Introduction to Virginia Beach, VA

In both character and geography VIRGINIA BEACH is about halfway between Maryland's huge, frenzied Ocean City and North Carolina's untamed open Outer Bank. Virginia's only real summer resort has grown to become the largest city in the state, but takes care to pitch itself as a family destination; among steps to deter the Spring Break crowd, Virginia Beach – home to evangelist/politician Pat Robertson's Regent College – has enacted anti-cruising laws that make it illegal to drive past the same spot twice within three hours. That said, the oceanfront vicinity can be a monument to tackiness, and there are several testosterone-filled surfer bars. Fortunately a multimillion dollar program to widen the beach keeps it from getting too sardine-like and the overall lazy atmosphere actually leads some to stay longer than planned.

Information by Rough Guides

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