There’s something about a getaway to the beach that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. Sun, surf and sand could be enough to entice you to Virginia Beach, but there is an “ocean” of things to do that will create lasting memories for you and your family, many without breaking the bank. 

The Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay converge at Virginia Beach, providing two diverse areas of discovery. Whatever you envision doing at the beach, you will most certainly run out of time before you run out of things to do.

Fair weather fun

The three-mile stretch of boardwalk is perfect for biking, rollerblading, jogging or renting a beach cruiser for a more leisurely pace. If you are more adventurous, you may want to try parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking or surfing. Hop a cruise on a seafaring vessel to fish, dolphin watch, dine, or ride in a Venice-style gondola. Your children and the hidden child in you will enjoy Ocean Breeze Water Park with 13 waterslides and a wave pool. For information, visit www.oceanbreezewaterpark.com.

For a more isolated beach, pack a lunch from Sandbridge Seaside Market and head for Sandbridge Beach, which is 15 miles south. Sand dunes and sea grass may be your only other companions.

If you are a lighthouse enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the Cape Henry Lighthouse located inside Fort Story at 89th and Atlantic Avenue. The original was built in 1791 and the new one in 1881. It is the tallest lighthouse in the United States. Call 757-422-9421 for information. At this same site is The Historic Villages at Cape Henry, dedicated to the first English settlers who landed in 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. Both educational and entertaining, you can expect depictions of outpost life, tribal customs, storytelling, and the play “First Landing” in the theatre stage area. For information, visit www.firstlandingfoundation.com

If you’ve got the “bug” for observing and studying wildlife in their natural habitat, you might want to explore the approximately 9,200-acre Back Bay Natural Wildlife Refuge. Launch a canoe or kayak or hike or bike your way around. There is even a tram that allows you to take in the vast array of wildlife. For information, visit http://backbay.fws.gov.

Foul weather fun

No foul weather day has to be a downer in Virginia Beach. There is more than enough fun to chase you out from under the covers. Head for the Old Coast Guard Station, the first building that began the Virginia Beach community. The station, located at 31st and Atlantic Avenue, was established in 1871 to rescue seamen from floundering and sinking ships during violent storms. Rescue methods and equipment used then and now will inspire you as you imagine just what must have taken place during one of those daring rescues. The second floor contains permanent exhibits, “Shipwrecks” and “War Years.”

There are two interactive exhibits — TowerCam, which allows visitor views of the beach and ocean, and Touch24, which permits visitors to choose from several topics such as training, history and shipwrecks. For information, visit www.oldcoastguardstation.com.

Another historical site that has been preserved is the de Witt cottage. The oceanfront building now houses the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Built in 1895, it was bought by the city from the last remaining members of the de Witt family in 1988. During restoration, the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild suggested the building be used to encourage the continuance of wildfowling history and arts. On display are antique and contemporary decoy carvings and original oil and watercolor paintings. On most days you can witness the actual carving by a volunteer. The museum has two interactive displays, one on migratory birds native to the area and the other that allows visitors to try their hand at painting an outlined duck. The second floor contains a collection of rare pictures of Old Virginia Beach. The museum’s gift shop has an impressive amount of artwork created by talented local carvers and artists in the Mid-Atlantic region. For information, visit www.awhm.org.

One attraction for all ages is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Here you will marvel at the sight of undersea and aquatic creatures in this 700,000-gallon exhibit and live animal habitat. Over 300 hands-on displays await you. Allow yourself time to see the movies on the 3D IMAX screen. For information, visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com.

The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia displays 20th-century works from local and internationally known artists. The center features contemporary exhibits and educational programs and hosts art show events such as the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show on the beach. For information, visit www.cacv.org.

A visit to The Association for Research and Enlightenment/ Massage and Day Spa could prove rewarding. Founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931, the center serves as a teaching facility and hands-on wellness center for achieving holistic healing of the body, mind and spirit. Book a spa treatment, visit the gift shop, engage in a tour, attend a free daily lecture or just meditate inside or outside in the meditation gardens. For more information, visit, http://www.edgarcayce.org/health.  

Shopping & dining

Downtown Town Center and Lynnhaven Mall, one of the largest malls on the East Coast, offer lots of shopping fun and movies when you need a break from the beach.

There is plenty of exceptional dining at Virginia Beach. On the oceanfront there is Mahi-Mah’s or Catch31. At Rudee Inlet there’s Rockafellers, and if you are looking for an upscale gourmet dining experience, try Sonoma Bistro at Town Center. For information on Virginia Beach, visit www.vbfun.com or call 1-800-VA-BEACH.