Located on the Eastern Seaboard at the mouth of the venerable Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is more than a sleepy beach town. It is a vibrant city with a well-developed arts and culture district, a stretch of golden beach anchored by a vast boardwalk and an outdoor destination where locals work to preserve the marine life. With a stunning sunrise to evening fireworks, travellers can enjoy a just-right beach getaway, a few hours from DC and Richmond. Here are the Best things to do in Virginia Beach.
17 SPLASHY Things to Do in Virginia Beach
See the Sunrise
Walk the Boardwalk
Rent a Bike
Enjoy the Sound of the Waves at the Beach
Pose with King Neptune
Tour the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum
Visit First Landing State Park
Sunset Kayak Dolphin Tours by Chesapean Outdoors
Learn about Oyster Farming with Pleasure House Oysters
Explore the Vibe District
Spot a Mural in ViBe District
Learn to Surf at Atlantic Park
Visit the Atlantic Fun Park
See the Weekly Fireworks
Attend a Festival
Enjoy Local Seafood
Spend the Night
See the Sunrise
During my recent visit to Virginia Beach, I was blown away by its sunrise. On my first morning, I got a glimpse of the sunrise from my balcony.
The next morning, I set an alarm so I could be dressed and see it from the beach. I wasn’t the only one; I found lots of sunrise worshippers.
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Walk along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Atlantic Ocean boardwalk stretches for 3 miles from 2nd to 40th streets; the boardwalk offers a wide lane for strolling. Plus, there’s a divided lane just for those who want to bike along the boardwalk.
During my visit, I found restaurants, shops & entertainment. For families, Grommet Island Park offers a 100% accessible beach-themed playground at 40th Street.
For those driving in, municipal parking lots charge a daily parking fee from April 1 to October 31. Free to enjoy and open 24 hours a day.
Rent a Cruiser
With a separate, divided bike lane, I enjoyed a beach cruiser during my last visit. With prices starting at $12 an hour for a bike, it is a fun way to explore.
Cherie’s Beach Rentals has 11 locations along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. It also offers surreys and tandems for rent.
Relax on the Beach
With 38 miles of diverse coastline, Virginia Beach is best known for its golden sand, the Boardwalk and its hotels and condos. Wave chasing, lounging, and sandcastle building are favorites during the summer.
Virginia Beach also offers lifeguards during its summer season, from mid-May through mid-September, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Throughout the season, special events and concerts also take place at the oceanfront park stages at 17th, 24th, and 31st Streets. Beach chair and umbrella rental available from late May to early September.
Find accessible year-round restrooms at 17th, 24th, and 30th Streets. Free to enjoy, best from dawn to dusk.
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Pose with King of Neptune Statue
At 31st and Atlantic, I loved the 34-foot bronze of the King of Neptune, with his trident and wide hair and beard. Created by artist Paul DiPasquale, the King of Neptune is the
son of Saturn, Lord of the Sea
Unveiled in 2005 during the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, he is a popular wayfinding icon along the Boardwalk. During my visit, we posed for pictures with him.
Tour the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum
As a hub for beachgoers for over a century, the need for lifesaving is perennial. Dedicated to coastal communities and maritime heritage, the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum retells the history of early lifesaving techniques.
Located at 2401 Atlantic Avenue on the boardwalk. Open seasonally from April 15th to October, Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to visit.
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Visit First Landing State Park
In 1607, English settlers landed at Cape Henry, inside the park boundaries, before moving inland from Chesapeake Bay. The parklands include a 1.5-mile ong beach with coastal dunes overlooking Chesapeake Bay, with saltwater marshes, bald cypress swamps and maritime forests.
Visitors can enjoy the beach, with a boardwalk over the dunes. Birding, crabbing and fishing are popular, as well as shelling and swimming.
The First Landing State Park includes 18 miles of trails that wind through the different ecosystems. Spring brings wildflowers, and summer is peak for wildlife viewing, like osprey that nest near 64th Street.
For campers, the campground features 20 two-bedroom cabins with heating and air conditioning. The camping season runs from early March until early December. Some sites can accommodate campers up to 50 feet in length and have hook-ups.
The park opened in 1936, one of six parks that opened on the same day. Developed by the African American Civilian Conservation Corps, the park still has many historic buildings. It is a National Natural Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sunset Kayak Dolphin Tours by Chesapean Outdoors
During my visit, I enjoyed a guided two-hour kayak tour with Chesapean Outdoors to see wild dolphins. Starting on the beach, I paddled a tandem sit-on-top kayak with my traveling companion to see and find Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
Chesapean Outdoors has been conducting wild dolphin tours for over 27 years. Before getting to their usual spot, we spotted several seabirds that our guide helped us identify.
As we paddled out, our guide pointed out the Cape Henry Lighthouses and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. As if on cue, we did see several dolphin pods play and beach the water in the setting sun. During my visit, the dolphins came up close but not close enough to reach from our kayak.
Sunset tour Daily operates from May 1st to Oct. 1st at 5:30 p.m. Chesapean Outdoors also has two other dolphin tours that run to November 1st at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are $65 per person, and tour participants must be 7 years old and accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required.
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Learn about Oyster Farming with Pleasure House Oysters
During my trip, I wanted to learn more about the Lynnhaven River Oysters that grow in the oyster beds of the Lynnhaven River upstream from the Chesapeake Bay. Captain Chris Ludford takes up to 14 guests out on his boat to his leased oyster bed to learn more about the regional delicacy.
After boarding his boat, we motored through the canal and past home before reaching the waist-deep water where his oyster traps protect the growing oysters. Captain Ludford walks participants through the Lynnhaven oyster growing season, known for their size, saltiness and gentle zing.
In late July, he seeds the tiny oysters selected from parents for fast growth, heavy shells and heat and disease resistance. The oysters continue to grow in the shallow waters until they are ready for harvest when they reach about three inches long.
Pleasure House Oysters are served at fine dining restaurants in the region. During our cruise, I took the Tasting Tour and sampled one of the Lynnhaven oysters that Captain Ludford harvested that day.
Pleasure House Oysters offers a Chef’s Table Tour where participants enjoy lunch or dinner along the water, wearing waders or rubber boots.
Reservations required, and tours start at $55 per person. Visit the Pleasure House Oysters to learn more about his farm.
Explore the ViBe District
Virginia Beach is a vibrant creative hub with over 100 artists and creative businesses, steps from the beach. In the ViBe District, visitors can find the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at 5811 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach.
Working artists display their work at the Virginia Beach Art Center and its Artists Gallery. During my visit to the ViBe District, I walked from gallery to boutique, after enjoying coffee at a local coffee shop and roaster.
The ViBe District hosts First Fridays, Second Saturdays and the popular Old Beach Farmers Market and Old Beach Art and Eco Market. For organized tours, there are monthly tours on First Friday at 6 p.m. and Second Saturday at 10 a.m., meeting at the LOVE sign on Cypress Avenue and 18th St.
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Spot a Mural in ViBe District
From tiny pocket murals hidden to two-story murals that cover the side of a building, the ViBe District has funded over 80 murals since 2018. Each year, they add additional works of art, including one of my favorites, Sic Semper Tyrannus by John Hutchinson.
The annual ViBe Mural Fest runs for the first two weekends in October. This is when the district unveils the new murals.
Learn to Surf at Atlantic Park
A new development, Atlantic Park is an 8-acre waterpark dedicated to surfing, with two wave-generating pools, including the first Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon in the U.S.
Each pool is about 3 acres and capable of generating up to 1,000 waves per hour. Ranging from one to six feet, Atlantic Park uses 46 wave modules to serve surfers from beginners to advanced.
The Beach Club overlooks the pools with seating and amplified music. For non-surfers, all-day passes are available for $25. Cabana rentals are available.
Sessions are divided by ability and skill, with novice, progressive, intermediate and advanced sessions focusing on barrels and turns.
Two restaurants are on-site: Nami Nori is a temaki bar with sushi and bento boxes. Wiseguy Pizza serves up New York-style slices, by the slice or by the pie.
Overlooking the wave pools, The Sitio Boutique Hotel offers guests refined, yet casual luxury accommodations. It features a sun deck with a pool, with a cocktail service from its attached bar.
Located at 365 18th Street, Suite 154, Virginia Beach. Beginner surf lessons start at $120 per person and include land instruction. Open year-round.
Atlantic Fun Park
Atlantic Fun Park is a seasonal amusement park at 15th Street with go-karts and midway-style games. In total, it features 10 midway games and 15 rides, including the 100-foot Skyflyer.
Located at 233 15th St, Virginia Beach. Open seasonally from Spring to Fall, Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight.
See the Weekly Fireworks
Virginia Beach launches weekly fireworks from July 4th to Labor Day weekend in early September. They launch from the water and are visible across the Boardwalk.
Look for fireworks on Wednesday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
Attend a Festival
Virginia Beach is more than a beach town. It is lively year-round with annual festivals, concerts and sporting events, centered on the beach.
It showcases artists and artisans year-round, from its Neptune Festival in September to its Christmas Market. Sports fans flock to the beach for annual competitions from beach volleyball to skateboarding to surfing.
Visit the Virginia Beach calendar for the latest during your visit.
Eat Local Seafood
During your stay, enjoy Chesapeake Bay seafood. I did during my visit.
Three Ships Coffee Roasters
Artisanal coffee roaster with light breakfast items. This is the original location
Located at 607 19th St., Virginia Beach. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille for Brunch
Every getaway needs a boozy brunch. With a varied menu, including several varieties of mimosas, enjoy traditional brunch favorites. I recommend the omelettes or the Benedicts; however there are pancakes, biscuits and more, including a kids menu.
Located at 415 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. Open for brunch at 9 a.m. on Sunday only. Other days open at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for brunch.
Chicks Oyster Bar
A local’s place overlooking the waterfront with a laid-back vibe. Find an open-air section and an air-conditioned section.
Located at 2143 Vista Cir, Virginia Beach. Valet parking in the evening.
Chic’s Laundry Supper
With a varied menu from bespoke cocktails to appetizers to entrees, Chic’s Laundry Supper is an excellent choice for dinner. I recommend starting with the Parker House Rolls, a must, to accompany a cocktail. Another hit: the tallow fries and oysters on the half-shell.
During my visit, I enjoyed the fresh fish of the day, and I recommend that. Sides are additional and all excellent.
Located at 4497 Lookout Rd, Virginia Beach. Open Wednesday to Monday from 4 to 10 p.m. (9 p.m. on Sunday). Reservations accepted.
Mi Vida
For contemporary Mexican food, Mi Vida offers traditional flavors like mole. During my visit, I started with a signature margarita, followed by chips and salsa, guacamole and elote.
I chose the Mole enchiladas, but the menu offers taco plates, fajitas and carnitas. I recommend you save room for dessert, especially the churros and the pastel de. chocolate.
Located at 336 20th St, Virginia Beach. Open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations accepted.
Rose’s Hi-Fi
A unique take, Rosie’s Hi-Fi is a restaurant that transitions into a bar as the night goes on. A DJ spins vinyl starting at dinner and continues. During my visit, I started with the Milkbreak and enjoyed the Laughing King Oysters with a cucumber and serrano aqua chile accompaniment. As my entree, I selected the traditional steak frites. All excellent.
Located at 325 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach. I recommend dining early as the volume of the music climbs during the evening. Open Wednesday to Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations not accepted so be prepared to wait.
Spend the Night in Virginia Beach
Overlooking the beach and boardwalk at Virginia Beach, the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront features 134 compact rooms, flush with modern industrial design. As a dog-friendly property, fur families are welcome and common throughout the property.
The first-floor lobby is lively with an open space, centered around its lobby bar, creating a fun atmosphere. Adult guests are given a drink token upon arrival to use during their stay. Guests will find varied seating in the lobby, overlooking its outdoor spaces, including a patio, outdoor games and a seasonal pool.
Guests will find several arcade and pinball games, including Zotar, which tells fortunes. The highlight is the two-story enclosed slide.
Belvedere South is located off the lobby and serves breakfast and lunch. Its retro-diner aesthetic is fun and homey, and its menu features Americana classics. Outside Belvedere South, guests will find a complimentary brewed coffee bar with a choice of milks and sweeteners. Amenities at the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront include a 24-hour fitness room and business center. The second floor includes a reservable meeting space.
Disclosure: Virginia Beach hosted the writer and this article contains affiliate links
