Monuments, Boardwalk and Lighthouses - Virginia Beach, VA

Founded in 1887, Virginia Beach was developed as a resort area, but after World War I it became an important base in the national coastal-defense system. On Fort Story, an active military base, you will find two significant lighthouse and First Landing State Park. On the beautiful beach and boardwalk there are monuments, picturesque fishing pier, and an old life-saving station.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy it!

This is the original Cape Henry Lighthouse which is located near the newer lighthouse on the Fort Story military base. This lighthouse is said to date back to 1792, and is the first federally-funded lighthouse in the country. It is now run by the Association of Virginia Antiquities and is open to the public.

The newer Cape Henry Lighthouse is not open to the public

The view of the newer lighthouse from the top of the original lighthouse.

The statue of Admiral Francois De Grasse was gift from France, and was placed in First Landing Park, overlooking the waters where he successfully engaged the British Fleet in the “Battle of the Capes” in 1781.

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A view of the original lighthouse at Cape Henry

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This is the First Landing Cross which was placed on the site in 1935 to commemorate the 1607 landing of the English settlers that crossed on three small ships: the Discovery, the Susan Constant, and the Godspeed.

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Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum honors and preserves the history of Virginia’s costal communities maritime heritage. The building was constructed as a U.S. Life Saving Station in 1903, and came under the U.S. Coast Guard when it was established in 1915.

The colorful Chicken Spot

The next two images are of the King Neptune Sculpture, a 24-foot, 12-ton statue created by sculptor Paul DiPasquale.

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The next four images are from the Naval Aviation Monument Park which honors Virginia Beach’s extensive aviation heritage.

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The next two images are of the Norwegian Lady Statue on Virginia Beach but there is another Norwegian Lady Statue located in Moss, Norway. They both commemorate the lives lost in the 1891 shipwreck of the Norwegian barque Dictator off the coast of Virginia.

The Norwegian Lady statue at dawn

The beach with the fishing pier in the distance

The fishing pier at sunrise

Under the fishing pier

Another shot of the fishing pier at dawn

The ferris wheels at Atlantic Fun Park

What you should know:

• There are public restroom near the boardwalk.

• You can walk the 3 mile beach boardwalk.

• There are both on the street parking, some metered, as well as pay parking lots. Be sure to check posted parking regulations signs.

• Parking in season can be difficult.

• The lighthouses and cross are on active bases, so you will have to go through security protocol.

• If you get a chance to travel the 20-mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, do it. The bridge and tunnel system that crosses the lower Chesapeake Bay, is an engineering marvel.

• There are many restaurant and entertainment options.

• You could spend a couple of hours to a couple of days exploring the city.

For more information: Virginia Beach