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The 10 Best Tourist Destinations in Virginia Beach

The 10 Best Tourist Destinations in Virginia Beach
As one of the top tourist spots on the Atlantic coast, Virginia Beach offers a unique experience. Expect not just beaches but also stunning nature, history, and more.
Located in southeastern Virginia, the coastal city of Virginia Beach is one of the state’s most popular destinations. It’s ideal for a summer vacation due to its golden sand beaches. With the city’s vibrant charm, however, you can find tourists exploring Virginia Beach all year long.
If you’d like to visit this beautiful place, here are the tourist attractions in Virginia Beach you can’t afford to miss.

1. First Landing State Park
This park is an important historical site for the whole state. That’s because in 1607, Christopher Newport’s ship landed here. And it’s where he founded the first English settlement, which he named Jamestown.
In this gorgeous park, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as biking or hiking. In fact, there’s an impressive 20-mile-long hiking trail through the woodlands of Virginia.
For those interested in water sports, there are kayak rentals and tours and canoeing. You can also try fishing or camping if you’re a nature lover.
2. Military Aviation Museum
Are you a history lover? A visit to the Military Aviation Museum can be an excellent way to spend an afternoon in this beautiful city. The planes on display are from both World Wars and are beyond fascinating!
This museum is such a popular tourist location in Virginia Beach that even locals visit it. And the staff is dedicated to aircraft restoration, that’s why many of the planes are in working condition and form a regular part of airshows.
If you pay a fee, you can even take a ride in one of the airplanes!
3. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The most popular paved walkway along the ocean is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. It runs parallel to Atlantic Avenue, the city’s busiest street filled with hotels and shopping and dining areas.
The Boardwalk runs along the Oceanfront for three miles and has many pleasant restaurants, cafés, shops, and beach stores. It’s also the favorite running and biking spot of both locals and tourists.
Those who hang out on the park benches contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of this walkway.
4. Sandbridge Beach
If you visit Virginia Beach during the peak season, you may find the Oceanfront a bit crowded. So if you prefer the paths less traveled, make sure you stop by Sandbridge Beach. It’s just a quick drive away from the Boardwalk.
This beach is ideal for recharging your batteries and enjoying the silence away from the city’s hustle and bustle. And if you still want to stay active, you can try hiking, kayaking, fishing tours, and visiting the nearby wildlife refuges and parks.
5. Great Dismal Swamp
Are you ready for some chills? The Great Dismal Swamp is one of the best places to see in Virginia Beach, if you want to experience something different. Note that it’s an hour away from Virginia Beach, but it’s undoubtedly worth your while.
This foggy swamp looks mysterious and has great historical significance for the state of Virginia. That’s because escaped slaves of the time used the swamp as a refuge. Today, it’s become a National Wildlife Refuge.
6. Virginia Aquarium
The Virginia Aquarium is a delight for those who find the underwater world fascinating. The colossal aquarium was once a museum dedicated to marine life. It’s now home to more than 300 species of not just fishes but also otters, turtles, and seals.
The aquarium staff also organizes many themed exhibits where you can learn about the natural habitats of these animals. You’ll get to know more about the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and a volcanic island in Indonesia, for instance.
7. ViBe Creative District
Virginia Beach’s creative neighborhood is near the epicenter of the city. A few minutes away from the Oceanfront, you have a chance to soak in the artistic side of Virginia by visiting the ViBe Creative District.
It’s a colorful community where you can observe local artists immersed in their work or visit the Old Beach Farmers Market. When you’ve had enough, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in one of their cozy cafés. Don’t forget to buy handmade souvenirs, like handbags or wood pieces.
8. Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship
One of the most thrilling things to do in Virginia Beach is to board a pirate ship. How? By visiting the city’s unique tourist attraction Captain Jack’s Lost Pearl.
Although the shipbuilders tried to make a replica of a Spanish Galleon, they still needed to follow the US Coast Guard’s guidelines. So, it’s perfectly safe to board the ship.
You can go for a cruise or even celebrate your birthday on board. Sailing on the Lost Pearl is a fun activity both for children and adults.
9. Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
It’s time to visit a significant cultural landmark in Virginia Beach. The original Cape Henry Lighthouse has a long history that goes back to 1792 and George Washington personally authorized it. Today, there’s a new lighthouse built a few blocks away.
As the area is part of the Fort Story US Army base, you need to pass a security check before approaching the lighthouse. The Old Cape Henry is open for visitors and you’re allowed to climb all the way to the top. From there, you can enjoy sensational views and beautiful sunsets.
10. Harrison Opera House
Here’s another sight that’s worth your while.
While you’ll need to take a short car ride to get to the Harrison Opera House, you won’t regret it. Not only does it feature splendid architecture, but the inside of the building is just as impressive.
The elegant venue has a capacity of more than 1,600 guests. The staircases and chandeliers are even certified masterpieces.
The Classy, Charming Beach City
It’s easy to fall in love with Virginia Beach. Whatever you have in mind, it can deliver.
Wildlife resorts, historical sites, gorgeous beaches, and fantastic views amaze tourists every year. There are also beautiful places in plain sight and more discrete hideaways when you’re longing for peace and quiet.
Above all, the unique tourist attractions in Virginia Beach will make you want to come back for more.
Tips + Planning
New York on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Fun

Dreaming of NYC but worried about the price tag? You’re not alone. While the Big Apple consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, experiencing its magic doesn’t require a trust fund. With insider knowledge and smart planning, you can savor iconic sights, world-class culture, and delicious eats without breaking the bank. Here’s your roadmap to an unforgettable, affordable New York adventure.
Conquer the Classics for Free (or Almost Free)
New York is overflowing with iconic experiences that cost nothing but your time.

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- Walk Famous Landmarks: Stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking skyline views and photo ops. Explore Central Park – visit Sheep Meadow, Bethesda Fountain, and hidden waterfalls. Wander through Times Square at night to soak in the neon energy, marvel at Grand Central Terminal’s architecture, and admire the Rose Reading Room at the New York Public Library.
- Seek Out Spectacular Free Views: Skip the expensive observation decks. Ride the Staten Island Ferry (FREE, 24/7) for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Walk the High Line, an elevated park with unique city vistas and art. Head to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for that classic postcard view of Manhattan.
- Discover World-Class Museums for Less: Many major museums offer “pay-what-you-wish” admission or free hours:
- The Met: Pay what you wish for NY, NJ, CT residents; suggested admission others
- American Museum of Natural History: Pay what you wish for NY, NJ, CT residents
- MoMA: Free for all every Friday evening (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Museum of the City of New York: Pay what you wish for NY residents; free for all Wednesdays
- National Museum of the American Indian: Always free
- Bronx Museum: Always free
- Others: Guggenheim (pay-what-you-wish Sat evenings), Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (free Fri evenings), and Brooklyn Museum (free first Saturday of the month)
- Embrace Parks & Green Spaces: Beyond Central Park, explore Prospect Park (Brooklyn), Brooklyn Bridge Park (free kayaking in summer!), Bryant Park (free events year-round), Washington Square Park, and the unique Little Island.
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Eat Like a Local (Without the Tourist Markup)
NYC’s culinary scene is legendary, and you don’t need a fancy reservation to enjoy it.

- The Almighty Slice: Grab a classic $1-$3 New York slice from spots like Joe’s Pizza, 2 Bros Pizza, or countless neighborhood pizzerias.
- Street Food & Food Trucks: Fuel up with affordable breakfast tacos, bagels with cream cheese, hot dogs, pretzels, and legendary halal cart plates.
- Global Delights in Ethnic Enclaves:
- Chinatown: Inexpensive dumplings, dim sum, noodle soups
- Queens (Flushing, Jackson Heights): Authentic and affordable eats from around the world
- Arthur Avenue, Bronx: Authentic Italian far superior (and cheaper) than Little Italy
- Happy Hour Deals: Milk happy hour for discounted drinks and sometimes food at popular bars.
- Groceries & Markets: Grab picnic supplies for park lunches. Explore food halls like Chelsea Market (sample affordably) or Essex Market.
Smart Savings on Accommodation & Transportation
These two areas often eat the biggest chunks of your budget. Fight back!

- Stay Beyond Manhattan: Consider Brooklyn, Queens, or even New Jersey for significantly better hotel rates and more space.
- Book Early & Compare: Use comparison sites. Winter offers the lowest prices, while spring/fall provide good balance of cost and comfort.
- Master Public Transit: Ditch the expensive cabs!
- Subway & Bus: The $2.90 single ride is your lifeline. A 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard ($34) pays for itself after about 12 rides
- Walking: NYC is incredibly walkable
- Citi Bike: Great for short hops
- Ferries: Besides the FREE Staten Island Ferry, the NYC Ferry offers scenic routes
Score Deals on Entertainment & Experiences
Culture and fun in NYC don’t have to come with a sky-high price.

- Broadway & Theater:
- TKTS Booths: Get same-day tickets for up to 50% off
- Lotteries & Rush Tickets: Many shows offer deeply discounted tickets via digital lotteries or in-person rush sales
- Free Festivals & Events: NYC’s calendar is packed!
- Shakespeare in the Park: Summer performances in Central Park
- SummerStage & BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!: Free concerts in parks
- Holiday Magic: Rockefeller Tree, Macy’s Parade, Dyker Heights lights
- Comedy & TV Tapings: Find free or low-cost comedy shows and apply for free audience tickets to TV shows.
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Pro Tips for Maximum Savings
- Travel Off-Peak: Visit in winter or early December for lowest prices
- Embrace Free Walking Tours: Cover neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown
- Hydrate Smart: Carry a reusable water bottle – NYC tap water is excellent
- Seek Out Local Alternatives: Skip tourist traps for authentic neighborhood experiences
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The Takeaway:
New York City on a budget isn’t just possible; it can lead to a richer, more authentic experience. By focusing on free attractions, eating locally, staying strategically, mastering the subway, and seeking deals, you unlock the true vibrancy of the city without draining your savings. Remember, the best things in New York – the energy, the people-watching, the iconic skyline views – are often free. So pack your walking shoes, grab a MetroCard and a dollar slice, and get ready to fall in love with the Big Apple on your own terms! What’s your first budget-friendly NYC adventure going to be? Share your tips in the comments!
Oceanside
Oceanside’s Farm-to-Table Dining: A Foodie’s Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of devouring a just-plucked salad while staring at the Pacific, then buckle up, buttercup—Oceanside farm-to-table dining is calling your name.
Tucked between sun-soaked beaches and rolling inland hills, this Southern California gem has quietly grown into a haven for food lovers who like their meals local, their chefs bold, and their plates—well, Instagram-ready.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone who really really likes brunch, Oceanside farm-to-table dining offers more than sea views. We’re talking heirloom tomatoes kissed by morning fog, craft cocktails that double as magic tricks, and chefs who are basically artists with aprons. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting fed, farm-fresh style.
What Is Oceanside Farm-to-Table Dining, Really?
Let’s clear the table for a sec. Farm-to-table isn’t just some trendy buzzword chefs slap on menus to sound eco-chic. At its core, it means sourcing ingredients locally—often directly from farms—and serving them up with minimal processing and maximum flavor. In Oceanside, this goes beyond just taste. It’s a philosophy. A lifestyle. Dare we say… a movement?
And the best part? You’re supporting local growers, reducing your carbon footprint, and probably tasting the juiciest strawberry of your life. Win-win-win.
Best Oceanside Farm-to-Table Restaurants You Need to Try
1. The Plot

This zero-waste, plant-based spot is straight-up revolutionary. Their ingredients come from their own nearby farm, and the dishes? Think beet poke, jackfruit tacos, and other delicious curveballs that even die-hard carnivores can’t resist. Oh, and they compost everything. If guilt-free indulgence had a home address, this would be it.
2. Dija Mara

Farm-to-table meets Southeast Asian street food in a vibe-heavy spot that’s as edgy as it is flavorful. The grilled octopus is legendary, and if you skip the charred broccolini, you’re doing it wrong. The chef draws heavily from local produce, giving traditional Balinese flavors a SoCal twist. It’s bold, it’s funky, and it absolutely slaps.
3. Piper at The Seabird Resort

Piper doesn’t mess around. Set inside a dreamy oceanside resort, this airy spot serves up locally-sourced everything—from the eggs in your shakshuka to the basil in your spritz. It’s coastal chic meets farmers market brunch, with a pastry chef who deserves a standing ovation. Try the house-made granola, and prepare to get hooked.
4. Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub

Don’t let the name throw you. This place is an Oceanside staple, known for its punk-rock approach to sushi and unwavering dedication to sustainability. Chef Davin Waite works with local fishermen and farms to craft rolls that are inventive, wild, and weirdly poetic. Like a sea urchin haiku with a wasabi kick.
Markets & Makers: Take the Experience Home

Don’t just eat it—live it. Oceanside’s Downtown Farmers Market is held every Thursday and is your golden ticket to the freshest produce, local honey, and homemade everything. Chat up the farmers. Sample the stone fruit. Grab some sourdough that might change your life. It’s laid-back, lively, and just the right amount of chaotic.
While you’re at it, check out Cyclops Farms, a certified organic urban farm that supplies many of Oceanside’s restaurants. They host events, dinners, and even let you pick your own produce. Warning: you might leave with a crate of kale and a deep desire to start gardening.
Final Bites: Why Oceanside’s Food Scene Hits Different
Let’s be honest—farm-to-table is often tossed around in cities that feel more like curated museum exhibits than real, lived-in communities. But Oceanside? It’s gritty, it’s growing, and it’s got soul. The chefs here aren’t following trends; they’re setting them. The food isn’t pretentious; it’s passionate. And every bite tells a story that started just down the road.
So, next time you find yourself in this coastal corner of California, come hungry—and maybe wear pants with an elastic waistband. You’re gonna need it.
Planning Your Visit?
Make sure to check restaurant hours, reserve ahead if you can, and leave room in your suitcase for jam jars and handmade pasta. This isn’t just a dining experience—it’s a full-on flavor adventure.
Dig in.
New Orleans
New Orleans’ Haunted History: A Ghost Tour

New Orleans, the Crescent City, is renowned for its vibrant music, delectable cuisine, and unique cultural blend. But beneath the surface of jazz-filled streets and colorful balconies lies a darker, more mysterious side: a history steeped in tragedy, Voodoo, and countless restless spirits. If you’re looking for an adventure that will send shivers down your spine and ignite your imagination, a ghost tour in New Orleans is an absolute must-do!
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Imagine walking through the dimly lit cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, the gas lamps casting long, dancing shadows, as a seasoned storyteller regales you with tales of centuries-old hauntings. This isn’t just about jump scares; it’s an immersive journey into the city’s past, where every building seems to hold a chilling secret.
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What Makes New Orleans So Haunted?

The city’s tumultuous history has created fertile ground for paranormal activity. From devastating fires and rampant epidemics like yellow fever to the brutal realities of slavery and violent crimes, New Orleans has witnessed its share of profound suffering. This rich, often tragic, past has left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of those who lived and died here still linger.
Iconic Haunted Locations You Might Encounter:
A good ghost tour will take you to some of New Orleans’ most infamous spectral hotspots. Here are a few you’re likely to hear about:

- The LaLaurie Mansion (1140 Royal Street): Perhaps the most notorious haunted house in America, this grand mansion was once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite infamous for her horrific cruelty towards her enslaved people in the early 19th century. The tales of torture and suffering within its walls are truly unsettling, and many claim the tormented spirits of her victims still haunt the property.

- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: As the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789, it’s a labyrinth of above-ground tombs and crumbling mausoleums. It’s the final resting place of many notable figures, including the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Visitors often report seeing ghostly figures, hearing whispers, and feeling an eerie presence among the ornate tombs.

- The Ursuline Convent: This imposing building, dating back to the 1750s, holds tales of mysterious deaths and sightings of ghostly nuns. It’s also famously associated with the “Casket Girls” legend – young French women who arrived with small chests, rumored to be vampires by some, though history tells a less sensational story of their belongings.

- Hotel Monteleone: This luxurious hotel has a long history and a reputation for being exceptionally haunted. Guests and staff have reported encounters with spectral children, including a young boy named Maurice who is said to roam the 14th floor, still searching for his parents.

- Muriel’s Jackson Square: This restaurant is reportedly haunted by its former owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who committed suicide upstairs after losing the property in a poker game. Diners have reported moving objects, disembodied voices, and a general feeling of being watched.
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Beyond the Ghosts: A Historical Perspective
New Orleans ghost tours are more than just spooky stories; they offer a unique way to delve into the city’s complex history. You’ll learn about the origins of Voodoo in New Orleans, the impact of significant historical events, and the lives of the colorful, and often tragic, characters who shaped this remarkable city. The guides are often captivating storytellers, blending historical facts with local legends to create an unforgettable experience.
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Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, a New Orleans ghost tour promises an evening of intrigue, history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a chance to see the city in a different light, to feel the echoes of its past, and perhaps, to even encounter a friendly (or not-so-friendly) spirit.
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