Virginia Beach, located on the Atlantic coast, is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the East Coast of the United States. The city is especially famous for its luxurious beaches, but there are many other alternative ways to spend leisure time. For example, cultural events that are unlike any other, a large number of casinos that bring success at every turn, and restaurants where it’s possible to try cuisines of different nations. In the text, we will tell more about the places worth visiting in the city and interesting activities that everyone can try. Virginia Beach is an oasis of entertainment, from live performances of talented people to swimming with dolphins.
Beach Events and Festivals in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has many beautiful beaches with events, so there is always something interesting going on. Every year, thousands of visitors have the opportunity to attend one of the largest and most famous events, the Neptune Festival. It’s held in September and lasts several days. The program is dedicated to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and includes activities such as the Neptune Parade, the Sand Sculpture Festival, and evening concerts.
Another large-scale celebration is the American Music Festival, which usually takes place in late August. It has been held annually for about 30 years and is a platform for performances by famous musicians of various genres. For example, Pharrell Williams, The Beach Boys, BB King, James Brown, Smash Mouth, and many others.
Live Performances
In addition to the scheduled events, visitors can also enjoy live music at local clubs, restaurants, and bars. For example, Peabody’s Nightclub provides electronic music, hip-hop, and pop. Moreover, the popular Catch 31 Fish House & Bar allows enjoying live performances in the evening, great ocean views, and interesting seafood. Also worth a visit is the well-known local café Doc Taylor’s, famous for its delicious breakfasts. In the evening, there is an open mic where talented performers can showcase themselves and sing their favorite songs.
Gambling in Virginia Beach
For a long time, Virginia had strict restrictions on gambling, but in 2020, everything changed. Legislation was passed that allows the opening of casinos in certain cities of the state. So far, the gambling industry has not been greatly expanded in Virginia Beach. Nevertheless, it’s possible to visit neighboring towns to try your luck and earn extra money for other entertainment. In addition, active American gaming sites for UK users allow you to feel the spirit of the game and guarantee 100% safety. You can also go on a short cruise ship trip from Virginia Beach, where it’s possible to combine travel with gambling.
Thanks to the new legislation and top US game developers that permit the opening of casinos in Virginia, the region is expected to see an increase in the future of gambling opportunities.
Wine and Beer Tours
For wine and beer lovers, Virginia Beach offers plenty of tasting opportunities. You can visit local wineries, such as Virginia Beach Winery and Mermaid Winery. They have a large number of positive reviews and hold wine tastings every day.
There are also several craft breweries in the town, including Back Bay Brewing Co. and Smartmouth Brewing Co. It’s possible to sample a variety of beers and learn more about the process of their production. These are interesting excursions to take a break from the scorching sun of Virginia Beach and try something new!
Water Sports
There’s no time to be bored in a city for outdoor enthusiasts. Virginia Beach is a real paradise for surfers, kayakers, and windsurfers. There are several surf schools in the city where it’s possible to take lessons, rent equipment and get professional advice. In addition, there are opportunities to participate in or simply watch surfing competitions such as the East Coast Surfing Championships. Every year, these events bring together competitors and viewers from all over the world.
Kayaking allows to explore coastal waters and quiet bays. It’s possible to even come across dolphins, pelicans, or other marine life. The most popular kayaking destinations are Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and First Landing State Park.
Windsurfing is a water sport that combines surfing and sailing. This is the most extreme activity in Virginia Beach, with the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean creating the perfect space for riding. Thanks to the regular winds, the ride is gentle and accessible even for beginners.
Cultural Part of the City
There are numerous galleries, museums, and theatres to explore in Virginia Beach. Exhibitions, performances, and concerts for tourists and locals are constantly held in the city. Virginia Beach receives about 19 million visitors annually, so the city administration actively supports and develops cultural initiatives. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum are among the must-see places. Theatre lovers will also be interested in the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. The local theatre offers performances of various genres, from classical plays to modern dramas and comedies. It’s staffed by local actors and volunteers who support the cultural community of Virginia Beach.
Conclusion
Virginia Beach is not only about beaches and water sports but also a rich cultural center with many opportunities to experience the world of art and culture. It’s an attractive holiday destination not only for its gentle ocean but also for museums, theatres, and music events. No matter what your interest is, Virginia Beach has a wide range of activities to offer, even for casino lovers.