Beach-O-Matic: Virginia Beach Sunday, May 17, 1997; Page E06

Clean, bland, inoffensive, attracts broad racial mix.

What's There?

Three-mile boardwalk with fishing pier, all-day cycling and summer concerts ... Virginia Marine Science Museum ... Back Bay National Refuge ... Ocean Breeze Amusement Park.

Lodging

There are 6,500 hotel and motel rooms in the resort area. For oceanfront and ocean-block hotel and motel rooms, expect to pay daily rates ranging from $90 to $200. Virginia Beach Visitor Information and Reservation Service (1-800-822-3224) offers free booking.

Bargains

The $699 Family Fun Package, five days/four nights, includes lodging and attractions. Call 1-800-828-7477.

The Drive

202 miles, 4 ¼ hours

Quirk

When the meteor hits the Atlantic coast in the disaster flick "Deep Impact," the resulting tidal wave wipes out Virginia Beach.

Contact

1-800-822-3224, http://www.vabeach.com