Virginia Beach in 3 days

Where the bay meets the ocean: a lively three-mile boardwalk, wide beaches and coastal nature. Best time to visit: May-September (warm) & shoulder months for fewer crowds. Average daily budget: $120 to $250 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: The Oceanfront & Boardwalk, The lively heart of the resort, a three-mile boardwalk lined with hotels, restaurants and the King Neptune statue.

Morning: Stroll the three-mile Boardwalk. Walk, cycle or skate the lively oceanfront promenade past the King Neptune statue.

Afternoon: Explore The Oceanfront & Boardwalk, The lively heart of the resort, a three-mile boardwalk lined with hotels, restaurants and the King Neptune statue.

Evening: Relax on the beaches. Enjoy the wide ocean sands of the resort area or the calmer Chesapeake Bay shores.

Eat: Fresh Chesapeake Bay crab and oysters

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: ViBe Creative District, An artsy area of murals, studios, breweries and farm-to-table restaurants near the oceanfront.

Morning: Explore First Landing State Park. Hike the trails through cypress swamp and maritime forest where English colonists first landed.

Afternoon: Explore ViBe Creative District, An artsy area of murals, studios, breweries and farm-to-table restaurants near the oceanfront.

Evening: Visit the Virginia Aquarium. A top marine science centre with sea turtles, sharks and seasonal dolphin and whale-watching trips.

Eat: Coastal Virginia seafood

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Chesapeake Bay Beaches, Calmer, family-friendly bayside shores like Chic's Beach, popular with locals.

Morning: Discover the ViBe Creative District. Browse murals and studios and sample the local brewery and food scene.

Afternoon: Explore Chesapeake Bay Beaches, Calmer, family-friendly bayside shores like Chic's Beach, popular with locals.

Evening: The wild horses and maritime forest of Back Bay and False Cape.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Farm-to-table dining in the ViBe District

Hidden gems

The wild horses and maritime forest of Back Bay and False Cape.
Sunrise over the Atlantic from the fishing pier.
Kayaking the calm waters and marshes around Sandbridge.
The Cape Henry Lighthouses at the tip of the bay.

Getting around

The Virginia Beach oceanfront and boardwalk are very walkable and bike-friendly, with a seasonal trolley running along Atlantic Avenue. To reach the Chesapeake Bay beaches, First Landing, Sandbridge, the aquarium and Town Center, however, a car or rideshare is needed, as the city is spread out. Most visitors find a car the easiest way to combine the oceanfront with the parks, nature areas and nearby Norfolk.

Safety

Virginia Beach is a generally safe, family-oriented resort city, with normal precautions sufficient, especially at night around the busy oceanfront and nightlife. The main risks are environmental: use sun protection, stay hydrated, watch for rip currents and heed beach flags and lifeguards when swimming. Hurricane season runs June to November, so monitor forecasts in late summer and early autumn, and take care in the wilder, less patrolled natural areas.

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