Virginia Beach, Virginia Travel Guide

Discover the best of the East Coast with Virginia Beach: a perfect blend of sandy shores, rich history, and vibrant culture for an unforgettable getaway.

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Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, located in the southeastern corner of Virginia, is a vibrant coastal city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern attractions. With its miles of pristine sandy beaches, this city is a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, stretching three miles along the oceanfront, is a hub of activity featuring shops, restaurants, and live entertainment, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Beyond the beach, Virginia Beach is home to a variety of attractions that showcase its cultural and historical significance. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and a chance to see marine life up close. For history buffs, the First Landing State Park marks the site where English colonists first arrived in 1607, offering hiking trails and educational programs. Nature lovers will appreciate the city's parks and wildlife refuges, such as the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. Additionally, the city’s culinary scene is not to be missed, with fresh seafood being a highlight. From beachfront dining to local markets, there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Virginia Beach.

Visit the Virginia Beach Boardwalk early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk.
Check the schedule of the Neptune Festival if you're visiting in late September for a chance to experience local art, music, and seafood.
Rent a bike to explore the city more efficiently and enjoy the scenic bike trails along the oceanfront.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on hiking in First Landing State Park and bring plenty of water.
Try the local seafood at one of the many beachfront restaurants; the fresh catch of the day is always a good choice.

Neighbourhoods in Virginia Beach

Town Center

Oceanfront

Sandbridge Beach

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Virginia Beach

Explore Virginia Beach: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Virginia Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Breakout Games - Virginia Beach

Experience the thrill of mystery-solving at Breakout Games - Virginia Beach, the ultimate escape room adventure for families and friends.

5.0

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Explore the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, a top destination in Virginia Beach for marine life enthusiasts and families seeking adventure.

4.4

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Discover the serene beauty of the Norfolk Botanical Garden, where nature's vibrant colors and tranquil landscapes invite exploration and relaxation.

4.8

Mount Trashmore Park

Explore Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach, a unique blend of recreation and natural beauty, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

4.7

Best landmarks in Virginia Beach

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Best Landmarks

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Town Center of Virginia Beach

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Town Center of Virginia Beach, where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together in perfect harmony.

4.5

Mount Trashmore Park

Explore Mount Trashmore Park, a unique urban park in Virginia Beach offering stunning views, recreational activities, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

4.7

First Landing State Park

Explore the stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife at First Landing State Park, a must-visit destination in Virginia Beach.

4.7

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier

Explore the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier – a prime location for fishing, stunning views, and unforgettable coastal experiences along the Atlantic Ocean.

4.4

Best restaurants in Virginia Beach

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Waterman's Surfside Grille

Discover Waterman's Surfside Grille - where fresh seafood meets stunning ocean views in Virginia Beach.

4.6

The Cheesecake Factory

Experience the delightful fusion of American cuisine and indulgent desserts at The Cheesecake Factory in Virginia Beach.

4.2

Chix on the Beach

Experience fresh seafood delights at Chix on the Beach in Virginia Beach – where ocean views meet culinary excellence.

4.4

Yard House

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu at Yard House in Virginia Beach – where craft beer meets modern American cuisine.

4.4

Best bars in Virginia Beach

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Chix on the Beach

Enjoy fresh seafood and a vibrant atmosphere at Chix on the Beach, the ultimate beachside dining experience in Virginia Beach.

4.4

Yard House

Discover Yard House in Virginia Beach - a lively gastropub offering a vast menu of New American cuisine and an extensive selection of draft beers.

4.4

Bahama Breeze

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Bahama Breeze in Virginia Beach, where every meal is a tropical getaway.

4.2

Murphy’s Irish Pub

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and authentic Irish cuisine at Murphy’s Irish Pub in Virginia Beach, perfect for every traveler seeking a taste of Ireland.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Virginia Beach

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Yard House

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu at Yard House in Virginia Beach, where craft beers and New American cuisine come together.

4.4

Lunasea

Experience vibrant nightlife and exquisite seafood dining at Lunasea, a must-visit bar and restaurant in Virginia Beach.

4.2

OMEGA BAR

Discover the dynamic nightlife at Omega Bar in Virginia Beach—where dancing, delicious tapas, and hookah create unforgettable evenings.

4.3

Beachside Social

Discover Beachside Social in Virginia Beach - a lively bar offering great drinks, live music, and stunning coastal views for an unforgettable beach experience.

4.6

Best shops in Virginia Beach

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Lynnhaven Mall

Discover Lynnhaven Mall, Virginia Beach's ultimate shopping haven with diverse stores, delicious dining, and exciting entertainment options.

4.4

Town Center of Virginia Beach

Explore the Town Center of Virginia Beach: a vibrant shopping mall with diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options that captures the spirit of the city.

4.5

Norfolk Premium Outlets

Explore Norfolk Premium Outlets: Your Ultimate Shopping Destination in Virginia with Unbeatable Prices and Top Brand Stores.

4.4

MacArthur Center

Experience the ultimate shopping adventure at MacArthur Center in Norfolk, featuring top brands, diverse dining, and engaging events.

4.3

Explore Virginia Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Virginia Beach, mapped for you.

Virginia Beach Essentials

Virginia Beach is accessible via Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which is approximately 20 miles away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or rent a car to reach Virginia Beach. For those driving, Virginia Beach is connected by major highways including I-64 and U.S. Route 58. Amtrak also provides train services to Norfolk, with connecting bus services to Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach offers various transportation options, including Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) buses that cover the city and connect to neighboring areas. The VB Wave is a seasonal shuttle service that operates in the resort area, making it easy to get around the beachfront and nearby attractions. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. For cyclists, there are plenty of bike lanes and rental services. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring areas beyond the main tourist spots.
The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Virginia Beach. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are readily available, and contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly used. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and tips.
Virginia Beach is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas and always be aware of your surroundings. While the overall crime rate is low, some neighborhoods like Oceanfront and certain parts of the resort area may experience higher crime rates, particularly petty theft targeting tourists. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Virginia Beach has several hospitals and urgent care facilities, including Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. For minor health issues, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are available throughout the city. It's also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the beach and outdoor activities. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing in restaurants and public places. Religion: Do respect all places of worship and their customs, although Virginia Beach is relatively secular. Public Transport: Do respect other passengers and offer your seat to the elderly or those with disabilities. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Southern hospitality is a big part of the local culture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and specialties like Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Don't refuse an offer to try local cuisine, as it is considered polite to accept.
To experience Virginia Beach like a local, visit the ViBe Creative District, which is home to art galleries, unique shops, and local eateries. Attend a local event or festival, such as the Neptune Festival held in late September. Explore the lesser-known beaches like Sandbridge for a more secluded experience. Interact with locals at farmers' markets and try locally sourced products. Don't miss out on a visit to First Landing State Park for hiking and historical tours.

When is the best time to visit Virginia Beach?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Virginia Beach

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Virginia Beach. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see-yuh]
- YesYep
  [yep]
- NoNope
  [nohp]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [please/yur welcome]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [excuse me/sorry]
- How are you?How ya doin'?
  [how yuh doin]
- Fine. And you?Good. And you?
  [good. and yuh]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
- I don't understandI ain't got a clue
  [I aint got uh clue]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLemme see the menu, please
  [lem-me see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'd like to settle up, please
  [I'd like to settle up, please]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Git!
  [git]
- Call the Police!Ring up the Po-lice!
  [ring up the po-lice]
- Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
- I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feelin' poorly]
- I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [I'm fixin' to buy...]
- I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just browsin']
- How much is it?How much does it run?
  [how much does it run]
- That's too expensiveThat costs an arm and a leg
  [that costs an arm and a leg]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya knock the price down?
  [can yuh knock the price down]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Half past (10)]
- MorningMornin'
  [mornin]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [evenin]
- YesterdayYest'day
  [yest'day]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorruh
  [tomorruh]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [Where's a/the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Virginia Beach

In April 1607, English colonists made their first landing at Cape Henry, located in present-day Virginia Beach. This historic event marked the beginning of the Jamestown Colony, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Visitors can explore First Landing State Park and the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which commemorate this significant moment in American history.
The Battle of the Capes, also known as the Battle of the Chesapeake, took place in September 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. This naval engagement between the French fleet and the British Royal Navy was crucial for the American victory at Yorktown. The French fleet's success in controlling the Chesapeake Bay prevented British reinforcements from reaching General Cornwallis, leading to his eventual surrender.
In 1891, the Norwegian bark Dictator ran aground off the coast of Virginia Beach during a fierce storm. The shipwreck resulted in the tragic loss of several crew members, including the captain's wife and child. The Norwegian Lady Statue, erected in 1962, stands as a poignant memorial to those who perished and symbolizes the enduring bond between Virginia Beach and Norway.
Virginia Beach was officially incorporated as a town in 1906 and became an independent city in 1952. The city has grown significantly over the years, merging with Princess Anne County in 1963 to form the largest city by land area in Virginia. This merger facilitated rapid development, transforming Virginia Beach into a major tourist destination and a vibrant community.
Virginia Beach has a long-standing relationship with the military, home to several key installations including Naval Air Station Oceana and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. These bases not only contribute to the local economy but also play a vital role in national defense. The city's military heritage is celebrated through various events and museums, such as the Military Aviation Museum.