9 Free (Or Close to Free) Things to do in Virginia Beach this Summer

Finding free activities while you are on vacation can be a bit daunting. Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a popular tourist destination on the east coast that hugs the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia Beach is known as "Family Friendly" to the locals, and is a cheaper place to visit than most beaches towns. Here are nine free places to go on your vacation, recommended by locals on your next visit.

1.) The Beach

Who visits a beach town without going to the beach? Virginia Beach hosts three major beach areas, all with their own individual appeal to locals and tourists. Virginia Beach Oceanfront is home to beach playgrounds, outdoor cafes, and live music. The infamous Neptune park, standing 34 feet off the ground, guards everyone at the boardwalk. Neptune Park is famous for their live bands and concerts, which are free to the public. If you plan your visit, you might catch a free concert! If you are looking for a more secluded area, Sandbridge Beach may be more suited for your needs.

2.) Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum

Think Baywatch, but more museum-y. Located right on the boardwalk, the former life-saving station is a tourist attraction for all those wanting to know the history of the Virginia Beach maritime heritage. Visitors can go and see iconic exhibits inside the museum and learn about the history of the coastal communities in the area. This is a great learning activity for the kids and an exciting piece of history to enjoy.

3.) Virginia Beach Museum of Contemporary Art

MOCA, as locals call it, is a family friendly art venue with multiple exhibits for kids and adults alike. Every year MOCA holds a boardwalk art show that hosts over two hundred artists from all over the country, giving locals and tourists a taste of art while visiting the beach.

4.) Virginia Beach Farmer's Market

Hampton Roads, the area around Virginia Beach, expresses the idea of "Live local, eat local, buy local". Virginia Beach hosts multiple Farmers Markets in the area, giving you an idea of the cuisine and culture Virginia has to offer. Between blackberry jam and even tiny souvenirs, the farmers market brings a whole new level of organic local products.

5.) The Virginia Legends Walk

Nestled right off the boardwalk is the Virginia Legends Walk. This walk is a self guided tour of the all time legends of Virginia, whether born in Virginia or lived in the state. These celebrated Hall of Famers include Ella Fitsgerald, Caption John Smith, Booker T Washington, George Washington and several others that made national history.

6.) Virginia Beach State Parks

In Virginia Beach, the state parks are not all the same. Virginia Beach is home to many beautiful sand filled state parks, such as Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, False Cape State Park, and First Landing State Park. These parks are home to untouched beaches, barrier islands, and beautiful landscapes that you will enjoy for hours if not days.

7.) Japanese Gardens

Red Wing State Park is 97 acres wide and home to beautifully handcrafted Miyazaki Japanese gardens. Virginia has a climate that hosts beautiful Cherry Blossom trees, and Miyazaki is home to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival every year. Thousands of people and photographers gather here for photographs because of the beautiful landscape. Pictures here always come out beautiful!

8.) Mt. Trashmore

Wait, what? Yes, it's a mountain of what the name says. However, don't let the name fool you. Mt. Trashmore has been repurposed as a 165 acre park for fitness enthusiasts and mothers who need a break alike. The park consists of a skate park, two lakes, three playgrounds and two man-made mountains. Hundreds of people workout and catch rays here a day, and it's a popular local destination that is a best kept secret.

9.) Norfolk Botanical Gardens

It's best to catch this one on a group sale, but Norfolk Botanical Gardens is a must see. With over 60 award winning gardens and miles of walking paths, it's home to beautiful wildlife and paths of stone reminiscing of a castle's garden. More than twenty thousand adults and children are members of the infamous gardens, and the Rose garden is a beautiful sight to see. Bring your camera with you!

Virginia Beach is home to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, and there are a lot of free parks and things to do, it makes for a budget friendly place to vacation! I hope this list helps your next visit!