Tucked into the north end of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment, known as the A.R.E., is one of the most unusual and peaceful places to visit in Hampton Roads. Whether you are a longtime student of Cayce’s work or simply curious, here is what to know before you go.
Who was Edgar Cayce?
Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) was an American psychic who gave thousands of trance “readings” on health, spirituality, dreams, meditation and more, and he is often called the father of holistic medicine. He made Virginia Beach his home, opened a hospital there in 1928, and founded the A.R.E. in 1931 to study and share his work. Today the A.R.E. is a nonprofit with members around the world, and its international headquarters are still in Virginia Beach.
What to see on the A.R.E. campus
- The Visitor Center: home to the library, the bookstore and gift shop, and a Meditation Room on the third floor with views of the ocean.
- The library: one of the largest collections of metaphysical books and resources anywhere, including Cayce’s readings.
- The bookstore and gift shop: metaphysical books, gemstones, crystals, pendulums, jewelry, candles and incense.
- The meditation garden and stone labyrinth: quiet outdoor spaces to walk, sit and reflect.
- The Health Center & Spa: massage and holistic treatments in Cayce’s historic hospital building.
- Lectures, classes and events: talks, workshops, sound baths and conferences throughout the year.
Tips for your visit
- Find it: the campus is at 215 67th Street in Virginia Beach, near First Landing State Park.
- Check hours first: visitor center, bookstore and spa hours change by season, so check edgarcayce.org before you go.
- Plan on an hour or two: enough time to browse the bookstore, sit in the Meditation Room and walk the garden and labyrinth.
- Book spa treatments ahead: appointments can fill up, especially on weekends and in summer.
- Make a day of it: combine your visit with a walk on the beach or a hike at First Landing State Park.
Events at the A.R.E.
The A.R.E. hosts lectures, workshops, sound baths, psychic development classes and conferences. We add A.R.E. events to our community calendar alongside classes and gatherings from across Hampton Roads.
Explore more holistic Virginia Beach
Inspired after your visit? Find local psychics, mediums and readers, Reiki and energy healers, sound healers, meditation teachers and hypnotherapists in our directory, or read our guide to crystal shops and metaphysical stores in Hampton Roads.
Frequently asked questions
Is the A.R.E. free to visit?
Walking through the visitor center, bookstore and garden is generally free. Some lectures, classes, events and spa treatments have a cost, so check edgarcayce.org for details.
Do I need to know about Edgar Cayce to enjoy a visit?
Not at all. Many visitors come for the bookstore, the ocean-view Meditation Room or the peaceful garden, and learn about Cayce along the way.
Can I borrow books from the A.R.E. library?
The library is open for visitors to browse. Borrowing is generally available to A.R.E. members and local library members, so ask at the library desk.