The boat trip lets passengers get a close look at playful dolphins that spend summers along the shore. In winter, the boat trips focus on the whales that spend colder months off Virginia Beach's coast. Those preferring a solo outing in the ocean or bay can rent a kayak from Outdoor Experience in Virginia Beach. South of the Virginia Beach boardwalk area is Croatan, an area popular with surfers. Other secluded beaches in the area include Virginia Beach's North End where large oceanfront houses are both owner-occupied and rented by the week.
Wooden walkways lead over the dunes from access streets with parking.
Fort Story, a U.S. Army post at the far north end of the beach, welcomes visitors with a valid driver's license Friday through Monday to its Atlantic Ocean beach - a favorite of locals. Reservations in peak months are a must. In June, the park will debut the Chesapeake Bay Center, a visitor center featuring aquariums, environmental displays and a touch tank filled with sea creatures. Along Shore Drive and bordering the park is Chick's Beach, home to several of Virginia Beach's best-known seafood restaurants. The beach attracts sun lovers, kayakers, sailors and windsurfers and rents water sports equipment.