Virginia Beach, VA

Travel Guide

Virginia Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town
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

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

Sandbridge, Virginia beach panorama under blue sky.

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 Beach Convention Center

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
New Horizon

Dam Neck

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

Dam Neck
The Chesapeake Bay Foundations Brock Environmental Center and Pleasure House Point Nature Area are great areas to enjoy nature and see all kinds of wonderful birds. #birds #parks #birdwatching

Northwest

3.5/5(771 area reviews)

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

Northwest
Main Street of Virginia Beach Town Center

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
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
Fully refundable
$95 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
$111 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
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! (2,499 reviews)
Room is clean. We love the ocean front view.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront)
Holiday Inn Va Beach-Oceanside (21st St) by IHG

Holiday Inn Va Beach-Oceanside (21st St) by IHG

3 out of 5
2101 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach VA
$130 nightly
The price is $152 total per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
$152 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Nice view of the beach

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Holiday Inn Va Beach-Oceanside (21st St) by IHG
Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront

3 out of 5
3601 ATLANTIC AVENUE Virginia Beach VA
$111 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$130 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,207 reviews)
Very nice staff, with the exception of one person. Nice room, beautiful view, nice breakfast food and eating area.

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
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! (1,185 reviews)
We had a great stay. The staff was very helpful. The room was amazing and clean. We will be back

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

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! (1,461 reviews)
Clean and nice room

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort
Virginia Beach Oceanfront Studio, Lawn, Boardwalk, Pool, Beach

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Studio, Lawn, Boardwalk, Pool, Beach

Virginia Beach VA
Book a stay at this beach condo in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Hillier ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Great location, very close to beach and boardwalk but in quieter end of resort. Comfortable accommodation. Good parking and amenities close by.

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Studio, Lawn, Boardwalk, Pool, Beach
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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