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17 Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach, VA

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Are you headed to Virginia Beach soon? If so, you may be wondering how you can have an awesome trip without breaking the bank. While there are a lot of ways to save money on travel, one of the best is to find a few free things to do wherever you’re traveling. These 17 free things to do in Virginia Beach, VA are perfect for anyone who is looking to have fun and save a few dollars at the same time. It’s no secret that I love to find free travel destinationsAfter all, the more you can do for free, the more money you have in the bank and that is never a bad thing!

Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach will always hold a special place in our family. It’s where my husband and I met, fell in love and got married. We had our son here, went through 2 deployments here, met some amazing people, and still come back to visit as often as we can.

We had our first date at the Cheesecake Factory in Virginia Beach and got married on the beach at the Wyndham hotel. I just to stand on the beach in front of the Soaps and Suds on Ocean View Ave in Norfolk and watch his hip pull not just for deployments but also for underways when he would be gone just a few weeks. So many memories.

Another memory? Penny-pinching so we learned some of the best free things to do in Virginia Beach! Check them out!

Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Beach Street USA – Take a walk down Beach Street USA and you may find a good meal to eat, good music to enjoy or another amazing event. Beach Street USA almost always has something fun happening, so be sure to check out their website to see what is happening next!

Old Beach Farmers Market – Do you love Farmer’s Markets? If so, make sure to stop by the Old Beach Farmers Market when you’re visiting Virginia Beach. Take a stroll and look at the offerings or purchase your own yummy treat!

 

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Headed to the beach? Make sure to visit the Virginia Beach Boardwalk! There are tons of things to do on the Boardwalk and some of them may cost, however, it is free to walk the area and take in the sights.

Build a Sand Castle – While you’re spending some time at the beach, grab your beach toys and make a sand castle! Just make sure to set your castle far enough from the water that it won’t be destroyed if the tide comes in!

The Christian Broadcasting Network – These free things to do in Virginia Beach, VA isn’t one that will be a good fit for everyone, but if you’re a fan of Pat Robertson and the 700 Club, why not swing by The Christian Broadcasting Network building? You can take a free tour of the building where you’ll see hundreds of custom oil paintings and sculptures and maybe even get to be a guest on the 700 Club!

First Landing State Park – You’ve heard the story of Jamestown and the colonists that arrived in 1607, now see it in person. First Landing State Park sits on the site where those colonists came ashore hundreds of years ago. Take a picnic lunch, ride bikes or look at the plant and wildlife. Either way, you’re sure to have a great family day out!

Statue of King Neptune in Virginia Beach. Taken just before sunrise

King Neptune Statue on the Boardwalk – While you’re at the Boardwalk, make sure to stop and see the King Neptune statue. The “King of the Sea” stands 34 feet high and overlooks the oceanfront.

Adam Thoroughgood House – Adam Thoroughgood was an indentured slave in Colonial Virginia. In 1636 though, he was given his own piece of land. Years later, one of his grandsons would build the Adam Thoroughgood House. The house is thought to date back as far as the 1680’s and is open for tours!

Lynnhaven House –  Have you ever wondered how plantation owners lived in Colonial America? If so, visit the Lynnhaven House. The entire home is decorated in period style furniture and decorations make it feel as if you’ve stepped through the time when you visit.

Ferry Plantation House – Another Virginia historical site and one of our free things to do in Virginia Beach, VA is the Ferry Plantation House. The history of the house dates back to 1642 and the ferry that was operated along the river. Interestingly enough, the Ferry Plantation House also ties into Adam Thoroughgood so if you visit one, you should visit the other. Why not make a weekend of it!

Virginia Legends Walk – If you’re into history, you’ll want to take the Virginia Legends Walk. The walk focuses on famous Virginians from colonial days to the present.

Town Center – Most towns and cities have a city center and Virginia Beach is no different. Pop downtown to the Virginia Beach Town Center to see what events may be happening. You never know when there will be a small festival, music or other family fun event!

Mount Trashmore – Once a landfill, the City of Virginia Beach decided in 1974 that the landfill could serve a better purpose. After cleaning the area up, Mount Trashmore Park was created. Climb the two manmade mountains, hike a path or go skating at the skate park!

swimming dolphin in the ocean and hunting for fish.

Go Dolphin Watching – Another day at the beach can be spent near the water looking for dolphins! Who wouldn’t want to see these intelligent and beautiful creatures in their native habitat? Be sure to take your camera so you can snap a pic or get video if you see them!

Naval Aviation Monument Park – This is probably one of my favorites on this entire list of free things to do in Virginia Beach, VA. The Naval Aviation Monument Park in Virginia Beach was created to honor local Naval history from the early days of the US Navy to the modern day. The park features 9 bronze statues and other memorials to honor the history.

Cape Henry Memorial Park – The Cape Henry Memorial Park was created to memorialize where the Jamestown Colonists first landed at Cape Henry. The park features several monuments and has no entrance fees since it is a National Historic site.

Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment – This is another one that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if it is yours, you may want to swing by Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment. Each day the center offers different lectures on Edgar Cayce’s topics, classes and even meditation and prayer that are free and open to the public.

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