Virginia Beach, VA

Travel Guide
Virginia Beach featuring a sunset and general coastal views
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 Park, 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 Station. 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 Park. 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 Refuge to spot deer, horses, snow geese and tundra swans. Ride the tram for a tour through the park toward the picturesque False Cape State Park.

Cycle along the trails of First Landing State Park. 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

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront), VA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront), VA
3 out of 5
1801 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The price is $127 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
$127
per night
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,576 reviews)
"Wonderful stay with my family and great customer service."

Reviewed on May 28, 2023

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront), VA
Hyatt House Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
Hyatt House Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
3 out of 5
2705 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The price is $159 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
$159
per night
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Excellent stay.
"Had an excellent stay. The Hotel location is perfect and everything was within a short walk. Room view was perfect and made the stay extra special."

Reviewed on May 26, 2023

Hyatt House Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
Schooner Inn
Schooner Inn
2 out of 5
215 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The price is $184 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
$184
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
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 clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,874 reviews)
"The property is definitely dated however the simplicity and cleanliness of the rooms were nice. Considering you are not in your room much, the rooms had a great view of the ocean, amazing 2 person whirlpool tub and everything you need in the room. The only negative was the bed was poor/fair quality ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2023

Schooner Inn
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.
The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
3.5 out of 5
315 21st St, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-friendly vacation home in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (873 reviews)
"Beautiful stay close to the beach"

Reviewed on May 19, 2023

The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
3 out of 5
2207 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,030 reviews)
"The property is well maintained, the rooms were clean as well as, all ocean facing. The staff was very helpful in answering questions and making sure I was comfortable during my stay."

Reviewed on May 18, 2023

The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
3 out of 5
424 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (881 reviews)
"Our room was amazing! Loved the ocean view, and the room was very pretty and clean period the shower water was a little finicky, but you could make it work. You just had to play with it a little bit to get it to the right temperature and force period the major bummer was there was only one elevator ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2023

The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
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

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Virginia Beach

Cities near Virginia Beach