Itinerary Suggestions: Virginia Beach

-Hour Layover Highlights

Start with a walk on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, seeing the iconic King Neptune Statue and ocean views.

Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for an engaging indoor activity.

Quick Highlights

Relax on the beach or explore the ViBe Creative District for local art.
Enjoy dinner at an oceanfront seafood restaurant.
GetYourGuide offers short excursions to maximize your layover.

Weekend & Week-Long Plans

Tailor your visit for a memorable short break or comprehensive exploration.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Day 1 (Arrival & Oceanfront): Check into your hotel. Explore the Boardwalk. Enjoy dinner at Catch 31. Experience the nightlife if desired.

Weekend Experience

Day 2 (Nature & Culture): Dedicate your morning to First Landing State Park for hiking or biking. Spend the afternoon at the Virginia Aquarium. In the evening, explore the ViBe Creative District.
Day 3 (Leisure & Departure): Relax on the beach for a few hours. Visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Enjoy a final meal before departure.

Consider booking experiences in advance.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Days 1-2: Virginia Beach Core: Deeply explore the Oceanfront, Boardwalk, ViBe District, Virginia Aquarium, and Cape Henry Lighthouse. Spend ample time enjoying the beach.

Full Week Immersion

Day 3: Nature & Outdoors: Dedicate a full day to exploring First Landing State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or False Cape State Park (if you seek adventure).
Day 4: Norfolk Excursion: Take a day trip to Norfolk. Visit Nauticus (with the Battleship Wisconsin), the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Day 5: Historic Triangle Day Trip: Plan a day trip to Colonial Williamsburg and/or Jamestown/Yorktown. Immerse yourself in early American history.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience Continued

Day 6: Chesapeake Bay Side: Explore Chic's Beach. Enjoy its calmer waters and local seafood shacks. Consider a water activity like kayaking on the bay.

Extended Exploration

Day 7: Leisure & Departure: Enjoy a last chance for beach time, souvenir shopping, or revisit a favorite spot before heading home.
Two-week in-depth exploration: Combine the one-week itinerary with multi-day extensions to the Outer Banks, Richmond, or even further into the Shenandoah Valley.

Long-Term Stay

For extended visits, focus on renting a vacation home or apartment.

Local Living

Utilize local grocery stores for cooking your meals.
Explore less touristy neighborhoods.
Take advantage of local events and community activities to experience life like a local.

Budget-Based Plans

Virginia Beach accommodates various budgets with careful planning.

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in budget motels or campgrounds. Utilize free beach access and the boardwalk. Self-cater meals. Use HRT public transit or bikes. Focus on free attractions.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Stay in mid-range hotels. Balance paid attractions with free ones. Enjoy a mix of casual and mid-range restaurants. Use rideshares or a rental car for convenience.

Luxury Experience Plan

Stay at The Cavalier or other luxury oceanfront resorts. Indulge in fine dining. Opt for private tours and spa treatments. Enjoy premium water activities.

Itinerary Advice

Remember that these are suggestions; adapt them to your interests and pace.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to match your specific interests in Virginia Beach.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse, First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum, and the Adam Thoroughgood House.

History Immersion

Plan day trips to the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown).
Richmond for historical context.

Dive deep into early American history.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Focus on Oceanfront seafood restaurants and Chic's Beach seafood shacks for fresh catches.

Gourmet Adventures

Explore Town Center for fine dining.
ViBe Creative District for unique cafes and breweries.
Virginia Beach Farmers Market for local produce.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Engage in surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Outdoor Thrills

Explore hiking trails in state parks.
Take dolphin or whale watching tours.
Enjoy cycling the boardwalk and various city trails.

Adventures await both on land and sea.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Spend time on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk (rides, arcade).

Fun for All Ages

Visit the Virginia Aquarium and Ocean Breeze Waterpark (seasonal).
Enjoy mini-golf and fishing from a pier.
Dedicate time to building sandcastles on the beach.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Explore the ViBe Creative District for street art and galleries.

Creative Discoveries

Visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
Appreciate the historic architecture of The Cavalier Hotel.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Enjoy peaceful beach walks and meditation sessions.

Rejuvenate Your Soul

Take yoga classes offered at local studios.
Indulge in spa treatments.
Spend quiet time in natural refuges for contemplation.

Custom Travel Tip

Remember, your Virginia Beach itinerary can be as unique as you are. Mix and match experiences to create your perfect trip.

Seasonal & Value Travel

Discover Virginia Beach in every season and find options for every budget.

Summer Highlights

Enjoy extensive beach and water sports (swimming, surfing, jet skiing).

Summer Fun

Experience lively boardwalk entertainment and free concerts.
Attend major events like the Neptune Festival.

The Oceanfront comes alive.

Winter Highlights

Take whale watching tours for an unique marine encounter.

Winter Charm

Enjoy quieter beaches for peaceful walks.
Experience holiday events, like the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach.
Benefit from lower prices for accommodation.

Festival & Event-Centered Visits

Plan your visit around major events.

Summer Festivals

Neptune Festival (September).
East Coast Surfing Championships (August).

Art & Culture

Boardwalk Art Show (June).
Check the official event calendar for specific dates.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Focus on museums, indoor attractions, and the culinary scene.

Quiet Charm

Enjoy quiet nature walks in parks and refuges with fewer crowds.
Benefit from significantly lower prices.
Experience a more relaxed atmosphere.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Visit during shoulder season for lower prices.

Budget Smart

Book accommodations with kitchenettes to prepare some meals.
Prioritize free attractions.
Pack a reusable water bottle to save on drinks.
Look for restaurant happy hour deals.

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Whether short or long, budget-friendly or luxurious, Virginia Beach has an itinerary awaiting you.

Itinerary Suggestions