Everyday Life - Elevated
More than just a great place to do business, Virginia Beach is one of the best places in the country to call home. The perks of everyday life here stack up fast: award-winning schools, miles of beautiful oceanfront, a thriving arts scene, and a cost of living that outshines many peer cities.
Virginia Beach was named the No. 8 Best U.S. City to Live.
Culture & Lifestyles
World-Class Culture Meets Coastal Charm
Virginia Beach is more than sun and sand—it’s a city alive with culture, creativity, and everyday adventure. From coastal concerts and art festivals to miles of trails and green space, Virginia Beach offers a laid-back lifestyle with big-city cultural perks—and endless ways to play.
Learn MoreArts & Entertainment
A City That Inspires
In Virginia Beach, world-class culture takes center stage. Whether it’s a symphony performance in an intimate concert hall or a beachfront art festival that draws thousands, creativity is always in season here.
Virginia Beach tourism generates an impressive $3.8 billion for the local economy, highlighting the city's strong appeal as a travel destination.
Read economic impactThe Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art, 1,300-seat venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse programming—from Broadway tours to beloved local performers.
Nearby, the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater welcomes chart-topping artists in a 20,000-seat outdoor venue perfect for summer nights under the stars.
The Virginia Beach Events keep the energy high all season long with free concerts and festivals along our oceanfront boardwalk.
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is the only accredited contemporary art museum in the state, offering cutting-edge exhibitions, artist lectures, and more.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center inspires wonder with 800,000 gallons of aquatic exhibits, nature trails, and marshland habitats featuring more than 300 species.
For history lovers, the Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest collections of WWI and WWII aircraft still in flying condition, while the Cape Henry Lighthouse , Adam Thoroughgood House , and other historic sites connect the city to centuries of American heritage.
From wave-catching championships to boardwalk parades, Virginia Beach’s events calendar is always packed. Annual favorites like the East Coast Surfing Championships , Neptune Festival , and Shamrock Marathon attract thousands every year.
More Festivals and EventsThere’s truly something for everyone at Virginia Beach Town Center —a walkable 17-block hub of high-end shops, award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, comedy clubs, theaters, and more.
You’ll also find independent artisan boutiques, farmers markets, unique craft breweries, and more woven throughout the city.
Sports & Recreation
Tides, Trails, and Top-Tier Venues
With more than 100 miles of bikeways and trails, 265 parks, and miles of shoreline, Virginia Beach is built for movement. Whether you're hitting the waves, chasing personal records, or simply strolling through one of our scenic greenways, there’s always a way to stay active—indoors or out.
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation won the National Gold Medal Award in Parks and Recreation Management in 2023.
Read about this recognitionA state-of-the-art 285,000-square-foot indoor facility, Virginia Beach Sports Center hosts major events in track & field, basketball, volleyball, and more—just steps from the Convention Center and Oceanfront.
The Virginia Beach Sportsplex is a multi-field campus and national training site for field hockey, and includes a stadium and event-ready spaces for soccer, football, and other sports.
Other notable venues include the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex , Princess Anne Athletic Complex , USA Regional Field Hockey Training Center , and the Virginia Beach Field House .
In Virginia Beach, water isn’t just scenery—it’s a lifestyle. From surfing and parasailing to paddleboarding and boating , life here flows through our miles of oceanfront and winding inland waterways.
For anglers, it’s a true paradise: Known as the “Striped Bass Capital of the World,” Virginia Beach offers year-round fishing with prized catches like mackerel, bluefish, red drum, flounder, and more.
With more than 7,000 acres of green space and miles of scenic shoreline, Virginia Beach makes the outdoors part of everyday life.
Explore 19 miles of trails at First Landing State Park , unspoiled beaches at False Cape State Park , or spot bald eagles and sea turtles at the 10,000-acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge . You can also enjoy JT’s Grommet Island Park —the nation’s first fully accessible beach playground.
Virginia Beach is home to 10 public golf courses , including the prestigious Virginia Beach National , designed by the celebrated Pete Dye and Fred Couples.
The Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center offers 12 outdoor courts and 2 climate-controlled indoor courts for year-round matches. The city also maintains 188 public tennis courts and seven recreation centers with fitness spaces and indoor pools.
Quick Links
Virginia Beach’s exceptional schools aren’t just a perk—they’re a major draw for top talent.
Essentials covered—expectations exceeded. The city offers affordable options that make it easy to call Virginia Beach home.
Unlock the best of Virginia Beach with this Visitors Guide — packed with coastal fun, flavor and unforgettable experiences.