In 2009, Forbes.com rated Virginia Beach the sixth best outdoor location in the United States. Virginia Beach provides fun attractions all year-round. During the summer, popular outdoor activities include jet skiing, para-sailing, hiking, biking and rollerblading. During the cooler months, attractions include fishing, dolphin and whale watching, golfing and museum tours. Visitors can choose from many oceanfront hotels, some of which have outdoor pools and other amenities for guests to enjoy.
The Grand Ocean Hotel is a contemporary facility situated on the oceanfront in the heart of Virginia Beach. The hotel is surrounded by parks, spas and boutiques, and houses 110 ocean-view guest rooms with private balconies. The eight-floor facility has a seasonal outdoor pool and the largest outdoor patio on the beach. Outdoor dining is available at the on-site, full-service Calypso Restaurant. Complimentary valet parking is provided for guests. Kids will enjoy the carnival-style rides at the Virginia Beach Amusement Park, which is one block from the hotel. Ocean Breeze water park is another nearby family-friendly attraction. Outdoor activities can include rollerblading, biking and jet skiing. Beach equipment rental facilities are within walking distance.
The Quality Inn and Suites Oceanfront hotel is situated on the south end of Virginia Beach, near the oceanfront boardwalk. The facility has 124 guest rooms that all have private balconies, free Wi-Fi Internet access and ocean views. Aside from enjoying the beach, hotel guests can enjoy the on-site seasonal outdoor pool, where snacks such as popcorn and snow cones are available every Sunday. Access to an indoor pool across from the hotel is also granted. Breakfast is complimentary, and lunch and dinner are available at the on-site Chix Seafood Grill and Bar restaurant. Other nearby eateries include Black Angus and Peabody's. Art enthusiasts can visit the Boardwalk Art Show or the Virginia Maritime Museum. Shopping can be done at the nearby MacArthur Center shopping mall. Activities like going to the movies, hiking, golfing and fishing can all be enjoyed within a three-mile radius of the hotel.
The Cavalier Hotel is an historic oceanfront facility, situated on the north end of the boardwalk. The 18-acre hotel provides ocean-view guest rooms that all have private balconies. Guests have access to a year-round, full-service 1,500-square-foot fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor pool, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A game room, featuring video games and ping-pong, is available for the younger crowd, as are a kid's pool and playground. Families with young kids have access to a babysitting service. Seasonal, on-site beach and bicycle rentals are available to guests. Guests can tour The Francis Land House and The Adam Thoroughgood House, or visit First Landing State Park for hiking and biking opportunities, and golf enthusiasts can visit the 18-hole Cypress Point Golf Course.
