Top 7 nature & wildlife things to do in Virginia Beach

1. Virginia Beach self-guided scavenger hunt

Explore Virginia Beach's boardwalk on a self-guided scavenger hunt, featuring local legends and iconic spots over a flexible walking adventure.

2. Owl Creek Landing forest adventure experience at Virginia Beach

Half-day access to Owl Creek Landing, featuring a spiral observation tower, a steel slide, and a treetop trail for all ages and abilities.

3. Kayak tour to see dolphins in Virginia Beach

Two hours on the water — guided kayak tour featuring dolphin sightings and local wildlife, must know how to swim.

4. Private stand up paddle board lesson and photo session at Rudee Inlet

Two-hour paddle lesson and photo session in the backwaters of Rudee Inlet, focusing on capturing memorable moments with local wildlife.

“Having lived in Virginia Beach for three decades, I knew that our family reunion this summer had to include Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle. Randy made our experience unforgettable with his guidance during our stand-up paddle boarding session. Our group of five adults and two kids, aged 7 and 11, had varying levels of experience, with only one adult having paddled before, and that was fifteen years ago. The booking process for our 90-minute session was straightforward, and Randy communicated effectively via text to confirm details. He greeted us at the parking lot near Big Sam’s and quickly warmed up to my niece and nephew, giving them each a RIS’UP T-shirt. After a brief tutorial, we were ready to paddle. My nephew, being only seven, partnered with Randy for safety. I was impressed by Randy's ability to teach my niece and the adults how to navigate their boards. We opted for the flatwater session and paddled through Rudee Inlet channel to Lake Wesley, close to Croatan Beach. Randy organized a short yoga session, then suggested we explore the ocean to see if we could find any dolphins. We were lucky enough to spot one swimming nearby. He also brought us to a reef filled with pelicans for my niece and nephew to search for hermit crabs. On our way back, we returned to Lake Wesley, where Randy captured pictures and video of us jumping off our boards. During our time on the water, he took over 200 photos and videos, which he airdropped to us after our adventure. The snapshots from that beautiful August morning will remain cherished memories for my family. Time flew by while we were having fun, and Randy generously extended our session to nearly two hours at no extra charge. I wholeheartedly recommend Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle to both locals and visitors.”— sharonkK4642QJ

5. Wetland ziplining tour in Virginia Beach

Two hours of ziplining through lush forests near the coast, combining adventure with scenic views.

“The zip lining tour was incredibly enjoyable. The guides really added to the fun and made the experience a memorable one.”— Nadia V

6. Ziplining and climbing adventure at The Adventure Park, Virginia Beach

Two to three hours of self-guided climbing and ziplining across 17 treetop trails in Virginia Beach's Adventure Park.

“This is the ideal activity for a beautiful day in Virginia Beach. If you loved climbing trees as a child or always wanted to try, this is a must-do, and you can enjoy it multiple times. There are plenty of slopes to tackle, much like a ski resort, making it perfect for families with members of varying ages.”— jaylP7367WP

7. Kayaking with dolphins in Chesapeake Bay

Two-hour guided kayak tour through Chesapeake Bay, observing Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins and local wildlife with expert guidance.

“Bryan and Harrisonn were fantastic guides. They provided valuable insights and assistance with the kayaks, making it easy for beginners to get the hang of it. Their informative pauses to share details about the local wildlife and history offered a welcome rest. Although we didn't encounter any dolphins up close, we did spot one in the distance. Overall, it was an enjoyable adventure, a refreshing escape from the city's hustle.”— Erin_L