A Day in Virginia Beach

  1. 9:00AM: First Landing State Park
    20 minutes (7.5 miles) from Virginia Beach Boardwalk

    Start your day with a refreshing walk through a beautiful state park featuring dense forests, freshwater ponds, and miles of scenic hiking trails. There are also opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

  2. 11:00AM: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
    12 minutes (5.6 miles) from First Landing State Park

    Explore the world of marine life at this top-rated aquarium. With over 10,000 animals representing over 300 species, the aquarium has a lot to offer for visitors of all ages. You can watch shark feedings, touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs, and walk through a mesmerizing underwater tunnel.

  3. 1:00PM: Lunch at Waterman's Surfside Grille
    15 minutes (7.5 miles) from Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

    This popular beachfront restaurant with an expansive outdoor deck serves delicious seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails. Their crab cakes and lobster mac and cheese are some of the must-try items on the menu.

  4. 2:30PM: Military Aviation Museum
    30 minutes (17.5 miles) from Waterman's Surfside Grille

    Located in a unique setting in a working airport, this museum showcases an impressive collection of World War I and II era aircraft. With over 60 aircraft on display, including several rare and restored planes, the museum offers a great learning experience for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs.

  5. 4:30PM: Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
    30 minutes (14 miles) from Military Aviation Museum

    For nature lovers and photographers, this 9,000-acre sanctuary is a hidden gem. The refuge features miles of trails, sandy beaches, dunes, and marshes that support over 300 species of migratory and resident birds, wild horses, and other wildlife.

  6. 6:30PM: Dinner at Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream
    20 minutes (12 miles) from Back Bay Wildlife Refuge

    End your day with delicious pizza and homemade ice cream at this family-owned restaurant. Their thin-crust pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and creative toppings, while their seasonal ice cream flavors feature local fruits and herbs.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • First Landing State Park (2 hours, free)
  • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (2 hours, $29.95 adult, $24.95 child)
  • Waterman's Surfside Grille (1.5 hours, $20-$40 per person)
  • Military Aviation Museum (2 hours, $14 adult, $8 child)
  • Back Bay Wildlife Refuge (2 hours, free)
  • Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream (1.5 hours, $10-$20 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $73.95 adult, $68.95 child

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, the historic First Landing Cross, or take a dolphin watching tour. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions or shorten your visits. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.

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