* Ocean Rentals, : 577 Sandbridge Road, 757-721-6210; www.oceanrentalsltd.com or surfandadventure.com. Take a guided nature tour of the Sandbridge oceanfront, where you may see dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans and osprey, or in Back Bay, home to bald eagles, herons, kingfishers and other wildlife. Tours are $45, ($25 for those younger than 12). Or rent a kayak or canoe on your own, from $23 for a half day. The affiliated Surf & Adventure Company also runs a surfing camp for those 8 years and older, as well as group and private surf lessons.
* Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, : 717 General Booth Blvd., 757-425-3474; .virginiaaquarium.com. Bring the kids face-to-face with fish and more. The brand new exhibit, Restless Planet, consists of four habitats the look, feel and smell like a Malaysian peat swamp, a coastal desert, the Red Sea and active volcanoes. The aquarium's outdoor summer programs also include such excursions as dolphin-watching and cruises to explore Owl's Creek.
Free or nearly so
* Beaches. : There are three main beaches, and each has its own personality. Resort Beach, with its three-mile boardwalk along the hotel strip, is the busiest and most festive, with dozens of hotels, food, shops, attractions and crowds. The more secluded Chesapeake Beaches to the north, where the James River and Chesapeake Bay meet the sea, are more natural, and Sandbridge Beach to the south, is known for its sand dunes, sea oats and surfing. Parking is available near all beaches; for Chesapeake Bay, park at First Landing State Park ($4 on weekends) and to the south, Sandbridge Market offers daily parking for $5.
* Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, : 1113 Atlantic Ave.; 757-437-8432; awhm.org. The traditional "beach cottage" was built in 1895 by the city's first mayor. The museum is dedicated to migratory waterfowl. Free.
* Mount Trashmore Park,: 300 Edwin Drive, 757-473-5237. A sanitary landfill beautification project that dates to the 1970s is now a 165-acre city park with fitness trails, playground and skate park.
May
Great American Backyard BBQ. : 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park and 31st Street Park. 757-491-7866 or vbfun.com. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. May 22-24. Country and blues music performed on three outdoor stages, barbecue food for sampling and purchase, fireworks show May 24, more. Free.
