Virginia Beach Overview

Virginia Beach is Virginia’s largest city by population and a cornerstone of the Hampton Roads coastal region. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, it blends resort corridors and residential neighborhoods with wetlands, waterways, and rural southern districts. The city is widely recognized for its oceanfront boardwalk and long shoreline, but it also functions as a major employment center with a strong connection to the region’s military and port economy.

Economy

Tourism is a signature industry, supporting hotels, restaurants, attractions, and seasonal events that draw visitors throughout the year. Virginia Beach also benefits from a substantial defense presence in the broader Hampton Roads area, with related professional services, aviation, and logistics activity. Retail and healthcare are important local employers, and the city has pursued diversified growth through office development, small business support, and technology-oriented initiatives linked to the regional labor market.

Education

Virginia Beach City Public Schools serve a large student population and offer specialized academies and career programs aligned with local demand in trades, public safety, and health services. Higher education options are available within the city and nearby Norfolk and Chesapeake, and the metro area’s colleges support teacher preparation, business, and STEM pathways. Partnerships with military and maritime employers strengthen training pipelines and provide internship opportunities for students transitioning into regional careers.

Culture

Culturally, Virginia Beach mixes coastal traditions with the diversity of a large, mobile population. Music and arts programming ranges from beachfront concerts to community theaters, while food culture highlights seafood and regional specialties alongside international options. Neighborhood parks, multiuse trails, and local festivals create a family-oriented civic life, and the city’s coastal setting shapes outdoor recreation as a core part of everyday culture.

Travel and Entertainment

The oceanfront remains the primary draw, with beaches, the boardwalk, and water sports forming the classic visitor itinerary. Nature-focused travel is also significant at places like First Landing State Park and the Back Bay area, where kayaking, birding, and hiking showcase coastal ecosystems. Families add aquarium visits, seasonal festivals, and day trips through the broader Hampton Roads attractions, making Virginia Beach both a destination and a gateway to Tidewater Virginia.