Posted by Breanna Brower

3 Mostly Free Things to Do In Virginia Beach Besides the Beach

A family vacation is all about spending time with your loved ones and creating memories to last a lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a fortune to do just that! Sure fancy dinners and adrenaline pumping activities are fun, but there's plenty to do in Virginia Beach that won't cost you a much. Here are 3 (mostly) free things you can't miss out on while on your Sandbridge Vacation.

Concerts at the Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 3-mile long venue for concerts, restaurants, or just a place to take in the scenery. If you're visiting during the summer months, there are four different stages that offer free concerts throughout the season. The boardwalk becomes the stage for family-friendly, "Live! On Atlantic" every night between June 15 and August 26, from 7:30pm to 11pm.

Also during the summer season, theannual concert series "Ynot Wednesdays?" is every Wednesday night, June throughAugust, from 5pm to 9pm on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza. There are food andbeverage options available for purchase, but the music is totally free!

Freebie Bonus: While you're there,cool off inside the Sandler Center lobby with a free educational tour of thebuilding.

If you're visiting between Januaryand March, come support local Virginia Beach artists at the Sandler Center's"Out of the Box" series! Every Thursday this free event welcomes you to enjoy anight of music, food and drinks starting at 7pm.

Visit the State Parks

There are two State Parks near SandbridgeBeach: False Cape State Park and First Landing State Park. If you have a groupof nature lovers, you'll want to make sure you hit both.

False Cape

Nestled between Back Bay and the AtlanticOcean, this historic park offers beautiful sights and a relaxing, naturalsetting close to the place Captain John Smith landed in 1607 on his way toestablishing the first permanent English settlement. There is no vehicularaccess to the park, so pack up your backpack with plenty of water, sunscreenand insect repellent and plan for a full day of exploring the great outdoorshiking through a total of 15.3 miles of self-guided trails.

See all park rates and fees here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees

First Landing

Further north, First Landing State Park isanother great place to immerse yourself in the beautiful outdoor atmosphere thecoast has to offer. Hike or ride bikes through 19 miles of trails, go fishing(with valid Virginia saltwater fishing license only), or have a family picnicin the picnic area near the main entrance while the kiddos play on the nearbyplayground!

Parking/Admission: Memorial Day to LaborDay - $3 per car weekdays, $4 per car weekends; buses $15; Rest of year - $2per car, buses $10; Annual passes $33.

Museums

Virginia Beach is full of history and hassomething cool for everyone in your group!

DeWitt Cottage (Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum)

If you've noticed there are a lot of ducksfeatured in Virginia Beach shops, restaurants and more, you're not imaginingit! The area has a rich history of wildfowl heritage and is passionate aboutpreservation. Come step back in time to learn about the Back Bay WildfowlGuild, check out the beautiful art, carvings, artifacts, and photos of thearea, and visit the Carvers' Room to see how the famous wood ducks are made atthis unique museum.

Gallery Admission is $2.00 peradult.
Children age 16 and younger are free.

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

The mission of MOCA is "to fosterawareness, exploration, and understanding of the significant art of our time."Exhibitions feature modern paintings, sculptures, photography and other visualsfrom local as well as internationally acclaimed artists. This is the kind ofmuseum you just have to experience.

The museum offers events and workshopsthroughout the year for families and kids for a small fee or free withadmission. Check out their calendarfor all the happenings.

Admission: FREE for members

$8 adults
$6 students/seniors 65+/military*** (must show ID)
*Children 5 & up are students, 4 & under are free.
*FREE Audio tour included with admission. Ipods can be checked out with ID.

FREE admission to active and non-activemilitary and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day