Virginia Beach, VA

Travel Guide
Virginia Beach showing a beach, general coastal views 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 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

Virginia Beach which includes rides

Northeast Virginia Beach

4/5(2,863 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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
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, Sandbridge Beach and Croatan Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Dam Neck
Lynnhaven House

Northwest

3.5/5(771 area reviews)

While visiting Northwest, you might make a stop by sights like Virginia Beach Town Center and Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Northwest
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Chic's Beach

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Chic's Beach, Chesapeake Beach and Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are top sights worth seeing.

Chic's Beach
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Croatan Beach

Nestled between Rudee Inlet and Camp Pendleton, this residential beach neighborhood boasts a three-quarter-mile stretch of sandy shores, with designated surfing areas and lifeguard services. Enjoy summer surf camps and lessons at Seth Broudy School of Surf.

Croatan 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
The price is $236 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$236
includes taxes & fees
$203 per night
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Virginia ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,978 reviews)
"The staff was very kind and helpful. Unfortunately, their system is messed up and we were charged double. We have tried working it out with them but they were unable to help us, so we have to reverse charges on the one card. I do not trust their payment systems as it also did not credit us for the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront), VA
Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront
Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront
4 out of 5
2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
The price is $226 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$226
includes taxes & fees
$195 per night
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the bar and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Great experience
"Very nice room. Staff was great all the way around. Easy access to pool and beach. Only complaint was there was really no pricacy in rooms to dress. We had 2 rooms,but there wasnt any doors or particians except to where toilet and shower was. Dont like the fact i had to pay $30/day to park considering ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront
Schooner Inn
Schooner Inn
2 out of 5
215 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA
The price is $186 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$186
includes taxes & fees
$160 per night
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the overall value ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,532 reviews)
"Last hotel on the peninsula - quiet, easy beach access, not in the center of the chaos"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

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, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
3.5 out of 5
315 21st St, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified vacation home in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Virginia ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,190 reviews)
"Overall great stay. Very close to the beach and other things to do. Suite was a nice size but hotel amenities were a little scarce. Small pool right in the middle of the lobby."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
3 out of 5
424 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Sandbridge ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,200 reviews)
"Hopefully, the bathroom will be updated during the off season. It was fully functional, but showing its age. Our one bedroom suite was perfect for the two of us. Our family had space to sleep six. The suite was great, but their view was not. Oh well. Resort is comfortable walking distance to ocean ..."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2024

The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
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
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Virginia ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,322 reviews)
"Great place to stay on the Beach!"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2024

Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
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 49.01045141205248%
4 - Good
1826
" "4 - Good 40.604847676228594%
3 - Okay
372
" "3 - Okay 8.272181454302869%
2 - Disappointing
68
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5121191905714921%
1 - Terrible
27
" "1 - Terrible 0.600400266844563%

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