While the Virginia Beach Oceanfront remains lively year-round, the activities and entertainment really ramp up during the spring and summer seasons. Whether this is your first time to the resort area or if you are a repeat visitor, you will never run out of things to do at this fun coastal destination. Here are 10 activities for your itinerary during your next visit:
1. Play at the beach
Spending time on the beach with family, friends or a good book makes for a great day. Soak up the beach atmosphere by putting your feet in the sand, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, watching the boats go by and building a sandcastle. Be sure to remember your sunscreen!
2. Cruise the boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk is a terrific spot for getting exercise. The three-mile boardwalk, extending from 2nd to 40th street, is perfect for walking, running, rollerblading and riding bikes. If you have a group, consider trying out a multi-person bicycle! And when you need a rest, take a seat on one of the benches and just enjoy the scenery.
3. Hit the waves for water sports
Virginia Beach has a strong sports culture, and the water recreation is phenomenal. Rudee Inlet is a central location for the area’s water activities, from boat tours and parasailing to equipment rentals including jet skis, wave runners, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. No doubt, you will find water adventure here.
4. Dine with a water view
Dining al fresco, or inside a restaurant with great views, with the Atlantic Ocean in sight is an experience that is hard to beat. Pick one of the numerous restaurants situated along the boardwalk and have a nice meal on an outside patio, while watching people go by and the waves crash in the ocean.
5. Listen to live music
Set aside some time to catch a concert or two at the oceanfront. During the summer months along the boardwalk on 7th, 17th, 24th and 31st Streets, there are regular concert series happening. You will encounter live entertainment (oftentimes free) from a variety of performing artists with diverse musical genres.
6. Enjoy the amazing attractions
It is no secret that Virginia Beach is a family-friendly destination with many exciting attractions for all ages, from mini golf and amusement rides to indoor sky diving and parks. But did you know the Virginia Beach Oceanfront has a few playgrounds directly on the beach? Kids love playing at Grommet Island Park, a fully accessible park, on 2nd Street, as well as the beach playgrounds on 10th Street and 31st Street.
7. Shop on Atlantic Avenue
If you are looking for beach items, souvenirs to take home or a sweet treat, head over a block from the boardwalk to Atlantic Avenue. Here you will find beach shops, conveniently located for anything you might have forgotten to pack for your trip.
8. Take a trolley ride
For a unique way to explore the resort area, take the Hampton Roads Transit’s VB Wave Trolley and Bayfront Shuttle. Kick back and relax on a trolley while sightseeing along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Rudee Inlet and the Chesapeake Bay area by First Landing State Park.
9. Snap a bunch of photos
With the Atlantic Ocean as the beautiful backdrop, take plenty of photos during your time in Virginia Beach. Along with the mandatory ocean and beach shots, the King Neptune Statue, standing 34 feet on 31st Street, is a sight to see and very photo worthy!
10. Sample a Local Libation
And last, but definitely not least, enjoy (of course, only those 21 years and older) an adult beverage that has been crafted locally. Stop in at one of the local distilleries in the oceanfront area, including Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. (located in The Cavalier), Chesapeake Bay Distillery or Waterman Spirits, all just blocks from the boardwalk. If you haven’t already, be sure to sample an Orange Crush, a favorite cocktail in Virginia Beach.
Spending time in taprooms of local craft breweries is another excellent way to get acquainted with the area. Smartmouth Brewing Pilot House, a few blocks from the boardwalk, and Back Bay Brewing Co., in the ViBe District, are excellent options. A short drive away from the oceanfront discover more breweries including Young Veterans Brewery Co. (which also has a satellite location, The Bunker, on 21st Street at the oceanfront), Commonwealth Brewing Co., Reaver Beach Brewing Co. and New Realm Brewing Co.
Whatever you choose to do while at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, you will surely have a fun time creating unforgettable memories!