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- Three-mile Boardwalk — The classic oceanfront stretch you actually want to use: wide wooden promenade for biking, rollerblading and people-watching, with street performers and small vendors scattered along the way. Daytime is for sunrise runs and shell hunting; at night it turns neon-lit and buzzing with live outdoor music and occasional summer fireworks over the water.
- Rudee Inlet and the Jetty — Tight little channel where commercial fishing, surfers and paddleboarders meet. It’s the best spot in town for budget-friendly kayak or paddleboard rentals and for seeing dolphins close to shore. After dark you’ll still find night anglers on the jetty and peaceful moonlit walks away from the busiest parts of the oceanfront.
- Cape Henry Lighthouse & Historic Fort Story — A compact slice of coast
- Three-mile Boardwalk — The classic oceanfront stretch you actually want to use: wide wooden promenade for biking, rollerblading and people-watching, with street performers and small vendors scattered along the way. Daytime is for sunrise runs and shell hunting; at night it turns neon-lit and buzzing with live outdoor music and occasional summer fireworks over the water.
- Rudee Inlet and the Jetty — Tight little channel where commercial fishing, surfers and paddleboarders meet. It’s the best spot in town for budget-friendly kayak or paddleboard rentals and for seeing dolphins close to shore. After dark you’ll still find night anglers on the jetty and peaceful moonlit walks away from the busiest parts of the oceanfront.
- Cape Henry Lighthouse & Historic Fort Story — A compact slice of coast history: climb the lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay and ocean, then wander the old military grounds and beachfront bluffs. Great for golden-hour photos and a quieter sunset alternative to the main strip; the tower’s silhouette and shoreline lights are pleasant to watch at night.
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge & False Cape shoreline (personal favorite) — If you want remote dunes, migrating birds and miles of nearly empty sand, this is it. You get undeveloped shoreline, easy wildlife viewing and short hikes or long bike rides away from the crowds. Access is limited (foot/bike/boat), which keeps it peaceful; at night the lack of light makes for serious stargazing and backcountry camping if you’re up for a permit and basic gear.
- Virginia Aquarium and Eco-Boat Tours — Small but focused aquarium with touch tanks and local species displays, plus affordable wildlife boat trips that actually go offshore for dolphin and seabird viewing and to explore barrier islands. Best during the day for hands-on exhibits; the boat trips are the main draw and often the most reliable way to spot wildlife around here.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours
Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour
Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours
Jet Ski Rental
Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Virginia Beach
2 Hour Private Tiki Boat Cruises in Virginia Beach
Candle Making Experience at Sugared Mango
Virginia Beach True Crime Tour
Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim
Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.