Virginia Beach

Understand

Virginia Beach offers the classic beach vacation, and maintains a long-standing reputation as a family-friendly oceanfront resort. Visitors are greeted by a 300 ft (91 m) wide beach lined by Virginia Beach’s 3 mi (4.8 km) concrete oceanfront Boardwalk. The resort offers a mild climate year-round. Itineraries include lazy days on the beach, the state parks and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge beckon, hiking, kayaking, and biking adventures. Fishing, golfing, whale watching, dolphin watching, historic landmarks, and exciting attractions and popular events are part of the Beach experience. Virginia Beach was formed in 1691, and in 1963 it annexed all of surrounding Princess Anne County. Today it is the most populous city in Virginia, and also contains the tallest building in the state (the Westin in Virginia Beach Town Center).

Getting there

By plane Virginia Beach is served by Norfolk International Airport (ORF IATA) in neighboring Norfolk, which is just west of the border between the two cities.

By car If you are coming from the Delmarva Peninsula, or anywhere northeast of it, the fastest way to drive to Virginia Beach is down Delmarva Peninsula, onto U.S. Route 13, and across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. If you are coming from anywhere northwest or west of the area, the fastest way is along Interstate 64. Coming from the south or southwest, it is easiest to take Interstate 85 or 95 to US 58.

By train While Virginia Beach has no train station, nearby Newport News has at least two daily trains both to and from Boston. There is also an Amtrak station in nearby downtown Norfolk. Amtrak provides a connecting shuttle bus from both stations to Virginia Beach; make sure to select Virginia Beach as your destination when booking tickets.

By bus Sprinter Bus operates daily service between Virginia Beach and Dover (Delaware) ($35) and New York City ($45). Their phone number is: 1-757-456-5555. In Dover, catch the bus at 1131 North Dupont Hwy, Dover. In New York City, catch the bus at 201 West 37th St. in Times Square. Buses drop you off at 5461 Wesleyan Dr., about 2 mi (3.2 km) east of Norfolk International Airport. If you want to take the local HRT bus to the beachfront you will need to take the number 22 bus to Newtown Road light rail station and transfer to the 20 bus going east.

Getting around

Virginia Beach is easily traversable during the off-season but not during the main season by car. The Boardwalk is traversable by walking or biking. Surreys are popular and can fit from 2 to 7 people. Bike and Surrey rentals are all along the Boardwalk and Atlantic avenue. For getting around by bus use the Hampton Roads Transit Website. It uses Google Maps to plan public transit trips. Bus fare is $2.00 per ride. If you are staying at the Oceanfront, there are a few ways to get around the beach area, including the trolley and bus system operated by Hampton Roads Transit. If you want to explore other areas in Hampton Roads, the best way is to rent a car.

See

1 Cape Henry Lighthouse, ☏ +1 757-422-9421. The first lighthouse built by the federal government, completed in 1792. Once you reach the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay – the same view once seen by ship watchers more than 200 years ago. Located on the Fort Story military base, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse is open to the public. Across the dune line, you’ll find the new Cape Henry Lighthouse. Built in 1881, it’s the tallest iron-encased lighthouse in the country, and is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Adjacent to the lighthouses, visitors also can tour the Cape Henry Memorial Park which includes a replica of the First Landing Cross, planted by the first settlers to give thanks for a safe voyage after arriving on shore in 1607. Note: Access to military bases may be restricted for public tours and a valid picture ID is required. 2 First Landing Cross. marks the point where English settlers landed in 1607. 3 Association for Research and Enlightenment. Visitors from around the world gather at the Association for Research and Enlightenment at 67th Street and Atlantic Avenue to attend workshops, conferences and lectures based on the works of Edgar Cayce, one of the most documented clairvoyants of the 20th century. As a young man, Cayce found that by placing himself in a self-induced trance, he could answer questions or give accurate information on any topic. Today, physicians found Cayce's “readings” to be controversial regarding many health-care concerns, particularly the mind-body relationship to health and healing. Founded in 1931, his Virginia Beach headquarters houses 14,000 readings (on everything from medicine to world affairs) and one of the most extensive metaphysical libraries in the world. Guided tours that include films, lectures, meditation classes and ESP demonstrations are offered daily, as well as a full menu of health services including massage, facials and reflexology. 4 The Old Coast Guard Station (Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum), 2401 Atlantic Ave (at 24th St), ☏ +1 757-422-1587, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. Housed in a 1903 former U.S. Life Saving Station, this quaint, oceanfront museum is chock-full of rescue equipment used by turn-of-the-century surf men to save shipwrecked crews from a watery grave. Learn about shipwrecks that occurred just off the Virginia Beach coast and the history of life-saving service from World War II to the present day. (updated Nov 2020) 5 Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 2200 Parks Ave, ☏ +1 757-425-0000, [email protected]. Tu-F 10AM- 5

Do

Golfing. With eight public courses in Virginia Beach and 20 in the surrounding region, players will experience intriguing, challenging greens for all handicaps, from beginner to novice to pro. With designs by Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Pete Dye, George Cobb, Gene Bates and others, golfers will find miles of bent Bermuda grasses, hardwood forests, and challenging layouts. Year-round affordable golf package opportunities are offered. The resort city's mild weather permits play almost year-round. Surfing. The surf in Virginia Beach is sometimes small but usually rideable. In August, more than 100 of the world's top professional surfers and an estimated 400 amateur surfers come for North America's oldest surfing contest, the East Coast Surfing Championships. One of the best surf spots is at the beach called Croatan, off of General Booth Blvd. Visitors can also experience surfing with former professional champions who offer surf camps for people of all ages. The various outfitters, including Quicksilver and Billabong Surf camps, offer individual instruction, 2-hour classes, 1-day, 3-day and 5-day camps. 1 Virginia Beach Amphitheater. Beautiful outdoor concert venue with a 20,000 seating capacity books the biggest names in music. Sit under the stars on the lawn. Kayaking and Canoeing. Virginia Beach’s 121 navigable miles of waterways, channels, bays and lagoons are perfect for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. Explore the multitude of coves and inlets on a guided tour of coastal Virginia, or experience kayaking alongside bottlenose dolphins in the ocean. Virginia Beach’s creeks and rivers are also perfect for canoeing – venture into Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or state parks such as False Cape and First Landing. Running. The resort city hosts several professional and amateur races, like Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, that draws more than 20,000 athletes. The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon features musical talent along every mile for both participants and spectators to enjoy. Virginia Beach also hosts the Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K - another event where records have been shattered. Fishing. With the food-rich Chesapeake Bay meeting the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach and its neighboring waters are home to a multitude of freshwater, brackish and saltwater fishing opportunities. Croaker, spot, flounder, striped bass, tautog, sea bass, trout, bluefish, skipjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, spanish and king mackerel, puppy and red drum, yellowfin and bluefin tuna, marlin, amberjack and wahoo are abundant at various times of the year. Tow your boat and ch

Buy

The city is home to 1 Lynnhaven Mall and 2 Shops At Hilltop. Approximately five minutes from the oceanfront, the Hilltop area contains several smaller shopping centers with national brand stores and smaller boutiques. Virginia Beach's newest downtown area, 3 Town Center, spans 17 city blocks and provides a mix of upscale retail, luxury residential, and an array of cafes and restaurants, along with business-class and deluxe hotels.

Atlantic Avenue at the oceanfront has dozens of souvenir stores. Some sell inexpensive goods. Along Atlantic Avenue, visitors will find a number of quaint boutiques and souvenir shops offering a variety of selections. There are some pretty good stores in the Ocean 31 area by the HIlton hotel at 31st Street. 4 Pembroke Mall, 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 757 497-6255. (updated Apr 2020)

Eat

1 Baker's Crust, 704 Hilltop North Shopping Center, ☏ +1 757 422-6703. Su-Th: 8AM-9PM; F Sa: 8AM-10PM. Perfect place to have nice lunch with specialty coffees and crepes for dessert. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (updated Jun 2017) 2 Gringo's Taqueria, 612 Norfolk Ave (Corner of Cypress and Norfolk Ave), ☏ +1 757 961-2987. Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F Sa 11AM–10PM. Local hole in the wall will ruin all other Mexican food for you. Great fish tacos; voted Best of the Beach. Chef Jen Cavey is an alumnus of the San Francisco Culinary Academy and whips up nightly chalkboard specials. Be warned, when they're gone, they're gone, so get there early. Friendly staff provides great service. $10-$20. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Waterman's Surfside Grille, 415 Atlantic Ave. Popular place to eat, by the water, no less! It has sandwiches and seafood. Come early to avoid lines, waits can stretch to three hours. (updated May 2023)

Drink & nightlife

Town Center usually is pretty vibrant at night, in general.

1 Catch 31, 3001 Atlantic Ave (at the Hilton), ☏ +1 757 213-3474. Popular new hangout for young professionals and tourists alike. There is an indoor and outdoor bar, with fire pits outside. Bands often play at the adjacent park. (updated May 2023) 2 Lucky Oyster Seafood Grill, 2165 General Booth Blvd (Bldg #154), ☏ +1 757 430-9600. 11Am to 11PM. Oysters and wings. They offer a discount on oysters, clams and chicken wings during their Happy Hour. Make sure that you try the corn bread and pretzel bread. The restaurant has a nice nautical theme. Lots of big screens in the bar for the sport nut. 3 Three Amigo's, 1920 Centerville Tpke, ☏ +1 757 818-9579. Three Amigos Mexican Restaurant is a clean well run Mexican bar and grill with excellent service. It stays packed with locals. $5-10. 4 Captain George's Seafood, 1956 Laskin Rd, ☏ +1 757 428-3494. Opens at: M-F 4PM, Sat 3:30PM, Sun Noon. Seats 1000 guests. Serving its world-famous "all-you-can-eat" seafood buffet with over 70 items including fresh broiled fish, steamed shrimp, prime cut beef and delicious desserts. The "Port" and "Starboard" Lounges each have 35 ft (11 m) in diameter, 7 ft (2.1 m) vertical rise stained glass domes. US $20-$30. 5 Rainbow Cactus, 475 S. Lynnhaven Rd, ☏ +1 757-368-0441. local LGBTA club; 2 dancefloors and weekly drag shows

Sleep

Budget 1 Red Roof Inn, 196 Ballard Ct, ☏ +1 757 490-0225. Easy access to I-64 and I-264 which are the primary travel hubs for the region. Outdoor pool and one pet is allowed. US $50-$95. 2 Angie's Guest Cottage (HI-Virginia Beach), 302 24th St, ☏ +1 757 491-1830. Check-in: 11AM-9PM, check-out: 9:30AM-10AM. Angie's guest cottage is the only hostel in Virginia Beach, and offers cheap beds and great location. $17-$21.

Mid-range 3 Courtyard by Marriott Virginia Beach Norfolk, 5700 Greenwich Road, ☏ +1 757-490-2002. The Marriott Courtyard Virginia Beach/Norfolk is located inside the Central Business District of Virginia Beach. This Marriott hotel is located just 6 mi (9.7 km) from downtown Norfolk and 5 mi (8.0 km) from Norfolk International Airport (ORF). 4 Holiday Inn Express & Suites VA Beach Oceanfront, 2607 Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 757-491-6900. Formerly the Holiday Inn Surfside, newly renovated hotel located in the center of the Virginia Beach resort area, all rooms include a complimentary continental breakfast and have a private balcony with a full oceanfront view of the beach and boardwalk. 5 Holiday Inn VA Beach-Oceanside (21st St), 2101 Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 757 491-1500. 150 rooms offering oceanfront view of the beach 6 Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach - North Beach, 3900 Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 757-428-1711. Offering over 9,000 ft² (840 m2) of meeting space 7 Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Town Center, 252 Town Center Drive, ☏ +1 757 326-6200. 8 Hampton Inn Virginia Beach-Oceanfront North, 3107 Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 757-758-5649. 121 rooms all feature a view of the Atlantic Ocean. 9 Ramada by Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 615 Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 757 425-7800. 10 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virginia Beach/Norfolk Airport, 5800 Burton Station Road, ☏ +1 757-363-2901. 4 mi (6.4 km) from Norfolk International Airport and miles of beautiful Virginia beaches. 11 SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 901 Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 757-417-3982. Located on Virginia Beach Boardwalk, each suite with private balcony and ocean front views. 12 Residence Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3217 Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 757-425-1141. 72 suites each with full kitchens and direct beach access. 13 Fairfield Inn & Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 1901 Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 757-422-4885. Va. Beach accommodations with 90 rooms & 24 suites with ocean views. 14 Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront/South, 2501 Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 757-491-6222. Indoor pool and hot tub available on site. 15 Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront/North 37th Street, 3737 A