Things to do in Virginia Beach
Late spring and early fall bring warm water, lighter crowds, and comfortable temperatures along the oceanfront. July and August are peak beach season with the busiest boardwalk and warmest swimming, while winter is mild but quiet with many seasonal venues closed.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Virginia Beach
King Neptune StatueDo not miss
A 34-foot bronze sea god towering over Neptune Park at 31st Street, the signature photo stop and symbol of Virginia Beach.
Landmark · 30 min4.9
Back Bay National Wildlife RefugeDo not miss
Nine thousand acres of dunes, marsh, and maritime forest sheltering migrating snow geese, bald eagles, and loggerhead turtles along an undeveloped Atlantic shore.
Nature · 3 hr4.8
Military Aviation MuseumDo not miss
One of the world's largest private collections of flying World War I and World War II aircraft, many restored to airworthy condition and flown on weekends.
Museum · 2.3 hr4.8
Sandbridge BeachDo not miss
A quiet five-mile stretch of wide sand and dune-lined cottages 30 minutes south of the resort, prized for surfing, fishing, and peaceful family days.
Beach · 3.5 hr4.8
Atlantic AvenueDo not miss
The lively oceanfront strip of shops, surf stores, restaurants, and bars running parallel to the beach, busiest after dark in summer.
Neighborhood · 1.8 hr4.7
First Landing State ParkDo not miss
Virginia's most visited state park, where bald cypress swamps and Spanish moss trails meet a quiet Chesapeake Bay beach near the spot the 1607 colonists first landed.
Park · 3 hr4.7
Colonial WilliamsburgDo not miss
A restored 18th-century capital where costumed interpreters, trade shops, and Revolutionary-era buildings recreate colonial Virginia, about 45 minutes northwest.
Day Trip · 8 hr4.6
Virginia Beach BoardwalkDo not miss
A three-mile oceanfront promenade with a separate bike path, public art, street performers, and uninterrupted Atlantic views at the heart of the resort.
Landmark · 1.8 hr4.6
Busch Gardens WilliamsburgDo not miss
An award-winning European-themed amusement park with world-class roller coasters, shows, and gardens, an easy full-day trip about an hour northwest.
Day Trip · 8.5 hr4.4
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science CenterDo not miss
The region's premier aquarium with sea turtles, sharks, river otters, an aviary, and live marine science exhibits along a marsh trail.
Museum · 3.3 hr4.4
Cape Henry Memorial
A National Park Service site marking the first landing of the 1607 Jamestown colonists, with a memorial cross overlooking the cape.
Historic Site · 40 min5
Lynnhaven Inlet
Where the Lynnhaven River meets the bay, a launch for kayak tours, paddleboarding, and famous local oysters, with calm water for beginners.
Activity · 2.3 hr4.9
Chrysler Museum of Art
A free, world-class art museum in Norfolk with a renowned glass collection and a working glass studio, spanning 5,000 years of art.
Museum · 2.3 hr4.8
False Cape State Park
One of the last undisturbed coastlines on the East Coast, reachable only by foot, bike, or tram through Back Bay, rewarding the effort with empty beaches and wild ponies.
Park · 4.5 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The resort strip along Atlantic Avenue is walkable and bikeable, but the best nature and history sites are spread out, so a car makes the region much easier.
- Sandbridge and the southern refuges are a 30 minute drive from the oceanfront and feel worlds away, so plan a full half day for that area.
- Summer weekends and holidays pack the boardwalk and fill parking lots early; arrive before mid morning or use the trolley to skip the search.
- Pack for sun and sudden afternoon thunderstorms in summer, plus bug spray for the marshes at First Landing and Back Bay.
- Many day trips like Colonial Williamsburg and Norfolk are a short drive away, so build in driving time if you want to pair the beach with history.