The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers so much to explore, it is hard to fit it all in one vacation. Virginia Beach is the highest populated city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With its famous boardwalk and beaches, attractive resort areas filled with luxurious homes, and the highest concentration of military families, the city of Virginia Beach is currently ranked the 42nd largest city in the United States. Virginia Beach has a reputation for being a sportsman’s paradise offering an ideal location for avid surfers, hikers, tennis players, deep sea fishers and golf lovers. From seashore shells of the Sandbridge and Croatan Beaches to the attractive North End resort district, Virginia Beach thrives on its outgoing nature, local restaurants, unique shops and relaxing beach vibe. It is easy to see why Virginia Beach was ranked # 2 on the list of Best 100 Places to raise a Family by Best Life Magazine in July of 2008.
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk was first constructed in 1888 and has received national acclaim in recent times as one of America’s favorite boardwalks by the Discovery Channel, Coastal Living, Southern living, and National Geographic Traveler. Today’s Boardwalk is 28 feet wide and features a separate bike path, making it perfect for biking or long romantic walks at sunset. The 3 mile boardwalk is only part of what makes Virginia Beach so irresistible. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the site not only to marathons, restaurants, hotels, numerous entertainment venues, but also of the renowned Boardwalk Art Show. This is an award winning art show that attracts thousands of artists from throughout the country.
Whether it’s exploring unique habitats at the First Landing State Park, crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay, admiring the sea life at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, enjoying a concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater or finding the perfect outfit while shopping at the new regal Town Center, the diverse regions and attractions within Virginia Beach have something to offer everyone.
North End
North End is one of the most prestigious addresses in the city of Virginia Beach. Residents have successfully protected the area from commercialization and many families have lived there for generations. The neighborhood’s eclectic character results from the combination of quaint cedar-shake cottages, some dating from the early part of the 20th century, to contemporary stucco beach mansions. Giant live oak trees and pines dominate the landscaping, and the sound of waves breaking on the beach drowns out the noise of every day life. With golf courses, country clubs and private beaches nearby, the North End reflects class and style... all of the time.
Croatan Beach
Croatan Beach is located south of Rudee Inlet, near the Virginia Beach resort oceanfront. This beach is home to diverse oceanfront and inlet-front properties and is secluded in a very quiet area. Since the neighborhood entrance is not obvious to most and few tourists come over the Rudee Bridge, Croatan Beach is the perfect hide-away for you and your family. Just north of Croatan Beach is the infamous 1st Street. The East Coast Surfing Championships have been held at this location for over 40 years.
Resort District
Resort District is located just north of Croatan Beach. Beginning at 1st Street, it is sometimes called ’The Strip.’ Dotted with hotels, restaurants and entertainment, the Resort Area is an ideal place for people of all ages to sun and have fun. Various athletic activities take place throughout the year from marathons to volleyball championships in the sand. The area surrounding 1st Street is probably best known for hosting the East Coast Surfing Championships for over 40 years. It is an understatement to say that the Resort District ‘comes alive’ with an abundance of activity beginning in the Spring with the Shamrock Marathon continuing through the Fall with the Neptune Festival, an all encompassing celebration complete with food and entertainment culminating in a parade and ball for all to enjoy.
Sandbridge Beach
Sandbridge Beach is tucked away at the southernmost tip of Virginia Beach bordering North Carolina. This is a beach lover’s community known for its expansive beaches and remote location. The seclusion is much of its charm affording privacy and peace away from the city life. Many of the bayfront and oceanfront homes are built on pilings for above the water’s reach! From such heights you can delight in watching the dolphins play in the surf or the sun rise highlighting a new day.
Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach is the local’s public beach along the Chesapeake Bay offering breathtaking views of the beach and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. With many vacation rental homes available, shallow clear water beaches and four restaurants that span the spectrum from 5 star to great Bar and Grilles, Chicks Beach is an ideal place for any laid back beach lover to call home. Some people say that Chicks Beach is Virginia Beach’s best kept little secret.
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