A:

Hi Anne,

The Chesapeake Bay is just a few miles (approx 5-8) from the Virginia Beach oceanfront.  If you travel north from the Virginia Beach oceanfront and drive on Atlantic or Pacific Avenue through Seashore State Park (or First Landing State Park) you will come to a section of road referred to locally as “Shore Drive”.  Shore Drive is a local’s favorite area.  Locals flock to the Chesapeake Bay beaches on weekends and we have our own “mini-vacation” away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the oceanfront beaches.  The restaurants along this stretch are also very popular.

There are a few hotels along this stretch but since it is moslty locals, there aren’t many.  The largest hotel on Shore Drive is the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center.  There is also a Travelodge Hotel a few blocks farther down the road.

If you decide that you just want to visit for the afternoon and not stay in a hotel, the only problem you might have is comfortable parking.  Most of the side streets along the Shore Drive area are residential areas.  That isn’t to say that you won’t find a spot along the street near the beach, but we are simply saying that there is no common area to park for beachgoers who simply want to visit for part of the day.

If you want to completely get away and feel secluded, you can always stay or visit at the First Landing State Park campgrounds and it is just a short walk the beaches that form Cape Henry (at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay).

Whatever you decide, there is something for everyone in Virginia Beach. Let us know what you found along Shore Drive!  We look forward to seeing you!