How Virginia Beach can put a spring in your step

For years, studies have shown that being in nature or near water is one of the best things a person can do for oneself. Water—even just the sound of it—can lower stress levels and induce calmness. With 38 miles of coastline, Virginia Beach represents an easy way to give your body a natural boost.
From outdoor festivals and hiking trails to picking your own produce and animal encounters in the sea, Virginia Beach has oodles of outdoor adventures to lift your spirits and have your fun cup runneth over. Happiness is just a car ride away.
Hang at the beach
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach is the world’s largest pleasure beach. Wriggling your toes in the sand, listening to the waves as you lay in the sun here simply feels great. Plus, it’s free to enter 24 hours a day; note that lifeguards are only on duty mid-May through mid-September. You don’t have to stay horizontal to enjoy Virginia Beach though.
Stroll the 3-mile Boardwalk, where you can snap a pic with the iconic 26-foot King Neptune Statue or stop for an oceanfront bite to eat. The Boardwalk is also cyclist-friendly thanks to separate biking and walking paths; you can even rent a fat tire bike to pedal on the beach.
There are also plenty of camping opportunities right on the sand (False Cape State Park) or in a rustic cabin (First Landing State Park) or even camping sites with an on-site massage therapist (North Landing Beach RV Resort & Cottages). No matter where you sleep, catching a sunrise or sunset over the water is sure to boost your serotonin.
Run to the water
With its many jetties, piers and inlets creating a variety of surfing conditions, Virginia Beach has long been a destination for surfers of all levels. It even hosts the East Coast Surfing Championships (Aug. 17–24), one of the world’s oldest competitions.
If you're not ready to ride the open ocean, a new wave-park complex called Atlantic Park Surf will open this summer, backed by Wavegarden and entertainer/Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams. The park is designed for anyone from amateurs to seasoned pros.
It’s not just people who flock to Virginia Beach—bottlenose dolphins can be found just offshore as well in the Sandbridge Beach area from late spring through early fall. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch sight of these friendly creatures, so get closer in a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or on a boat tour with Rudee Tours or the Atlantic Explorer.
If you dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins leaping in the sea while you enjoy your meal. Eating fresh seafood is an easy way to energize your body as well, as it provides a powerhouse of essential minerals. Speaking of the day’s catch, no fishing license is required at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, which operates from April through October. (Hours vary depending on the season.) If you’re more of the “let’s not and say we did” type, the Lynnhaven Fishing Company is an open-air fish market where you can also buy fresh whole fish caught that day.
Go to a festival or event
From sporting competitions to free concerts to seaside wine tastings, more than 40 events fill the Virginia Beach calendar each year. Some—like the aforementioned East Coast Surfing Championships—appeal to adrenaline junkies. The Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo (April 13–14) brings the western U.S. to the sandy East Coast as the country’s best bull riders and barrel racers compete outdoors for a $12,000 prize. Some of the world's best athletes show off their skills in sports like skateboarding, bouldering and BASE jumping at the Jackalope Festival (May 30–June 1).
The lineup hasn’t been announced yet for this summer’s Oceanfront Concert Series, free concerts held at the 17th, 24th and 31st Street Parks on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, typically from June through September. Past performers have included Jefferson Starship, Digable Planets and Ace Frehley. Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater fits up to 20,000 people; upcoming shows include Rufus du Sol (May 10), Styx (July 11) and Nelly, Ja Rule & Eve (July 25).
The beloved Virginia Beach Neptune Festival (Sept. 26–28) celebrates its 51st anniversary this year. Taking over more than 30 blocks of the Boardwalk, it features performances from local and national bands, sand sculptures, races (on foot and a Regatta), an arts and craft show as well as many other events all weekend long.
Hit the trails
Virginia Beach has more than 200 parks and natural areas spread out over 7,000 acres, which you can explore on foot or on two wheels. The 300+ miles of biking trails are popular for all levels. Cape Henry Trail is a 6-mile ride through the pine and oak trees of First Landing State Park; you might spot an osprey, egret or even an eagle. Navigate through the marshes, forests and bay beaches of False Cape State Park’s 20 hiking and biking trails while keeping your eyes peeled for deer and turtles.
The 217 acres of West Neck Creek Natural Area are great for hiking and birdwatching; depending on the season, you can spot ovenbirds, American redstarts, worm-eating warblers and great crested flycatchers. Make a day of it with the Pungo Loop Trail, which stretches for 21 miles. You’ll ride across rural landscapes, full of horses, vineyards, waterways and strawberry fields (more on that in a second).
Create your own Ironman challenge with the 1.9-mile Lake Trashmore Loop Trail which goes around much of Mount Trashmore Park. There are 10 outdoor fitness stations along this trail to keep that heart rate high.
Pick your produce
While lazily brushing your hands against the sand can feel nice, getting your hands in the soil is a proven mood-booster as it increases your serotonin levels. You’re in luck as Virginia Beach has both. In Pungo lies the 8,000 acres of farmland that provides the farm-to-table produce at area restaurants as well as goodies on sale at farmer’s markets.
Pungo offers many u-pick farms; depending on the season, you’ll find (literally) tons of strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins and apples. Cullipher Farm, Henley Farms and Flanagan Farm are popular spots to visit. If you’re lucky, you might meet a friendly farm animal or two as well.