Top Attractions for Every Vacationer in Virginia Beach

Sandbridge Beach isn't just the perfect place for some rest and relaxation, it also the ideal home base for an adventure vacation! After unpacking at the rental of your choice, the fun begins! Being local experts in the area, Siebert Realty has done the research to make planning a vacation easy! Check out our favorite places to visit and explore while you're here! 

For the Nature Lover

First Landing State Park

Explore 2,888 acres of natural beauty and history at First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most-visited state park. Discover maritime forests, sand dunes, bald cypress swamps, and 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront. A registered National Natural Landmark, the park also marks the 1607 landing site of the English colonists before they continued on to Jamestown.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Escape the bustle of Virginia Beach at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a stunning 9,250-acre coastal sanctuary established in 1938. Explore sand dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, and quiet trails while spotting migratory birds and local wildlife. The refuge also serves as a gateway to the remote False Cape State Park, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s last remaining undeveloped coastal habitats. Located between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this 4,321-acre park offers miles of pristine beaches, dunes, forests, and trails—a peaceful contrast to Virginia Beach’s resort area. Its unique name comes from its resemblance to Cape Henry, which once misled early mariners into dangerous, shallow waters.

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium

Break from ordinary, embark on a thrilling adventure! Take on a self-guided treetop adventure with 17 aerial trails, 258 challenge elements, and 33 ziplines. Highlights include a 315-foot zipline over Owl Creek, plus nighttime Glow in the Park events. Located at the Virginia Aquarium, the park welcomes climbers ages 5 and up.

Outdoor Activities

Atlantic Park Surf

Atlantic Park Surf opened in August 2025 at Virginia Beach’s historic Dome site, between 18th and 20th Streets. Backed by Pharrell Williams, the $350 million entertainment district features a 2.67-acre Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon that can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, with both left- and right-breaking waves. It's also surrounded by shops, restaurants, and The Dome by Rutter Mills, an indoor/outdoor music venue.

JT's Grommet Island Park

This 15,000-square-foot accessible beach park features wheelchair-friendly entrances and an inclusive playground with accessible sand tables, sensory features, a sway boat, and playful sculptures of dolphins, a surfboard, and waves. Accessible seating and sand-play equipment ensure everyBODY can enjoy the beach and playground.

Motor World

Motor World is a family-friendly amusement park packed with action and adventure. Race across 11 go-kart tracks with more than 250 karts, challenge the 36-hole Shipwreck Mini-Golf course, or enjoy bumper boats, thrill rides, kiddie rides, the Skycoaster, and an arcade. The park also features Splat Zone paintball for even more excitement.

Indoor Activities

Military Aviation Museum

Discover one of the world’s largest collections of operational vintage military aircraft at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Explore beautifully restored aircraft from World War I and World War II, historic structures, expansive hangars, and a grass runway across the museum’s 130-acre campus. A must-see attraction for aviation and history enthusiasts, rain or shine!

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Discover thousands of animals and hundreds of species at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, one of Virginia Beach’s premier attractions. Explore more than 800,000 gallons of immersive exhibits, including a 300,000-gallon tank with sharks and rays, plus an underwater walk-through tunnel. Experience Virginia’s diverse aquatic ecosystems, from inland waterways to the deep Atlantic.

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

Step into Virginia Beach history at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, housed in the historic 1895 de Witt Cottage, the last remaining Victorian-era private structure on the boardwalk. Explore exhibits celebrating the region’s waterfowl hunting traditions, coastal heritage, and local history.

Experience the Dream of Flight at IFly

Experience the thrill of flight in a safe, high-energy environment for ages 3–103. Get hands-on instruction from experienced coaches as you learn tricks and maneuvers, whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or training for the skies.

For the Art Seeker and Zen Enlightenment

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore contemporary art at Virginia MOCA, where visitors of all ages and backgrounds can connect through thought-provoking, locally relevant and nationally recognized works. With ever-changing exhibitions, engaging programs, and a strong connection to the community, Virginia MOCA offers an inspiring look at the art of today and what art can become.

Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Association for Research and Enlightenment

Explore the fascinating work of Edgar Cayce, the “father of holistic medicine,” at this nonprofit center founded in 1931. Discover topics including holistic health, spirituality, dreams, ancient mysteries, and intuition. Enjoy free daily lectures, films, and tours, along with a library, bookstore, meditation garden, stone labyrinth, holistic spa, and healthy dining at the Leaping Lizard Café. Visit the website for a full schedule of events.

ViBe Creative District

Explore Virginia Beach’s vibrant arts and cultural scene in the ViBe Creative District, just west of the Oceanfront. Discover colorful murals, public art, galleries, artist studios, independent shops, cafés, and creative businesses along 18th and 19th Streets. Stroll the district’s mural walks or visit during First Friday events, art markets, and street festivals.

For the Animal Lovers

Hunt Club Farm

Hunt Club Farm is a 53-acre, family-owned farm and agricultural education center in Virginia Beach, offering fun and educational experiences for all ages. Meet friendly animals at the Petting Farm, explore the TreeWalk Adventure, browse the farm market, or enjoy seasonal events and activities. In the fall, families can experience the Harvest Fair, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and Haunted Hunt Club Farm for spooky nighttime fun.

Iconic Sights

The Historic Cavalier Hotel

A Virginia Beach landmark since 1927, The Historic Cavalier Hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury at 4200 Atlantic Ave. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel has welcomed 10 U.S. presidents and countless notable guests. After a $81 million restoration, it reopened in 2018 with elegant dining, the Cavalier Beach Club, private cabanas, an infinity pool, and the historic Hunt Room and Raleigh Room. The resort also features Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, an on-site craft distillery.

Cape Henry Lighthouse

The Cape Henry structure does have some unique bragging rights: it was the first lighthouse authorized by the brand-new U.S. government. Climb to the top of the historic stone lighthouse built in 1792 at the site of the first English landing. A must-see for history buffs, it’s also just a lovely place to spend a few hours.

Neptune's Park

Neptune’s Park is a scenic oceanfront plaza at 31st Street, anchored by the iconic 34-foot King Neptune statue. Located along Virginia Beach’s three-mile boardwalk, the park is a popular spot for summer entertainment, strolling, biking, and enjoying the oceanfront atmosphere.

Whether biking in Back Bay, taking long walks down the beach, or filling the day with others spontaneous local activities, Sandbridge provides a perfect destination for the adventure-seeker.

Planning Your Sandbridge Vacation?

Looking for the perfect beach getaway? Siebert Realty offers hundreds of fully furnished vacation homes and condos for families to enjoy year-round.

Visit www.siebert-realty.com to:

  • Browse vacation rentals
  • Discover local restaurants and attractions
  • Learn about concerts and seasonal events
  • Book boating, golfing, and water activities