Virginia Beach covers the Atlantic Oceanfront, the calmer Chesapeake Bay beaches and the quieter shore at Sandbridge. On a first beach trip, stay by the Boardwalk. From the other districts, its restaurants and events are a separate ride.
At the Oceanfront, the Boardwalk runs from 2nd to 40th Street beside the Atlantic beach. Atlantic Avenue runs parallel with hotels and restaurants, and the Neptune statue stands on the central resort stretch. Rudee Inlet and the boat trips are at the southern end.
The Chesapeake Bay shore around Chic’s Beach has calmer water and is near First Landing State Park. Sandbridge sits south of the Oceanfront near Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Neither is a short walk from the Boardwalk.
Inland, Town Center has its own streets of shops, restaurants and performance venues. It is fine for business trips or a cheaper room, but you will drive to the ocean. For a family visit, find out which beach entrance is closest and how parking works before you pick a hotel.
Summer is hot and humid, and July highs at nearby Norfolk International Airport average about 89°F. Spring and fall are better for long walks on the Boardwalk and in the parks. The airport is about 20 miles from the Oceanfront by road, and summer traffic slows the drive.