Finding the LOVE in Virginia Beach and Richmond

This LOVE-filled road trip will take you from the Atlantic coastline in Virginia Beach to Richmond, Virginia’s capital city. Enjoy sun and surf, kayaking, parks, murals, museums, craft beer, unique neighborhoods, and a wide variety of wonderful dining options on this city-to-city journey.

Day 1

Begin your trip in Virginia Beach and explore several districts and neighborhoods, such as Oceanfront, ViBe Creative District, Pungo, Sandbridge, Chesapeake Bay, Town Center and Inland, which will allow you to experience the myriad outdoor activities, rich history, and arts and entertainment attractions, in addition to a thriving culinary and craft beer scene. Be sure to make a stop at the LOVEwork at 717 Atlantic Ave, along the Virginia Beach boardwalk.

Hike through maritime forest at First Landing State Park, where 100 English settlers landed on April 26, 1607 before heading up the James River to Jamestown. Spend time exploring the Oceanfront area and Virginia Beach’s iconic three-mile boardwalk.

Grab an ice cold brew or take a growler to go from Home Republic or Smartmouth Brewing or have drinks and play games at Beachside Social.

Eat

May’s Parlor
Mermaid Winery
Becca at The Cavalier Hotel
The Atlantic on Pacific
The Barnacle
Margie and Ray’s
Auntie’s Tiki Bar
Aloha Hawaiian BBQ
Crazy Crab

Stay

Enjoy the luxurious Cavalier Hotel. Perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Autograph Collection hotel has three restaurants, the first on-site hotel distillery in the U.S. and a five-star spa. Originally built in 1927, the iconic hotel has hosted 10 U.S. presidents, countless celebrities and distinguished guests.

Day 2

Enjoy the morning at the beach, do some shopping in the beach shops, and then explore the more secluded shores of Sandbridge, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Embark on a kayak tour with Surf & Adventure through the beautiful Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Explore the ViBe Creative District, an enclave of museums, shops and restaurants that showcase local artisans, located just blocks from the Oceanfront. Take a photo with the LOVEwork and take a sightseeing tour of the 10 newly painted murals throughout the district.

Day 3

Depart for Richmond and spend some time exploring downtown’s thriving river city vibe. Then make your way to Scott’s Addition, which was once a manufacturing zone, but has recently morphed into a trendy neighborhood and brewing district in Richmond. Home to the Veil, Ardent, Hardywood, Blue Bee Cider, Buskey Cider, and Strangeways, new breweries are opening almost every day!

Walk downtown along the T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge to view the Class III and IV James River rapids and back over to the Canal Walk to see street art murals. Explore the boutiques, vintage stores, and restaurants in Carytown and visit some of the galleries/shops in the Broad Street Arts District

Visit the American Civil War Museum which is newly re-opened with new exhibits or the Valentine Museum for the Monument Avenue: General Demotion/General Devotion exhibit.

Then get outside to see the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and snap a photo with their LOVEwork.

Enjoy craft beer tasting at Final Gravity Brewing Co. or one of Richmond's many breweries.

Eat

Urban Hang Suite
Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen
L’opossum
Perch
Peter Chang China Cafe

Stay

Check out our map of places where you can add more LOVE to your vacation. Be sure to share your pictures on social media by tagging @VisitVirginia using the hashtag #LOVEVA.