It's been nearly 400 years since the first chapter was written in Virginia's history - a history that's almost as big a part of life here as the natural beauty. With more than 18,000 acres of parks and wildlife refuges, and 35 miles of ocean and bay beaches, there's a lot to explore in Virginia Beach alone. Not that anyone could blame those lucky enough to live here for eschewing history and nature, on occasion, to explore the pleasure of relaxing seclusion at home.