Neptune’s Park is a free, oceanfront public gathering space at 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, at 31st Street in the Resort Area’s 31 Ocean Corridor. Travelers come to photograph its monumental bronze King Neptune, step directly onto the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and beach, and catch free summer-stage entertainment against an Atlantic Ocean backdrop. The park’s defining sculpture, unveiled in 2005, gives this stretch of the Oceanfront one of its most recognizable landmarks.
What to Expect at Neptune’s Park
The focal point is King Neptune, a 34-foot, 12.5-ton bronze work by Virginia sculptor Paul DiPasquale. Neptune stands above a base crowded with marine imagery: dolphins, sea turtles, fish and an octopus rise around the Roman god, while his trident creates the statue’s instantly recognizable silhouette. It faces the ocean beside the wide concrete boardwalk, making this a quick but rewarding stop for architecture-minded visitors, families and anyone walking the beachfront.
Neptune’s Park also functions as an outdoor performance lawn and stage venue. Summer programming includes nightly entertainment and the free Summer Concert Series, which brings eight national recording artists to the Oceanfront; concerts begin at 7pm and are open to the public. There is no museum-style indoor collection or ticket gate here—the experience is a flexible mix of sculpture viewing, beach access, people-watching and seasonal live music. Check the official Virginia travel listing for the current event calendar before planning an evening around a performance.
- King Neptune statue: Paul DiPasquale’s 34-foot bronze colossus, unveiled in 2005, is the park’s essential photograph.
- Marine sculpture base: Look closely for dolphins, turtles, fish and an octopus arranged around Neptune’s feet.
- Free Summer Concert Series: Eight national recording artists perform outdoors at 7pm during the summer series.
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk: The paved oceanfront promenade runs immediately beside the park for easy walking, biking and beach access.
- 31 Ocean Corridor: Atlantic Avenue’s 31st Street cluster puts hotels, restaurants, shops and a rooftop bar within steps of the lawn.
Neptune’s Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Resort Area, Virginia Beach Oceanfront; 31 Ocean Corridor at 31st Street |
| Operating Hours | Outdoor public park accessible daily; summer entertainment is seasonal, with listed concerts beginning at 7pm. Confirm event times before visiting. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free park entry and free Summer Concert Series; no admission ticket required. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 45 minutes for the statue and boardwalk; 1.5 to 2.5 hours with a concert or beach stop. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Seasonal VB Wave trolley service on Atlantic Avenue; paid public and hotel garages are available around 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue. |
| Official Website & Phone | Virginia is for Lovers: Neptune’s Park · +1 800-822-3224 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early in the morning for cleaner photographs and a quieter view of the sculpture, or come before 7pm on concert nights to claim a comfortable place on the lawn or nearby boardwalk. Concerts are free, so expect the strongest crowds around sunset and do not rely on finding parking at the last minute. The seasonal VB Wave trolley along Atlantic Avenue is a useful alternative to driving; if using a car, choose a paid garage in the 31st Street area and walk the final block.
The boardwalk and park perimeter are level, paved and practical for wheelchairs, strollers and rolling beach gear; curb ramps connect Atlantic Avenue, the lawn area and the oceanfront promenade. The grass can become soft or uneven after rain, so the paved edges provide the easiest route. Pair the stop with a north-or-south walk on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, browse the restaurants and boutiques around 31 Ocean, or walk about 10 minutes south to the Naval Aviation Monument at 25th Street. The Virginia Beach Convention Center is roughly a 15-minute walk inland.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Neptune’s Park open, and when is the best time to go?
The outdoor park can be visited daily, while organized entertainment is concentrated in summer. For sculpture photos, go early before beach traffic builds; for the concert atmosphere, arrive ahead of the 7pm start time and expect a much busier scene.
Does Neptune’s Park charge admission or require reservations?
No. Entry to the park and the advertised Summer Concert Series are free and open to the public, with no reservation requirement. Budget instead for paid parking, food and drinks from nearby Oceanfront businesses.
How long should I budget for a visit to Neptune’s Park?
Allow 30 to 45 minutes to see the statue, read its sculptural details and walk the adjacent boardwalk. Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours if you are staying for a summer concert, combining the park with beach time, or dining on Atlantic Avenue.
Is Neptune’s Park accessible and suitable for children?
Yes. Its broad paved boardwalk connections and mostly level setting work well for strollers and wheelchairs, though the central grass can be uneven. Children usually enjoy the oversized sea-creature sculpture details and open beach setting; supervise them closely around crowds, bicycles and the nearby ocean.
When planning your Virginia Beach travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Virginia Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tautog's Restaurant, 1608 Crafthouse, and Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (nearby).
