Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia

With a bustling oceanfront strip and six gorgeous miles of calmer, quieter bayside waterfront, Virginia Beach, Virginia gives beach lovers the “best of both beaches.” Located where the Atlantic meets the Chesapeake Bay, this coastal city marks the arrival of Jamestown colonists in 1607 with a state park. Swim and sail on the calm waters of the bay and head to the rougher surf and a three-mile boardwalk of entertainment on the strip.

Virginia Beach Accommodations

You’ll find accommodations to fit every personality and budget. Choose from resorts, hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation home rentals and more. The oceanfront strip has all the big hotels and greatest concentration of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. For vacation rentals that offer a more private escape, head to Sandbridge and Croatan at the southern end. You’ll also find rentals at Northend located north of the strip where most of the year-round residents live. From a family vacation to a romantic getaway, you’ll find the perfect accommodations.

Virginia Beach Dining and Shopping

Dining options offer the chance to explore the area culture through local cuisine. Fresh, Southern-fried, briny, spicy, or sweet, you’ll find plenty of surprises to please your palette. Feast on local Lynnhaven River oysters and exquisite Rockfish or taste your way along the boardwalk with surf n’ turf tacos or simply a slice of specialty pizza and a signature cocktail.

Shopping and dining go hand in hand at places like The Shops at Hilltop, a collection of 120 unique shops and restaurants. Visit a gallery, browse the high-end boutiques and take a break at a sidewalk cafe. Don’t overlook the souvenir and beach shops just off the boardwalk. You’ll find all your beach essentials and gifts to take back home at places like Sunsations and the Shops at Ocean 31.

Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Between the bay and the beach, you’ll want to spend hours of fun in the sand and sun, but drag yourself away and take in a few must-sees while your here. Pack a picnic and explore the history and fun at First Landing State Park. You can even spend the night at one of their campsites or cabins. Don’t miss the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, an aquarium with over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays. From tours to museums, nightlife, and things to do with kids, you’ll pack in plenty of vacation fun.

Gallery

First Landing State Park
Photo Credit: southernlivingmag via Instagram
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Photo Credit: Ron Hilton via Flickr CC2.0
Virginia Transportation Museum
Photo Credit: Lynchburg Virginia via Flickr CC2.0
kayaking in Virginia
Photo Credit: Jim Pennucci via Flickr CC2.0