Old Beach Farmers Market in the ViBe Creative District
No matter the season, Virginia Beach is a City that enjoys having a good time. Undeniably, the resort city has a strong coastal culture, but it’s also a family-friendly destination filled with countless things to see and do (with many affordable options!) both on and off the beach. Throughout all four seasons, Virginia Beach welcomes visitors and locals into its communities to experience its wide selection of events, attractions, restaurants, shops and other businesses. Fun activities for a fall visit could include some the following:
Farm-focused Experiences
Virginia Beach is a community with a deep agricultural heritage and where you’ll discover an abundance of local farms, farmers markets and farm experiences. Hunt Club Farm is a pillar in the City’s farming community. Throughout the year, this family-friendly farm offers a variety of special events with the autumn season as an especially fun time for a visit. The farm’s Harvest Fair runs Sept. 27-Nov. 2 and is a beloved celebration featuring a pumpkins, hayrides, a petting farm, pony rides, farm market and much more. In addition, its Haunted Hunt Club is a favorite attraction for Halloween thrills.
Strolling Old Beach Farmers Market on a Saturday morning is a great way to support local businesses. Shop for fresh produce, homemade products and connect with the local Virginia Beach community.
Live Music
Over the years, Virginia Beach has garnered a name as an entertainment destination. Year-round, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront stays active with live musical performances. Music fans will want to catch a show at Virginia Beach’s newest entertainment venue, The Dome, located at 20th Street. This impressive and easily accessible state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor facility offers a top-notch show experience. (Click here for The Dome’s show schedule.) The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in the Town Center of Virginia Beach is another popular venue to see a performance, including regional musicians such as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Not to be overlooked, numerous Virginia Beach restaurants also offer live entertainment. Be sure to check out Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant and Murphy’s Irish Pub.
Waterside Dining
Thanks to the region’s mild, comfortable temperatures and scenic water views, dining outdoors in Virginia Beach is a common sight. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers innumerable outdoor dining opportunities, many with excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Whether dining al fresco, possibly from an elevated rooftop dining area or a casual outdoor patio, or glimpsing the coastline from large windows inside a restaurant, savor an exceptional meal in a beautiful setting.
Attractions
Virginia Beach’s wide, clean beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay and its three-mile boardwalk are some of the biggest draws to the region. With a variety of immersive exhibits (as well as boat tours during the warmer months), the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is another top attraction that visitors of all ages love to visit. Beyond its coasts, Virginia Beach is also filled with many other fun activities including climbing, ziplining and golfing experiences.
Nature Parks
Fall is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. First Landing State Park, located on Shore Drive, offers 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of beachfront. The park is also a popular campground with adventures for the whole family. Whether camping, hiking, biking or enjoying other recreational activities, come see what First Landing State Park is Virginia’s most visited state park. Other incredible parks to include on any itinerary are Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. And families with young children will enjoy spending time playing at Mount Trashmore Park (free!), a converted landfill that towers above the area and is visible from Interstate 264. Don’t miss the park’s 3rd Annual Autumn in the Air festival, featuring live music and fun activities. Free admission and parking.
Art & Culture
Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District is the heart of the City’s art scene. Marking its 10th anniversary this year, this beloved community is where to go to experience local artists, businesses and markets. The Old Beach Farmers Market is a community staple each Saturday for shopping for fresh produce and listening to live music, plus the ViBe District hosts all kinds of other events through the year, such as free walking tours to appreciate the community’s interesting public art. Happening now through Oct. 12, check out the 8th Annual ViBe Mural Festival showcasing 10 murals in 10 days.