Looking for all the best things to do in Virginia Beach? Well, you have come to the right place because this list will set you up for success during your visit! From romantic walks along the ocean to fast fun at Motor World you are going to love spending time in VB!
VB is a great place to visit if you’re looking to soak up the sun, explore the local wildlife, or discover the city’s vibrant cultural scene. So pack your bags and grab sunscreen as we delve into the best things to do in this amazing city on the Atlantic Ocean!
The Top Things to do in Virginia Beach That you Cannot Miss!
Visit the Boardwalk and Oceanfront in Virginia Beach
One of the very first things to do in Virginia Beach when you arrive is head to the Boardwalk. This is a 38-block path right along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. You will find plenty of local and international restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and pretty much anything else you are looking for.
People love walking, biking, rollerblading (lol), dog walking, and running along this beautiful boardwalk. If you are coming during Christmas you will be able to see the oceanfront come to life with thousands of Christmas lights along the boardwalk. During the summer the boardwalk is full of locals and tourists alike. The 14th street fishing pier is on the boardwalk and has a souvenir shop, restaurant, and of course has some of the best fishing in VB.
You can park either at the start of the strip near 5th street. Or grab a spot in the 9th street parking garage, or you can find metered parking along many side streets. In the wintertime, you do not have to pay to park, but in the summer it gets busy so try to come early. This is a great way to take in the sights and get a feel for the oceanfront.
Take a Hike at the Seashore State Park
The Seashore State Park in Virginia Beach offers beautiful hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s coastal ecosystem. Seashore park features 8 miles of trails that wind through maritime forests, dunes, and wetlands, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife. There are two different sides to Seashore. There is one side with the hiking trails and the other is a campground and a big beach area.
Most people check out the Narrows Trail. This offers a scenic view of the Lynnhaven River. Other trails include the Bald Cypress Trail, which passes through a swamp filled with huge trees, and the East Dune Trail, which takes visitors to the park’s secret beach spots.
There are spots along the way where you can stop and take a dip in the water. You will want to wear either tennis shoes, or hiking boots if you are thinking about walking along the trail. You can bike these trails too! If you are planning your trip during the summer you will want to get there before noon because the park does fill up.
This is one of the top things to do in Virginia beach for families. Dogs are welcome all year long and can even play on the beach. If you fall in love with Seashore like so many people do, you can book a campground for the night, or a week, it is cheap and so much fun.
Go To MotorWorld & Ocean Breeze
MotorWorld and Ocean Breeze are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Virginia Beach. They both offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for families and travelers of all ages. Whether you looking for fun things to do in Virginia Beach or maybe a date day out you will love MotorWorld and Ocean Breeze.
MotorWorld is an outdoor theme park that features a wide range of high-speed and thrill rides, as well as family-friendly attractions. You can rent a go-cart and race each other around the track. The park also has a large arcade with games and prizes, making it a great place to spend a rainy day or escape the heat that VB is famous for in the summer.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark is an outdoor water park that features a variety of water slides, a lazy river, and a big realistic wave pool. The park also offers a range of activities for children, including a toddler play area with small slides and ankle-deep water. Ocean Breeze always has deals going on and you can easily spend the whole day there.
Check Out the Local Distilleries
There are two different local distilleries to check out. The first one is the Chesapeake Bay Distillery at the oceanfront. They started making their famous liquors back in 2005 and today they have a beautiful tasting room that is open from Thursday to Sunday. Stop by early on Thursday for happy hour from 4-7 pm. Try the Ghost Pepper or Dr. Stoners vodka for a fun and unique flavor.
Another popular distillery is Beach Vodka. You visit their tasting room for a fun afternoon. In the tasting room, there is a fun shuffleboard table and the atmosphere is chic and inviting. The drink menu is always fresh and changes with the seasons. Try a fun fruity drink in the summer, or a pumpkin-themed cocktail in the fall. You are going to love the vibes at Beach Vodka, they are always one of the top things to do in Virginia beach this weekend.
ViBE District and Brewery Tour
Taking a brewery and tour of Vibe is one of the best things to do in Virginia Beach for adults. You can order a private walking tour with a local expert. This tour will take you to all of the best murals in the ViBE district of Virginia Beach with a stop at the Vibrant Shore Brewery Company.
The ViBe District is a hip and eclectic area that displays the arts and creativity of locals in all art forms. It’s the perfect place to spend a day exploring local art studios and galleries. The district has a vibrant atmosphere and a fun history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a cultural experience in Virginia Beach.
If you book this tour you will stop at the Vibrant Shore Brewery and you will able to sample 4 different draft beers while taking in the beautiful atmosphere. This tour lasts about 2 hours and is a walking tour. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, bring a camera, and make sure your phone is charged!
Dolphin Cruise
Virginia Beach is well known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich marine life, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Rudee Tours is one of the most popular Dolphin Cruise companies, and they have plenty of boats to make sure you will always get a seat.
This is one of the things to do in Virginia beach with kids because they guarantee that you will see dolphins during the season or your money back! The tour lasts about 90 minutes and leaves from the popular Rudee Inlet on 5th street. Wildlife is never hurt or endangered on this dolphin cruise in Virginia Beach.
Check out a Concert or Comedy Show
There are plenty of different places to check out a concert in VB. The most popular is the Veterans Home Loan Amphitheater. The biggest names in music have graced this stage. Including Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Lil Wayne, Snoop, and so many more. Spring and summer is the most popular time of year for artists to come to Virginia beach.
This outdoor Amphitheater can seat up to 20,000 and the cheap seats on the lawn are amazing. Bring a blanket, chair, or just enjoy the beautifully manicured grass. They do offer seats and pit tickets as well.
The next popular place to enjoy a concert is at the Sandler Center of Performing Arts. This smaller venue is more intimate and can seat about 1,300 people. The venue is known for its high-quality acoustics and spacious stage, making it a popular destination for music lovers and concert-goers.
During the summer the oceanfront is your best bet for live, local, and free music. The 24th street stage at Neptunes Park has free concerts every Wednesday. The show starts at 7 pm but you may want to show up a bit early to ensure you and your family gets a good spot. This is one of the top things to do in Virginia Beach for couples and families. There are always amazing events going on in Hampton Roads!
Go to the Virginia Aquarium in VB
The Virginia Aquarium is a world-class facility that offers a truly unique and immersive day. There are over 800,000 gallons of saltwater with more than 300 species of animals. The aquarium is an amazing underwater wonderland. From sea turtles and colorful reef fish to playful river otters and fascinating jellyfish, the Virginia Aquarium has something for everyone to love.
At the popular touch tank, you can get hands-on with some of the animals like sting rays! There is a bird-watching area and a 3D theater where you can experience the excitement of underwater adventures.
The Virginia Aquarium is also committed to conservation and education. The aquarium staff and volunteers work tirelessly to protect marine species and their habitats, and the facility offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and camps that are designed to inspire a love of nature in people of all ages.
Head over any day of the week, the Aquarium is open from 9 am to 5 pm and is one of the top things to do in Virginia beach today!
Visit Nearby Norfolk, VA
Once you knock out all the best things to do in Virginia Beach VA head over to Norfolk for the day! Start your day off with a free tour of the Chrysler Museum of Art. Here you can enjoy one of the largest art museums in the state of Virginia. Featuring an extensive collection of American, European, and contemporary art.
Waterside is another very popular place to visit in Norfolk. One of the standout features of the Waterside District is its location along the Elizabeth River, which offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding cityscape. Grab a full meal or a drink while taking in the sights and sounds of the harbor. Some of the most popular places inside the waterside are the Blue Moon brewery, Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, and the popular PBR bar.
PBR (Professional Bull Riders) is focused on bull riding and rodeo-style entertainment, and the bar is decorated with rodeo memorabilia and western-themed decor. The servers dress in chaps and dance around every hour.
Another popular place to visit in Norfolk is Grandy Street. Here you will find high-end dining, clubs to dance the night away, and any type of restaurant you can imagine. Local favorites include Chichos, Baxters, and the Granby Theater.
Go to Sandbridge Beach
After you check out all the best things about the Oceanfront you should head over to Sandbridge. This beach is a local favorite neighborhood and has a laid-back atmosphere. There is only one road in and one road out and it feels like you are on an island. There are beautiful beach houses right on the sand that are available to rent for the week.
This is one of the best places for surfing, fishing, and sunbathing in VB. There are a few different places to park and enjoy the beach along Sandbridge. When you first arrive you will see a parking lot with a small convenience store. Parking here is monitored and fills up fast, so you will want to come early to ensure you get a spot.
You can also head down to the popular Little Island beach. This is the best place to go if you are traveling with children. There are two big playgrounds, a picnic area, and a bathhouse. Parking here is much easier to navigate and there are always spots available. This is also where the fabulous Sandbridge fishing pier is. Spending the day at Sandbridge is one of the best things to do in Virginia Beach and you will make memories that will last a lifetime.
Sunset Dinner at Watermanns at the Oceanfront
If you only had one night to enjoy the night out in Virginia Beach, you have to start at Waterman’s. This is the most famous waterfront restaurant in all VB. They are on 6th street down at the Oceanfront and you can see the Atlantic from just about every seat in the house.
You have to try the yummy and legendary cocktail the Orange Crush. It is a drink that is concocted with fresh orange juice, vodka, and a few other secret ingredients. They also have grapefruit, blueberry, mango, and other flavors of crushes to order.
Watermanns always has the freshest seafood. Try a plate of crabcakes, or steamed shrimp, or try the catch of the day. They also have legendary cuts of meat and homemade pasta dishes. Once you are done with dinner you can head upstairs to the Attic for a night full of dancing. Or step out on the “strip”. This is a local section of the oceanfront full of all types of bars. You will love your night out along the boardwalk is one of the most fun things to do in Virginia beach for adults!
Explore the Back Bay area of Virginia Beach
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can do all of the best outdoor activities like bird watching, fishing, hunting, hiking, and boating.
False Cape State Park is a 4000-acre park and is one of the most popular places in Back Bay. It can be accessed only by foot, bike, or boat and offers even more opportunities for nature observation and exploration.
The best way to get here is to park at the Little Island parking lot and start your trek. You can rent a bike at plenty of places along Sandbridge, or bring your own. You can also camp in False Cape, it is very private and you have to make a reservation beforehand. Find out more info here!
Virginia Beach is an amazing place to live and visit! Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns, or if you are thinking about moving here!!!
