Virginia Beach, Virginia is a family vacation destination located on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. With four mild seasons, the city is busy year-round. There are many resort hotels, restaurants, shops and nature excursions available to keep vacationers pleasantly entertained throughout their stay. Whether visitors come for Virginia Beach family reunions or family getaways, here are 7 random things to do on a Virginia Beach vacation.

Shopping

With two main shopping malls and numerous shopping centers throughout Virginia Beach, shopping is a popular pastime. For vacationers at the Oceanfront, there are shops on Atlantic and Pacific avenues from 5th Street through 40th Street and north to Chick’s Beach near the Lesner Bridge. They cover everything from swimwear to souvenirs to artwork and more.

Miniature Golf

Perhaps one of the most popular family activities, the resort city has numerous miniature golf courses. For children of all ages, they feature brightly colored balls and different sized putters to maneuver fun obstacles on 18 holes. Many near the Oceanfront area also offer video games and snack bars for their patrons.

Bike Path

There are several bicycle paths in Virginia Beach. One stretches 3 miles along the beachfront; another winds quietly through First Landing State Park. Boardwalk vendors offer bicycles for rent spring through fall. There are singles, bicycles built for two and beach cruisers large enough for a family of four.

Boating

There are several dozen marinas in the city, which is one reason it is a family vacation destination. Whether someone brings their own boat or charters one, there are many boating activities on the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. A few include pleasure boating, fishing, waterskiing and crabbing. Charter trips feature dolphin and whale watching, sightseeing, deep sea fishing and luncheon or dinner cruises.

Sunbathing

One of the most obvious reasons people stay at Virginia Beach waterfront hotels is to enjoy the sun, surf and sand. There are 35 miles of waterfront property, much of it with free and open public access. The average annual air temperature is 73 degrees F., with four distinct seasons. The best time for swimming is late spring through early autumn.

Visiting Parks

While on a Virginia Beach vacation, many families enjoy a picnic or recreational activities at one of the City’s 210 parks. Most are free and open to the public from dawn until dusk. Some feature volleyball and tennis courts, ball fields, Frisbee golf courses, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, grills and just plain wide open spaces.

Dining and Night Life

Virginia Beach has a wide range of restaurants, diners, nightclubs, cafes, taverns, food vendors and fine dining establishments. Menus and available cuisine vary widely. Many places feature outdoor seating or open air decks for patrons to enjoy the weather or spend time people watching.