Virginia Beach, VA

Travel Guide

Virginia Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach showing a sunset and general coastal views
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Boardwalk featuring a sunset and a coastal town

Inspect the historic monuments, hike through the maze-like trails of the parks and relax on the long and sandy beach.

Virginia Beach has a wide and lively boardwalk at the back of its 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of sand. The town contains several state parks and a vast refuge with freshwater lakes and a diverse terrain. Visit Virginia Beach for a combination of dynamic culture, historic landmarks and relaxing parks.

Stroll past the many shops and restaurants of the beachside boulevard and enjoy the vista of the Atlantic Ocean. Reach Neptune’s ParkOpens in a new window, a cultural cornerstone of the city, with regular open-air summer concerts. It is marked by the exceptional King Neptune, a large sculpture of the muscular god of the sea.

For a sense of the history of this oceanfront city, visit the fascinating Old Coast Guard StationOpens in a new window. The museum sheds light on the rescue techniques of the lifesaving service.

Consider how the city also looks toward the future, with innovation exemplified by Mount Trashmore ParkOpens in a new window. The site has been entirely transformed from an abandoned landfill into a green, hilly park flanked by two lakes. Follow the walking trail and pause for a picnic atop a former landfill mountain.

Explore the outer regions of the city for its vast and varied parks. Go to the Back Bay National Wildlife RefugeOpens in a new window to spot deer, horses, snow geese and tundra swans. Ride the tram for a tour through the park toward the picturesque False Cape State ParkOpens in a new window.

Cycle along the trails of First Landing State ParkOpens in a new window. Work on your tan at the beach on one of the area’s typically hot and humid summer days. Winters bring occasional snow flurries, but mostly mild temperatures.

The city is near Cape Henry, which stands at the confluence of Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is near the border with North Carolina in Virginia’s southeastern corner. Fly to Norfolk International Airport and drive east for 17 miles (27 kilometers) to reach the city. You can also get around by bus or train.

Virginia Beach is a place with vast parks with varied topography, intriguing museums and a lively beach scene.

Where to stay in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach which includes rides

Northeast Virginia Beach

While visiting Northeast Virginia Beach, you might make a stop by sights like First Landing State Park and Neptune Statue.

Northeast Virginia Beach
Sandbridge Beach featuring hiking or walking and a sandy beach as well as an individual male

Sandbridge

Somewhat remote and less crowded than the main resort strip, Sandbridge offers a 4.5-mile stretch of oceanfront with lifeguard-protected waters. Nearby, find Little Island Park and easy access to shopping and dining centers at Red Mill and Courthouse.

Sandbridge
Default Image

Virginia Beach Town Center

One reason travelers love spending time in Virginia Beach Town Center is the stunning beaches, and Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is a top place to visit.

Virginia Beach Town Center
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center featuring modern architecture, a park and marine life

Dam Neck

If you're spending some time in Dam Neck, Dam Neck Beach and Croatan Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Dam Neck
Lynnhaven House

Northwest

While visiting Northwest, you might make a stop by sights like Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and Norfolk Premium Outlets.

Northwest
A beautiful summer view!

Great Neck

If you're spending some time in Great Neck, Great Neck Park and Hilltop Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Great Neck
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront)

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront)

3 out of 5
1801 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach VA
$95 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Dec 30 to Dec 31
$111 total
Dec 30 - Dec 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,462 reviews)
The room was spacious and clean. The breakfast buffet was excellent. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront)
Schooner Inn

Schooner Inn

2 out of 5
215 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach VA
Fully refundable
$55 nightly
The price is $66 total per night from Dec 28 to Dec 29
$66 total
Dec 28 - Dec 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,687 reviews)
Room was clean and the staff was professional

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Schooner Inn
Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center

3 out of 5
335 Independence Blvd Virginia Beach VA
$101 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Dec 30 to Dec 31
$118 total
Dec 30 - Dec 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Nice

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

3 out of 5
2207 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach VA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,175 reviews)
We were there in the middle of the winter. Nice and quiet, great views, great room options, plenty of parking spots and easy access to unload from the parking garage to our room. Do wish they had a special discount for adjoining suites for a family getaway. We also wonder how the parking would be ...

Reviewed on Dec 9, 2025

Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort

The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort

3 out of 5
424 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach VA
Stay at this aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,453 reviews)
The stay was great. Even with hiccups Barbara at the desk was very accommodating and addressed the issue and fixed it quickly with the room mix up

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2025

The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort
Four Sails Resort

Four Sails Resort

4 out of 5
3301 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach VA
Book a stay at this beach condo in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Pacific ...
7.6/10 Good! (54 reviews)
Wonderful room

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

Four Sails Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Virginia Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2204
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
1826
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
372
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
68
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
27
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The beach was great but the Travelodge was HORRIBLE

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Will not go back again. Very dirty on Atlantic Avenue, felt unsafe at dusk. Has gone to a very nasty town from years before.

5/5 - Excellent

Danielle

Great crystal and gemstone shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Cordell

Been coming here for 20 years. Since a little, teen to an adult. VA Beach is my home away from home. From leisure, swimming and partying I'll forever love and enjoy this Oceanfront.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The beach and shops were very nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Va beach is great. I go often. Great place for family and children.

Cities near Virginia Beach

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