Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for its beaches. However, there’s plenty of other things to in Virginia Beach, whether you prefer to relax on the scenic beaches, discover new places to eat or try something new. Here is a three-day itinerary for your Virginia Beach vacation, plus some alternative activities in case of rainy skies.
Day One
Morning
What to do: Wake up early and head out to catch the sunrise along Virginia Beach’s gorgeous oceanfront for a serene morning. Then go on a dolphin tour or whale-watching excursion with AquaMan Sportfishing Charters or head to First Landing State Park to hike, swim the Chesapeake Bay and explore the beaches that are rumored to hide Blackbeard’s legendary pirate treasure.
In case of rain: Sleep in a little then head to Oceanfront Yoga for a drop-in class to stretch your muscles and center yourself.
Where to eat: Join the locals at Doc Taylor’s Restaurant, a Virginia Beach breakfast staple.
Afternoon
What to do: Mount Trashmore is more than just a public park, as the name suggests. Virginia Beach converted a landfill into a park with a playground, fishing areas, picnic shelters and scenic spots for views of Lake Trashmore. Or practice your swing at Topgolf Virginia Beach.
In case of rain: Treat yourself to a manicure, facial or massage at Flowering Almond Spa, then shop for vintage treasures at Virginia Beach Antique Mall.
Where to eat: Order a quick bite from Kolache Factory, and fill up on handmade pastries with sweet and savory fillings to satisfy every craving.
Evening
What to do: Explore Virginia Beach Boardwalk, including the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum and Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Unleash your creativity at Splash House, where you can toss paint onto canvas to make one-of-a-kind pieces.
Where to eat: Snag a seat at The Shack to enjoy relaxed beachy ambiance, yard games and boozy slushes. For something more upscale, Orion’s Roof is a rooftop restaurant with panoramic oceanfront views of Virginia Beach’s gorgeous shores and succulent seafood. End the night on a (sugar) high with over-the-top, handmade milkshakes from The Sweet Spot.
Day Two
Morning
What to do: Grab a towel and sunscreen for Sandbridge Beach and share the secluded beach with in-the-know Virginia locals.
Where to eat: Fuel up Virginia-Beach-style at Baja Coffee Co. Fellow travelers recommend trying the cinnamon rolls and breakfast wraps for breakfast to go.
Afternoon
What to do: Choose your own adventure False Cape State Park, where you can hike, bike, boat or paddle between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Or try your hand at nature photography on a guided tour of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, home to beachfront birds, marsh-dwelling mammals, dune-scrambling reptiles and freshwater fish.
In case of rain: Learn something new at the Military Aviation Museum, one of the largest collections of vintage aircraft.
Where to eat: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park or head inland a little to Lucky Oyster Seafood Grill — after all, Virginia is the oyster capital of the East Coast.
Evening
What to do: Want to feel like you’re on a cruise without leaving the beach? Beachside Social is an ocean-liner-themed games bar with shuffleboard, bocce, board games and cocktails.
Where to eat: Mojito Cafe specializes in Puerto Rican and Cuban fusion. Sample mojitos, maduros and more just two blocks from the beach.
Day Three
Morning
What to do: Cool off at Ocean Breeze Waterpark, choose from over 30 slides or relax on an inner tube. For more thrills, try ziplining and tree-climbing courses at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium.
In case of rain: Take a peek at life under the sea at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Explore the aquarium to see over 300 species of animals from sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, Komodo dragons and otters.
Where to eat: Brunch at Bay Local for mimosas, crab cakes and rum-soaked French toast.
Afternoon
What to do: Check out Croatoan Beach for a hidden gem and local spot for surfers and boogie boarders.
Where to eat: Nosh on New York-style pizza at North End Pizza and enjoy on Virginia Beach’s oceanfront.
Evening
What to do: Once the sun sets, learn about Virginia Beach’s history of pirates, witches and other spirits, and visit the area’s most haunted sites on a ghost tour from Neptune Ghosts. Then imbibe the other kind of spirits at Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, a local craft distillery operated in a luxury hotel. Try a distillery tour and tasting for a more in-depth experience.
Where to eat: Finish your three-day getaway with a spectacular outdoor dinner from The Porch On Long Creek or enjoy Happy Hour by a fire pit at Hot Tuna.
Where To Stay In Virginia Beach
While there are plenty of places to stay in Virginia Beach, Hilton Grand Vacations has two oceanfront resorts to enjoy: Oceanaire, a Hilton Vacation Club and Ocean Beach Club, a Hilton Vacation Club. Enjoy ocean views from sparkling pools, fully equipped kitchens and spacious rooms for everyone in your travel party.
Read “8 Most Instagrammable Places To Visit On Your Virginia Beach Vacation” for more picturesque attractions.