Virginia Beach

Where ocean meets vibrant culture

Virginia Beach stretches along a wide stretch of Atlantic shoreline in southeastern Virginia. The city features a long boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and colorful street art. Miles of sand attract visitors for swimming, surfing or simply walking barefoot at sunrise. Local parks provide space for biking, picnics and watching dolphins near the shore. Historic sites like Cape Henry Lighthouse highlight centuries of maritime history. The area also hosts annual festivals celebrating music, food and local culture throughout the year.

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City in United States

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 8.0

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	8
Tap water:	8

Read details

5/5

English is the primary language spoken throughout Virginia Beach. All locals, service providers, and tourism staff are fluent English speakers, making communication completely seamless for English-speaking visitors.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Virginia Beach Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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‘Suited for’ badges:
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Excellent for beaches and seaside activities. Relax on long sandy shores, cycle along the boardwalk, try surfing and kayaking and enjoy restaurants and nightlife.

Place score

7.2

Best at:

Sea

Beaches

Aquariums

Fishing

Large cities

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Virginia Beach, United States

🌤️

Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

☀️

May

☀️

Jun

🔥

Jul

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Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

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Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	8 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Hurricane season June to November, peak risk late August to September

Many oceanfront hotels cut services and some restaurants close from October to April

Neptune Festival around Labor Day weekend in early September brings big crowds to the Oceanfront

Don't miss

🚶‍♂️ Stroll the lively Virginia Beach Boardwalk and watch street performers
🐠 Explore marine life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
🌊 Climb Cape Henry Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views
🏖️ Relax on sandy shores of peaceful Sandbridge Beach
✈️ Visit the Military Aviation Museum for historic aircraft exhibits
🎨 Discover vibrant street art in the ViBe Creative District

You've been here?

Why travel to Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach rewards visitors with an exceptional coastal experience that balances natural beauty with family-friendly entertainment. The city's crown jewel is its pristine shoreline, offering three distinct beach experiences: the lively Oceanfront with its famous boardwalk and entertainment, the calmer waters of Chesapeake Bay Beach perfect for families with young children and the more secluded Sandbridge Beach for those seeking tranquility. Beyond sun and sand, the city boasts an impressive array of attractions from the interactive Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to the fascinating Military Aviation Museum, ensuring there's something to engage visitors of all ages. What makes Virginia Beach particularly special is how it seamlessly blends outdoor adventures with cultural experiences. Nature enthusiasts can explore First Landing State Park, where English colonists first set foot in 1607 or observe wildlife at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Meanwhile, the emerging ViBe Creative District showcases local artists and the city's culinary scene highlights fresh seafood and farm-to-table offerings. The best times to visit are late spring (May to mid-June) and early fall (mid-September to October) when you'll find pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and better hotel rates compared to the peak summer season when beaches can become crowded and accommodation prices surge.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Boardwalk
2 Cape Henry Lighthouse
3 The Old Coast Guard Station
4 Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
5 Military Aviation Museum
6 King Neptune Statue
7 Edgar Cayce's A.R.E.

🎡Places for activities

1 Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel
2 Sandbridge Beach
3 Atlantic Fun Park
4 Neptune's Park

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 First Landing State Park
2 Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
3 Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel
4 Rudee Inlet
5 Lake Lawson
6 Lake Smith
7 Cypress Swamp Trail
8 Pleasure House Point Natural Area
9 False Cape State Park

🛍️Shopping

1 The Virginia Beach Farmers Market
2 Pembroke Square
3 Virginia Beach Town Center
4 Lynnhaven Mall
5 Regency Hilltop Shopping Center
6 Hilltop East Shopping Center
7 Red Mill Commons
8 La Promenade Distinctive Shoppes

🎈Events

Neptune Festival
Something in the Water Music Festival
East Coast Surfing Championship
Boardwalk Art Show
Pungo Strawberry Festival
Holiday Lights at the Beach
Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival
Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic
American Music Festival
Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Stay oceanfront. Walk to boardwalk, beach and nightlife.
Visit Virginia Aquarium early morning; avoid peak crowds and see active marine life.
Rent bikes for the three-mile Boardwalk; stop at statues, parks and live music spots.
Head to Sandbridge Beach for quieter sands, seals in winter and local seafood shacks.

How to travel to Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is easily accessible by various transportation methods. For air travelers, Norfolk International Airport is the closest major airport, located about 20 minutes from Virginia Beach. If you're driving, the city is connected to major highways including I-64 and I-264, making it accessible from many East Coast locations. Bus services like Greyhound also provide connections to Virginia Beach. Once you arrive, you'll find various transportation options to help you explore the city, from rental cars to public transportation. For detailed information on transportation options to and around Virginia Beach, visit the official tourism website.

Access summary

From Norfolk Airport (ORF): Taxi, rideshare or bus, around 25–35 minutes.
From Norfolk city: Drive or local transit across Hampton Roads, roughly 30–45 minutes.
From Washington, DC: Drive I‑95/I‑64 or Amtrak thruway bus, about 4–6 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach offers diverse accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Oceanfront hotels along the boardwalk provide direct beach access and stunning views but command premium prices, especially during summer months. The Chesapeake Bay area offers more family-oriented accommodations with calmer beaches, while Sandbridge features vacation rentals perfect for longer stays. Budget-conscious travelers might consider hotels slightly inland or visiting during shoulder seasons (May-early June or September-October) when rates are significantly lower. For a unique experience, camping is available at First Landing State Park, offering a natural setting with beach access. Regardless of where you stay, booking well in advance is essential during peak summer season.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

The Schooner Inn

8.8

Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront

7.5

Days Inn by Wyndham Norfolk Airport

7.7

Garner Virginia Beach North By IHG

8.0

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Virginia Beach (Oceanfront)

8.5

Extended Stay America Suites - Norfolk - Virginia Beach

7.9

Quality Inn Chesapeake - Greenbrier

8.1

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Norfolk Virginia Beach

7.8

Hilton Vacation Club Ocean Beach Club Virginia Beach

8.4

The Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

8.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach's compact center and main beachfront area (about 2 square miles) is easily walkable, with the oceanfront boardwalk offering separate lanes for walking and cycling. For longer distances, several transportation options are available. The HRT public bus system, VB Wave Trolleys and Bayfront Shuttles provide affordable transportation throughout the city and even to neighboring Norfolk. Routes 30 and 31 of the VB Wave Trolley service the beachfront area, while Route 35 (Bayfront Shuttle) connects to the Bayside area. Cycling is another excellent option with over 100 miles of trails throughout the city and bike rentals are widely available. For those preferring more flexibility, taxis, rideshares (Uber and Lyft) and rental cars are readily available, though traffic can be congested on Pacific and Atlantic avenues during peak season.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+3 %

Daily expenses in Virginia Beach are around 3% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£67	£159	£473
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£30	£75	£225
🍝 Food per day	£31	£77	£224
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£6	£23

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£35
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£14
🍟 Fast food combo	£9
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£10.50
☕ Cappuccino	£4.50
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.60

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.50
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£14
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£9
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£95
🤧 Cold medication	£7
💇 Basic haircut	£14

Safety information overview

General safety

Virginia Beach is generally safe for tourists with relatively low crime rates. Exercise standard precautions, especially in crowded areas along the boardwalk during peak season. Beach safety is important - always heed lifeguard warnings and be aware of rip currents when swimming.

Health & Medical

Healthcare facilities in Virginia Beach are modern and readily available. The city has several hospitals and urgent care centers equipped to handle medical emergencies. During summer months, be cautious of heat exhaustion and sunburn. Jellyfish stings can occasionally occur in warmer waters.

Accessibility

Virginia Beach has made significant efforts to improve accessibility. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and Grommet Island Park offers an accessible playground. Many hotels provide accessible rooms and beach wheelchairs are available for rent. Some natural areas may present challenges for those with mobility limitations.

Tap water

Tap water in Virginia Beach is safe to drink and meets all federal and state quality standards. Public water fountains can be found along the boardwalk and in major attractions. During extremely hot days, carrying a reusable water bottle is recommended to stay hydrated.