Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this coastal city offers plenty of sun, surf, and sand, among other things to do. With a boardwalk stretching along the oceanfront, Virginia Beach attracts locals and visitors looking for a traditional Mid-Atlantic beach getaway. During the warmer months, art shows, musical performances, and festivals pop up along the boardwalk, while beyond the beach, travelers will find a range of things to do, including a bustling restaurant scene, hiking trails at First Landing State Park, and family-friendly entertainment.
Peak season in Virginia Beach is from late May to early September. This is when the city and beach will be the most crowded with families and vacationers since the summer is the only time you can genuinely enjoy the oceanfront here. The spring (March to mid-May) and fall (mid-September to November) seasons offer cooler but still pleasant temps and are good travel times for those travelers looking to venture beyond the beach.
The popular Virginia Beach Neptune Festival happens in late September, with daily concerts and performances from local, regional, and national recording artists, an arts & craft show, sand sculptures, and sporting competitions.
Most visitors travel to Virginia Beach by car. If you’re staying near the boardwalk, you can get around on foot, via bicycle, or with the VB Wave Trolley and Bayfront Shuttle services operated by Hampton Roads Transit and run from mid-May to Labor Day. But you may need to drive or grab a taxi to reach the town center or points of interests that are further out.
You’ll find the biggest crowds on Virginia Beach's main stretch of sand, next to the boardwalk. Head 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of the city's resort area to Sandbridge Beach for a quieter option. In addition to fewer tourists, this beach has facilities like restrooms, picnic pavilions, sports courts, a playground, and a fishing pier, making it a favorite spot for families.
