Discover the rolling waves and pristine sands of Virginia Beach on your next venture into the historic state of Virginia. The independent city of Virginia Beach is located in the South Hampton Roads area of Virginia, nestled on the shores of Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. As the most populous city in Virginia, the city attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year and is now regarded as a resort city.

The city is best known for its miles of beaches, and hundreds of motels and restaurants along the ocean front. It is also known as the home to the longest pleasure beach in the world, making this the ideal city to escape to and experience seaside living at its best.

This tourist destination is the perfect place to rent a car and embark on a driving holiday. There are many fascinating attractions with a few hours drive of the city, so the convenience that your rental car will give you will not go unnoticed. While you are in the city, here are just a few things that you should definitely add to your itinerary:

1. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Centre

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Centre is one of the best aquariums and live animal habitats in the country. This institution is home to hundreds of hand-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary, a nature trail and acres of marshlands. The 3D IMAX Theatre is a popular attraction here, and permits for the sound and visual experience of a lifetime.

The aquarium is simply fantastic and is simple bursting with colourful sea creatures, coral and monsters of the deep. Some of the popular animals include the harbour seals, cownose rays, loggerhead turtles, the North American River Otters and the Sand Tiger sharks. There is something here to keep everyone in the family amused.

The Science Centre will open your mind to new information, experiences and discoveries. There is a strong focus on anthropology, biology, geology, meteorology and oceanography, ensuring that everything science is covered.

2. Cape Henry

Take a short drive in your rental car out of Virginia Beach and you will arrive in Cape Henry. The Cape was named in 1607, in honour of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, and is nestled on the southern boundary of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouses here silently guard Chesapeake Bay and act a beacon, not only of light, but of the history of this significant area.

Take a stroll around the bay and you will comes across the Cape Henry Memorial, which commemorates the First Landing of the settlers who established Jamestown. First Landing State Park is another popular destination here and is perfect for a picnic by the sea.

3. Neptune Festival

The Neptune Festival is an annual event that is held in Virginia Beach, between the months of May and September. The Festival provides entertainment that enhances the quality of life for the Virginia Beach locals and visitors. This celebration of the community features 35 events which are anchored by the Boardwalk Weekend, which features the North American Sandsculpting Championship. This is an event that, if you are town for, is definitely worth a look at as it will satisfy your cultural needs.

4. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

As the name suggests, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is nestled in the back bays of Virginia Beach, this ideal location creating a pleasant environment for the wildlife that flocks here year round. The refuge contains over 9,000 acres, situated on and around a thin strip of coastline that is typical of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The habitats here include beach, sand dunes, woodland, farm fields and marsh, making it the ideal place for countless species of animals.

Come and enjoy the unique beauty of the area, learn about the native wildlife and participate in environmental education and wildlife-dependent recreation!

5. Jamestown

Take a pleasant drive down to Jamestown and relive the adventure of 1607, when 104 Englishmen dropped anchor and began to build America's first permanent English colony. Explore life at the dawn of the 17th Century while discovering the first settlement of the United States. While in town be sure to pay a visit to Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological site and laboratory, Old Town and the Visitor Centre. This experience will take you a step back in time and allow you to discover stories of the days gone by!

Christine Barton