10 Free Things to Do
in Virginia Beach
this Summer
There is always a wealth of activities that are easy on the budget - from exploring the parks and wildlife to lounging on the sun-drenched beaches.
Enjoy Our Beaches
Sandbridge Beach, Chesapeake Bay Beach and the Oceanfront Resort Beach are all free and open to the public. Experience the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean in Sandbridge or at the Oceanfront Resort Beach, and set over the Chesapeake Bay.
Fly a Kite at Mount Trashmore
The world-renowned Mount Trashmore Park encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skatepark and vert ramp, and multi-use paths. The elevation of the park makes it the perfect place to fly a kite.
Hike or Bike Through our State Parks
First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails. A registered Natural Landmark, First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia.
Explore the Wildlife of the Back Bay
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a 9,108-acre refuge that is made up of barrier islands, dunes, beach woodland, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches. The refuge is situated on a thin strip of coastline typical of barrier islands found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Explore the Cape Henry Lighthouse
While the original Cape Henry Lighthouse is the 4th oldest lighthouse in the country, it was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792.In fact, it was the first federal construction project authorized by President George Washington after the Revolutionary War.
Take in a Free Concert by the Water
Rock out with thel Live! on Atlantic Free Summer Concert Series, all summer long at the Boardwalk. With Live! on Atlantic, the sidewalks are the stage as musicians put on free shows throughout the summer that will have you dancing and singing along.
Check Out the Old Beach Farmers Market
The Old Beach Farmers Market is a homegrown, year-round outdoor marketplace, set up just down the street from the boardwalk, which takes place every Saturday in the summertime. From seasonal fruits and vegetables to freshly caught seafood, eggs, coffee, handmade leather goods.
Check Out our Art Scene
Visitors can soak in the ViBes at one of the district's monthly First Fridays and check out the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to learn about contemporary art through regularly scheduled changing exhibits, studio art classes, and special events. Take the ViBe District Mural Walking Tour while you’re there.
Stop in to Our Oceanfront Museums
The historic DeWitt Cottage, built in 1895 on the Boardwalk. The cottage is now home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, which exhibits artifacts from our wildfowling history and contemporary wildfowl artwork, such as decoys and decorative carvings.
Discover the Local Legends
From Thomas Jefferson and John Smith, to Ella Fitzgerald and Patsy Cline, Virginia has been home to many of history's giants. Check them out at the Virginia Legends Walk, at the oceanfront 13th Street Park.