Whenever you go to Virginia Beach, make sure to check out Oceanfront. Everything is happening at Virginia Beach Oceanfront – it’s the hub for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront refers to the three mile long boardwalk in southeast Virginia Beach on the Atlantic coast. It includes the boardwalk itself as well as Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue.
Here all holidaymakers and locals gather for walks on the promenade, food, entertainment and of course to spend a day on the beach. Since Virginia Beach is a resort town, the oceanfront is the main tourist attraction.
Here’s your guide, created in partnership with Hotels.com, to experiencing the best of the Virginia Beach coastline.
Getting Around in Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The best way to explore the seaside area is on foot. The long promenade and shopping streets are all pedestrian-friendly and perfect for walking.
However, if you don’t feel like running, you can hit the VB Wave & Bayfront Shuttle.
There are three routes:
- Route 30: Atlantic Avenue – From one end of Atlantic Avenue to the other.
- Route 31 Trolley: Aquarium and campsite – Ride the VB Wave south to campsites and tennis courts, fun parks, and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Take the Atlantic Avenue Shuttle for points north.
- Route 35:: Bayfront Shuttle – Seasonal service between Atlantic Avenue / 3rd Street and Shore Drive / Pleasure House Road in Virginia Beach. Route 35 will serve the Oceanfront, First Landing State Park, North End Beaches, Cheseake Bay Beaches, and Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive.
You can buy your tickets for the VB Wave on the GoHRT p.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront Attractions
Here are the top seaside attractions not to be missed.
Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic Avenue is an entertainment hub in the Virginia Beach Oceanfront District. From live music and street performers to street cafes and grocery sellers.
It’s also the place to go to do your shopping, from charming local boutique clothing stores to souvenir shops. It’s a shoppers paradise! Some of the stores to look out for are Bargain Beachwear and True Woman.
Also on Atlantic Avenue is the Living! On Atlantic Free Summer Concert Serieswhere the performers put on free shows throughout the season. Note that this event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. You have not yet announced any dates for 2021.
Rudee Inlet marina
The Rudee Inlet is located at the southern end of the coast and is the ideal place for all water sports activities. Some of these include fishing charters, jet skiing, parasailing, and even waterfront dining!
The marina is suitable for yachts up to 100 feet with fixed and floating deep water piers protected by Rudee Inlet. You can find many fishing boats here. So watch out for the fishermen to see the day’s catch.
Rudee’s Inlet Station Marina is a five-minute walk from the boardwalk. Nearby are the public golf courses, tennis courts, shopping, and the Virginia Aquarium. It’s an outdoor activity paradise!
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach Boardwalk was voted among the best goodrDwalks in America from CNN. It’s a 28 foot wide boardwalk that stretches for three miles! It is ideal for long walks or runs or for cycling and inline skating as there is a separate bike path. If you don’t have your own bike, there are plenty of vendors and even some restaurants that offer bike rental.
During the summer months, four stages are set up on the promenade at 7th, 17th, 24th and 31st Streets, offering live music and entertainment.
Atlantic Fun Park
The Atlantic Fun Park is located right on the boardwalk on 15th Street and has a range of family rides and food stalls. It is a seasonal amusement park that is only open during the summer months. It wasn’t open in 2020 but be careful what time they’ll be open next.
The park usually has around 16 different rides, including go-karting and a variety of family-friendly rides.
The King Neptune statue
The King Neptune statue is the most famous statue on the boardwalk. He is over 30 feet tall and holds a gigantic loggerhead turtle with two dolphins behind him and an octopus to his left. Located on the Virginia Beach boardwalk overlooking Neptune’s Park on 31st Street, you won’t miss it!
The Norwegian lady
The Norwegian woman is another statue on the promenade that is located at 25th Street and promenade. Overlooking the ocean, the statue pays homage to everyone who died at sea.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront Restaurants
There is a good selection of restaurants near the coast, including a mix of the usual fast food and more traditional restaurants. Some of the more traditional restaurants serve seafood and grilled dishes or Italian dishes.
Some of the seafood restaurants near Rudee Inlet include Big Sam’s Raw Bar, Rockafeller’s, or Rudee is at the inlet. Other long standing seafood restaurants include Tautog’s and Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Doc Taylors is another old favorite that offers great breakfast and diner style dinner.
Other great sea view restaurants include: Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill, Chix Seaside Grille & Bar and Ocean House.
If you’re not looking for a full meal, you can grab a hot dog from the street stalls or buy an ice cream cone at one of the many ice cream parlors. Or go to the famous one Milk Queen on the promenade for their popular banana splits.
There are also some great bakeries and delis. May’s Parlor sells a delicious mix of sweet and savory treats, including locally sourced dairy, meat and cheese. Be sure to try the delicious macarons in interesting flavors such as Back Bay Brewing Co. Strawberry & Basil Beer.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotels
Accommodation options are plentiful along the coast, with a wide variety of Virginia Beach hotels and motels. Choose to stay in one of the The best neighborhoods to stay in Virgina Beach.
Some options are:
Luxury: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
This hotel is located right on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a short walk from the beach. It has a rooftop infinity pool, two restaurants, and a rooftop bar. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with all the amenities you need. Some have balconies overlooking the beach.
Family-friendly: Boardwalk by Diamond Resorts
Ideally located in the heart of it all, in the center of Virginia Beach’s famous boardwalk. It’s a great option for families with the option of studio rooms, as well as one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom suites. The larger rooms have a fully equipped kitchen and a private balcony. The resort also has a fitness center with ocean views, an on-site restaurant, an indoor heated pool, and a hot tub.
Budget-friendly: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
The affordable Country Inn & Suites by Radisson has all the comforts you could want. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with standard amenities (some have a sea view). All rates include a free hot breakfast. It’s right on the beach and steps from the Virginia Beach boardwalk.
Ready for Summer in Virginia Beach Oceanfront?
Virginia Beach Oceanfront is an ideal summer vacation. It’s just right for a seaside vacation: beautiful beach, great restaurants, long boardwalk for evening walks, shops and summer entertainment. Stay in the middle of the action with a wide variety of oceanfront hotels in Virginia Beach!
If you love the outdoors, check out our post on the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail and spend a day in the great outdoors while in Virginia Beach.
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