Virginia Beach to Greensboro train

While boasting a suburban atmosphere that will make anyone jealous of an East Coast life, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia by population and one of the state's best destinations. Positioned at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, its primary focus has always been its oceanfront location.

In the record books as having the longest pleasure beach in the world, the soft golden sands of Virginia Beach stretch for miles. One of the best ways to enjoy it is to take a stroll or bike along the three-mile boardwalk lined with cafés.

A block back, Atlantic Avenue plays host to Virginia Beach's dining scene, which incorporates everything from well-known names to family-run restaurants specializing in the bay's seafood.

But for all the glitz and glamour of Atlantic Avenue, it's Virginia Beach's natural splendors that will have you coming back again and again. As it twists with the coastline to become Shore Drive, you'll reach First Landing State Park. It preserves the spot at which English colonists first arrived on U.S. soil in 1607 after a five-month voyage. Meanwhile, out to sea, there's a chance to spot humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

The city’s central location on the Atlantic coastline means there are many destinations you can visit from Virginia Beach for very cheap. The busiest terminus in Virginia Beach is on Northampton Boulevard. It sees buses reach New York City in around eight hours. Head to Norfolk, and you can also jump on Amtrak's Northeast Regional train service to Boston.

Consisting mostly of industrial buildings, Greensboro is the type of city that only reveals its charm to those who have given it time. Head over to the Colonial Heritage Center to learn more about the life of the colonists during the first days of the country. The relics here, including the most outstanding collection of colonial-era maps in the country, will certainly leave you satisfied. One of the highlights of the city is the Old Greensborough quarter, which serves as a living time capsule for fans of history. The quarter also hosts some of the best establishments in town, so don’t hesitate to unwind and enjoy a quick bite at a local restaurant. When you need to retreat from the crowd, the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden and Bog Garden, which features artful sculptures, will be a great choice.

Greensboro’s food scene is expanding rapidly and Table 16 is one of the most famous stars of this burgeoning food scene. The menu incorporates locally-grown produce as well as seasonal dishes whenever possible, making it a great place to try out local staples.

Depending on the bus carrier you are going to travel with, there are several bus stops around Greensboro that you could end up departing from or arriving at. The main Amtrak train station in town is the J. Douglas Galyon Depot located in the center of the city. Greensboro is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian, Crescent and Piedmont lines. The airport serving the city is Piedmont Triad International Airport, which is located in Guilford County.