 Additionally , the geographic location of the city , with respect to the principal storm tracks , is especially favorable which is why it has earned the reputation as a vacation destination . It is south of the average path of storms originating in the higher latitudes , and north of the usual tracks of hurricanes and other major tropical storms , with the exception of Hurricane Isabel in 2003 . Because of the moderating effects of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean , Virginia Beach is the northernmost location on the east coast in which many species of plants will reliably grow . Spanish moss , for example is near the northernmost limit of its natural range at First Landing State Park , and is the most northerly location where it is widespread . Other plants like Sabal palmetto , Pindo Palm , Windmill Palm , Hardy Citrus , and Oleander are successfully grown here while they succumb to the colder winter temperatures to the north and inland to the west . 
