Hanging Out at Rudee Inlet
A fantastic way to enhance a visit to Virginia Beach is to take notice of what its local residents like. By observing firsthand and asking around, this is a great way to uncover some real amazing gems in Virginia Beach—or in any city you visit! Take cue from the locals to discover favorite restaurants, top attractions, beach amenities, special deals and more.
A coastal community in every sense, seafood is a favorite amongst Virginia Beach locals and where you’ll find some of the finest and freshest seafood. Whether served raw or Rockafeller style with savory additions of cheese, spinach and bacon, Lynnhaven Oysters are beloved in the resort city. This is also true for crabs, prepared in all different ways: crab cakes, she crab soup, softshell or steamed. And don’t forget all of the fresh catches, offered all around town on restaurant menus.
Rudee Inlet is home to local restaurants serving delicious seafood and where you can find residents enjoying a tasty meal. Rockafeller’s Restaurant and Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar have both been serving up fresh coastal cuisine to its guests for decades, so these are a must-try.
Local libations are also a significant feature of Virginia Beach’s culinary scene. From local craft beers to beach-inspired cocktails, sampling local and regional beverages is another way to get a real flavor for the area. For an elevated experience, enjoy local spirits at Tarnished Truth in the historic Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach’s oldest distillery. Or casually sip a refreshing drink on an outdoor patio at one of the area’s restaurants. Throw in scenic water views and that’s a good time!
On the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, Chic’s Beach (or more formerly called Chesapeake Bay Beach) is where locals like to hang out for a laid-back beach day. Without the waves, like in the Atlantic Ocean, this is also a perfect place for families with small children. Chic’s Beach’s calm waters is ideal for any paddling activities, like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, or simply floating on a raft.
In addition to being a coastal town, Virginia Beach is also a City that appreciates the arts. The ViBe Creative District, the City’s artsy community, is a must for any itinerary. The ViBe District is the site of farmers markets and other outdoor markets. Locals love it here, and visitors are invited to come shop local while in town. The neighborhood also has many fantastic restaurants, shops, murals and more!
And last, but certainly not least, consider exploring Virginia Beach’s historical attractions to get to know the area. A visit to our nation’s first lighthouse, Cape Henry Lighthouse, is interesting for the whole family. Conveniently located just off the Virginia Beach Boardwalk on Atlantic Avenue, the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum (located on 24th Street in the Life-Saving Station built in 1903) and the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum (located on 11th Street in the deWitt Cottage) are interesting places to spend time and learn about the region. Virginia Beach locals are proud of its community’s