Vacationing in Virginia Beach: Where to Eat, Sleep, and Play

If you’re wondering if Virginia Beach, Virginia is a good place to vacation, the answer is YES! The best months to visit Virginia Beach are between May and September, when the weather is beautiful and the water is warmer.

Did you know that Virginia Beach holds the Guinness World Record for the longest pleasure beach in the world? That’s 35 miles of sunbathing, swimming, surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and sand sports!

You May Also Like: Things to Do in Virginia Beach, VA

Where Part of VB Is the Best To Stay In?

Virginia Beach Hotels

If you want beautiful beaches, resort-style pools, shopping, fun parks, and other conveniences right outside your front door, you’ll want to stay at the Oceanfront.  

Hilton Oceanfront: If you’re looking to splurge on a balcony with water views, the Hilton Oceanfront is where you’ll want to stay. You’ll have access to fine dining, with views, at the hotel’s restaurant, Catch 31 Fish House, and Bar. And when the sun goes down, go up to the rooftop and enjoy a sip at the Sky Bar or a swim in the Infinity Pool!

Historic Cavalier Hotel: If you’re looking for luxury and the finer things in life, you should check out the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. The hotel offers beautiful garden and water views and a full-service spa. Built in 1927, this hotel has hosted 10 of our U.S. Presidents! As well, part of the resort extends to include the Marriot, which is beachfront.

Ocean Beach Club Resort: Did someone say FOUR pools? Yes, this Caribbean-style resort has four swimming pools– two of which have ocean views! And when you’re done swimming, go up to the 10th-floor lounge and sundeck for a few sips in the sun.

Where To Eat in Virginia Beach

Aloha Snacks in Virginia Beach

Breakfast in Virginia Beach

A Jamestown-themed restaurant, the Pocahontas Pancake House is highly rated and was voted the best pancake house in Virginia Beach by The Food Network. But, if you don’t mind traveling, try The Bee and The Biscuit. It is a local’s favorite featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch with local farm-fresh ingredients.

Lunch in Virginia Beach

Lolly's Creamery in Virginia Beach
Courtesy of Lolly’s Creamery

When you’re ready for lunch, check out Beach Bully Bar-B-Q, another local’s favorite since 1986. However, if you’re looking for a bit of entertainment with lunch, The Shack offers outdoor dining and games! Or, grab a great slice of pizza at Shorebreak Pizza, Taphouse, or Dough Boys! But don’t get too stuffed at lunch! You’ll want to grab an ice cream cone from Lolly’s Creamery in the ViBe District!

Dinner in Virginia Beach

Come at dinner time; you may want a little seafood. If so, you’re in the right place! Try Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse, or Rockafeller’s Restaurant—all family-owned and operated local favorites. But if seafood isn’t your first choice, try Commune! Commune is a rustic, sustainable American eatery with creative and delicious bites!

Amusement Parks

Atlantic Fun Park Virginia Beach

The Atlantic Fun Park is just a few steps away from many leading hotels on the strip. It features go-karts, a Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, a rock wall, and tons more! What a fun way to spend the day before relaxing on the beach! – right across the road!

Not feeling the sand today? Take the family to Ocean Breeze Waterpark! There is a large wave pool, cabanas, an adventure river, and more than thirty options for waterpark rides. Ocean Breeze is the perfect place to take the family! Relax in a cabana while the kids enjoy the park!

Motor World is another great amusement park in Virginia Beach. Eleven tracks, shipwreck mini-golf, a sky coaster, and bumper boats– the kids will love you for this visit!

Museums & the ViBe District

Vacationing in Virginia Beach

The ViBE Creative District at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront was created to promote local art and culture. Many buildings along 18th Street and nearby streets have magnificent murals painted on their side. If you’re looking for a good photo op, the ViBE Creative District is the place to go!

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an everchanging art gallery located off 22nd Street. The gallery is free and offers beautiful exhibits for you to ponder.

Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum

Head to the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum for a little history or the Military Aviation Museum and see one of the largest private WWI and WWI-era plane collections in the world!

Breweries in Virginia Beach

virginia beach, virginia
Photo Credit: [@SherryVSmith/DepositPhotos]

The craft beer scene in Virginia Beach, and the region, has grown significantly over the years. Here are a few of the popular breweries that can be found in Virginia Beach:

  • Back Bay Brewing Co.
  • Commonwealth Brewing Co.
  • New Realm Brewing
  • Pleasure House Brewing
  • Smartmouth Brewing Pilot House
  • Reaver Beach Brewing Co.

Hiking, Ziplining, and More!

Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach

If you want to add a little nature to your trip, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a great experience for adults and kids! There’s also dolphin watching, an adventure park, ziplining, animal exhibits, and boat tours.

Or you can get a little deeper into nature and check out First Landing State Park, Virginia’s “Most Visited State Park.” First Landing offers access to the Chesapeake Bay, kayaking, hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping, etc. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, visit the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and hike False Cape.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States. 

Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.