Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach stretches across Southside Hampton Roads on the mainland where the Chesapeake Bay hits the Atlantic Ocean. The city divides cleanly into distinct strips: the commercial Oceanfront resort zone, quiet bay beaches to the north, and protected marshland to the south. You need a car or ride-hailing app to move between these pockets, as public transit is limited outside the resort core. Expect broad sandy beaches, heavy military jet presence from NAS Oceana, and exceptional local seafood.

Virginia Beach seafood centers on local estuaries like the Lynnhaven River and Chesapeake Bay. Blue crabs and local oysters dominate seasonal menus across the Southside mainland.

• Orange Crush Cocktail

  The city's signature drink combines fresh-squeezed orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda over crushed ice.

• Lynnhaven Oysters

  Locally harvested oysters known for a crisp balance of saltiness and sweetness. Sample them raw at spots around Lynnhaven Inlet.

• She-Crab Soup

  A thick coastal bisque made from blue crab meat, female crab roe, heavy cream, and a dash of dry sherry.

Virginia Beach evolved from an isolated 17th-century landfall into a rail-connected 19th-century beach resort and modern military hub.

1. 1607

   English Landfall

   English settlers make initial landfall at Cape Henry before sailing inland to establish Jamestown.

2. 1888

   Resort Era Begins

   The opening of the Princess Anne Hotel and rail service sparks the resort boom along the Atlantic shore.

3. 1963

   City Merger

   Virginia Beach merges with Princess Anne County, forming the large modern city boundaries.

Choose your base based on your transit plans and desired noise level. High-rise resort hotels cluster at the Oceanfront, while quiet rental homes sit in Sandbridge and the Bay.

• Families with small childrenChesapeake Bay / Chic's Beach — Calmer waters without ocean surf and a quieter residential atmosphere.
• Business travellersTown Center — Central regional access, corporate offices, and inland dining towers.
• Large groups and long staysSandbridge — Spacious oceanfront vacation homes away from high-rise hotel strips.

Virginia Beach is geographically widespread. Public transit is limited to local buses and the seasonal VB Wave trolley at the Oceanfront, so cars remain necessary for cross-city trips.

• Seasonal shuttle running along Atlantic Avenue between 1st and 40th streets every 15 minutes during summer.

• Local bus system. Exact change or the GOPass smartphone app is required to pay onboard fares.

• City-owned garages on 9th, 19th, and 31st streets charge flat daily rates; cheaper than street meters.

• Rent a cruiser or quad-cycle; bikes must stay inside the painted red asphalt lane.

Prices peak sharply between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Expect higher lodging and parking fees along the Oceanfront resort strip during summer months.

• Oceanfront municipal parking: $10–20/day

  Rates vary by garage location and whether you arrive on weekends.

• She-Crab Soup bowl: $9–14

  Standard appetizer price across most coastal seafood restaurants.

• Orange Crush cocktail: $9–12

  Served in pint glasses with freshly squeezed fruit juice.

• Boardwalk cruiser bike rental: $12–18/hr

  Hourly rates for standard single-rider beach bicycles.

• Jet Noise

  Naval Air Station Oceana operates F/A-18 jets that fly regularly overhead; locals refer to the sound as freedom.

• Cape Henry Access

  To visit Cape Henry Lighthouse inside Fort Story, visitors 16 and older must show valid government photo ID.

• Boardwalk Paths

  The boardwalk separates pedestrian paths from bicycle lanes; walking in the bike lane causes collisions.

• Bay vs Ocean Water

  Chesapeake Bay beaches feature minor ripples, while Atlantic beaches produce true ocean surf and rip currents.

• Public Alcohol Rules

  Open alcohol containers are prohibited on public beaches and boardwalk paths outside licensed bar patios.