Although you’ll find no shortage of waves and sandy shores in Virginia Beach, there’s tons more to explore when you visit Virginia’s most populous city.
Stroll down the boardwalk, get your fill of the freshest seafood at award-winning restaurants, and take in the unique arts and culture of the city. Here’s your guide to can’t-miss fun in the coastal city.
Whatever you do, don’t leave Virginia Beach without …
Staying near the water
Oceanfront and near-oceanfront properties are the ideal homebase for your stay in Virginia Beach. You’ll definitely want space to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
- The Cavalier Resort: Made up of three properties — The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, and Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort — each with impressive dining, luxe amenities, and semi-private beachfront access.
- Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Funky and fun, with an in-lobby slide and airy, comfortable rooms.
- Rentals in Sandbridge: Further from the boardwalk action, ideal for families or groups.
- The Sitio: A 20-room boutique hotel at Atlantic Park surf park located just two blocks off the oceanfront, The Sitio blends the easy vibe of surf culture with the comforts and luxuries of upscale accommodations.
Eating all the food
Virginia Beach and seafood go hand in hand. Before you leave the city, make sure to hit up the classic restaurants — and leave room to try some new places with innovative menus and memorable flavors.
Longtime favorites include Waterman’s Surfside Grill, which has been serving up famous Orange Crushes since 1981, and Chix on the Beach, a seafood staple for over four decades. Don’t forget dinner at Rudee’s on the Inlet. It could be the best place to watch the sunset in the whole city.
A few newer spots are taking dinner and drinks to a new level. Visit Love Song for natural wines and unforgettable small plates or listening bar Rose’s for curated tunes with your craft cocktails. Rooftop garden bar Orion’s Roof keeps things fresh with a contemporary menu and panoramic views.
Exploring the Boardwalk
The centerpiece of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront activity, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches around three miles, from 2nd to 40th Street. Rent bikes and take in the breeze, go on a morning stroll, or check out the events calendar to see if there’s live music to stumble upon.
Make a point to get a pic with King Neptune, the towering statue that presides over the oceanfront. You’ll find him on 31st Street.
On Friday, September 25th from 6-11 p.m., Farm Aid is partnering with the 52nd Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend for an evening of music, dance and fellowship. This event is free and open to the public, and features Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country Takeover feat. Rebecca Porter, Roberta Lea, and The Smoke; shirlette ammons, Kyshona, Chris Pierce, and the Red Crook-ed Sky American Indian Dance Troupe. Hosted by “The Professor” Nick Harrison. Plus farmer interviews, line dance calling and special guest appearances.
Visiting local farms
If you’re looking to escape the city buzz, head to the more rural community of Pungo and visit a few family-run farms. Just inland from Sandbridge, you’ll find there are 8,000 acres to explore. Pick apples or sunflowers (or just try the homemade ice cream) at Cullipher Farm Market, or find the freshest sweet corn, peppers, and watermelon at Flanagan Farm.
Getting artsy
The ViBE Creative District is your home for culture, community, and top-notch dining. It all started with a farmers market (still open for shopping Saturday mornings) and blossomed into a whole neighborhood. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you start seeing colorful murals adorning small business walls.
Fuel up with a coffee from Three Ships before exploring a few of the local shops selling ceramics, leather bags and accessories, and consignment clothing. Stop into Igor’s Custom and you may see the artist himself hand-painting signs for neighborhood businesses.
Trying something new
A new development, Atlantic Park has risen just a few blocks from the beach to provide entertainment, shopping, eats, and way more surfing to the city. It’s anchored by Atlantic Park Surf, a high-tech surf lagoon that provides up to 1,000 waves per hour. The made-to-order waves mean that Atlantic Park Surf can give everyone a chance to catch waves, from total beginners to the pros.
There’s also The Dome by Rutter Mills, a reimagined version of an iconic local venue. When the garage doors lift on the indoor/outdoor space, the whole block becomes part of the party.
Planning for a rainy day
Rain at the beach can be a bummer — but it doesn’t have to be. You can easily turn the day around with a visit to one (or a few) of Virginia Beach’s indoor attractions. With museums like these, you’ve got plenty of options rain or shine:
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: Learn all about marine life, from river otters to sea turtles to barracudas, and level up with a behind-the-scenes tour or boat trip.
- Military Aviation Museum: Discover over 50 World War I and World War II-era aircraft and even take to the skies on an airplane ride.
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art: Vibrant, challenging, and thought-provoking art, with new exhibitions on display every six months.
Farmers markets, fresh seafood, oceanfront concerts — there’s no better vibe than Virginia Beach. Start planning your trip today.
This information is provided by Farm Aid 2026 sponsors The Virginia Tourism Corporation, Visit Virginia Beach, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
