10 Things To Do In Virginia Beach That Aren’t The Beach

Hint: There's more than just the beach.

1. Spend a Friday night exploring the ViBe Creative District.

Visit Virginia Beach

Wander just a few blocks away from the boardwalk to reach the ViBe Creative District in the Resort Beach. Art galleries, museums, shops, restaurants, and vibrant murals abound in this colorful, creative area just off the beach. The best time to visit is the first Friday of the month, when businesses stay open after hours and music, food, and entertainment fill the streets.

2. Shop for one-of-a-kind pieces of local art.

Visit Virginia Beach

Throughout ViBe, you can find unique stores selling the wares of local artists. To start, check out North End Bag Co. with their hand-sewn and locally designed totes, duffels, and backpacks. Also check out Benevolent Design for eco-friendly, custom furniture made from repurposed materials. Last but not least, Igor's Custom is a must for hand-painted signs, or bring in an item for crisp, clean pinstriping.

3. Flex your art skills at The Tar Roof.

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Aside from showcasing the work of over 30 local artists and hosting art bazaars, this Pungo-area storefront art gallery and event space also holds workshops. Join their Mug Club to make your own ceramic masterpieces or learn step-by-step how to paint Pungo landmarks using watercolors.

4. Check out Wayne White: Monitorium at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

First Look Photography

This quirky multimedia exploration of the 1862 Battle of Hampton Roads focuses on the human experience of this moment in US naval history. White's extensive work as a set and character designer and music-video art director informs this installation, which features larger-than-life puppets and props as devices to flesh out the setting of the USS Monitor for visitors.

5. Feast your eyes on the best sand art in the world during the Neptune Festival.

Visit Virginia Beach

Every fall, the Neptune Festival celebrates beach life with over 40 events. Easily the most anticipated is the 10-day-long International Sand Sculpting Championship. Watch as artists from all over the world sculpt intricate, fantastical creations out of a material we usually engage with most when strolling the shore or emptying out our shoes.

6. Catch a show at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Visit Virginia Beach

This state-of-the-art venue is the area's premier performing arts facility and hosts all types of productions, including concerts and ballets, as well as musical theater. With incredible acoustics and fewer than 100 feet separating the front of the stage and the last seat in the house, the venue ensures a particularly intimate experience for whatever show you decide to take in. Options for alfresco dining nearby also make for an easy evening of dinner and a show.

7. Learn all about birds in a historic setting at the Wildfowl Heritage Museum.

Visit Virginia Beach

The De Witt Cottage is the oldest structure in Virginia Beach and also home to this unique museum. One hundred years after the cottage was built, the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild opened the museum to preserve and exhibit historic wildfowl artifacts. Learn about the paths that wildfowl take on their migrations and watch as carvers create artful decoys at this one-of-a-kind institution.

8. Take in a performance at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach.

Stacy Pryce / Cute E's Photography

Virginia Beach's oldest continually operating community theater has been putting on local productions since 1948. And no matter what time of year you visit, there's a show running for your viewing. This season, its 70th, the theatre will produce five shows during the regular season and one in the summer.

9. Cross the Lynnhaven Inlet via the "The Canoes."

Visit Virginia Beach

A new sculpture will be installed in the pedestrian overlook on the walking and bike path of Lesner Bridge in spring 2018. Donald Lipski's "The Canoes" will feature 10 metal canoes in the form of a star, raised above the bridge by 30 feet. Each canoe is carved with elaborate filigree patterns inspired by the early settlers, including, for example, a print from John Smith's tunic.

10. Support local community theater at Zeiders American Dream Theater.

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This 300-seat theater located in Town Center is a not-for-profit community arts organization that offers intimate performances of all kinds. Zeiders is dedicated to exploratory theater that spans everything from interactive shows with audience participation to children's theater and improv. See a show completely unique to the area and support the community while you're at it.

With so many cultural activities to do enjoy Virginia Beach, it's the perfect destination for more than just beach lovers.