- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
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Why Visit Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach's history began at Cape Henry, where English settlers first landed in 1607. This spot is marked by the original Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally funded public works project. The Cavalier Hotel's First-Period Colonial Revival architecture has hosted ten U.S. presidents, shaping our modern resort city identity.
Beyond the 35-mile oceanfront, explore Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a key stop on the Atlantic Flyway for thousands of migratory birds. Kayak the marshes or hike False Cape State Park's dunes. When visiting Virginia Beach, many miss First Landing State Park, where Spanish moss drapes ancient cypress trees, a unique ecosystem.
When asked what is Virginia Beach famous for, our cuisine stands out. We specialize in She-crab soup, a creamy bisque rich with Atlantic blue crab roe. The legendary Lynnhaven Oyster, once served to presidents, is making a comeback. Look for soft-shell crabs in season or find fresh produce from Pungo's agricultural community.
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- Virginia BeachUnited States
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- Virginia BeachUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercool, some rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #BeachTowel
- #LightJacket
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #VirginiaBeachBoardwalk
- #FirstLandingStatePark
- #CapeHenryLighthouse
- #VirginiaAquarium
- #OceanFrontBeach
- #MilitaryAviationMuseum
- Sunset at the boardwalk
- Dolphin watching tours
- Surfing lessons
- Try local seafood
- Explore the nature trails
Recommended Hotels in Virginia Beach by Experience
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Discover
Exploring Virginia Beach reveals coastal gems like the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk and historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. Discover natural beauty at First Landing State Park, or delve into aviation history at the Military Aviation Museum.
Experience
Kayak with dolphins in Chesapeake Bay, bike the boardwalk, or attend the Neptune Festival. Enjoy live music at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater or browse fresh produce at the Old Beach Farmers Market for a taste of local life.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
3-mile oceanfront path for walking, biking, and events.
First Landing State Park
Historic park with trails, beaches, and cypress swamps.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse offering panoramic coastal views.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Aquarium with marine life exhibits and boat tours.
Military Aviation Museum
Features one of the world's largest private warbird collections.
Kayak with Dolphins Tour
Guided paddling experience to see dolphins in their habitat.
Neptune Festival
Annual oceanfront event with parades and sand sculptures.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Norfolk International Airport (ORF), a 20-min drive from the oceanfront. A Virginia Beach shuttle bus or car rental gets you from the Virginia Beach airport to city center. Amtrak also offers a train to Virginia Beach via its Norfolk station (NFK).
Getting Around
Public transport in Virginia Beach includes the seasonal VB Wave Trolley along the oceanfront and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) buses city-wide. Biking the boardwalk is popular, and ride-shares are readily available. Get a Go-1-Day Pass for unlimited HRT rides.
Local Essentials
For those driving in Virginia Beach, anticipate summer traffic on I-264 and use municipal lots for cheaper parking. When you plan a trip to Virginia Beach, note that resort area parking can fill quickly. Always yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks.
Where to Stay in Virginia Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Virginia Beach by tasting She-crab soup and fresh Lynnhaven oysters. A local custom is to eat casually at a waterfront raw bar, enjoying the fresh ocean air with your meal. It's a delightful experience.
Enjoy
The best restaurants in Virginia Beach have unique vibes. Visit Tautog's Restaurant in a historic cottage, Book ahead. Waterman's Surfside Grille offers a vibrant bar, Oceanfront views. Doc Taylor's is a retro cafe, Expect queues.
Tautog's Restaurant
Fresh seafood served in a cozy historic beach cottage.
Salacia Prime Seafood and Steaks
Upscale oceanfront dining experience for special occasions.
Il Giardino Ristorante
Classic Italian cuisine with live piano music nightly.
Captain George's Seafood VB
Vast all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, arrive hungry.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Virginia Beach's heritage through its key events. The Neptune Festival, a must-see since 1974, honors the city's maritime link with parades and sand sculptures. These are essential things to do for authentic local culture.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Virginia Beach attractions. Experience major country music concerts at the Patriotic Festival or see juried fine art at the Boardwalk Art Show. These events showcase the city's creative energy.
Neptune Festival
City-wide event with parades, art, and fireworks in Sept.
Patriotic Festival
Country music concerts celebrating the military in May.
Boardwalk Art Show
Outdoor juried art show along the oceanfront.
East Coast Surfing Championships
North America's oldest continuously-run surf contest.
Holiday Lights at the Beach
Festive drive-through light display on the boardwalk.
Strawberry Fest at the Beach
Celebrates local culture with strawberries, food, and music.
Great beach city
Virginia Beach is a classic American beach town. The boardwalk is fantastic for long walks or biking, and the beach itself is super wide and clean. So much space for everyone. We found some great places to eat right off the oceanfront.
Perfect for the kids
We had a lovely time with the family. The kids really enjoyed the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The whole city felt very safe and geared towards families. Plenty of easy food options and the beach was calm enough for them to play.
More than just a beach
I was really impressed by the natural areas here. Spent a lot of time exploring First Landing State Park, the trails are beautiful. It's a completely different feel from the main oceanfront. It was great to get away from the crowds.
Quiet and relaxing getaway
Virginia Beach was the perfect place to just unwind. The ocean views are endless and the sound of the waves is so calming. We enjoyed simple walks and trying the fresh seafood, especially the she-crab soup. A really low-key and peaceful trip.
Cool arts district
Discovered the ViBe Creative District and it was a highlight. Lots of cool murals, unique shops, and little galleries to check out. It's a nice change of pace from the main tourist strip and shows a different side of the city's personality.
Great seafood and views
The seafood here is top-notch. Had some amazing Lynnhaven Oysters at a spot right on the water. The whole oceanfront area has a fun energy at night, with plenty of bars and places with live music. It was a good spot for a fun night out.