Neptune's Park

The Mighty Sea King

At the heart of Neptune's Park is a 34-foot bronze colossus of King Neptune that's quite impressive in person. Photos don't quite capture the full scale of this statue created by sculptor Paul DiPasquale and unveiled in 2005.

Take your time to circle the massive sea god to fully appreciate all the intricate sea creatures and marine details woven into the design. Worth noting are the uniquely colored eyes that take on a different character when lit up at night. It's a whole different experience after sunset.

Prime Real Estate

Sprawling across 72,000 square feet of oceanfront property at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue, this park offers some of the best views in Virginia Beach. Its location right alongside the Virginia Beach Boardwalk means you're just steps away from sand, surf, and all the boardwalk action.

The grassy space is a natural gathering spot where you can spread out a blanket, enjoy a picnic, or simply take a breather from the beach. The open design makes it great for people-watching or soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

And yes, there are public restrooms available (with additional portable facilities during busy times) - a small but crucial detail when you're spending hours exploring the area.

Looking south along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Photo: Nicolas Henderson (CC BY 2.0)

Entertainment Central

During summer months, the park transforms into a vibrant entertainment venue with the Free Summer Concert Series bringing the oceanfront alive with music. The stage recently got an upgrade to a permanent canopy structure tough enough to handle hurricane-force winds - practical and impressive!

With roughly 75+ events annually, there's almost always something happening here. The outdoor amphitheater hosts everything from live bands to magic shows, creating a lively atmosphere that draws both planned audiences and curious passersby.

Beyond regular concerts, the park plays host to special occasions including portions of the annual Neptune Festival and events like the Jackalope Festival where you can catch some impressive skateboarding demonstrations.

The Neighborhood

The park's neighbors include the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel and Catch 31 restaurant, making it a convenient stop along your boardwalk journey. If you're catching a performance, the Hilton's fire pit tables offer some prime viewing spots.

The area surrounding Neptune's Park is dotted with restaurants featuring outdoor seating with ocean views. The boardwalk itself makes for a fantastic stroll, run, bike ride, or people-watching expedition, with the park acting as a central landmark.

Paul DiPasquale’s bronze King Neptune statue guards the park

Photo: Nicolas Henderson (CC BY 2.0)

Beach Access

The stretch of beach behind Neptune's Park is well-maintained with lifeguards on duty during swimming hours. It's a lovely spot to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic - worth the early wake-up call if you can manage it.

You'll find chair and umbrella rentals nearby if you didn't bring your own, and there are public rinse stations to wash away the salt and sand before heading back to your accommodations.

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Good to Know

Fair warning: parking can be a bit of a challenge during peak season. Most nearby options are paid lots or garages. Consider arriving early or researching public parking options which might offer better rates than private facilities.

For photographers, the park is especially magical around sunset when the lighting on Neptune creates stunning photo opportunities. If crowds aren't your thing, try visiting on weekdays or during shoulder seasons for a more relaxed experience.

And if you're traveling with your four-legged friend, you'll be happy to know the park and surrounding boardwalk are dog-friendly, but leash rules apply and may vary depending on the time of year.