Beaches and Activities, Virginia Beach

My girlfriend and I put together a Virginia Beach vacation. We both love outdoors, water, hiking and nature, but we needed something that was totally relaxing.

We found Spa Phoenix on the web. Located at Hilltop, a shopping and dining area 1.5 miles from the Oceanfront that we'd discovered on a previous vacation, it's centrally located so that you don't have to interrupt your day at the beach.

We each made an appointment. She, for a massage, pedicure and facial. Me, for a massage, hair cut and pedicure (something new, why not?).

The building was modern, calm and cool. Staff were professional and knowledgeable. After checking in, we each were led to a changing room with showers and lockers, and we started with pedicures, followed by my haircut, her facial, then we each ended with massages.

What a great way to escape. We both love the beach, but this was that "something to do" that actually made us feel and look great. I'd like to incorporate something like this in every vacation.

When we were there in the 80's much of the beach was owned by private citizens and hotels. There was one section called the "public beach" where you could park and walk through a gate and get to the beach.
We were dissappointed when we got there. I had expected white sands and blue water and we got that. What I had not expected was cigarette butts and food wrappers and beer cans.

The kids did get to touch a horseshoe crab and collect some shells and make a sand castle.
There were lines of ships just off shore that were an interesting distraction. We got a soda and hot dog from a street vendor. We took about a pound and a half of sand into the car in our sneakers.

So all in all the beach at Virginia Beach was okay.... but I wouldn't drive all the way from New York just to see this beach.

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It's a beach and there are lots of people there, so find a few that are easy on the eyes and flash a smile. Pretty women and handsome guys were everywhere - on the beach and out at night - so have fun!

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Virginia Beach while at times extremely crowded is a very clean beach. Stretching from Rudee Inlet on the south end of the resort area up to 40th Street is the resort area of Virginia Beach. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-May to mid September 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
While they are willing to answer your questions about safety and the beach they do not like to be distracted form the very important job they have. Each day we were there the beach would have loads of people coming to it. Families were as much a part of the scene as teens and elderly. Paying attention to the large signs posted at the beach access points helps everyone stay safe.
You can help to protect your health while swimming by taking these simple steps:

Observe Swimming Advisories and do not enter the water at a beach under an advisory
Swim well away from fishing piers, pipes and drains, as well as water flowing from storm drains onto a beach
Do not dispose of trash, pet waste, or dirty diapers on a beach

While there are permanent restooms at 17th, 24th, and 30th Streets off the boardwalk there are not changing areas. Foot showers are available along the oceanfront to get all that sand off your favorite flip flops.
Be sure to bring water with you and have plenty of waterproof sunscreen on hand.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas at various places along the boardwalk.

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This was my mother-n-laws first trip to the ocean. She turned 62yrs old and we took her in May 2006 for her birthday and mothers day gift. she enjoyed the trip alot. It was only for a weekend but she enjoyed it.

The Oceanfront is the place to be during the summer time. It's got a long boardwalk great for running, rollerblading, or just walking. The beach is huge, so you'll never have to worry about finding a spot.

There are also many different sections of the beach. The touristy areas are off the streets nearest the interstate - 23rd St. ish. If you head south toward the lower numbered streets, you hit more shops and restaurants. It gets less touristy further up in numbers.

On Atlantic Ave. (street closest to boardwalk), you have many shops and things to do (mini golf, arcades, haunted house, etc.)

Broad, clean and fun! That's the beachfront here in Virginia's only beach resort. Admission to the beach is free, and there are dozens of shops, restaurants, bars and gallerys along the boardwalk just steps from the sand. Use the inexpensive trolley to get around town, or rent a bike and cruise the special bike-lanes along the boardwalk. And watch for special concerts and events right on the beach!

This is a large poly resin sandcastle sitting inside a big sandbox.. It is wonderful in the summer time to put the little ones into to play.

The girls liked getting their picture taken even though it was alittle cold. This is located on the boardwalk near 30-34th street.

Located on 28th street beside the Colonial Inn hotel is this set of tropical blue fish.

This is another photo op along the boardwalk and the girls favorites.
These ops make great pictures and they are free to pose beside and take pictures of.

Again this is located on the Boardwalk as a photo op for families. This particular set of crabs is located on 29th street.

The girls enjoyed posing and sitting on the poly resin crabs.

This was located beside our hotel, the Colonial Inn, and behind them is a large gift shop and parking garage.