Tidewater /On November 10, 2026

101 reasons to love living in Tidewater Virginia

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101Reasons_Tidewater What makes Tidewater Virginia such a special place to live? Liz Moore, founder of Liz Moore & Associates, has come up with 101 answers in her new book, 101 Reasons to love Living in Tidewater Virginia.

Featuring popular attractions and hidden gems, the book highlights 100 places, activities and experiences throughout Tidewater Virginia, with suggestions for family outings, weekend adventures and local traditions.

Whether you've lived in the area for decades or recently move to Tidewater, the guide offers plenty of ideas for getting out and discovering more of the region.

"Our agents love to gift these books to prospective buyers who are new to the area," said Moore. "One of our favorite things about what we do is showing off all the things to do in our wonderful community."

Moore's latest book continues her celebration of Virginia communities, following two previous guides, 101 Reasons to Love Living in the Historic Triangle and 101 Reasons to Love Living in Richmond.

A look inside the book

Here are a few of the 101 experiences featured in the guide:

No. 3: Discover First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park not only offers a retreat into nature with about 20 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails—but many are surprised to find out it hosts one of the most endangered habitats in the world—what's known as the maritime forest habitat. The diverse ecosystem of 2,888 acres includes bald cypress swamps, salt marshes, Spanish moss, and coastal environment-adapted plants and trees like American holly, Southern live oak, and many rare plants. This park is also the farthest Northern location for many of the semi-tropical species that migrate here seasonally. If you're lucky, you might see or hear warblers, woodpeckers, and songbirds or even spot bottlenose dolphins in the water on a calm winter day. If you're visiting in winter, be sure to bring your binoculars!

No. 39: Check out the unique ViBe Creative District murals

Tucked between 16th and 22nd Streets near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the ViBe Creative District pulses with street art, indie shops, and a contagious energy. Over 60 outdoor murals tell the stories of local artists and businesses, transforming alleyways and building walls into colorful canvases.

Explore on foot or bike to spot famous pieces like the "Greetings from Virginia Beach" postcard mural on 19th Street and the larger-than-life sea creature murals throughout the district.

While browsing and enjoying the many murals, check out the district's coffee shops, vintage markets, and bakeries that reward explorers who prefer to linger. Each visit reveals new art thanks to an ever-growing collection and annual mural festival. The ViBe has quickly become one of the city's most photographed neighborhoods.

No. 50: Find horseshoe crabs at Pleasure House Point Natural Area

Horseshoe Crab Once slated for waterfront development, the local community and multiple conservation and environmental organizations stepped in to save it for wildlife and visitors to enjoy and appreciate today.

Pleasure House Point Natural Area in Virginia Beach spans over 100 acres of tidal marsh, sandy shores, and forested trails along the Lynnhaven River, just south of the Chesapeake Bay.

This beautiful preserve is a haven for nature lovers, with easy walking paths like the 2-mile Meadow Trail and Beach Trail loop. Kayakers and canoeists can launch from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility and enjoy views of salt marshes and the distant Chesapeake bay Bridge-Tunnel.

During spring and summer, lucky visitors often spot horseshoe crabs scuttling along the shoreline, especially near low tide. The area's interpretive signs share local ecology and the key role these prehistoric creatures play in the ecosystem.

Download your free copy

Want to discover the other 98 reasons to love living in Tidewater Virginia?

Download a free digital copy and find inspiration for your next family outing or weekend adventure. You can download the Historic Triangle and Richmond guides as well.

Download Free Book

Nikko Stuart

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About the company

Liz Moore & Associates is a boutique real estate agency renowned for having the region's top agents, with extensive market knowledge and local expertise that is only achieved through relentless training coupled with Liz's extremely high standards for professionalism. When you're buying or selling a home, experience matters.