VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — A new chapter in American surfing history is about to begin in Virginia Beach, where the country’s first Wavegarden Cove facility is preparing to launch. Backed by global music icon and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, Atlantic Park Surf is nearing completion and will soon welcome wave riders to its state-of-the-art surf lagoon.
The facility is part of a $350 million mixed-use development called Atlantic Park, transforming the former site of the Virginia Beach Dome into a modern entertainment and lifestyle destination. Along with the Wavegarden Cove surf pool, the project will include residential units, office spaces, restaurants, retail outlets, and a live entertainment venue.
Set on a 10.35-acre site, the centerpiece of the park is a 2.67-acre Wavegarden Cove, featuring 46 wave-generating modules capable of producing a range of surf conditions suitable for both beginners and professionals. The facility is the first of its kind in the U.S., marking a milestone for artificial wave technology on the East Coast.
Construction is in its final stages, with the pool already filled and the wave-making systems prepped for launch. Teaser footage released by the project hints that the first waves are expected to roll out imminently.
The announcement of the park has generated significant excitement among surf enthusiasts, particularly in Virginia Beach—a city with deep surfing roots. The East Coast’s surf legacy traces back to 1912, when local teenager James M. Jordan Jr. reportedly paddled out on a redwood board brought from Hawaii. That pioneering spirit continues today with this innovative new surf attraction.
“This place is going to be a game-changer,” said East Coast surfer and content creator Ben Gravy, who visited the site ahead of its opening. “Virginia Beach has one of the most stoked surf cultures I know about. People here are genuinely excited to surf.”
Wavegarden, the European company behind the technology, also expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming debut. In a previous announcement, the company noted:
“Opening in early Summer 2025, Atlantic Park in Virginia Beach will introduce the USA’s first Wavegarden Cove and a $350 million mixed-use entertainment complex, in partnership with Virginia Beach native Pharrell. The park will include a compact 2.67-acre Wavegarden Cove, a live entertainment venue, modern offices, residences, and unique shopping and dining options, establishing a year-round coastal destination.”
As final preparations unfold, anticipation continues to build. Atlantic Park Surf is expected to draw visitors from across the region and beyond, offering consistent waves and high-quality amenities all year round—something Mother Nature doesn’t always guarantee on the Atlantic Coast.
Stay tuned as the first waves are set to break soon, marking a historic moment for surfing in the United States.