The Best Virginia Beach Guide

Virginia Beach has a total of 14 miles of beach that are free and open to the public. The resort area attracts visitors to enjoy its white sandy beaches, oceanfront hotels and restaurants, historic landmarks and family-friendly attractions. Virginia Beach offers a wide variety of recreational activities including hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, golf, and whale- and dolphin-watching. Virginia Beach offers scenic coastal views, enough sand and sun to keep the kids entertained, and enough affordable nighttime diversions to satisfy unpretentious adults. Virginia Beach is for those who want a relaxing good time without any hassle. Visit all of the best Virginia beaches here, and continue to read our Virginia Beach Travel Guide to start planning now.

Virginia Beach Weather – When to Visit

The best time to visit Virginia Beach is from late May to early September, when you’ll experience oceanfront culture in full swing. But this is the peak season, so it can get crowded during these months, plus room rates at beachfront hotels are generally higher between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For lower prices with relatively comfortable temperatures, arrive in spring (from March to mid-May) or fall (between mid-September and November).

Best Virginia Beach Area Beaches

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the epicenter of the state’s seaside recreation scene. During the summer months, the 3-mile-long stretch packs out with sun-seekers who come to bask in the warm Atlantic rays. Meanwhile, its famous boardwalk bustles as live performers and buskers entertain the crowds, a fun and festive feel for the whole family.

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Sandbridge Beach

Sandbridge Beach is the perfect laid back alternate to its hectic northern sister. Rather than thick throngs and a festive vibe, Sandbridge Beach boasts peace and tranquillity along its near-deserted coastline.

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Chick’s Beach

Chick’s Beach stretches for 2 miles between the Lynnhaven Inlet and Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The picturesque stretch is becoming increasingly popular with local families for its stunning coastal scenery and calm, inviting waves.

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First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park serves as the region’s premier outdoor recreation destination. The gorgeous coastal reserve is home to 3,000 acres of protected freshwater cypress swamps, with a multitude of boardwalk trails to explore on bike or foot.

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Croatan Beach

Croatan Beachfeels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. This chilled 0.75-mile stretch is a popular spot for newbie surfers, thanks to its un-intimidating left and right breaks. Surf camps operate throughout the summer and offer board rentals to day-trippers at reasonable rates.

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Best Virginia Beach Tours & Activities

Sun Dolphin Kayak Tour

Watch the sun set over Chesapeake Bay on a 2-hour, small-group dolphin tour by kayak from Virginia Beach. Paddle along the coast as you spot Atlantic bottle nose dolphins, and see the Cape Henry Lighthouses and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the water. Learn more about the Sun Dolphin Kayak Tour.

Wetland Zip Tour

Soar through the trees on this 90 minute zip tour through a gorgeous wetland forest. Climb up 70′ towers and fly though the air while seeing nature at its best. Learn more about the Wetland Zip Tour.

Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour of Linkhorn Bay

Steer a stand-up paddleboard across Linkhorn Bay on a 1.5-hour sunset tour in Virginia Beach. Watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, blue herons, and kingfishers, and enjoy an easy going place to practice stand-up paddleboarding with help from experienced guides. Learn more about the Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour of Linkhorn Bay.

Virginia Beach Surf Lessons

Experience the thrill of surfing in the Atlantic Ocean during surfing lessons on Virginia Beach. Choose from either private or group lessons to suit your schedule and budget; all levels are welcome and accommodated accordingly. All equipment and instruction included. Learn more about Virginia Beach Surf Lessons.

Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour

Paddle alongside the wild dolphins of Virginia Beach on a small-group kayak tour from North End Beach. Watch for sea birds and other wildlife as you steer an easy to use, sit-on-top kayak along the coast to the Cape Henry Lighthouses. Learn about the Atlantic bottle nose dolphins that swim past the Virginia coast each summer, and explore the shore with an experienced guide. Learn more about the Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour.

Best Virginia Beach Restaurants

Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill $11 – 30

Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill combines premium, locally-source ingredients with a relaxed, natural environment to create a fresh and healthy alternative to Oceanfront dining. Telephone: 757-937-4252 Web: Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill

Lager Heads $11 – 30

They feature the best Virginia beer, wine and cheese. Known for their hand made burgers, signature steaks, fresh seafood and live summer entertainment, Lager Head’s is the place to be. Telephone: 757-995-1400 Web: Lager Heads

Waterman’s Surfside Grill $11 – 30

While Waterman’s is known for its ocean-minded fare, it has also become synonymous with Virginia Beach’s favorite drink, the Orange Crush. Telephone: 757-428-3644 Web: Waterman’s Surfside Grill

Chix on the Beach $11 – 30

For close to 40 years, their award winning menu has been bringing in crowds seeking the perfect combination of ocean-fresh seafood, upscale comfort food, gracious service, an iconic setting, and an excellent value. Telephone: 757-428-2449 Web: Chix on the Beach

Mahi’s Seafood & Sushi $11 – 30

The local’s oceanfront favorite for fresh and local seafood, hand-made sushi, great service, rockin’ patio dining with fabulous views, easy access with free parking, and good times! Telephone: 757-437-8030 Web: Mahi’s Seafood & Sushi

Best Virginia Beach Nightlife

Murphy’s Irish Pub

Murphy’s Grand Irish Pubs are family owned and run restaurants which share a love of traditional Irish heritage, authentic Irish cuisine and lively Irish entertainment. Telephone: 757-417-7701 Web: Murphy’s Irish Pub

Big Woody’s Bar & Grill

Big Woody’s is a primo spot where you can count on great staff, cold beverages and outstanding food – not to mention the best wings ever! Telephone: 757-965-5447 Web: Big Woody’s Bar & Grill

Beachside Social

10,000 sq. ft. of ocean-liner-inspired space to get social. Featuring shuffleboard, bocce ball, board
games, full bar and kitchen. Also featuring stunning ocean views! Telephone: 757-578-2399 Web: Beachside Social

The Shack on 8th

The Shack is an outdoor bar and restaurant and local hangout located on the corner of 8th &
Atlantic Avenue at the heart of the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Telephone: 757-319-5146 Web: The Shack on 8th

Omega Bar

Nightclub featuring a variety of Latin dance music, plus cocktails & tapas, in buzzing surrounds. Telephone: 757-515-8090 Web: Omega Bar

Best Virginia Beach Hotels