Virginia Beach, VA

Travel Guide
Virginia Beach featuring a sunset and general coastal views
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 Park, 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 Station. 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 Park. 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 Refuge to spot deer, horses, snow geese and tundra swans. Ride the tram for a tour through the park toward the picturesque False Cape State Park.

Cycle along the trails of First Landing State Park. 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

Virginia Beach which includes rides

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
Sandbridge Beach featuring hiking or walking and a sandy beach as well as an individual male

Sandbridge

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travelers enjoy Sandbridge for its beaches and parks. Consider checking out Sandbridge Beach while you're in the area.

Sandbridge
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center featuring modern architecture, a park and marine life

Dam Neck

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

Dam Neck
Lynnhaven House

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 Virginia Beach Town Center.

Northwest
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Chic's Beach

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Chic's Beach, Chesapeake Beach and Little Creek Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Chic's Beach
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North Central

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Central, Mount Trashmore Park and Princess Anne Plaza Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

North Central
Costa Azul Suites Virginia Beach by Red Collection
Costa Azul Suites Virginia Beach by Red Collection
2.5 out of 5
2604 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩109,167 per night from May 16 to May 17
₩109,167
per night
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,129 reviews)
"Great value for the price! The breakfast was decent but lacked some variety from day to day."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Costa Azul Suites Virginia Beach by Red Collection
Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront
Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront
4 out of 5
2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩217,514 per night from May 16 to May 17
₩217,514
per night
May 16 - May 17
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (961 reviews)
"This is probably one of the best hotels that we have ever stayed at. Staff was very kind and accommodating to our needs and let us know everything we needed to know about during our stay. The hotel itself was beautiful and very well kept. Sheets were clean along with the bathroom, balcony and suite ..."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront
Schooner Inn
Schooner Inn
2 out of 5
215 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA
Fully refundable
The price is ₩117,931 per night from May 16 to May 17
₩117,931
per night
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,388 reviews)
"The hotel and location was exactly what I was looking for. And the price was very reasonable."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Schooner Inn
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.
The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
3 out of 5
2207 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,264 reviews)
GREAT HOTEL AND GREAT STAFF
"The staff treated me with so much kindness and respect. ESPECIALLY the lady property manger thank you! The room was extraordinary and the view was amazing I will definitely come here for a stay again."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

The Ocean Sands Resort by VSA Resorts
The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
3.5 out of 5
315 21st St, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified vacation home in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,070 reviews)
"The property staff was very nice and tentative to our needs during our stay. We had an issue with our room and they changed our room that was more suitable."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

The Atrium Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
3 out of 5
424 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,118 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

The Ocean Key Resort by VSA Resorts
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

Reviews of Virginia Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2204
" "5 - Excellent 49.01045141205248%
4 - Good
1826
" "4 - Good 40.604847676228594%
3 - Okay
372
" "3 - Okay 8.272181454302869%
2 - Disappointing
68
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5121191905714921%
1 - Terrible
27
" "1 - Terrible 0.600400266844563%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 7, 2020

The beach was great but the Travelodge was HORRIBLE

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Jun 7, 2020

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
Jun 7, 2020

Great crystal and gemstone shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Cordell
Jun 6, 2020

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
Jun 6, 2020

The beach and shops were very nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

Va beach is great. I go often. Great place for family and children.

Cities near Virginia Beach