Ocean, bay or Sandbridge
Pick the Atlantic Oceanfront for the Boardwalk, the Chesapeake Bay for calmer water, or Sandbridge for a quieter shore. They are a drive apart, so choose the district first.
from $57/night258 hotels compared
2800 Shore Drive
8.1Very Good994 reviews
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$130/night
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2901 Atlantic Avenue
7.6Good1,143 reviews
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$115/night
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1307 Atlantic Avenue
7.7Good2,110 reviews
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215 Atlantic Avenue
8.4Very Good1,385 reviews
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5641 Indian River Road
8.5Fabulous371 reviews
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3401 Atlantic Avenue
7.5Good693 reviews
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258 hotels compared
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.
The Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue run past the Neptune statue around 31st Street, with restaurants and beach entrances close by. Stay here for a first beach trip and an easy walk between the sand and dinner. Summer evenings are busy.
Around here: Virginia Beach Boardwalk, King Neptune statue, Atlantic Avenue
The Boardwalk’s southern end approaches Rudee Inlet, where the fishing charters and waterfront restaurants are. Virginia Aquarium is inland from here. Pick it for boat trips and a quieter end of the resort strip. Central Boardwalk events are a longer walk.
Around here: Rudee Inlet, Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
North of the busiest resort blocks, beach neighborhoods lead toward First Landing State Park and Cape Henry. Hotels are sparser here and the Boardwalk is farther away, so plan a drive or ride for restaurants and events.
Around here: First Landing State Park, Cape Henry Lighthouse, North End Beach
The Bay side has gentler water than the Atlantic Oceanfront. It is close to First Landing State Park and gets the Bay sunsets, but the Boardwalk and resort events are a separate trip.
Around here: Chic’s Beach, Chesapeake Bay, First Landing State Park
Sandbridge lies south of the resort Oceanfront, near Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Its beach is quieter and more residential. Pick it for a slow shore stay, and bring a car for most meals and trips to the Boardwalk.
Around here: Sandbridge Beach, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, False Cape State Park
Town Center has shops, dining and performance venues away from the ocean. It is useful for business or inland errands and closer to the airport route, but a beach day means driving or taking a ride east.
Around here: Virginia Beach Town Center, Sandler Center, I-264
The beach is warmest from June through September, and July highs average near 89°F at Norfolk airport. Spring and fall are cooler for walks on the Boardwalk, at First Landing and at Back Bay. In summer, plan around the afternoon heat and showers.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is about 20 miles west of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. I-264 leads to the resort area, and a taxi, rideshare or rental car is the simplest airport transfer.
20 mi from downtown
From ORF it is a taxi, rideshare or rental car to the Oceanfront, the Bay shore or Sandbridge. How long the drive takes depends on summer traffic and which district your hotel is in.
The central Oceanfront. The Boardwalk, beach entrances and Atlantic Avenue restaurants are close enough to use without a car each day.
No. Sandbridge is a separate beach district south of the resort Oceanfront. Plan a drive for Boardwalk events and restaurants.
There are 258 Virginia Beach hotels, and the least you will pay is $57. Ask about parking if you are bringing a car.
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