Virginia Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A crowded beach with colorful umbrellas and tents, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.
A wooden pier extending into calm waters at sunset.
A wooden pier extending into calm waters at sunset.
A teal bicycle parked against a wooden fence on a wooden deck.
A sandy beach with people walking and sitting, a city skyline in the background, and a calm sea.

Inspect the historic monuments, hike through the maze-like trails of the parks and relax on the long and sandy beach.

Virginia Beach has a wide and lively boardwalk at the back of its 3-mile (5-kilometre) stretch of sand. The town contains several state parks and a vast refuge with freshwater lakes and a diverse terrain. Visit Virginia Beach for a combination of dynamic culture, historic landmarks and relaxing parks.

Stroll past the many shops and restaurants of the beachside boulevard and enjoy the vista of the Atlantic Ocean. Reach Neptune’s ParkOpens in a new window, a cultural cornerstone of the city, with regular open-air summer concerts. It is marked by the exceptional King Neptune, a large sculpture of the muscular god of the sea.

For a sense of the history of this oceanfront city, visit the fascinating Old Coast Guard StationOpens in a new window. The museum sheds light on the rescue techniques of the lifesaving service.

Consider how the city also looks toward the future, with innovation exemplified by Mount Trashmore ParkOpens in a new window. The site has been entirely transformed from an abandoned landfill into a green, hilly park flanked by two lakes. Follow the walking trail and pause for a picnic atop a former landfill mountain.

Explore the outer regions of the city for its vast and varied parks. Go to the Back Bay National Wildlife RefugeOpens in a new window to spot deer, horses, snow geese and tundra swans. Ride the tram for a tour through the park toward the picturesque False Cape State ParkOpens in a new window.

Cycle along the trails of First Landing State ParkOpens in a new window. Work on your tan at the beach on one of the area’s typically hot and humid summer days. Winters bring occasional snow flurries, but mostly mild temperatures.

The city is near Cape Henry, which stands at the confluence of Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is near the border with North Carolina in Virginia’s southeastern corner. Fly to Norfolk International Airport and drive east for 17 miles (27 kilometres) to reach the city. You can also get around by bus or train.

Virginia Beach is a place with vast parks with varied topography, intriguing museums and a lively beach scene.

Our guide on where to stay in Virginia Beach

Find the best Virginia Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Virginia Beach
Learn more about Virginia Beach

Sandbridge

Beaches and parks are just a few things travellers like about Sandbridge. A stop by Sandbridge Beach is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Virginia Beach Town Center

You'll love the stunning beaches in Virginia Beach Town Center, and you might want to stick around to check out Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, a top place to visit.

Chic's Beach

While visiting Chic's Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Chesapeake Beach and Little Creek Beach.

Northeast Virginia Beach

If you're spending some time in Northeast Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park and Neptune Statue are top sights worth seeing.

Croatan Beach

While visiting Croatan Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Sandbridge Beach and Croatan Beach.

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront

3 out of 5
5700 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach VA
The price is AU$262 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$262
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,902 reviews)
"Staff could be seen everywhere - all were nice and helpful. The pool had tiles falling off in multiple places. The pools are very small and the outdoor only has ladder access. Our room was decent, but there were stains on the wallpaper in the bathroom, holes in the curtains and the floor lamp was ..."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center by IHG

Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center by IHG

3.5 out of 5
4453 Bonney Rd Virginia Beach VA
The price is AU$221 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
AU$221
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center by IHG
Ocean Resort

Ocean Resort

2.5 out of 5
Atlantic Avenue,2417 Virginia Beach VA
The price is AU$224 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
AU$224
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,627 reviews)
"To start I can say we very much enjoyed our stay. Our balcony was literally right over the beach and we had an excellent view of the ocean. Our room was very clean and well appointed. The hotel is an old property, not well maintained. There was a lot of visible repair areas and deferred maintenance. ..."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Ocean Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort

The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort

3 out of 5
424 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach VA
Stay at this aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
The Ocean Key Virginia Beach Resort
The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

3.5 out of 5
315 21st St Virginia Beach VA
Stay at this aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,569 reviews)
"Good for the price. Good distance to the beach and boardwalk. Rooms were sandy when we checked in."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

The Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia

4 out of 5
2207 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach VA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Virginia Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,345 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful. Beach view was excellent! Common areas were very clean and well kept. Room was smaller than expected. Once the fold out couch/bed was open there was limited space to move from bedroom to the bathroom. Internet was disappointing, couldn't access on balcony and ..."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Ocean Sands Resort, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach by Vacatia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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