The Schooner Inn on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Spending a span of time at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Resort City’s activity hub, is highly recommended. The Oceanfront offers an impressive selection of accommodations, many of which are just steps away from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to amazing ocean views, the convenient location has countless restaurants, shops and services throughout the vicinity along the Boardwalk, Atlantic Avenue and surrounding thoroughfares.
From affordable options offering good value to those boasting a luxurious aesthetic, discover the accommodations you are seeking at the Oceanfront, from large chains to locally owned and operated hotels. Families will certainly appreciate the convenience and comforts of an Oceanfront stay. Now is a great time to book your spring and summer vacations (or fall and winter!). Click this link for a directory of accommodation listings.
Visitors and locals alike enjoy hanging out at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront because there’s just so much to do in this section of the City. Swimming and all kinds of watersports from boat tours and fishing charters to surfing and parasailing are popular activities in the Resort City. Beach-goers of all ages enjoy soaking in the gorgeous coastline, whether participating in water recreation or relaxing in the sand. The three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk, extending from Second Street to 40th Street, is the perfect location for experiencing additional beach activities including walking, running or riding bikes.
Not planning to travel with your bicycle? No problem as there are bike rental services sprinkled throughout the area. (Tip: If you have a group interested in biking together, consider a multi-person bike. Along with getting exercise and fresh air, this activity is sure to bring many laughs as the group works together to peddle the bike.)
From fresh seafood to beach bites and all sorts of sweet treats, the Oceanfront is overflowing with incredible dining options. And it is truly is hard to beat the views here, whether you are sitting on an outdoor patio or taking a refreshment break while resting on one of the many benches along the Boardwalk. Nearby Rudee Inlet is another excellent spot for dining with water views. Watching boats cruise in and out of the lively marina always adds a little extra excitement to any dining experience.
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is also a key spot for enjoying live entertainment. Year-round Virginia Beach entertains with a variety of events and the summer months are particularly active with live music concerts. During the summer, chances are there is a live performance happening somewhere on the Oceanfront, either at one of the four Oceanfront stages, including 7th, 17th, 24th and 31st Streets, or at one of the area’s restaurants.
Even if you don’t have an itinerary for the day, heading over to 31st Street is a good plan since it is an especially bustling section of the Boardwalk. It is also the location of the iconic 34-foot King Neptune statue, one of most sought after photo ops at the Oceanfront. Gazing up at the enormous statue always evokes a sense of astonishment no matter how many times you have seen it. Be sure a stop by the statue is on your list!
In Virginia Beach a rainy day doesn’t halt a day of fun. Exploring the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum housed in the historic DeWitt Cottage on the corner of 12th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and the Surf and Rescue Museum, located on 24th Street on the Boardwalk in a former U.S. Life Saving Station, are both interesting attractions for learning more about the region’s history and heritage. Both museums offer free admission, however, donations are welcome.
Another major perk of the Oceanfront is that it is one of Virginia Beach’s most pedestrian friendly districts. Whether strolling the Boardwalk or one of the Oceanfront’s vibrant streets, like its main throughfares Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue, enjoy a convenient mix of restaurants, shops and much more close by. And for those wishing to keep their vehicles parked and use public transportation, the Hampton Roads Transit’s VB Wave Trolley and Bayfront Shuttle are a great way to travel around the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and surrounding areas like Rudee Inlet and Chesapeake Beach (also known as Chic’s Beach).