Yes, your wedding is the main attraction of the weekend, but out-of-town guests who are spending more than just one night in town will have some extra time on their hands. Tell them about the best Virginia Beach has to offer. Not sure? Here's our local guide for each common guest type.
For Your College Crew
Kayak Nature Tours
Virginia Beach is the hot spot for sunbathers and beach lovers, but there are also lots to do for the sports enthusiasts on your guest list. The Dolphin Adventure sea kayaking trip is perfect for the more adventurous types. They also paddle the Blackwater River or the beautiful deserted beaches on the Eastern Shore. Tours range from $55 for a 2.5-hour tour to $115 for an all day adventure. Kayak Nature Tours, (888) 669-8368, KayakNatureTours.net
Raw Bar and Grille
If your guests are looking for a great beachside spot for beer, wines and good food, send them to 22nd St. Raw Bar and Grille in Virginia Beach. Your friends can relax indoors or under the stars on the patio. Raw has a full bar and serves fresh local seafood, juicy burgers and is known for their blackened tuna sandwich. 22nd Street Raw Bar and Grill, (757) 491-2222, RawBarandGrille.com
Adventure Parasail
Your guests can get a bird's-eye view of Virginia Beach's stunning coastline, while flying between 800 and 1,200 feet over the Atlantic. Adventure Parasail has US Coast Guard certified captains and even speedboats and Waverunners available to rent, for those who are more comfortable staying close to the water. Make sure you call ahead or visit their website to make reservations in advance. But remember they're only open mid-April through October. Adventure Parasail, (757) 422-8359, BeachParasail.com
FOR THE PG CROWD
Busch Gardens
In less than half-an-hour's drive time, your guests can enjoy a fun-filled day at the famous Busch Gardens amusement park. Perfect for families with kids of all ages -- they'll find dozens of rides, shows, food and an all-new children's area. Regular admission is $61.95 and $51.95 for kids between the ages of 3 and 10. Children under the age of 2 get in free. Busch Gardens, (800) 343-7946, BuschGardens.com
Bluebird Gap Farm
For a family-oriented and educational outing, direct your guests to the 60-acre Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton. The farm has more than 250 domestic and wild animals, like bobcats, raccoons, tortoises and even peacocks. Bring your quarters for an interactive experience with the animal feed machines! Then, when lunchtime rolls around, fire up the grill in the farm's picnic area. Admission is free. Bluebird Gap Farm, (757) 827-2765, Hampton.gov/bbgf
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Your guests can make a splash during their downtime, right near the oceanfront. The park boasts more than a dozen slides, including one in a dark 200-foot tunnel with a 50-foot drop-off! There's also a million-gallon wave pool, for the less adventurous tykes in the group. Log on to their website for special group rates. Ocean Breeze Waterpark, (757) 422-4444, OceanBreezeWaterpark.com
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
For an up-close look at life in the Atlantic Ocean check out the Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach. Your guests can explore more than 700,000 gallons of live inhabitants, as well as hundreds of hands-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary and nature trails. Pay the general aquarium admission ($12 for adults, $8 for kids 3 – 11) or purchase a package for a few dollars more to get access to the IMAX and Creek Cruise. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, (757) 385-3474, VMSM.com
FOR THE COUPLES
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
You'll find a lot more than water sports along Virginia Beach's shores. Several stages line the beach, hosting a variety of shows, concerts and cook-offs. Ticket prices vary, so be sure to check the online calendar for details. Virginia Beach Oceanfront, (757) 491-7866, BeachStreetUSA.com
The Boardwalk
Couples can stroll hand-in-hand down the Virginia Beach Boardwalk in the cool Atlantic breeze, while checking out lots of local shops and vendors. It's perfect for riding bikes, fishing off the pier or checking out some of the nearby museums. You can even rent a hotel room or villa close to the water. The Boardwalk Resort and Villas, (757) 213-3099, TheBoardwalkResort.com
Cape Henry Lighthouses
They say "Virginia is for lovers," and one of the more popular romantic sightseeing along Virginia Beach's coastline is the Cape Henry Lighthouses. The crashing sea and historic ambience give these seaside beacons their romantic mystery. Old Cape Henry Lighthouses, (757) 422-9421, APVA.org/capehenry
Steinhilber's Thalia Acres
For a romantic escape from the business of your wedding planning, grab your groom and duck into Steinhilber's for a delicious candlelit dinner. This high-end eatery overlooks the Lynnhaven River and is the perfect place to catch your breath and fill your bellies with everything from crab cakes to prime rib. Steinhilber's, (757) 340-1156, Steinys.com
FOR THE ONES WHO STILL PINCH YOUR CHEEKS
Fishing Center
The Virginia Beach Fishing Center is perfect for the expert or amateur angler who wants to steal set sail for a little eastern seaboard fishing. The full-service marina offers daily fishing, sightseeing trips and custom fishing charters. Tickets ranging from $600 to $1650 will buy you a spot on a charter to fish for species such as sea bass, triggerfish and flounder. Virginia Beach Fishing Center, (757) 491-8000, VirginiaFishing.com
Ocean View Municipal Golf Course
Your guests won't have to plan too far ahead to enjoy a round of golf in Virginia Beach! Ocean View Municipal Golf Course now offers 24/7 tee-time reservations. Golfers will enjoy hybrid Bermuda greens and shady oak-lined fairways at rates ranging between $14 and $42. Ocean View Municipal Golf Course, (757) 480-2094, OceanViewGC.com
The Virginia Air & Space Center
History and aviation buffs will love this museum that is packed with aeronautical exhibits spanning 100 years of flight. They can also experience the wonder of flight on 3D IMAX film. Visitors can check out the Apollo 12 Command Module and even climb into the cockpit of a F/A-22 Raptor. Exhibit admission for seniors and active military members is $8.50 and $7 for the IMAX. The Virginia Air & Space Center, (757) 727-0900, VASC.org
Rockafeller's Restaurant
For a taste of Virginia Beach's fresh local fare, dine at one of the area's landmark restaurants on Rudee Inlet. You can dine while relaxing in rocking chairs on the covered deck, or just pull up in your boat and order. Rockafeller's Restaurant, (757) 422-5654, Rockafellers.com
-- Carrie Chambers