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Virginia Beach is the largest city in the state of Virginia and one of the cities most visited by tourists year-round. If you are visiting the area and looking for outdoor activities in Virginia Beach, the choices are numerous. Hiking, sunbathing, swimming, and other water activities are extremely popular in Virginia Beach, which holds the record for the longest beach in the world.
Outdoor activities in Virginia Beach have always focused on the Chesapeake Bay shore, one of Virginia's most beautiful areas on the Atlantic Ocean. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers a beautiful boardwalk, an amusement park, and many opportunities for surfing or cruising the bay. The Ocean Breeze and Motorworld amusement park, not far away from the beach, is one of the largest water parks in the state and a popular attraction during the summer.
Some other types of outdoor activities in Virginia Beach revolve around more educational activities. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a great resource for those looking to combine fun with education. The Center offers ocean excursions, marine animal rescue, and several amazing exhibits, including a 300,000 gallon (1,135,564 L) aquarium with sharks and stingrays. There is also an amazing hiking trail that surrounds the buildings and extends to the marshes and creeks far behind the aquarium. Boardwalks and bridges crisscross the area, so hikers can tour the area in any weather.
Cape Henry is another great stop for those looking for outdoor activities in Virginia Beach. An operational port since 1607, Cape Henry is the preferred area for water views, hiking along the beach, and exploring the local ecosystem. Cape Henry Lighthouse is the oldest in the country, dating back to 1792. The views from the tower are some of the best in the city, and the beach surrounded the lighthouse is great for relaxing and sunbathing.
Other popular outdoor activities in Virginia Beach include the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which features miles of trails and marshlands, and allows for great bird watching; and the First Landing State Park, which gives kayakers a chance to explore the marshes first hand. Swimming, biking, hiking and boating are all popular outdoor activities in Virginia Beach. Camping is also allowed in many parks around the city, and rental wood cabins are available for those visiting from out of state and not bringing their own tent.
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