Virginia Beach

With a huge fleet parked nearby at Hampton Roads Harbor, Virginia Beach has a strong Navy influence. It’s also a popular tourist destination - being the only major resort on the Virginia coast - as well as the largest city in the state. The diversity of people it attracts is staggering: from fun-oriented students on spring break to the flock attending Pat Robertson’s Regent College. The city is centered around the beach and the long strip of coastline stays teeming with beachgoers, from sunbathers to swimmers and boaters. The bustling boardwalk is speckled with the customary array of bars, restaurants, and tacky tourist shops. Each summer, the Billabong Competition attracts surfers from across the country. To escape the beach throng, visitors can take in several area state parks, including the scenic Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.