The East Coast of the U.S. is such a long stretch of coastline that several iconic travel hotspots litter the hundreds of miles of land that face out toward the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia Beach is a prime destination, just a few hours’ drive from other iconic American vacation hotspots such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. However, those destinations provide you with a big city vacation, and Virginia Beach offers something unique, so while these destinations all have a lot to offer, many people might overlook Virginia Beach when it comes to a trip to the East Coast.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
From the early 1990s to the mid-noughties, Atlantic City and its famous Boardwalk attempted to take some of the considerable revenue generated from Las Vegas and bring a gambling hotspot to the East Coast that could rival the legendary location in the Nevada desert. While it seemed like it would be a good idea to attract this lucrative business from its established focal point, the practicalities of implementing such a bold plan proved to cause more of a problem than initially anticipated. It wasn’t a total failure as many colossal sporting events took place on the Boardwalk, such as world championship boxing, and the beach continues to provide a great stream of revenue for local businesses during the summer.
However, the casino, hotel, and gambling plans failed to take off properly. Another unwelcome addition to the gambling market for these companies was the rise of digital casinos, which were starting to explode in popularity around the same time. This put another nail in the coffin of the grand plans that New Jersey developers held for the area.
Although these casinos still made good money by hosting poker games and tournaments, the shift to digital services was significant. Online poker is one facet of casino gaming that started to ramp up in popularity, and although places like Las Vegas didn’t experience that much of a significant impact in their bottom line, Atlantic City, in its attempt to become a challenger casino resort destination took the implications of this disruptive innovation.
It’s not just gambling that’s a big draw for people looking to spend a few days in Atlantic City though, the beach, aquarium, and entertainment venues all have something to offer. Still, compared with Virginia Beach, it has a different appeal; in our opinion, Atlantic City has a busier atmosphere, but Virginia Beach has a more laid-back vacation vibe.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Given that it is much further south than Virginia Beach, Fort Lauderdale looks to offer a truly, relaxing beach vacation experience. As we have already stated, it all depends on your desire. Fort Lauderdale’s beaches face the Atlantic Ocean, and the weather in Florida is some of the nicest and most tropical you’ll find anywhere in the United States. While Fort Lauderdale might cater to people with a bit more cash, you can enjoy the beaches and the vibrant nightlife without having to dip into your pocket too much.
If you’d prefer to go on vacation somewhere with more events for the family and a better selection of things to do, then Virginia Beach is probably a better option. Still, Fort Lauderdale is a better option for the weather, particularly in the summer, and the beaches are rated slightly higher, so it depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for.
The City Breaks
Considering how much land America covers, there’s much to see and do, even if you narrow it down to Eastern coastal destinations. New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Boston are all places you should travel to if it is within your budget and means. They all offer something incredibly unique and offer different vacations to Virginia Beach.
New York doesn’t need much introduction or explanation as the backdrop to some of the world’s biggest movies and T.V. shows. Washington D.C., as the nation’s capital, has plenty to offer, and Baltimore, home to HBO’s legendary show The Wire, has a beautiful coastal area, bay, and world-famous crabcakes to sink your teeth into. Much like D.C., Boston is a city steeped in American history and tradition, with deep cultural connections to other parts of the world.
Conclusion
Overall, Virginia Beach holds up well compared to some of these towering, global East Coast vacation alternatives. Ultimately, Virginia Beach offers something different, allowing you to explore a place in the United States that many people fail to explore or overlook, opting for more mainstream vacation ideas instead.
There’s no wrong place to vacation; it depends on your preference. Every destination we have discussed today has its unique selling points, and no matter where you decide to go, you’re guaranteed to have an experience you’ll always remember. Prior research before selecting your destination is crucial to choosing the proper vacation.
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