Is any trip truly complete without sharing it on Instagram? Virginia Beach offers an array of picturesque locations, each with its own charm, perfect for capturing and sharing memorable moments.
Whether you’re snapping original shots or enhancing your posts with free stock photos for extra flair, these top attractions are sure to make your social media feed stand out.
1. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
A must-visit for Instagram lovers, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk delivers stunning ocean views and vibrant backdrops. For crowd-free photos, visit early morning or during weekdays. Experiment with long, leading lines and play with reflections in nearby puddles or windows. Capture it at golden hour for the best light and don’t forget to tag #VirginiaBeachBoardwalk for a chance to be featured.
📸 Photography Tip: Try capturing motion blur with passing bicycles or runners.
📅 Best Time: Early mornings or golden hour for softer lighting.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Seas the day at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk 🌊 #MorningMagic”
2. King Neptune Statue
Towering at 24 feet, the King Neptune statue is a masterpiece by local artist Paul DiPasquale, making it an iconic stop at 31st Street. For a unique angle, try a low shot looking up at the statue with the shoreline in the background at sunrise, adding a warm glow.
📸 Photography Tip: Silhouette shots against a sunrise backdrop add drama to the image.
📅 Best Time: Sunrise, for a golden glow over the shoreline.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Ruling over the sands! 🏖 #NeptuneVibes #VirginiaBeach”
3. Sandbridge Beach
Sandbridge Beach offers a tranquil escape with expansive sand dunes and mesmerizing sunsets. It’s a great spot for portrait photography or creative compositions. Arrive early or at dusk to avoid crowds.
📸 Photography Tip: Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots during sunset to capture the dreamy water flow.
📅 Best Time: Sunrise and sunset for the softest lighting.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Chasing sunsets at Sandbridge 🌅 #VirginiaSunset”
4. Cape Henry Lighthouse
A historic treasure, Cape Henry Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coast. Check in at Fort Story Military Base with a valid ID. For dramatic shots, bring a wide-angle lens and capture the lighthouse framed by the sea and sky.
📸 Photography Tip: Long exposures here create striking, moody shots during cloudy days.
📅 Best Time: Late afternoon for softer light on the lighthouse.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Guiding the way for over a century 🌊 #CapeHenryViews”
5. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay’s untouched landscapes make it a dream for nature photographers. You’ll find secluded beach scenes, unique flora, and occasional sightings of local wildlife. For a tranquil atmosphere, walk the trails during off-peak hours.
📸 Photography Tip: Capture reflection shots of marshlands or close-ups of native plants and animals.
📅 Best Time: Late afternoon for softer light over the water.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Nature’s sanctuary 🌿 #VAWildlife #BackBayBeauty”.
6. First Landing State Park
Spanning beaches and trails, First Landing State Park is perfect for capturing natural beauty. Visit in fall for colorful foliage along the trails or head to the beach for sweeping coastal views.
📸 Photography Tip: Capture trail shots using leading lines or experiment with overhead angles to show the dense greenery.
📅 Best Time: Fall for vibrant colors, or spring for blooming flowers.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Wander where the WiFi is weak 🌲 #FirstLandingPark”
7. Stumpy Lake Natural Area
Nestled on the city’s edge, Stumpy Lake is a serene spot known for its scenic views and quiet paths. Capture the calm waters and lush surroundings, especially in the early morning when the mist adds a mystical touch.
📸 Photography Tip: Try reflections and wide shots to showcase the lake’s expansive beauty.
📅 Best Time: Early morning when the mist rises from the water.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Serenity found at Stumpy Lake 🌅 #PeacefulVA”
8. Town Center Fountain
For an urban vibe, the Town Center’s chic atmosphere and central fountain offer a polished backdrop. Snap a photo of the fountain’s shimmering waters or head to nearby rooftop bars for skyline shots.
📸 Photography Tip: Use bokeh effects to capture the fountain at night with twinkling lights.
📅 Best Time: Evening when the fountain lights up.
💬 Suggested Caption: “City lights and fountain nights ✨ #VBTownCenter”
9. Military Aviation Museum
An ideal location for history and photography enthusiasts alike, the Military Aviation Museum showcases restored World War-era planes. Aim to visit during one of their air shows for action-packed shots.
📸 Photography Tip: Use panning to capture motion blur as planes take off, adding dynamism to your photos.
📅 Best Time: Check museum schedules for air shows.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Wings of history in flight ✈️ #AviationLovers”
10. Mount Trashmore Park
A beloved city landmark, Mount Trashmore offers views of two lakes and a skyline dotted with greenery. Visit at sunset for sweeping landscapes over the hills or capture skaters in action at the skate park.
📸 Photography Tip: Experiment with silhouette shots or capture the panoramic views from the hilltop.
📅 Best Time: Sunset for rich colors across the lakes and skyline.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Rising above the rest 🌅 #MountTrashmore”
11. Scuba Santa at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
For a unique holiday shot, catch Scuba Santa at the Virginia Aquarium, diving alongside zebra sharks and eagle rays. This limited-time event is a festive favorite!
📸 Photography Tip: Capture video clips for an eye-catching Instagram story.
📅 Best Time: Saturdays and Sundays before December 23rd.
💬 Suggested Caption: “Santa takes the plunge! 🎅🤿 #ScubaSanta”
Seasonal & Timely Tips for Virginia Beach
Spring:
Ideal for fresh blooms and mild temperatures at First Landing State Park.
Summer:
Early morning or late evening to avoid the heat, perfect for beach photos at Sandbridge.
Fall:
Head to Back Bay for colorful leaves and a tranquil atmosphere.
Winter:
Capture festive lights and decor at the Town Center Fountain.
Capturing Virginia Beach’s Best Moments
These 11 Instagrammable spots in Virginia Beach provide a diverse range of photo opportunities, from historic landmarks and natural preserves to bustling town centers and scenic beaches. With these attractions, your Instagram feed will capture the essence of Virginia Beach’s beauty and charm.
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