The Virginia Beach boardwalk is not only one of our favorite places to enjoy all the beach activities, it is famous in many ways too. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk has received national acclaim in recent times as “One of America’s Favorite Boardwalks” by the Discovery Channel, and in magazines such as Coastal Living, Southern Living, and National Geographic Traveler.

Some of everyone’s most fond memories of Virginia Beach take place at the boardwalk. Whether your family rents a four-person surrey, enjoys an afternoon bike ride or morning jog or simply takes two quick steps on its surface while sprinting toward the ocean, it’s hard to miss this 3-mile stretch of paved walkway. However, it hasn’t always been the smooth surfaced structure that it is today.

A Brief Boardwalk History

The boardwalk’s history is filled with change, reconstruction and most importantly new beginnings. Built back in 1888, the boardwalk was actually made of boards or wooden planks that ran between 12th and 16th streets in conjunction with the Princess Anne Hotel, which was one of the country’s most luxurious resorts. But in 1907 tragedy struck when the boardwalk succumbed to a fire that began in the Princess Anne Hotel. Ironically, according to The Beach: A History of Virginia Beach, Virginia compiled by the Virginia Beach Public Library, a waterworks system, including hydrants and an 80,000-gallon holding tank, was in the process of being installed and was to have been in operation the very next day; however, the system wasn’t completed in time to save the hotel. In 1926, residents and visitors were delighted at the construction of a new, concrete boardwalk along the same time as the opening of the Cavalier Hotel in 1927.

The new walkway was 3.5 miles long, but because of a concern for stroller safety, bicycles were prohibited in 1937. Later the ban was lifted after construction of a separate sideroad for cyclists. Another accident struck in 1962 when the famous Ash Wednesday Nor’easter produced 20–30 foot waves that crashed into the boardwalk, breaking up the concrete and eating away many sections of the walkways. Once we reached the 1990’s plans for a seawall came together so the boardwalk would be protected against the powers of mother nature.

The project took many weeks of demolishing and more than 125,000 truckloads of sand and 157 million pounds of sheet pile. At the end of it all, about 12 million pounds of rebar and 81,000 cubic yards of concrete were used to create the new boardwalk that now stretches between 40th street and Rudee Inlet. The newest project to take place makes it easier—and much safer— for pedestrians and cyclists to get from Rudee Inlet to the Boardwalk.

The Rudee Inlet Connector Walk is a 10-foot-wide concrete walkway that connects Winston Salem Avenue, under the Rudee Inlet Bridge, to the 4th Street parking lot, providing a lighted, direct linkage from the Marina district to the Oceanfront. Today the boardwalk is home to hundreds of activities from festivals, live entertainment and concerts to outdoor art showcases and sports competitions.

As you can see, there is always something going on at the boardwalk!

More than just a Boardwalk next to the beach

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers more than just hotels and restaurants. Visitors can find a wide array of museums and historic sites. There are numerous monuments and sculptures to stop and enjoy as you stroll along the boardwalk, and there are even a number of live entertainment stages that host great acts throughout the busy season. For those looking to enjoy quality fishing,the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is located just off the boardwalk.

Of course, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is lined with hotels and restaurants, making it a popular destination for vacationers from all over the globe . The boardwalk is built overlooking the ocean, and the views from many of the area hotels are nothing short of breathtaking. In addition to a large walking path, there is also a bike path for people on bikes and skates. Handicap ramps are placed at every block and lead down to the beach. One of the most well known events at the oceanfront is McDonald’s Holiday of Light’s during the Holiday’s for Christmas where guests can sit in their car and drive along the boardwalk to view all the beautiful holiday lights.

Today’s Virginia Beach Boardwalk is bigger and better than ever!

Today’s Boardwalk is an impressive 28-feet wide stretching 3 miles along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront from 1st Street to 40th Street. There is no wonder why the boardwalk has become a favorite spot for biking, strolling the boardwalk, rollerblading, and just taking in all the ocean air and beach scenery. There is so much to see and do all while taking in the crisp ocean breeze with the sounds of the ocean in the background, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk will undoubtedly become one your families fondest memories of your time in the resort city of Virginia Beach. Come see what one of the world’s most famous boardwalks has to offer your family.