The Sands of Virginia Beach

Visiting Virginia Beach, Virginia can be an exciting way to spend your vacation this year. You will find that the beach is much of the attraction in this city of about 40,000 people although there certainly is much more to offer.

There are a number of beaches that you should consider visiting on your trip. For starters, go to Chick's Beach. It is the shortened name for the beach along Chesapeake Bay, one of the bodies of water that runs along this city. Chesapeake Bay has warm waters and mild surf most of the year, so this beach is a wonderful destination for people who are not so much into the wind and waves at the Oceanside beach. Instead you can sit back and read a good book or enjoy the sunshine without the hassle of a busy beach.

Sandbridge Beach is on the decidedly less touristy side of Virginia Beach. Sandbridge is the place where you will find many condos and rental homes instead of the typical hotel structures. There are three new apartment-like condominium complexes built on this side of the city, and you may want to see about a short-term stay in one of them.

If you are interested in leasing a timeshare or privately-owned house, then Sandbridge is the place for you. These houses range in size and price level, and you will find one of the comfort and amenity level you need, no matter what your desires. You also will be able to head out to the surf through the individual walkways leading you to the five miles of beach along Sandbridge. You can visit Little Island Park if you are having a family day at the beach. There you will find plenty of recreational activities and equipment, such as tennis courts and picnic areas with covered shelters and grills. This beachside location is one that the entire family can love.

If you want to know one of the best-kept secrets of the Virginia Beach area, then you should take a trip to the Croatan part of the beach scene. This out of the way beach area is far from the busy sections of town but has plenty of people. Those people are locals who consider Croatan to be their turf. They will not be bothersome, and the atmosphere can provide for a great day at the beach.

Atlantic Avenue is the lifeline of Virginia Beach. It is the street that lines the busiest of the city beaches. There are shops galore along Atlantic Avenue. You will find plenty of tourist digs, including t-shirts proclaiming local sayings, straw hats, sunglasses, suntan lotion, disposable cameras, and more. You also can find restaurants along the Atlantic Avenue side of the city. They range from fast food chain restaurants to nice local restaurants, so there is something for you with the kids and something for Mom and Dad when the sun goes down.

Atlantic Avenue also is host to the majority of the hotels in the area. You can find your basic, inexpensive family motel along with nicer resort-style hotels. Because most people who visit Virginia Beach stay in this section of town, you will find plenty else to do as well. There is a state boardwalk that boasts about famous Virginians. You can walk the boardwalk while you are touring the area. You also can visit the 24th Street Park, where you can walk along walkways and have food from vendors, see entertainment, and watch the ocean. There are miniature golf, basketball, and all of the other low-key forms of entertainment you may expect to find on a day at the beach.

Virginia Beach does not have the acclaim that other beaches around the United States may have. It is not crazy during spring break like Panama City or Daytona. It is not a haven for bikers, the wealthy, or families with small children. Instead this beach is a mix of everyone, and it is far less crowded and thus less expensive than many other beaches. In fact, even if you are not big on the beach, there are plenty of places you can find to keep you busy from museums to art centers. Whatever you want, Virginia Beach has it.

By Julia Mercer