Visit Virginia Beach like a local

From clean friendly beaches and fine dining to breweries and amusement parks, Virginia Beach is a bustling city in the summertime! And with so much to see and do, it’s hard to fit it all in during one trip. Not to worry! Here’s a handy guide to visiting Virginia Beach.

Alex Sumuel

Come during the summer

The ideal time to visit Virginia Beach is during the summer. Why? Because that’s when the water is just right! As well, that’s when the Oceanfront is in full swing - jet-skiing, paddleboarding, surfing, parasailing, fishing, charter boats, and more will be fully operational.

However, if you want to avoid the busiest month of the year, that would be July. And if you visit the Oceanfront during the colder months, many of the shops will be closed.

Alex Sumuel

See the ViBE Creative District

The ViBE Creative District in Virginia Beach is a fairly new project promoting local businesses, culture, and art. You’ll find businesses with meaningful and instagram-able murals painted on their side. You’ll find painted parking meters and art exhibits all along the streets. It’s a truly magical place and should definitely make it onto your must-visit list.

Try the seafood and the Orange Crush cocktail

While visiting Virginia Beach, seafood and an Orange Crush cocktail are a must! The Orange Crush Cocktail is a Baltimore, MD transplant and a local’s favorite. You’ll want to go to Waterman’s Surfside Grill, Chix Seaside Grill and Bar, or Rudee’s Cabana Bar for the ultimate seafood and Orange Crush experience.

Alex Sumuel

Check out a local brewery

For the last few years, breweries have been popping up all over the city. Some of our favorites include New Realm Brewing, Commonwealth Brewing Co., and Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Co. Each of these breweries offer large outdoor seating areas and entertainment.

Don’t skip the museums at Virginia Beach

Check out the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center if you’re in town with the kids. They’ll love you for it! They even have an adventure park which includes ziplining! And if you’re an art lover, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a beautiful ever-changing art museum that will bring you closer to humanity.

Alex Sumuel

Go shopping at Town Center

If you need a little retail therapy during your visit, you’ll want to go to Town Center. Located in downtown Virginia Beach, Town Center is filled with retail and local shopping. And right across the street, you have Pembroke Mall. Town Center also offers some of the city’s finest dining and hosts local events.

Take the light rail to Norfolk

Right at the border of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, on Newtown Road, sits a light rail station that will take you all the way to Norfolk! If you want to skip the ride, and the traffic, park and ride over to Norfolk, Virginia. The Light Rail will take you all around Downtown Norfolk. Another city on the water, Norfolk is filled with fun things to see and do.