Your Guide to Visiting Virginia in September

As summer comes to a close, one final getaway may be just what you need to say goodbye to the season. And what better way to wrap up your summertime travels than a trip to a beautiful beach in Virginia? 

Plan your getaway to Virginia Beach for September, when the temperatures are often in the mid 80s and the water remains warm from the rays of the bright summer sun.

This coastal destination has over 35 miles of sandy shoreline that welcome every beach-loving traveler. The Sandbridge section offers pristine family-friendly neighborhoods for those looking for a little peaceful relaxation, while the main Boardwalk area is perfect for the nonstop entertainment seekers, containing a multitude of excellent restaurants, shopping opportunities, and hotels with stunning views of the Atlantic.

Need some ideas for completing a coastal itinerary for a September getaway? We’ve shared our favorite places to eat, drink, play, and stay while visiting the sandy shores of the Commonwealth! 

Where to Stay

There are dozens of waterfront hotels in Virginia Beach and even more private rental options for the Sandbridge area that fit families of every size, from condos to multi-family mansions complete with private swimming pools.

For a luxury retreat on the north end of Virginia Beach, book a room at the Historic Cavalier Hotel. Since opening in 1927, this sumptuous shoreline resort has hosted ten U.S. Presidents, musical icons like Frank Sinatra (and more recently Jimmy Buffet), and glamorous movie stars including Judy Garland and Elizabeth Taylor. The accommodations at the Cavalier are first class, from the private beach club with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean to a relaxing spa, upscale restaurants, and even a distillery housed on the lower floor of the hotel. 

Also part of the Cavalier Resort, the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is just steps from the beach. While it may not have nearly a century of history, the hotel’s modern rooms still boast plenty of luxurious comforts, as well as unforgettable views of the coast. 

Find more places to stay in Virginia Beach. 

Where to Eat 

With fresh catches available straight from the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is one of the best Virginia destinations for seafood lovers, but the dining scene is not limited to oysters, fish, and other aquatic fare. 

With owner and Chef Wylke besting the namesake challenger on the hit Food Network show "Beat Bobby Flay," Aloha Snacks is a can’t-miss stop for foodies vacationing in the Virginia Beach area. 

Get a spectacular meal with a view at Orion’s Roof, an upscale Asian-fusion restaurant located atop the Marriott Oceanfront Hotel. From the restaurant lobby, a large glass window affords views of the Historic Cavalier Hotel, while the glass-windowed walls of the dining room provides expansive views of the sandy shores, rolling ocean waves, and the surrounding city skyline. 

Although a short drive from the beachfront, Civil Libation is another noteworthy restaurant in Virginia Beach. Known for their handcrafted seasonal cocktails, Civil Libation’s menu blends local fare like fresh seafood with classics like burgers and steaks as well as an abundance of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, offering something for everyone at the table. 

If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee only a few blocks from the beachfront, either Java Surf or Three Ships Coffee Roasters, both located in the ViBe District, create aromatic brews that will help you start your morning off right.

Speaking of brews, Coastal Virginia’s craft brewery scene is robust, with more than a dozen breweries within Virginia Beach. Grab a flight from a local brewery like Back Bay Brewing Company or Commonwealth Brewing Company to sample refreshing brews. Visit on the weekend, when you’ll often experience live music and tasty fare from local food trucks.

Keep exploring some of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach.

What to Do

Of course, when it comes to Virginia Beach in September, one of the most obvious (and enjoyable) activities is the beach itself. Spread out a blanket and soak up some sun, build sandcastles with the kids, or bodysurf in the warm waters of the Atlantic. 

For guaranteed waves, book a surf session or take a lesson at Atlantic Park Surf. The brand-new lagoon is located a short walk away from the oceanfront and uses Wavegarden Cove technology to produce up to 1000 perfect waves an hour. 

Dolphin watching boat rides at the Virginia Aquarium continue through the fall, so consider booking a tour to see these playful ocean swimmers. You can also explore the lives of a pod of dolphins in a coral reef through a new Virtual Reality Pod experience at the aquarium. 

The nearby Owl Creek Landing is a must for families. The spiral tower actually features the longest steel slide in the country — The Whorl — which will have you whooshing through a 117-foot tube. The area also includes a canopy walk, children's treehouse playground, and a forest path. 

In September, Virginia Beach visitors shouldn’t miss out on the Neptune Festival, an annual festival featuring more than 40 events, including sand sculpture contests, waterfront wine tastings, live music, and athletic competitions. 

A few feet off the sand, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is another classic attraction for the region. Rent bikes to peddle along the paved three-mile trail, stopping along the way to browse boutique shops, relax with a cocktail, or dance to the music of live bands playing along the shore. 

For the art enthusiasts in your group, stroll through the ViBe Creative District, a walkable neighborhood filled with colorful murals, popular restaurants and bars, and eclectic boutique shops.

To soak in the natural beauty of Virginia Beach and learn a little bit about the region’s history, travel to First Landing State Park. The site commemorates the arrival of the English colonists onto American soil, and over 20 miles of trails wind through the shaded maritime forests, cypress swamps, and peaceful lagoons of the park. First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia, and also has notable roots in Virginia’s Black history, as it was constructed as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1371, an all-Black regiment of the Depression-era program. 

More Virginia Vacation Ideas for September

Music Festivals

One of the biggest music festivals in Virginia, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is a three-day event centered around Bristol’s State Street. Held this year on September 13-15, the festival celebrates Bristol’s rich Appalachian music history with nonstop music performances that pay tribute to the region’s roots filling the air, from local stars to nationally-renowned artists and bands.

Bonus: If you're planning a Southwest Virginia trip, check out our complete guide to visiting Bristol and our region dining guide. 

Richmond hosts Pridefest at Midtown Green on September 27, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and allies to enjoy live music and an array of craft beverages, wines, and local cuisine while celebrating the diversity and love found within the Commonwealth.

Check out more festivals and big concerts to look forward to in September. 

Virginia Spirits Month Celebrations

September is Spirits Month in Virginia, and there are several events happening throughout the state that celebrate Virginia's distilling history and culture. Head to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond on September 13 for Virginia Distilled, an event featuring spirits from more than 15 Virginia distilleries. 

Check out our guide to Virginia distilleries that'll raise your spirits. 

State Fair and More Festivals

Another Richmond region event in September is the State Fair of Virginia, held at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell from September 26 until October 5. 

The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival occurs September 27-28, featuring dozens of Virginia wines and bands like Last Call Party Band and 5 Dollar Shake.

On the coastal side of the state, the Stratford Hall Wine & Oyster Festival marries two of Virginia’s best products in a tasty culinary event the weekend of September 20-21. 

There's also the Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival, opening September 6 in Buchanan at Beaver Dam Farm. 20 acres of sunflowers are the main attraction of the annual festival, but visitors will also get the chance to peruse over 90 food and craft vendors, ride on the hay wagon, and meet the farm residents in the petting zoo.

If you’re the type of person who is already dreaming of fall, don’t miss the opening of the largest corn maze in the country at Liberty Mills Farm on September 13. 

Looking for even more seasonal events to get the most out of fall? Find an autumn event or festival to add to your calendar.

Now that you’ve got a few ideas for a September vacation to Virginia, it’s time to start planning! Experience all there is to LOVE about Virginia when you visit Virginia Beach and the coastal areas of the Commonwealth.