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7 Day Beach Lovers Getaway

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Day 1 - Virginia Beach

Your Virginia getaway begins in Virginia Beach. Whether you like tranquil and serene beaches, or a more cosmopolitan vibe, the Virginia Beach area will have a beach that is perfect for you. Not only are the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay pristine, with beautiful blue waters, Virginia Beach offers a variety of truly unique and unforgettable experiences.

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Try your hand at horseback riding on the beach, or for those who want to get more up close and personal with the water and the wildlife, kayaking with dolphins is sure to leave a lasting impression. Ride the gentle waves in sit-on-top ocean kayaks, while you take a guided tour and discover the fascinating and fun world of the bottlenose dolphins that call these waters home.

Day 2 - Virginia Beach

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Explore the ViBe Creative District, located conveniently within the oceanfront area of Virginia Beach. This cultural arts enclave is a local hotspot where creative businesses have come together to share their passion and love of the arts with visitors and locals alike. After getting in touch with your creativity and artsy vibes, visit the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II era military aircraft in the world. Enjoy the heritage and machinery of these inspiring aircraft, many of which are airworthy and flown at the museum during flight demonstrations and at air shows throughout the year – they even offer rides to the public!

Day 3 - Virginia Beach

On your third day in Virginia, enjoy a relaxing day in the sand in Virginia Beach, the world’s longest pleasure beach! Be sure to take a stroll or a bike ride along Virginia Beach’s famousfive-kilometer boardwalk.

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After your day at on beach, get ready to dazzle your taste buds with some of the region’s impressive culinary offerings. Fine dining options abound in this city by the sea and seafood lovers are in for a treat, as the fresh catch found in Virginia Beach offers up an unparalleled epicurean experience. Dubbed the oyster capital of the East Coast, Virginia has eight distinct oyster regions. Try a few from each area and then pick your favorite. Some are salty, some are sweet, but they are all succulent and delicious – and they pair beautifully with a glass of Virginia wine! Check out Pleasure House Oysters for an unforgettable Virginia oyster experience.

Day 4 - Norfolk

Continue your coastal Virginia experience by driving to nearby Norfolk and to explore the new and revitalized Waterside District, an area buzzing with trendy restaurants and entertainment. Dining options are plentiful and you can even indulge your sweet tooth at Carolina Cupcakery, an establishment recently featured on the Food Network’s hit television series Cupcake Wars. Take a self-guided tour of the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy, which rests in Norfolk’s waters.

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Be sure not to miss some of the Norfolk area’s top attractions, including the Norfolk Botanical Garden (Virginia’s largest botanical garden), the Virginia Zoological Park, or the Chrysler Museum of Art. Space enthusiasts will love a trip to the Virginia Air & Space Center located in nearby Hampton, Virginia. Serving as the official visitor center of NASA Langley Research Center, the Virginia Air & Space Center features a variety of interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) exhibits, more than 30 historic aircraft, a hands-on space gallery, and unique space flight artifacts.

Next up, get ready for a night of dining and fun in downtown Norfolk at one of the region’s popular restaurants, followed by a restful night at one of Norfolk’s many inviting hotels.

Day 5 - Cape Charles

Continue your journey across the Chesapeake Bay via the famous ChesapeakeBay Bridge Tunnel to the serene Eastern Shore of Virginia. Cape Charles offers a laid-back beach escape coupled with small town charm. Cape Charles’ bayside beach offers a calmer beach experience with smaller waves, ideal for families with young children. For a more adventurous experience, head to Kiptopeke State Park to enjoy its many outdoor recreation offerings.

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After the beach, explore the many local shops and eateries along Mason Avenue in the walkable downtown area of Cape Charles. Once it’s time to eat, be sure not to miss mouthwatering local seafood from one of the many restaurants in Cape Charles. The Shanty is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Or, try the Oyster Farm for a more upscale dining experience.

Day 6 - Chincoteague

Head north on the Eastern Shore to Chincoteague Island, famous for its population of wild ponies. Experience the Chincoteague ponies and a wide range of other wildlife at the 14,000-acre Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. For a calming beach experience, check out the Assateague Island National Seashore, featuring kilometers of pristine ocean-front beach.

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To satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t miss the iconic Island Creamery, a favorite ice cream shop among locals featuring a wide variety of hand-crafted flavors. In 2014, Island Creamery was voted Best Ice Cream in America by TripAdvisor.

Day 7 - Wallops Island

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Before heading home, complete your beach getaway with unique Virginia experience by visiting the visit the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center. Wallops Flight Facility is NASA's primary facility for suborbital missions, and the facility launches sounding rockets, scientific balloons, and performs aircraft research. The Visitor Center features interactive exhibits, an observation deck, and a wide range of family activities.

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