Kicking off the new year, the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has appointed Siren Communications to lead its public relations in Canada to raise awareness of the destination across the country. Offering miles of immaculate ocean waterfront lined with stunning sandy beaches, Virginia Beach is home to world-famous Lynnhaven oysters, along with a variety of water sports and outdoor activities, plus year-round family-friendly attractions.
“Generations of Canadians have fallen in love with Virginia Beach and we’re excited to welcome even more of our northern neighbours to our vibrant coastal city,” says Nancy Helman, Virginia Beach CVB director. As the top travel destination for Canadians, the United States continues to lure travellers seeking off-the-radar gems like Virginia Beach.
“Virginia Beach is a wonderful travel destination that offers something for everyone,” says Siren Communications founder Ann Layton.
“This sunny stretch of the Virginia coastline has so many cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and historic sites. The boardwalk is a popular attraction in its own right with many restaurants, shops, and entertainment options for travellers of all ages.”
Here’s a look at some highlights for 2024.
NEW EVENTS & EXHIBITS
Virginia Aquarium
With a major expansion and a rainforest-themed new exhibition, the Virginia Aquarium is a must-visit attraction. The city’s beloved marine science museum recently completed a $28.9 million expansion and renovation, and will welcome its first guests this January. It boasts 20,000 gallons of water and more than a dozen animal species including the beloved North American River Otter and enchanting jellyfish habitats. Coinciding with the expansion is the launch of Rainforest Adventure, an interactive new attraction that explores some of the least known habitats on earth (from January 20 to April 28).
Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld exhibit
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art welcomes a major new traveling exhibition featuring approximately 30 large-scale paintings and sculptures created by Dion and Rockman spanning 30 years. The exhibition spans 30 years of the artists’ exploration of humanity’s strained relationship with the environment, inviting viewers to examine the threatened yet alluring depths of our environmental terrain (February 9 to June 9).
New Spring Music Festival
Like a garden bursting to life, a three-day music festival featuring national pop, R&B, rap and contemporary recording artists debuts this spring on a trio of oceanfront stages (April 26 to 28).
Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach
The biggest Monster Truck show in the Mid-Atlantic will celebrate its 25th year in Virginia Beach. Featuring both a race and stunt course built right into the sand, fans can catch all the steel-crushing action from bleachers overlooking the beach (May 17 - 19).
New Virginia Beach Reggae Festival
Virginia Beach will be jammin’ following the Memorial Day holiday as a new, two-stage oceanfront festival spotlights reggae music, food and culture (May 31 - June 2).
NEW FLAVORS AND FUN EXPERIENCES
LEGO® Store now open at Virginia Beach Town Center Creators have a new shopping destination with the opening of the commonwealth’s first brick-tacular store outside of the Northern Virginia region. In the heart of the city’s retail district, the 3,170-sq. ft. shop features a variety of iconic building sets plus in-store play experiences, a Mini tower and Pick & Build Wall to design custom creations.
Mt. Trashmore upgrades Kids’ Cove playground A 50 th anniversary facelift for the city’s most-visited and iconic park includes a $1.6 million renovation project slated to open in late summer. Upgrades include the addition of new climbing and sliding equipment on the face of the hill that connects to the ground-level playground.
New Virginia Beach Trail in development Expanding on a multi-use trail that stretches 1.5 miles inland from Rudee Inlet, the city is developing a 12-mile pathway along a former rail line. The paved, 10-foot wide Virginia Beach Trail is a key element in the city’s active transportation plan and will span the full width of the city when complete, connecting communities, amenities and other pathways across the region.
For more Virginia Beach information, including new attractions and experiences visit www.visitvirginiabeach.com
