Virginia Beach is one of most popular tourist spots in the United States of America. A gorgeous, seaside experience awaits anyone who wants to take a dip in the ocean, or just sunbathe on the sand. However, it is also true that the sun and the ocean can get a bit tiring.
The salty breeze is good, but too much of it can become irritating. Sunbathing can be a fun time, but too much of it may result in sunburns. That is why, visitors of Virginia Beach often seek respite from the seaside in one of the many tourist attractions that are near the shore.
Luckily, a beach is not all that the city has to offer. There are resorts, casinos, parks, and all sorts of other locations that are worth taking a trip to. So, in this article, we are going to share some of the best Virginia Beach tourist destinations.
The Dolphin-Watching Cruise
One of the most famous cruise tours in VA takes place between Norfolk and Virginia Beach. However, most tourists might be disappointed to learn that the cruise starts in Norfolk. But, fear not, as there are certainly cruises and eco-excursions with a starting point in Virginia Beach.
The most notable example here would be the dolphin watching cruise. The magnificent sea mammals swim freely in the waters of the Atlantic, and any animal enthusiasts can watch them dance along the watery surface. The best part; a sighting is guaranteed.
Many people associate cruise ships with gambling. Sadly, gambling is still not legal in Virginia Beach. But, if you are willing to bring a laptop, mobile phone, or a tablet on the ship with you, you could access one of the many USA online casinos, which have grown incredible popular in the past couple of years.
It is worth noting that online casinos are also not legal in Virginia. However, there are ways to play slot games and blackjack, if you are willing to visit social and sweepstake casinos, that double as sportsbooks. The good news is, that many states in the US have legalized online gambling, and Virginia may soon join their ranks.
Mount Trashmore Park
The Mount Trashmore Park opened in 1974, and for 50 years has remained one of Virginia Beach’s top tourist attractions. For good reason to, as the city park contains a Kid’s Cove, where families can relax while the children play in the fresh air; a skate park for teens who want to experiment with skateboards and roller-skates, and four volleyball areas for those who just want to play ball.
The name, an obvious reference to one of America’s most notable tourist destinations, Mount Rushmore, was derived from the fact that the park was built on a reused landfill, making the Mount Trashmore Park one of the monuments to eco friendliness. Picnic shelters and vending machines are strewn throughout the area, making the park a welcoming place for all.
The Virginia Aquarium
For those who have an interest in marine science or biology, or if you just want to see some cool sea creatures, the Virginia Aquarium is the perfect place to visit. The museum of marine science has served faithfully since 1986, attracting tourists from all over Virginia, the United States, and even the World. The exhibits at the museum are contained in over 80,000 US gallons of water, and visitors can expect to see much more than just fish.
In 2019, the museum underwent an incredible renovation, costing upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. However, it was all worth the effort, as the new exhibits were equipped to house some truly fascinating animals from all over the world. The most notable new exhibit at the museum are the Komodo dragons, monstrous lizards with a venomous bite and a deadly string of bacteria living in their gums. While it may not sound like your typical beach entertainment, it certainly is something worth seeing.
If the Komodo dragons don’t interest you, you will be happy to learn that there are three main buildings, that comprise the museum. The main building includes the marine life, the south building focuses on the vet center, which often allows visitors a peak on the inside, and finally, there is the aviary. So, even if fish are not your forte, perhaps you will enjoy watching the birds and vultures.