1. Virginia Beach has the longest pleasure beach in the world!
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach has the longest pleasure beach in the world with 35 miles of beach, comprised of Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Bay Beach. With all of this sandy goodness, there is bound to be a perfect spot for every family to enjoy their beach vacation!
All regional public beach access is free and open to the public. The Virginia Beach Resort Area beach features a 3 mile-long boardwalk and has lifeguards stationed on every block.
2. Virginia Beach is home to the only Master Jet Base on the east coast - NAS Oceana
Here in Virginia Beach, the military is everywhere, and while there are several bases around the city, NAS Oceana has become one of the world's largest and most advanced air stations.
The primary mission of NAS Oceana is to train and deploy the Navy's Atlantic Fleet strike fighter squadrons of F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets. During the summer season, the Military Aviation Museum operates bus tours of the station.
3. Virginia Beach is home to Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment.
Edgar Cayce was a mystic who answered questions while in a trance, earning him the nickname, "The Sleeping Prophet." Virginia Beach was chosen as the location for the A.R.E. because of Cayce's belief that the area would stay safe from global plate movements and natural disasters.
The A.R.E. receives thousands of visitors from around the world each year. Researchers, healthcare professionals, vacationers and students of all kinds. The center also features a full-service spa for massages, facials, etc.
4. Virginia Beach can boast of two record-holding lighthouses!
The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1792. It is the oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and the third oldest lighthouse in the United States.
The new Cape Henry Lighthouse sits a mere 357 feet away from the original and is the tallest cast-iron lighthouse in the United States. The Old Lighthouse is open to visitors all year, except during the month of December when it is decorated as a large Christmas tree by the U.S. Army.
5. The beach is not the only place to relax during your visit.
Looking to shake the sand off for a day or two? Virginia Beach offers 265 parks and park facilities, including a beautiful state park close to the oceanfront.
First Landing State Park is located in North Virginia Beach and offers a wide range of activities, including 19 miles of hiking/biking trails. There are entrances to the park on 64th Street in the North End and from Shore Drive near the Chesapeake Bay. The 64th Street entrance provides access to the Narrows boat launch and beach.
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