By Sophia Rutti
Sharks have been notorious in the news for these last few weeks. They’ve been featured in their own week of television by Discovery Channel’s Shark Week as well as less light-heartedly featured on news channels due to several shark attacks. With so much buzz being in the air about sharks its important not to run from the sea and think of sharks as the enemy, but rather to learn about the great predators in a safe environment.
For all NoVA locals, the answer is clear: a weekend trip to Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Evidence appears to show that warm waters have brought more sharks to the East Coast than normal and experts believe this may be the cause for the increase in shark attacks. Seven shark attacks have occurred off the East Coast in 2015 alone, two of which occurred on the same day, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to start avoiding the beaches.
Head to the sea, but stay on land to learn more about these incredible ocean predators. Less than four hours away, you can spend a weekend at Norfolk and Virginia Beach learning about different sharks, hunting for shark teeth and even dipping your toes in the ocean—and in light of recent events, maybe literally just your toes.
Getting there:
From Fairfax City to Virginia Beach is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
The distance between Norfolk and Virginia Beach is under thirty minutes without traffic, which makes it easy to stay in one place at night and enjoy both during the day.
Enjoying sharks safely while there:
A beach trip is typically synonymous with lying on scalding sand like a spineless sack of sunburned skin, surrounded by sandcastles. While we all know how enjoyable that scalding sand can be, there is so much more that this oceanfront area has to offer.
In one weekend you can check out museums, watch 3-D ocean documentaries in huge theaters and even touch a shark.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
This aquarium is full of exciting exhibits, but there is one that will appeal to the shark lover most. You can visit the Sand Tiger Shark exhibit and learn about their unique style of hunting and ways of life. The aquarium has five different sand tiger sharks in its Norfolk Canyon Aquarium.
Also at the aquarium is the National Geographic 3-D theater that stands six stories high. Currently playing now is David Cameron’s “Deepsea Challenge 3D,” that follows the film-maker’s dive to the depths of the Mariana Trench as well as “Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean 3D” that brings to life even the smallest sea-life through vibrant footage.
Nauticus
At Nauticus, a shark lovers dream will come true. Sharks typically seem like distant ideas to only be seen on film, but at Nauticus they are something to be seen and even touched in person. Every day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. there is a shark touch event for all enthusiasts.
There is also a Shark Lab open all day for you to learn and listen to a guided discussion of shark’s habits and habitats.
Later in the day, when you’re getting tired after all the shark touching, head to the 3-D Nauticus Theater and watch the “Great White Shark” documentary that plays every day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
When it comes to having fun, sometimes the whole family doesn’t agree that shark-themed events are the way to do it. For the naysayers out there, head out to the boardwalk for a variety of exciting things like live musical acts, outdoor restaurants and lots of sculpture art along the way.
Colonial Beach
When you’re headed back up north to go home, make sure to stop by Colonial Beach. It is one of the best spots to search for and find fossilized shark teeth. For a guide to identifying the fossilized shark teeth, click here.
Eating & Staying
Norfolk and Virginia Beach are both booming areas, so there is no shortage of places to stay or eat while you’re there. For families looking to enjoy their beach weekend without hassle TripAdvisor recommends the Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach and Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront in Virginia Beach and in Norfolk the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. To take a look at the other top hotels as recommended by TripAdvisor check out the 30 best Virginia Beach hotels and the 30 best Norfolk hotels to find the one that is the best fit for you.
When it comes to what to eat while there, there is no question that seafood is the correct answer. Feast like a shark would on different aquatic prey by trying out Tautog’s Restaurant in Virginia Beach or A.W Shucks in Norfolk. Or, if you’re willing to leave the itinerary behind, walk the streets in either city until you find the waterfront seafood restaurant of your dreams.
