by Frances Stanford

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: January 02, 2010

Virginia Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, is one of the best destinations to choose for a beach vacation. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world and if this is not enough to help you make the decision to visit, there are numerous parks, attractions and historic sites to interest all visitors, whether young or old.

The beach is pet-friendly, so you are welcome to bring the whole family with you to enjoy what Virginia Beach has to offer at any time of the year. Even though the largest number of visitors chooses to visit in summer, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during all the seasons of the year.

HISTORY

Virginia Beach was home to the Chesepian Indians in early times. European settlers arrived in 1607 and named the area Cape Henry in honour of the oldest son of King James I of England. One of the earliest settlers in the area was Adam Thoroghgood, who signed on as an indentured servant in order to pay the cost of his passage to the New World. He earned his freedom and went on to become a leading citizen of the town.

Virginia Beach developed as a resort area in the late 19th century after the opening of the Princess Anne Hotel and the arrival of rail service to the area. The extension of the Virginia Beach Boulevard in 1922 further opened the area to more traffic because now visitors had access by means of automobile rather than have to depend on the train service. It continues to grow with the construction of amusement parks and hotels.

BEACH

Virginia Beach is like an endless party with a three mile boardwalk giving you access to any part of the beach that attracts your attention. There is also a separate bike path, as well as areas for strolling, skateboarding, and rollerblading. During the summer months there are all kinds of concerts to enjoy with four outdoor stages. There is a wide selection of quaint restaurants and on the side streets there are many different sculptures with a nautical theme.

ATTRACTIONS

There are 208 city parks in Virginia Beach, with Mount Trashmore being the most well-known. This mountain is 60 feet high and over 800 feet long. It is the perfect example of a man-made mountain having been created by dumping tons of trash, hence its name. It is the highest point in Virginia Beach and is the site of two lakes - Lake Windsor and LakeTrashmore.

Great Neck Park is the perfect location for a family picnic with its covered shelters, three playgrounds

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