The Dome (Photo Courtesy of Venture Realty Group)
Virginia Beach has been a top vacation destination for more than 60 years and it continues to grow stronger year after year. The Resort City offers residents and visitors alike a perfect balance of big city sophistication with a small town cohesiveness. Thanks to the City’s easy accessibility and breezy vibe, Virginia Beach is an ideal vacation spot for all types of visitors, whether staying for a long weekend or a week.
Check out these great excuses to start planning a trip to Virginia Beach.
1. Amazing Beaches
With the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay as stunning backdrops, plus other remarkable waterways weaving throughout the region, Virginia Beach is a haven for water enthusiasts. Not only does the Resort City have exceptional, clean beaches but the beaches here have distinctive personalities. Some beaches overlook the Atlantic Ocean and others the Chesapeake Bay; some are more vibrant with activity and others are more tranquil.
From the bustling blocks of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to the more laidback sands of Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach offers a pleasant balance between adventure and relaxation.
2. Top Entertainment
Each year Virginia Beach’s event calendar grows more robust, offering a more expansive selection of happenings. The Dome is Virginia Beach’s newest entertainment venue and one to keep an eye on. Located on 20th Street, The Dome will open its doors in May as part of a brand new state-of-the art indoor/outdoor experience called Atlantic Park, which will also eventually feature Atlantic Park Surf/Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon, restaurants, shopping and more.
(Click here for more information about Atlantic Park.)
Virginia Beach has all kinds of events planned for 2025, including these large music festivals: Virginia International PANFest (May 9-10), Beach Music Blast (May 10), Point Break Music Festival (June 21-22), La Fiesta Virginia Beach (June 27-28) and Totally Tribute Music Fest (July 3-5) and Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party (Aug. 22-23).
Popular holiday events to also check out include Memorial Day Weekend Salute To Summer (May 23-25), July 4 Stars & Stripes Celebration (July 4) and Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29-31). Virginia Beach offers countless events that are wallet-friendly (a number of which are even free!). During the summer discover all kinds of free events, from music concerts to movies on the beach. For a full events calendar click here (ADD LINK).
3. Countless Attractions
Virginia Beach is brimming with outstanding attractions even beyond its waters and beaches. The family-friendly destination is full of fun things to see and do, both indoors and outdoors. A three-mile boardwalk, historic sites, mini-golf courses, shopping, parks—you’ll find it all in Virginia Beach. The newly renovated Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a must-see while in town. From captivating exhibits to boat tours, the aquarium has something interesting for the entire family.
4. Impressive Accommodations
Whether you are looking to stay oceanfront, near Virginia Beach Town Center or at a campground, Virginia Beach has a large variety of accommodations offering convenient locations and amenities. Here you will find popular large hotel chains to locally owned and operated hotels and motels. If a charming historic hotel is what you want, consider staying at the Cavalier Hotel, just blocks from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Click here (ADD LINK) for more information on accommodations.
5. Fresh Seafood
Fresh seafood is a way of life in Virginia Beach, and its restaurant menus are full of seafood items. Oysters, crab cakes, she-crab soup, fish tacos, shrimp and scallops are menu staples. Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar and Rockafeller’s Restaurant are just a couple of the area’s beloved locally owned and operated restaurants that have been serving the community for decades.
6. Quality Restaurants
Virginia Beach’s dining scene offers much more than seafood. A foodie-centric destination, the Resort City has something for all palates. This agricultural rich community has long embraced the farm-to-table movement and has chefs dedicated to serving seasonal produce. From elevated comfort foods and global flavors to beach bites and sweet treats, Virginia Beach serves up all of the tasty foods you love or possibly want to try. No matter what your dining preference, be sure to enjoy fantastic water views all around town. Dining al fresco while in Virginia Beach is a must!
7. Arts & Culture
The City’s appreciation for the arts is on full display throughout its different districts but particularly in the ViBe Creative District. Located several blocks away from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the ViBe Creative District is a vibrant artistic community, with numerous murals and street art, which regularly holds events such as the Old Farmers Market and other outdoor markets. Free walking art tours also take place on select days of the month. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a major attraction housed in this district and definitely very worthy of a visit. (In October, art lovers will want to attend the annual MOCA Boardwalk Art Show.) The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in the Virginia Beach Town Center is another pillar in the City’s art scene, with top-notch performances happening all year long.
8. Pet Friendly
A pet-friendly town, Virginia Beach is a welcoming destination for pet owners and their furry friends. Along with many pet-friendly accommodations, a number of restaurants and breweries allow dogs to join their owners on their outdoor patios. Please research pet rules and regulations prior to a visit, including for Virginia Beach beaches.
9. Holiday Festivities
Virginia Beach knows how to celebrate the holidays. Along with holding festivals around Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, Virginia Beach’s event calendar stays active throughout the end of the year. The BayPort Credit Union Holliday Lights at the Beach (Nov. 14—Dec. 31) and BayPort Credit Unition Holiday Parade a the Beach (Dec. 6) are two popular annual events to check out.
10. Year-round Destination
And last, but not least, Virginia Beach is fabulous no matter the month or season. There’s no off season in the Resort City, and visitors and locals are welcome to spend time here whenever they wish!