Which beach resort on the Atlantic Ocean is the most populous city in its state?

While many people assume Virginia's capital, Richmond, is its largest city, that distinction actually belongs to this sprawling coastal community. A major reason for its size stems from a 1963 political consolidation, when the small resort city merged with the entirety of neighboring Princess Anne County. This move dramatically expanded its land area and incorporated a large suburban population, vaulting it to the top of the state's demographic charts.

Located at the strategic mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, the area is rich in American history. It was at Cape Henry, within the city's modern limits, that English colonists first landed in 1607 before moving inland to establish Jamestown. Today, Virginia Beach is known for its unique blend of a bustling tourist oceanfront, major military installations, and a surprisingly rural agricultural borough in its southern half. Its famous coastline is even recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest pleasure beach.