10 Things to do in Virginia Beach on Weekend!

Virginia Beach is one of those places where a weekend can feel like a full vacation. With its mix of beaches, parks, art, history, and family‑friendly attractions, you don’t need weeks to enjoy it. A couple of days is enough to get a taste of everything. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best things to do in Virginia Beach on weekend, explain each experience in detail, that will help you plan your two days trip.

1. Join Ghosts Haunting Tour

Ghosts Haunting Tours in Virginia Beach offer a weekend experience that blends history with mystery in an engaging way. The Neptune Ghosts tour takes visitors through some of the city’s most talked‑about haunted spots while sharing stories from the past. Starting at the King Neptune statue, guides talk about shipwrecks, pirates, and people whose stories are still remembered today. Stops include the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum, where visitors have reported hearing unusual sounds and footsteps, and the Norwegian Lady statue, which honors those lost in a shipwreck in 1891.

2. Try Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Kayaking or paddleboarding is a relaxing way to enjoy the water and spend time outdoors during a weekend trip. Both activities let you move at your own pace while exploring calm areas like the Chesapeake Bay or the inland waterways. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is another favorite location, where you can glide through marshes and see birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Rentals and guided tours are available across the city, so you don’t need to bring your own equipment to join in. Families often choose paddleboarding for group fun, while couples enjoy kayaking especially at sunset.

3. Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

In Virginia Beach, dolphin and whale watching tours are a simple way to enjoy the ocean while seeing marine life in its natural setting. Whales are more seasonal, usually spotted during the colder months when they migrate along the coast. Dolphins can be seen year‑round, making them the highlight of most tours, while whale sightings add something extra when the timing is right. Companies such as Rudee Tours or Patriotic Excursions has guides that lead the tours and share information about the animals, their habits, and the local environment, so the trip is both fun and educational.

4. Walk the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Stretching for three miles along the shoreline, Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a favorite weekend spot because it brings together ocean views, local culture, and entertainment in one place. Visitors can stop at restaurants, shops, and hotels that line the route, making it a lively area throughout the day. Along the way, you’ll find several statues and public art, including the well‑known King Neptune statue that stands tall near the sand. During summer, the boardwalk becomes even more active with live music concerts, street performers, and outdoor events that lively energy to the atmosphere.

5. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a favorite weekend stop in Virginia Beach because it mixes learning with fun in a simple way. Visitors can see sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and many kinds of fish up close as they move through large tanks and tunnels where sea life swims overhead, while touch pools making the visit more interactive. The aquarium also offers boat tours that head out into the ocean, where dolphins are seen in their natural habitat. Beyond the exhibits, the center focuses on conservation, teaching visitors about ocean health and how human actions affect marine life.

6. Explore Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum is a must‑visit for anyone who enjoys history and aircraft, making it a perfect weekend stop. It holds one of the largest collections of World War I and World War II planes, all restored with care to look as they did in their original time. Inside the hangars, visitors can see bombers, fighters, and training planes from different countries. Guided tours are available, where staff share details about the planes and its battles. Outside, the museum hosts special events, including live flight demonstrations, giving guests the rare chance to watch these historic planes take off and soar.

7. Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum

The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum is a special weekend stop because it highlights the history of lifesaving along the coast. The museum shares stories about the ocean, the people who protected it, and the growth of surf culture in the area. Visitors can see old rescue tools, photographs, and accounts of storms, shipwrecks, and lifesaving missions that shaped the city’s past. Exhibits also explain how lifeguarding and beach safety began and how methods have changed over time. Families enjoy learning about the connection between the beach and those who worked to keep it safe.

8. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is an enjoyable weekend stop for anyone who likes creativity and culture. Inside, guests can see paintings, sculptures, video art, and mixed media pieces that reflect modern ideas and experiences. Many works share stories about history, different cultures, and personal journeys, making the visit meaningful as well as interesting. Both local and national artists are featured, giving visitors a mix of styles and perspectives. The museum also hosts workshops and community events, offering chances to learn more about art and how it is created.

9. Explore First Landing State Park

Sitting along the Chesapeake Bay, First Landing State Park is one of the most popular outdoor areas in Virginia Beach and a simple choice for a weekend visit. Visitors can explore miles of paths that passing through marshes, cypress trees, and sandy stretches, making it a good nature spot. The park also carries historical importance, as it marks the place where the first English settlers arrived in 1607 before moving inland. The Cape Henry Trail is a favorite among guests, offering an easy route for both hikers and cyclists, whether they are out for a walk, riding bikes, or simply relaxing by the water.

10. Relax at Mount Trashmore Park

The Mount Trashmore Park is one of the most unique places to spend a weekend in Virginia Beach because it shows how land once used as a landfill was turned into a lively public space. The wide grassy hills make it a good spot for walking, jogging, or simply sitting down to enjoy the view. Families often come here for picnics, letting kids run around and play in the open space. A highlight for many visitors is the skate park, where skaters and bikers practice on ramps and rails. Fishing is allowed in certain areas, and people also enjoy watching ducks, geese, and herons around the lakes.

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