Things to Do in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Over four centuries ago, the first English settlers found their way to what was to be America and made their homes in this part of Virginia. You can visit the Adam Thoroughgood House in Virginia Beach which is one of the oldest brick homes in America. Or you can go through the country's oldest lighthouses at Cape Henry. And if you are interested in how the French assisted us in becoming a nation, take a look at the Battle off the Capes Monument that commemorates their capture of Cornwallis and his 7,500 troops at Yorktown.

At the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center located in Virginia Beach, see the large, new gallery called "Restless Planet: A journey across the planet that brings you closer to home" where you will be underwater and put into four different environments that thrive only in remote parts of the world. It is populated by almost 6,000 new animals including cute hedgehogs and deadly cobras, who are there to help us learn with whom we share the earth.

There is much to plan for children that will keep their minds occupied. For instance, take them to see the street performers of Beach Street USA on Atlantic Avenue from 17th to 25th street anytime between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Or go dolphin or whale watching on seasonal boat trips sponsored by the Science Center. If all else fails, take them to the mammoth Virginia Beach Amusement Park where you can interact as a family.

There are specialty shops and boutiques galore in Virginia Beach that sell hard-to-find items to commemorate your trip. Go to the Hilltop Area where you'll find a wide range of popular national stores.

If specialty shops are more your style, you'll find them at Lynnhaven Mall, one of the largest malls in the region. There are also small shops in the resort area that feature some of the area's best international cuisine and fresh seafood on the East Coast.