It’s easy to feel mortal when you’re standing beside the King Neptune sculpture in Virginia Beach. Boldly standing thirty four feet tall and weighing close to thirteen tons, this masterfully crafted bronze sculpture exudes authority, beauty and power – just like the sea it represents.

Located on the Virginia Beach boardwalk, overlooking Neptune’s Park on 31st Street, King Neptune wields his trident in one hand, a sea turtle in the other – and affixes his powerful gaze towards the shore.

This is an excellent spot for photographs. In fact, we’d say it’s mandatory! But why is King Neptune gracing Virginia Beach with his presence?

Since 1973, The Neptune Festival has been held annually, helping the local community, businesses, non-profit organizations and tourists. It promotes Virginia Beach as one of the top coastal cities in America. The festival is one of the “top ten” on the east coast and is officially considered as one of the “best 100 festivals” in the entire nation. To honor the festival and highlight its significance to Virginia Beach, the King Neptune statue was commissioned. The sculpture was initiated by volunteers and paid for with the kindness of private donations, making this truly public property. During the Neptune Festival in 2005, King Neptune was dedicated and unveiled for all to see.

When you vacation in Virginia Beach, be sure to stop by and give your regards. It’s considered good luck to touch him.