge Beach, VA

WILLIAMSBURG:

Leaving their original settlement behind, colonists moved here to their new capital in 1699. Relive their way of life by touring historic homes and buildings and hearing patriots whisper about revolution!

Williamsburg is also a well-known shopper's haven. Be sure to browse around Merchant's Square near the historic district. Then visit the Williamsburg Pottery Factory at Lightfoot, where you'll find great deals.