Welcoming groups to “live the life” is a long-practiced tradition in Virginia Beach. Visitors have a chance to experience the genuine hospitality of a city with a lot to share. From exploring our beaches or the canopied forest of our state parks, there’s an open invitation to paddle, bike, hike, surf and swim your way to your best group adventure yet.
Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or just looking for a breath of fresh air, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the great outdoors in our coastal city. From legendary landmarks to countless trails and waterways, our coastal city awaits.
Groups should arrive ready to discover. The coastal environment here rolls out a big welcome, and invites exploration like no other terrain. These adventures give you a new appreciation for nature’s secrets.
ASK
Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
757-385-4700
vbgov.com
SEE
The Cape Henry Lighthouse, located within the active Fort Story military base, was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792. Also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Today, the lighthouse is open to the public. A breathtaking view of both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean can be enjoyed from its observation platform at the top.
TREK
First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay. The park features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp.
A registered Natural Landmark, First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia. It also contains one of the most endangered habitat types in the world, the maritime forest community.
DISCOVER
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a 9,108-acre refuge made up of barrier islands, dunes, beach woodland, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches. The majority of refuge marshlands are on islands contained within the waters of Back Bay.
This is the habitat for a wide assortment of wildlife, such as loggerhead sea turtles, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. On site are scenic trails, a visitor contact station and group educational opportunities.
EXPLORE
False Cape State Park features over six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat. There is an extensive array of wildlife, including over 300 species of nesting and migratory songbirds.
From April through October, visitors may travel into the heart of the park on a tram and explore by foot from there. At other times of the year, the park can be accessed by boat or on foot through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
