10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Virginia Beach!

I'm a Jersey girl, so when I hear beach, I think Wildwood and Atlantic City. I've been going to those places on and off almost my whole life. To be honest, those are the ONLY beaches I've ever been to. Now those are two beautiful beaches, with tons of stuff to do. But, it's getting kind of old. There's got to be somewhere else I can take my family that's a reasonable distance, and just as fun. After doing a little online research, I discovered Virginia Beach. It's only a few hours away from me and from the looks of it, it just may be more fun than the Jersey shores! I found tons of information on things to do and places to visit, and would love to share some of them with you. Here are my top ten reasons why you should visit Virginia Beach!

1. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center: This isn't your typical aquarium. Along with getting to see some wildlife, you can also experience multiple exhibits that include an Indonesian volcanic island, Malaysian peat swamp, and a wonderful touch pool. There is also an IMAX theater, Discovery Days educational program for children, go on a boat excursion, and you can also play with the seals!  
2. Ocean Breeze Waterpark: Now this place looks fun! This waterpark features 16 waterslides, a 1 million-gallon wave pool, and a water-filled playground just for the little ones. You can even get your own private cabana, complete with a poolside server, cable T.V., ceiling fan, and lounge chairs so you can REALLY relax!
3. Sandler Center: This is the perfect place to go if the weather is bad! The Sandler Center is a performing arts center where you can see all sorts of live action productions. Some upcoming shows include Fiddler on the Roof, ABBA: The Concert, and Moscow Ballet. You can also find an art gallery that showcases beautiful artwork from up-and-coming artists.
4. First Landing State Park: This park has tons of activities to do. This park is a whopping 1,888 acres and has a 1.25 mile beach. If camping outdoors isn't your thing, you can rent a cabin filled with numerous amenities. You can take a swim in the Chesapeake Bay or go hiking in its almost 20 miles worth of trails. Other activities include canoeing, beach walks, picnic area, and a 40-activity educational program.
5. The Flowering Almond Spa: This is for the ladies! You can enjoy a day of pampering and relaxation by getting a facial, massage, or body wrap. There are several packages to choose from if you can't decide what service you want to experience. All packages also include full access to their indoor pool and fitness center for the entire day.
6. Lynnhaven Mall: This is another good choice for the ladies.The Lynnhaven Mall is one of the largest malls on the East Coast, boasting over 1.4 million square feet of shopping and over 180 stores, services, and eateries. You'll also find a one-of-a-kind double-decker carousel and an elaborate play area for the children. There's also a movie theater showing all of the new releases.
7. Mount Trashmore Park: I was amazed to find out that this beautiful park was once a landfill! The park is 165 acres and includes 2 lakes, 2 playgrounds, a skate park and more. Your kids will LOVE Kids Cove, a 26,000 square foot playground featuring 3 distinct play areas. It is fully built on a rubber surface and it completely accessible to children with disabilities.
8. Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum: Yes, it is what it sounds like. A museum dedicated to wildfowl heritage! It sounds strange, but it looks very interesting. The museum's mission is to preserve and exhibit historic waterfowl artifacts. You can find all kinds of art such as wood carvings, paintings, statues made of bronze. This truly is a one-of-a-kind place to visit.
9. Family Great Adventure Series: This is a yearly event that the whole family can participate in. It is an interactive adventure that takes families to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. At the end of the adventure, everyone can watch a movie on the beach on a giant inflatable screen. The best part about this event is that it is free!
10. The Boardwalk: You can't leave Virginia Beach without going to the Boardwalk! Whether on your first day, or last, you have to check it out. It is 3 miles long, and entertainment is offered every night during the summer at one of its four oceanfront stages. Make sure you check out King Neptune, a 24-foot, 12 ton bronze statue at 31st Street!

Well, there you have it, 10 great reasons to visit Virginia Beach. Doesn't it sound like a fun place?! Trust me, it took quite a while to narrow my list down to just 10 ideas. I think I would most like to check out the Aquarium or waterpark. What about you? Have you ever been to Virginia Beach? Have any recommendations? I would love to hear your ideas. Happy Summer!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.