Fun Things to do in Virginia Beach, A Trendy Neighborhood Guide

You might know Virginia Beach for its miles of scenic coastline and iconic boardwalk, but Virginia Beach is more than just your average beach town. Over the years, it’s evolved into a trendy hotspot where the laid-back beach vibe meets a creative, modern energy. From its thriving food scene with fresh seafood and farm-to-table options to its bustling craft breweries and hip art galleries, Virginia Beach has something for everyone.

The fun, creative energy can be found throughout the city, centralized in a few neighborhoods. This guide will dive deep into all the fun things to do in Virginia Beach, through the lens of local culture and where to find it. 

Where to Stay in Virginia Beach

Cavalier Resort & Beach Club

This one’s for our fellow luxury lovers. Virginia Beach’s long-standing icon, the Cavalier Hotel, first opened in 1927, and offers the perfect mix of historical character and modern day elegance. On top of thoughtfully appointed rooms, a dreamy indoor pool, and an on-site upscale restaurant and bar, staying at the Cavalier also gets you access to their oceanfront Beach Club,  a top-notch luxury experience you can’t find anywhere else.

The Inn at Old Beach

For a more unique, boutique stay, check out the Inn at Old Beach. Centrally located, this historic inn offers a homey feel with a touch of luxury, plus free breakfast on weekends.

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

A modern, stylish newcomer, the Moxy offers oceanfront rooms, a lively lobby (complete with a slide!), and an outdoor pool, all designed for the young at heart.

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront

Another waterfront option, these digs will take you out of the hustle and bustle of Virginia Beach’s main drag and offers a more peaceful experience. Close to Chic’s Beach and First Landing State Park, expect a clean and crisp design, rooms with scenic water views, and a serene outdoor pool.

Neighborhood #1: The ViBe District

You'll find the ViBe District, one of the most vibrant and cultural hubs in all of Hampton Roads, right off the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. What started as a farmers market has blossomed into a community of makers, roasters, and artists, all determined to create a space where creativity is king and all are welcome.

Walking through the streets, you'll feel alive with all the colors and energy this area offers—not to mention the extra perk from the plethora of coffee shops.

Experience the Art

Community Art

All around the neighborhood, you'll find beautiful murals, sculptures, and outdoor art created by a wide variety of artists, each with their own story and perspective. Be sure to look out for sculpture installations, community fence murals, sidewalk art & creative crosswalks, and even decked out parking meters.

Moca Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art—Focused on art as a means to bring us all together, the heart of Moca lies in art, community, and compassion. With an ever-changing rotation of artists and exhibitions, there is always something new and beautiful to see.

Eat & Drink

Coffee & Breakfast Vibes

Bad Ass Coffee- A funky Hawaiian coffee chain serving up unique drink options

Mary’s Kitchen- This local fixture is open for breakfast and lunch serving American fare with daily specials.

Java Surf- Surf-themed coffeehouse serving espresso drinks and breakfast/lunch fare decorated with local art

Lunch Vibes

Commune- A true farm-to-table restaurant, the menu at Commune is focused on using only the best, most cared-for ingredients in an inviting, casual atmosphere.

Prosperity Kitchen and Pantry- From the owner of Commune, this creative bakery serves up more than sweets with a wide range of homemade pizza on the menu as well!

Yorkies- A modern deli focused on local farmers and community

Dinner Vibes

Baby Izakaya- A  trendy and modern establishment focused on Japanese culture with their own creative twists

The Pink Dinghy- Tthis tiny spot offers thoughtful small plates and modern cocktails with a tropical flare to the backdrop of fresh music and unmistakable pink walls.

Jars of Dust- Right around the corner from North End Bag Co, you'll find this incredibly charming shop selling handcrafted ceramics.

North End Bag Co.- Shop handcrafted leather and canvas bags and accessories, or just stop by and catch a glimpse of how these beauties are made on-site.

Pixelated Boutique- Clean and pretty, Pixelated Boutique is a modern lifestyle shop.

17th Street Marketplace- This retail and consignment space sells a variety of local art and other products.

Old Beach Farmers Market- For a taste of local life, pop by the farmers market for fresh fruits, veggies, and snacks.

VB Flea- A curated vintage and antique market that pops up on certain Fridays and Saturdays with special events.

Wave Riding Vehicles- Long standing surf shop offering surf, skate, and snow items and apparel

Neighborhood #2: Virginia Beach Oceanfront

This is what you came for—the oceanfront. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront consists of about three miles of boardwalk from 2nd to 40th Street and technically extends all the way up to the North End (mostly residential but oceanfront none the less), offering miles of beautiful shoreline. The area near the boardwalk is full of bars and restaurants as well as other attractions, from parks to museums to the famous King Neptune Statue. 

The Beach

The beach is a no-brainer—and likely the main reason you're in Virginia Beach in the first place! There are a couple different ways to experience the beach depending on what you are looking for.

For those seeking something a little quieter and away from the crowds, go for the North End, around 50th Street and upwards. This is a more residential area and parking is limited, so we recommend getting there early for the best spot. Keep in mind there are limited amenities up this way, so you won’t find bathrooms or lifeguards. Factor that into your preferences as well.

For those who want to be in the energy of the city, the Virginia Beach boardwalk is for you. This area can get very crowded, including spots on the beach, but it’s within walking distance of lots of fun bars, restaurants, and hotels. Plus, there are plenty of options for parking, ADA accessible areas, public bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards.

Music and Events

This is the neighborhood you can always count on for events. With small stages all along the boardwalk, like the 24th Street stage and 31st Street stage, there’s always something going on—and it’s almost always free. Keep up with VB events.

Notable Events

Jackalope Fest- A three-day festival on the beach showcasing competitions between some of the best talent in high adrenaline sports such as skateboarding, bouldering, and BASE jumping

Point Break Music Fest- A new two-day reggae music festival on the beach

Neptune Festival- An annual staple since 1974, the Neptune Festival is a free event on the Virginia Beach boardwalk with artisans, live music, surfing competitions, a parade, as well as a ticketed grand sand sculpting competition.

East Coast Surfing Championship- Now the oldest continually run surfing competition in the world, Coastal Edge ECSC takes place every summer.

Shop

Visit a surf shop—Coastal Edge Surf Shop or 17th Street Surf Shop are classic options.

Forgot a Beach Towel or Sunscreen? Don't overthink it—Sunsations. If you’re looking for a more local shopping experience, we’ll redirect you to the ViBe and Artery neighborhoods for that.

Eat & Drink

Coffee/Breakfast Vibes

Daybreak Coffee- This goal-driven coffee shop is on a mission to empower the women’s surf and skate community through delicious coffee and offering a safe space for joy, expression, and community.

Vlove Coffee House- A bright and casual coffeehouse serving espresso drinks, smoothies, and teas, plus breakfast sandwiches and baked goods

2D Café- A unique café designed in an all black and white, two dimensional style, 2D offers an international menu with a focus on Turkish coffee and cuisine.

Belvedere South Coffee Shop & Diner- A sunny oceanfront café located inside the Moxy Hotel

Lunch Vibes

Taste Unlimited- A charming sandwich shop offering high quality sandwiches with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. You can even get it delivered on the beach!

Green Cat Juice Bar & Market- Health-focused market serving organic juices, smoothies and snacks in casual, colorful digs

Ocean Eddies – Long standing, casual seafood restaurant on the pier with the best views in town

Big Sam’s Inlet Café & Raw Bar- A bright and airy casual eatery located on Rudee’s Inlet offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as local seafood

Pelon’s Baja Grill- A casual bar and grill serving authentic California style Mexican dishes

Dinner Vibes 

Atlantic on Pacific- An oyster and cocktail bar offering fresh seafood dishes and fresh, hand mixed cocktails.

Waterman’s Surfside Grille- Family-owned since 1981, Waterman’s is an oceanfront icon serving local seafood and their famous orange crushes.

Rudee’s or Rockafeller’s- Two great options for “waterfront” dining on Rudee’s inlet

De Rican Chef- Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in a fun setting with a rooftop bar

Orion’s Roof- Modern cuisine, from sushi to short ribs, plus handcrafted cocktails in a rooftop setting with stunning ocean views

Drink Vibe/ Nightlife Vibe

Waterman Spirits- A sister project from the owners of Waterman’s Grill, Waterman Spirits is Virginia’s first line of organic, coral filtered vodkas located in a bright and modern space with in-house cocktails.

The Shack- An outdoor bar located right next to Waterman Spirits offering games, fire pits, events and live music

The Bunker Brewpub- A project of Young Veterans Brewing Co, the Bunker serves as a restaurant, brewery, and music venue all in one funky spot. Stop by for a taste of southern coastal cuisine (try the hot chicken sandwich), a unique local brew, or a live show.

Lunasea- A Key West-themed café with an expansive outdoor area for games, live music, and dancing

Hunt Room at the Cavalier- For a cozy nightcap in an intimate setting, head to the Hunt Room, located on the bottom floor of the Cavalier Resort, for a perfectly balanced cocktail, preferably from their extensive whiskey list.

Neighborhood #3: The Artery District

The Artery district is one of the newest creative districts in Virginia Beach. Represented by the Wave Sculpture, a 35-foot stainless steel sculpture by artist Jeff Laramore, this creative district stretches for about one mile on Laskin Road, from Pacific Avenue of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to just beyond Birdneck Road. 

Small but mighty and still building, expect even more exciting things to pop up in this neighborhood soon!

Shop

Coastal Mod- A hip, high-end furniture gallery selling new and vintage pieces

Thanks For Listening- A  Black-owned record shop that introduces a bespoke collection of new and collectible funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and rock records

Mermaid Factory- A one-of-a-kind gift shop that doubles as a “paint your own” art studio.

Vinyl Daze- The first and original vinyl-exclusive record store in VB 

Eat & Drink

Breakfast/Brunch Vibe 

Bay Local Eatery- A lively eatery serving locally sourced meats, fish and seafood with a fun brunch scene.

Lunch Vibes

Aloha Snacks- Bright, modern counter serve preparing poke bowls, ramen, burgers, and other Hawaiian-style eats

Daves BBQ- Top-notch barbeque served in a casual, unassuming setting

Dinner Vibes

Quemar- This upscale Mexican and Latin American restaurant serves traditional dishes made from scratch centered around a wood-fired Argentinian-style Parilla with a cocktail lounge to boot.

Eurasia- A New American Bistro serving seasonal plates with a global flare and an extensive wine and whiskey list

Lovesong- Super hip, Lovesong offers a wide range of natural wine as well as creative small plates.

Sorella’s- An easy, casual Italian eatery focused on homemade pasta, Neapolitan pies, wine, and cocktails

Sushi Vice- Fresh, creative sushi and cocktails in a casual setting open late

Terrapin- For fine dining, Terrapin offers a menu that changes with the season, from steak to seafood, plus a thoughtful wine list in a sleek setting.

Drink Vibe/ Nightlife 

Lovesong Back Bar- Lovesong’s “Back Bar” is open Thursdays through Saturdays with live shows and dance parties.

Duck Dive Tavern- Local favorite dive bar serving elevated eats, open late with live music and a full bar

Pacifica- A modern bistro and global tapas restaurant, Pacifica offers a wide range of specialty cocktails and stays open late.

More Fun Things to do in Virginia Beach

Don't miss these spots located outside the neighborhoods highlighted in this guide. Head over to Chicks Oyster Bar or The Porch on Long Creek for some awesome seafood, crushes, and cocktails—plus the dreamiest sunset views.

If you drove into town, be sure to stop by the Virginia Beach Antique Mall on your way out. This super expansive place is an area staple, filled to the brim with unique finds. 

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a must for families or anyone who loves to learn. The primary goal is to is to inspire conservation through education, research, and sustainable practices. The interactive exhibits make it one of the most fun things to do in Virginia Beach with kids.

Looking for more beaches? Virginia Beach is blessed with 38 miles of gorgeous shoreline, meaning you’ve got options. Check out this ultimate beach-lovers guide and discover the perfect beach for you!