Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum’s Annual Pig & Oyster Fest Marks 45 Years
Did you know that October is National Seafood Month? While seafood fans probably don’t need a reason to celebrate the love of this food category, it’s a great opportunity to highlight the excellent coastal cuisine available in Virginia Beach. From Lynnhaven Oysters to Chesapeake Bay blue crabs to locally caught fish, this is the perfect destination for seafood lovers.
With the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay and other waterways at its front step, Virginia Beach serves up some of the freshest seafood possible. All throughout town, not just along its coastlines, Virginia Beach restaurants offer impressive menus full of delightful seafood options. Whether steamed, broiled, fried, raw on the half shell or Rockafeller-style (with spinach), enjoy delicious, locally sourced seafood in a variety of ways and atmospheres.
Dine at one of Virginia Beach’s local restaurants
Coastal Virginians have their favorite local seafood restaurants, which oftentimes are woven into their family traditions. These beloved long-time restaurants, many which are family-owned, tend to be those that are tried and true, where locals and visitors alike return decade after decade to enjoy a good meal. A few such restaurants topping the list include Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar, Rockafeller’s Restaurant and Waterman’s Surfside Grille. These restaurants offer diners tasty meals in a casual, family-friendly setting. From crab cakes and she crab soup to daily catches and fish tacos, there’s something on the menu for everybody.
Dine al fresco with a scenic water views
Nothing enhances a savoury seafood meal like dining outdoors in a scenic setting with water views. Whether choosing to eat at a restaurant on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk or within the locals-centric Chic’s Beach and Rudee Inlet communities, the resort city is overflowing with opportunities for dining by the water.
Attend a seafood festival
In true Virginia Beach style, offering an event for almost anything, the resort city hosts a number of events focused on the area’s coastal heritage and cuisine. Mark your calendar for these culturally rich events coming up soon:
- Sept. 29: 2024 De Witt Seafood Festival
Grab your tickets for a celebration at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum on Sept. 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., showcasing the region’s coastal history. The event will include live entertainment and all you can eat fresh locally harvested seafood including oysters, clams and shrimp. Tasty BBQ will also be served.
- Oct. 20: Annual Pig & Oyster Fest
Marking its 45th year, the Annual Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum’s Pig & Oyster Fest will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 24th Street Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Purchase tickets and enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious food—including oysters on the half shell (raw or roasted), clam soup, pulled pork BBQ and more. The event also features live music and a silent auction.
Go on a fishing charter
What better way to appreciate Virginia Beach’s remarkable waterways, then to actually spend time on the water? A short distance away from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Rudee Inlet is a bustling marina community that is a central hub for offshore and inshore fishing charters and water sports outfitters. From half-day to full-day to nighttime charter trip options with experienced captains, try your hand at fishing or crabbing for an up-close look at the processes behind the area’s fresh catches.
Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
With a variety of boat tours to behind-the-scenes tours, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a extraordinary place to visit to learn more about the region’s marine life. Through partnerships with local restaurants and other businesses, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center maintains the Sensible Seafood Program, with the goal of minimizing overfishing and overharvesting.
Try a local beverage as a complement to local seafood
Consider sampling locally crafted drinks with your coastal cuisine. Along with a variety of local beers, wines and spirits, the Orange Crush is a staple on Virginia Beach menus.
For those who don’t eat seafood, Virginia Beach restaurants have numerous other menu options, including an emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine. No matter what your dining plans entail, be sure to get acquainted with the fresh, local flavors of the region!