Listen to live music at 31st Street Park
A good rule to follow while traveling, whether visiting Virginia Beach or any other city, is to observe the locals and learn what they like to do and where they go. From activities to restaurants, why not lean on local residents’ knowledge of this beloved East Coast destination?
Beach Life
You know you have arrived in Virginia Beach when you step on the lively three-mile boardwalk and see the Atlantic Ocean stretching out into the horizon. With 40 miles of shoreline and a selection of amazing beaches, Virginia Beach is the quintessential coastal town. From the ocean to the Chesapeake Bay to numerous other waterways, Virginia Beach is a place filled with natural beauty and scenic water views. Therefore, it’s no wonder that Virginia Beach is a town that embraces its beach culture and celebrates its coastal heritage. Some examples include aquatic-themed public art displays, from murals to sculptures, and annual events like the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships in August and the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival every September.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, a favorite attractions for families, offers a variety of interesting exhibits and interactive experiences. For a deeper dive into the city’s rich maritime history, consider visiting the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum and the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Both are located at the Oceanfront and have free admission.
Fresh Seafood
Your taste buds will thank you after experiencing a delicious meal here. While Virginia Beach’s dining scene certainly has something for every palate, fresh seafood takes the spotlight in area menus. Steamed, in a soup or piled on a sandwich, blue crabs are certainly a menu staple. Lynnhaven Oysters are also beloved food, no matter if they are served raw on the half-shell or some other way. Virginia Beach is where you can enjoy fresh catches right off the boat, so fresh fish is another menu favorite.
Dining on the water makes a tasty meal even better, and Virginia Beach is filled with extraordinary dining options. Enjoying a meal along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, at Rudee Inlet or in Chix Beach are all great options. The locals love a good deal and Virginia Beach restaurants offer a wide range of happy hour specials. Watch for opportunities to save some money while dining on high-quality menu items.
Live Music
From concerts to theater, live performances are a mainstay in Virginia Beach and the opportunities for enjoying excellent music are endless. Like visitors, local residents are drawn to the exciting events continually happening at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Outdoor music festivals such as Point Break Music Festival, La Fiesta Virginia Beach, Totally Tribute Music Fest and Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party showcase a diverse array of musical genres with something for everybody. Plus, the numerous free concert series here make live music experiences even more incredible.
In addition to outdoor concerts at the Oceanfront stages, a number of restaurants in the area offer live music. Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant and its new Lucy’s Sky Bar are a go-to for live music. The establishment’s tasty brunch offerings and rooftop ocean views are additional perks, making this a popular pick at the Oceanfront.
For a special evening out on the town, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is a top venue for experiencing theater productions, music concerts and more. Along with offering great seating and excellent sound quality, the Sandler Center is located in Town Center, where there is an abundance of free parking.
Outdoor Recreation
Virginia Beach is an active community where paddlers, bicyclers and hikers are a regular sight. Outdoor enthusiasts feel at home here, whether taking an early morning ride or run on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk or hiking at First Landing State Park, the most visited state park in Virginia. Fishing, surfing and swimming are more favorite activities here. For planning outdoor watersports activities—from kayak rentals to boat tours to fishing charters—Rudee Inlet is the hub for coordinating outdoor adventures.
For a thrilling surfing attraction unique to Virginia Beach, check out one of Virginia Beach’s newest attractions, Atlantic Park Surf. As part of the Atlantic Park entertainment campus—which also features The Dome, lodging, restaurants, shops and more—Park Surf is a lagoon with fun surfing experiences for all levels. Powered by Wavegarden Cove, state-of-the-art wave generation technology, this is a can’t-miss experience for water enthusiasts of all ages.