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The winter weather usually cooperates with outdoor activities, but offers the occasional snowfall. The water temperature is typically in 40s to 50s, with an average low of 47 degrees F in January. As a result, spring, summer and autumn swimming and water sports give way to other relaxing activities. If someone plans on going for a dip in the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Ocean in the wintertime, they should bring a wetsuit. Surfing and kayaking are still popular activities, but most people stay out of direct contact with the water until it warms up in the spring.
Charter boats and excursions are options for those who prefer a little more excitement. Whale watching, deep sea fishing and touring boats are available in the winter season during daylight hours. Those on pleasure craft and charters boats can see a variety of water mammals on a Virginia Beach vacation packages. There are several local charter boats that specialize in whale watching in the late fall through early spring, and dolphin trips from spring through early fall. Humpback and fin whales are the most common sightings as they migrate to the Caribbean. They like to meander near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay as well as swim along the Atlantic Coast. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are plentiful along the coastline and frolic in groups, called pods. They often jump out of the water beyond the breakers, much to the surprise and delight of those sitting on the beach. They can be seen from the shore, but those with binoculars in hand are in for a show.
Trails visiting the parks on a Virginia Beach vacation will yield some wildlife most people never see. Back Bay Wildlife Refuge is mostly marshland, since it lies on the coastline. It has a variety of waterfowl and the occasional wild pony. Ducks, snow geese, plovers, peregrine falcons and the American bald eagle call this park home. To the south is False Cape State Park. Visitors can enter by tram, by bike, by foot or by boat. Turtles, wild horses and many ducks and geese nest and rest here. On the North end of Virginia Beach is First Landing State Park with nearly 20 miles of walking and biking trails, there are many opportunities to see birds and wildlife. These parks are a birder’s paradise, so visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes and binoculars.
The holiday season offers extra activities, such as a light display on the Virginia Beach boardwalk which stretches for several blocks. It is one of the rare times of year when vehicles are allowed to drive along the oceanfront. Bright twinkling colored lights show holiday shapes and scenes along the sand and boardwalk as visitors pass by to see the popular display. Virginia Beach also has a holiday parade and several festive activities, such as a breakfast with Santa Claus, complete with photos.
With several shopping centers and two indoor malls, shopping is always an alternative on Virginia Beach vacations. There are quaint boutiques, antiques and aromatic candy shops, all with souvenirs available for the busy vacationing traveler. Many of them have winter sales to make room for the upcoming season’s latest fashions and offerings. Nearby shopping centers and malls also offer activities such as bowling, roller skating, paintball, billiards and even an indoor carousel.
