The Talking Suitcase

Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist

Destinations

15 Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids – Beaches, History & Adventure

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Originally published August 2017, Updated: October 2025

Virginia Beach is a fantastic destination for families. Locals know you don’t even need to leave the area for a fun and memorable vacation. Sure, the beaches are amazing but there’s so much more. Explore historic lighthouses, run through playgrounds or meet marine animals at the Virginia Aquarium.

Whether your kids are little explorers or tweens seeking adventure, there’s something here for everyone. Over the years, we’ve revisited our favorite spots, discovered hidden gems, and captured plenty of memories. Here’s my personal guide to 15 must-do activities with kids in Virginia Beach.

15 Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids:

Spend a Day at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Start with the classic: the beach! Virginia Beach has the longest pleasure beach in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.

  • Build sandcastles and swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Check out JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for large play structures perfect for all ages.
  • The 31st Street playground is next to King Neptune’s Statue, so let the kids play in the playground on the sand.
  • Walk along the boardwalk, fish at the 15th Street pier, and enjoy free events at Neptune Park like live music, car shows and chalk drawings on weekends.
  • Make sure to checkout Beach Events to see what’s happening.

Tip: Parking is often paid, so plan ahead for metered street parking or parking garages. Private parking lots are also available but can get pricey during peak season.

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Fairytale Castle: Tips for Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

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One of Disney’s most iconic symbols is Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World.  Did you ever wonder where the inspiration for this castle came from? While it was inspired by a variety of palaces, the influence of the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein can be seen in it’s spires.   Take a look at the images and see if you can spot the similarities.

Neuschwanstein Castle was built between 1869 and 1886 at  the direction of the Bavarian King, Ludwig II.   It was constructed as a refuge for the king in the style of a medieval castle.  Not only is Neuschwanstein a fairytale castle in itself,  it’s also called “the castle of the fairy-tale king”.  The history of Ludwig II has become a fascination for many and his death is shrouded in mystery. Since I’m always fascinated with the stories behind our adventures, I recently purchased the Swan King, The: Ludwig II of Bavaria.  The book is an interesting read into the life and death of the king as well as his relationship with famed composer Richard Wagner.

Visiting the Fairytale Castle of Neuschwanstein:

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8 Hidden Gems Across the United States

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The United States is famed for having a massive variety of cities, sights, sounds, and landscapes. Every state offers something new and unique, and you can almost feel like you are stepping into a new world when you cross a state line. However, many people tend to overlook and skip some of the country’s most incredible hidden gems.

Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the entire country. You can access it via Las Vegas, either by driving or using a private jet charter. The 46,000-acre park is in the Mojave Desert and is home to different types of plants and wildlife. While it can get extremely hot and nearly impossible to explore because of the heat, the Valley of Fire Park is often overlooked due to visitors choosing Death Valley instead. However, you will be missing out on some of the most breathtaking views you could ever imagine.

Blackwater Falls State Park

The Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia is another hidden gem due to any visitors thinking it is just like any other park; this couldn’t be further from the truth. Found in the Allegheny Mountains, the 62-foot-high waterfall is the centerpiece of the park. Surrounded by amazing walking and hiking trails, the area is perfect for a picnic, a day at the falls, and spending a night or two camping amongst the trees and under the stars.

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20 Things to Know Before Visiting London

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Are you visiting the UK for the first time?  Or maybe just want to learn a few more tips before traveling to London?  London quickly became one of our favorite cities with the seemingly endless attractions, great restaurants and pubs, and abundant shopping   The hustle and bustle of the city is contagious, but there are a few things to know before visiting London for the first time.

Things to Know Before Visiting London

1. The UK uses the British Pound (£) and the value to USD does fluctuate so be mindful of conversions when planning your budget.

2. Since we’re on the topic of money, lets talk about tipping.  In restaurants, the average tip is 10-15%, although you need to confirm it hasn’t automatically been added to your bill.  You can add the tip to your credit card, but cash is preferred.   Not all establishments pass on the tips paid on a card to the servers.  You’ll even see on some menus that all tips are given to the servers.  Personally, I found this rather curious. I would have assumed the servers always got the tips, but apparently that is not the case.

You can tip the same 10-15% rate for taxis, but most people just round up or leave £1.  Tip more if its a long ride or the driver helped with luggage.

You don’t tip at the pub if you’ve ordered drinks from the bar.  However, if you are getting table serve you’ll want to tip.

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Photo Diary: Saint Paul de Vence, France

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Saint Paul de Vence Photos

Another popular day trip from Nice, France is a visit to the fortified village of Saint Paul de Vence.

If you like history and art, Saint Paul de Vence should be on your list to visit when in Nice. It’s a charming medieval city perched on a mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Spend an hour walking the narrow streets and exploring hundreds of years of military & religious structures.  Wander in and out of the art galleries and possibly stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants.

Saint Paul de Vence wall

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