Virginia Beach vacations are popular choices for tourists from all over the country, an area best known for its beautiful shoreline. However if someone in your group doesn't like the beach, there are dozens of other attractions in the area that are sure to appeal to any taste.

Amusement Parks: Many people plan Virginia Beach vacations not to see the ocean but to go to nearby Busch Gardens, one of the nation's most popular amusement parks. In addition to exciting roller coasters such as the Griffon and Apollo's Chariot, it has a variety of attractions built around European themes. For those interested in a smaller park with less crowding, the Virginia Beach Amusement Park makes for a nice afternoon's diversion.

Fishing: Even if you aren't into basking on the beach, many visitors enjoy the bountiful ocean fishing opportunities here in one of the eastern seaboard's most bountiful fishing grounds. You can fish off the Fishing Pier to catch mackerel, kingfish or trout. Or you can rent a boat to head out and do some serious angling for tuna or marlin.

Golf: Virginia Beach National is one of the premiere courses in the country designed by the legendary course architects Pete Dye and Curtis Strange. This is only one of several outstanding courses in the area ready for anyone from beginners to experienced pros.

Parks and Zoos: The Virginia Zoo is home to over 400 animals housed in natural habitats over a 53-acre park. The Norfolk Botanical Gardens offer a variety of attractions including a breathtaking rose garden, the Bristow Butterfly garden and a pair of nesting eagles who can be observed through telescopes. Mount Trashmore is a beautiful park that was originally a landfill but was redeveloped by the city and now has two lakes, many hiking trails, and a skate park that has been visited by many professional skateboarders including Tony Hawk.

Festivals: Not a month goes by that there isn't a major festival in the area, and here are just a few of them. The Patriotic Festival celebrates the contributions of local military service people and is held in May or June. The Neptune Festival is a fall celebration of local culture. For the drinkers in the crowd there is the Beer Festival in April, the Wine Festival in May and the Brewfest in October.

Beaches: Even people who don't like the typical tourist beach like the Virginia Beach strip might enjoy Chicks Beach, on the calm Chesapeake Bay. It's less crowded without all the hustle bustle of the main beach and can be a part of relaxing vacations for people who want something less hectic than a public shoreline attraction.

This is just a tiny sampling of the activities available to anyone planning Virginia Beach vacations. Even if you aren't a beach person, consider booking a trip to the area for the many other fine attractions in the area.