A Fall Weekend Outdoors in Virginia Beach

With the summer season coming to a close, we set our sights on what may be the best time of year to make a visit to Virginia Beach. With perfect weather and smaller crowds, there may be no better time to explore the diverse outdoor landscape of the coastal city. No matter the season, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure to be had in VB. From beaches and parks, to the rural farming community of Pungo, there is no time like the present to get outside and explore.

Day 1

Check into your cabin retreat at the historic First Landing State Park, then grab a couple of sandwiches from Taste Unlimited and head to Chesapeake Bay Beach for a laid-back afternoon picnic on a blanket by the water. We recommend the Northender sandwich or one of their seasonal picks!

When you have had your fill, head back to the state park, rent a couple of kayaks and take in the sunset floating on the serene Broad Bay. Spend the evening fireside back at the cabin with burgers on the grill for dinner and fire-roasted s’mores for dessert.

Perfection.

Day 2

Kick your morning off with an invigorating hike among the ancient lagoons and towering cypress trees of the park. After a healthy breakfast at Fruitive in Hilltop, saddle up for a romantic horseback ride on the beach along the Atlantic coastline.

When you are done re-creating the covers of those cheesy romance novels, rest your legs and fuel up with a bite to eat dockside at Big Sam’s at the Rudee Inlet. Take a trip down to Sandbridge Beach, where you can rent a couple of fat-tire bikes at Surf and Adventure Co. and ride right on the sand at Little Island Park. Sure, it’s a bit of a leg workout, but it’s totally worth it!

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the untouched outdoors and the native wildlife at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.

Finish your day off with dinner fireside at Catch 31. We recommend the oysters Rockefeller and a couple glasses of wine. You’ve earned it!

Day 3

For the last morning of your coastal escape, head up into the trees at the Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium. With 13 different treetop obstacle courses, at varying degrees of difficulty, you’re going to be feeling this one!

Refuel with a hearty breakfast at Doc Taylor’s - a favorite local establishment operating out of an old seaside doctor’s office in the Oceanfront Resort District. Just because your trip is coming to an end doesn’t mean it’s too late for a bloody mary or or two either. In fact, we’d highly recommend it!

Take some time for one last stroll along the beach before you head out. There’s no better way to decompress and reflect on a perfect fall weekend. We’ll see you next time!

This getaway was submitted by Visit Virginia Beach.