The Complete Guide to Visiting Virginia Beach, Virginia

The bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach has more than just oceanfront fun to offer—although you’ll find no shortage of waves and sandy beaches in the most populous city in the Commonwealth. 

Stroll down the boardwalk, get your fill of the freshest seafood at award-winning restaurants, and take in the unique arts and culture of a vibrant city when you visit Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH

Summer is undoubtedly Virginia Beach’s most popular season, but you’ll find the city lively any time of year. 

Plan your trip for the end of September and catch the free Neptune Festival. The annual celebration includes daily music performances, a sandsculpting championship, a massive art and craft show, and dozens of food vendors along the boardwalk. 

WHERE TO STAY

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Atlantic Chic $$$

Known for its funky and creative spaces (hello, slide in the lobby) and airy, comfortable rooms, the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront also features an outdoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center. 

The Cavalier Resort: Choose-Your-Own Luxury Adventure $$-$$$

The three properties at The Cavalier Resort—the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, and Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort—all come with inviting amenities, ocean views, and luxurious accommodations. The Cavalier also has several impressive dining options, from rooftop drinks at Orion’s Roof to fresh meals at Becca and crowd-pleasing dessert at We Scream Ice Cream. 

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront: $$

Enjoy panoramic views of the Chesapeake at this bayside hotel. The Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront has cozy rooms, suites, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant. Plus, visitors can rent bicycles and watercraft from the hotel for convenient fun. 

The Inn at Old Beach: Relax with Historic Charm $$$

Book a room at the historic Inn at Old Beach for a boutique stay and free breakfast on the weekends. Select suites include kitchen spaces and private balconies. 

First Landing State Park: Surround Yourself with Nature $

Cabins, yurts, and camping are all offered at First Landing State Park if you’d like to sleep under the stars. Yurts are located in the dune along the Chesapeake Bay. Campsites have access to a bathhouse with hot showers. 

Rentals in Sandbridge: Space for Everyone $$-$$$

If you’re traveling with a large family or group, keep an eye on rentals available in the Sandbridge area. Companies like Sandbridge Blue Vacation Rentals have properties with enough bedrooms for everyone to be comfortable.

WHERE TO EAT

Waterman’s Surfside Grille

A Virginia Beach tradition, Waterman’s has been serving up fresh seafood and famous Orange Crushes since 1981. Bonus: Their distillery is just a few blocks away, where they make organic vodkas filtered through coral. 

Love Song

Sample seasonal plates like smoked fish dip, gnudi, and salt cod fritters, as well as an array of natural wines. 

Chix on the Beach

An oceanfront staple, beachgoers have been dining at Chix for over 40 years. 

Orion’s Roof

Reservations are required at this rooftop garden bar with a contemporary menu and panoramic views. 

Rudee’s on the Inlet

This longtime oceanfront restaurant promises fresh local seafood, a full service outdoor bar, and a beautiful sunset view. 

Commune

This spot in the ViBE Creative District offers something special for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Rockafeller’s Restaurant

You’ll find mouthwatering oysters, perfect seafood apps to share, and remarkable views at this indoor-outdoor restaurant. 

Becca Restaurant & Garden

Enjoy fresh meals made from local ingredients at this Historic Cavalier Hotel restaurant. 

Tortugas

This cafe and tiki bar has a laid-back vibe, a variety of drinks, and a menu that has something for everyone. 

The Porch on Long Creek

Enjoy Southern Coastal fare like jumbo lump crab cakes, shrimp and clams linguine, and Mediterranean-inspired appetizers next to the Lynnhaven River. 

The Bee and The Biscuit

Get charged up with a morning coffee along with a hearty breakfast at this Pungo cottage, or come by later in the day for a mimosa flight. 

Want more Virginia Beach eats? Check out our dining guide to make meal planning easy. 

TOP ATTRACTIONS & LANDMARKS

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Set off on foot or rent bikes and tool down the three-mile boardwalk, complete with eateries, attractions, and seaside views. Don’t miss the iconic symbol of the oceanfront, the King Neptune Statue. The 34-foot tall statue was created by artist Paul DiPasquale and has maintained its perch on the boardwalk at 31st Street since 2005. 

The Dome

You can see some of your favorite musical artists just steps from the boardwalk at The Dome. The venue’s history stretches back to 1957. Referred to as the Dome because of its futuristic, spherical facade, it brought legendary acts for several decades, but by the 1990s was closed. It reopened in 2025 as an indoor auditorium and outdoor amphitheater, once again bringing major talent to Virginia Beach. 

First Landing State Park

Explore nearly 3,000 acres of natural splendor at First Landing State Park, which is where the first English settlers landed when they reached the New World. With 19 miles of trails to hike, a six-mile bike trail, and space to swim, kayak, and paddle on the Chesapeake Bay, there’s plenty of adventure to be found at the park. 

Cape Henry Lighthouse

Climb the steps of the Cape Henry Lighthouse and gaze out over the Atlantic. Authorized by George Washington and completed in 1792, the original lighthouse was actually the first federally funded public works project of the United States government. Pro tip: Check the access requirements before visiting the lighthouse, as it is surrounded by the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story. 

Mount Trashmore Park 

A first-of-its-kind environmental achievement, Mount Trashmore began as a 640,000-ton pile of garbage and became the first landfill park in the country. Now composed of two mountains—Trashmore and Encore Hill—and two lakes, the park provides dozens of amenities including volleyball courts, a skate park, and the 26,000-square-foot Kids Cove Playground. 

False Cape State Park 

A uniquely undeveloped area along the Atlantic Coast, False Cape State Park has miles of trails and beach to explore. Reserve a spot on the tram tour to journey through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and see the Wash Woods historic site. The park is also a stop on the Civil War Trails, marking the site where dozens of Confederate prisoners escaped from the nearby USS Maple Leaf. 

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

See a variety of marine life including fish, sharks, reptiles, and mammals at the Virginia Aquarium. From river otters and sea turtles to barracudas and eels, you’ll learn about all kinds of creatures. Level up your visit with a behind-the-scenes tour or a boat trip with knowledgeable educators. 

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Experience vibrant, challenging, and thought-provoking art at Virginia MOCA. The gallery spaces introduce new exhibitions every six months, so you can see something new with each visit. 

Military Aviation Museum

Take in military history at “America’s Flying Museum,” home to one of the largest collections of vintage military aircraft in the world. You’ll see a variety of 20th century aircraft and can even sign up for a ride on a World War II-era biplane. 

Coming Soon: Atlantic Park

You’ll be able to surf year-round right next to the Atlantic at Atlantic Park. With surf technology embraced by the pros and first-time surfers, everyone will be able to catch a wave. The park will also be surrounded by shopping, dining, and a public plaza for community events. 

SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS

Shops in the ViBE Creative District

You’ll find this neighborhood to be a cultural hub of makers and artists. Stop into spaces like vintage market VB Flea, ceramics shop Jars of Dust, and North End Bag Co.

Shops in the Artery District

Start from the Wave Sculpture at Laskin Road and peruse stores including furniture gallery Coastal Mod, record shops Thanks For Listening and Vinyl Daze, and creative gift store Mermaid Factory. 

Virginia Beach Farmers Market

Stock up on local produce and goods at this year-round market open every day. 

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Handcrafted cocktails at the Hunt Room

Enjoy a drink in a classic setting with spirits from Tarnished Truth Distillery next door, where you can do a tour and tasting. Both are located within The Cavalier Resort (it’s the only hotel to have a distillery on-site). 

Sip on Spirits at The Shack on 8th

This outdoor oasis has cornhole, live music, and plenty of refreshments. Swing by the attached Waterman Spirits for cocktail classes and tastings. 

Award-Winning Drinks at Chesapeake Bay Distillery

Sample vodka, rum, lemon liqueur, and tequila at the distillery’s tasting room, which is just blocks away from the oceanfront. 

Craft Beers at Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing

Order a fresh beer or cider, grab eats from a food truck, and shop at the attached Kate’s Next Door Market. 

Special Events at Smartmouth Brewing Pilot House

Catch live music on the weekends and enjoy brews and a slice from Bakehouse Pizza. 

Want more local beers? Check out our guide to coastal breweries in Virginia. 

Discover Pleasure House Oyster Tours

Set out on the Lynnhaven River to see how oysters are harvested, learn about farming, and slurp fresh oysters. 

Soar with iFly Indoor Skydiving

Take flight on a ride like no other at this indoor skydiving facility appropriate for kids and adults. 

Shuffle Over to Beachside Social

Try your hand at shuffleboard, bocce, and board games at this indoor games and cocktail bar. 

Cheers at Mermaid Winery

Stop by for Happy Hour deals on small bites, grazing boards, and local vino. 

ANNUAL FESTIVALS

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

When: Sept. 26-28, 2025

Where: Virginia Beach Oceanfront

The boardwalk weekend includes a world-renowned sand sculpting competition, a parade, a volleyball tournament, food and shopping vendors, and two stages with musical performances. 

Oceanfront Concert Series

When: Various, May 21-Sept. 11, 2025 

Where: 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks

Local and national artists play free concerts at 17th Street Park on select Wednesdays throughout the summer. 

Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party

When: Aug. 22-23, 2025

Where: Beach at 24th Street 

Bring a beach chair or a blanket and get ready for two days of groovy tunes, eats, and local vendors. 

Jackalope Virginia Beach

When: May 30-June 1, 2025

Where: Neptune Park

Experience the thrill of action sports at this festival with skateboarding and skimboarding competitions as well as live music. 

Point Break Festival

When: June 21-22, 2025

Where: Virginia Beach Oceanfront 

This two-day reggae music festival brings artists from around the world to VB for oceanfront performances. 

Mural Festival

When: Oct. 3-12

Where: ViBE Creative District 

Artists produce 10 new murals decorating city walls during this ten-day festival. 

BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach

When: Nov. 14-Dec. 31

Where: Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 2nd Street

Keep your eyes peeled for Surfing Santa during this holiday tradition on the boardwalk. 

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

…Towns to Explore

Norfolk | Virginia Beach’s northwest neighbor offers coastal fun, museums for every interest, outdoor opportunities, and port city history. 

Newport News | You’ll find waterfront history and outdoor adventure in Newport News, just over an hour from Virginia Beach. From wildlife displays to Civil War history, there’s attractions for all kinds of museum lovers. 

Cape Charles | Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to visit this charming Northampton County town. You’ll find local shops, restaurants, and antiques in the center of town and outdoor opportunities like paddling and kayaking nearby. 

…More Outdoor Fun

Norfolk Botanical Garden | Virginia’s largest botanical garden has more than 60 themed areas to explore and regularly puts on special events like Dog Days and plant sales.

Virginia Zoo | Observe animals in their habitats when you visit the African Safari Trail, Turtle Oasis, Asia: Trail of the Tiger, and more sections of the zoo, or book a behind-the-scenes tour to learn even more about the zoo’s residents. 

Elizabeth River Trail | Traverse Norfolk’s waterfront along this 10.5-mile urban trail that connects 28 neighborhoods. 

…Noteworthy Attractions

Chrysler Museum of Art | Founded in 1933, this Norfolk art museum offers free admission and daily tours of its extensive galleries.

Fort Monroe | Nicknamed Freedom’s Fortress, Fort Monroe is a Union-built fort that provided a safe haven for thousands of enslaved people during the Civil War.

Nauticus | This Norfolk museum invites visitors to discover the maritime industry and history through experiential exhibits. Don’t miss your chance to tour the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the United States Navy.

Mariners’ Museum and Park | Dive into the country’s maritime history in Newport News at America’s National Maritime Museum, home to indoor exhibits and a massive collections library. The free park features 550 acres of land including wooded walking trails and lakeside adventure.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place. Use this guide to Virginia Beach to help you start planning your Virginia vacation today!