Did you miss the sun, the sea, and fun? It’s time to plan a family vacation at Virginia Beach! Located on the picturesque Atlantic coast, it combines three resort areas that pass into each other. Together they stretch for more than 35 miles and are not inferior either in surroundings, in quality of services, or variety to similar US coastal resorts.
Virginia Beach is the perfect destination for families. Comfortable kids-friendly hotels, clean shore, an abundance of park areas, and activities for every taste make it a perfect reserve for a relaxing holiday. Plus, the vast coastline hosts a plethora of festivals and shows – from truck battles and beer fairs to strawberry festivals and air shows.
If this is the vacation you’ve been dreaming of, start packing your bags now! However, rent a car first for comfortable movement around the area. Car rental in Virginia is an easy and fast way to get from point A to point B within the city and state. Plus, you can book a van rental in Virginia Beach for cheap and thus save on transport.
The next steps in preparing for a trip include considering important travel issues. How to get to Virginia Beach? Where to live? What to do and where to eat? Keep reading for more details!
Reaching Virginia Beach
Located 17 miles from downtown, Norfolk International Airport serves the area and receives domestic flights from most East Coast destinations. What’s more, the air hub is accessible by direct flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Denver, and Houston.
Also, you can get there from any major East Coast city by car in less than a day. In this case, build a route through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which offers breathtaking views of the bay. As we said, a rental car is the best choice for moving around the area. If arriving at the airport, check in your vehicle immediately upon landing. Alternatively, consider booking your car at any other convenient Virginia, VA location.
Lodging options in Virginia Beach
The city offers a wide range of lodging options – from luxury hotels to camping, which, by the way, have the necessary amenities for a top-class stay. In a five-star hotel, a double room will cost about $215 per night. At the same time, for a cottage for 8-12 people in the same area, you will pay starting from $400 per night.
An overnight stay in a motel two or three blocks from the coastline is available at $40-55 for a double room. A room in a 3-4-star hotel on the coast will cost $90-160, depending on the level of service offered.
Also, you can try looking for Airbnb apartments. They are usually available away from the coast and cost between $120 and $170 per night. Campsites and RV sites cost $90-120 per tent/motorhome for two people. Keep in mind that the area to stay matters. Here are the most popular locations:
- Inland – a great choice for budget travelers
- Town Center District – offers a large selection of top-class options
- North Boardwalk – close proximity to major tourist attractions
- Sandbridge – excellent swimming and sunbathing conditions for families with children
- Oceanfront Boardwalk – an area with a vibrant nightlife
Fun things to do in Virginia Beach
Naturally, the main goal of travelers coming here on a family vacation is to hit the sandy coast. The resort offers three conditional zones – Chesapeake Bay in the northern part, Sandbridge in the south, and Virginia Resort in between. Which one to choose?
So, Sandbridge is a calm, even romantic place with clean, fine sand, and a smooth entry into the water. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have on-site facilities, sunbeds, or entertainment.
The middle part of the coastline is the complete opposite. Multiple restaurants, bars, shops, and nightclubs provide fun 24/7. However, it’s still popular among families with children – despite the crowds, lifeguards carefully monitor order and safety.
Finally, North-End Beach attracts travelers with free parking and almost complete privacy. Locals come here for surfing and boogie boarding. Of course, the these are not the only local leisure options. You can go to the following family-friendly spots:
- Aquarium & Science Center. A visit to the complex gives you a great leisure and educational experience. The aquarium is home to over 10,000 marine life including jellyfish, sharks, and sea turtles. Plus, hands-on exhibits within the science center will teach you about the local underwater fauna.
- First Landing State Park. The park occupies part of the bay area, which is easily accessible from the shore on foot. It offers several trekking routes through green areas, dunes, and swamps where you can meet cute animals and birds.
- Ocean Breeze Waterpark. If water activities are your passion, head to the local water park with over 30 rides for kids and parents. From a lazy river and pool to steep water slides with insane spins and turns, you will have unforgettable emotions with the whole family.
Places to eat in Virginia Beach
The local gastronomic center is, of course, the Boardwalk. Here you can dine in a pub restaurant for $15-25 without drinks, have a snack in a street cafe for less than $12, or have breakfast in a home-cooking restaurant for the same price, eat ice cream for $5-7 or drink craft beer for $10-12.
In terms of culinary specialization, on the waterfront, you will find establishments of Mediterranean, Pan-Asian, American, and Mexican cuisine. Grill cafes, seafood restaurants as well as coffee houses and bars are at your disposal too. Fast food for every taste, including pizza, burgers, woks, kebabs, and similar options will cost you $7-12. For more information, check out some local budget-friendly eats below:
- Doc Taylor’s (207 23rd St) – breakfasts and lunches, seafood
- Three Ships Coffee Bar and Roastery (607 19th St) – light bites, bakery
- 1608 Crafthouse (1608 Pleasure House Rd) – brunches, American
- Pelon’s Baja Grill (3619 Pacific Ave) – quick bites, Mexican
- Mary’s Restaurant (616 Virginia Blvd) – diner, American
So, your family trip to Virginia Beach promises to be smooth and hassle-free. We hope that our simple tips will help you to be better prepared and have an even more positive travel experience!
Events
