20 Fun Facts About Virginia Beach Virginia

Virginia Beach, located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, is a bustling resort city known for its miles of sandy beaches, lively boardwalk, and a rich history that dates back to the earliest days of America. With its unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern attractions, Virginia Beach is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a fun beach getaway, this city has plenty to offer.

A Brief History of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach’s history is deeply intertwined with the broader history of the United States. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Chesapeake and the Powhatan Confederacy. The first recorded European contact with the area occurred in 1607 when English settlers led by Captain Christopher Newport made landfall at Cape Henry, marking the beginning of the English colonization of North America. This site, now part of the city, is commemorated at the First Landing State Park and Cape Henry Memorial.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the area around Virginia Beach developed as part of the larger Virginia Colony, with agriculture, fishing, and trade forming the backbone of the local economy. The city’s strategic location at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay made it an important point of defense during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Virginia Beach began to emerge as a popular resort destination. The completion of the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Railroad in 1883 made the area more accessible to visitors, leading to the construction of hotels, cottages, and eventually the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Over the years, the city continued to grow, eventually merging with the larger Princess Anne County in 1963 to form the modern city of Virginia Beach.

20 VA Beach Fun Facts

1. Longest Pleasure Beach in the World: Virginia Beach is home to the longest pleasure beach in the world, with 35 miles of continuous coastline.
2. First Landing: Virginia Beach is the site of the “First Landing,” where English settlers first made landfall in 1607 before establishing Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America.
3. Cape Henry Lighthouse: The Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, was the first lighthouse funded by the U.S. government. It stands near the site of the First Landing.
4. Three-Mile Boardwalk: Virginia Beach boasts a three-mile-long boardwalk, one of the most popular attractions in the city, complete with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
5. Largest City in Virginia: By population, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia, with over 450,000 residents.
6. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which connects Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, is one of the engineering marvels of the world, stretching over 17.6 miles.
7. Military Presence: Virginia Beach is home to several major military installations, including Naval Air Station Oceana, one of the largest naval air stations in the world.
8. Neptune Statue: The iconic 34-foot-tall statue of King Neptune, located on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, is a popular symbol of the city and a favorite photo spot for visitors.
9. Historic Cavalier Hotel: The Cavalier Hotel, opened in 1927, has hosted celebrities, presidents, and even gangster Al Capone. It remains one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
10. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: This 9,250-acre wildlife refuge in Virginia Beach is a haven for migratory birds, making it a top destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
11. Largest Naval Base Nearby: Virginia Beach is located near Norfolk, home to the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk.
12. Annual Neptune Festival: The Neptune Festival, held every September, is one of Virginia Beach’s most popular events, featuring a sand sculpting competition, parades, and live music.
13. Famous Shipwrecks: The waters off the coast of Virginia Beach are known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the many shipwrecks that have occurred there over the centuries.
14. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: This popular attraction features over 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, offering visitors a chance to explore the marine life of the region.
15. Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment: Virginia Beach is home to the Edgar Cayce Association, a center dedicated to the study of the famed psychic’s work, including alternative medicine and spiritual enlightenment.
16. Pungo Strawberry Festival: Held annually in the rural Pungo district of Virginia Beach, this festival celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with fresh strawberries, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
17. Virginia Beach Surf Scene: The city is a popular destination for surfers, with favorable conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. The East Coast Surfing Championships, the longest-running surfing contest in the world, is held here annually.
18. First Colonial High School: The First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach is known for its award-winning legal studies academy, one of the first programs of its kind in the nation.
19. Witch of Pungo: The story of Grace Sherwood, known as the “Witch of Pungo,” is a famous local legend. She was the last person convicted of witchcraft in Virginia and is commemorated with a statue in the city.
20. Eco-Friendly City: Virginia Beach has been recognized for its environmental initiatives, including efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its commitment to sustainability through programs like the Lynnhaven River NOW project.