A Local's Guide to Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia

Life in Virginia Beach can be described as easygoing, multicultural, and community-oriented — a boon for residents, remote workers, and visitors alike. From the boardwalk and the arts district to its annual festivals and everyday dining scene, here’s how to enjoy a visit to Virginia Beach, according to a local.

Things to do in Virginia Beach

Do it all at Atlantic Park

Stewarded by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, Atlantic Park is an outdoor complex of apartments, a surf park, a concert venue, restaurants, shops, a VR gaming place, and a soon-to-be boutique hotel. One point of interest to have on your radar is The Dome entertainment venue, which was once an iconic Virginia Beach attraction. Since the original venue shut down in 1993, the landmark has made a comeback with its reopening as a brand-new music hall that can accommodate up to 5,000 fans. Retractable doors transform the venue from an indoor music hall to an outdoor amphitheater.

Also of note is Atlantic Park Surf, North America’s first Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon. Powered by energy-efficient wave technology, the 2.67-acre lagoon can generate over 20 types of waves, as high as seven feet and as low as one foot. Producing up to 1,000 waves per hour, it’s a place where experienced surfers and novices alike can ride controlled and consistent waves year-round.

“Having a premier surf area in Virginia Beach is changing the DNA of the visitor,” says Alex Smith, marketing manager at Atlantic Park Surf.

Atlantic Park: Various, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Explore the ViBe Creative District

Once an auto district, this colorful area is now Virginia Beach’s first arts district, a hub for over 100 artists and creative businesses, from culinary arts to muralists to specialty roasters. The area is covered in murals (a telltale sign that you’re there) that are so popular that the district hosts walking tours twice a month (golf cart tours on demand if needed).

Vibrant artworks appear on buildings and at crosswalks but also on infrastructure that’s usually overlooked, such as on wayfinding markers in parking lots, on parking meters and utility boxes, and, as Kate Pittman, Executive Director of ViBe Creative District, calls them, “little bread crumbs of sidewalk art” scattered throughout the district. Pittman calls the area the “hand-me-down kid” because it specializes in taking used or broken items, such as trash cans and flower pots from other districts around the city, and repurposing them into art.

Several markets take place within the ViBe, like First Fridays, Second Saturdays, the Old Beach Farmer’s Market, The VB Flea Market, and the Old Beach Art & Eco Market. The ViBe is also home to The Creative Well Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides artists with space to grow their crafts through gallery events, public programming, and collaborations. CreativeMornings’ Virginia Beach chapter is held here on the third Friday of every month.

Local businesses include Jars of Dust, which sells beautiful handmade ceramics and hosts pottery classes; North End Bag Co., which handcrafts canvas and leather bags right in front of you; and Gypsy Soul Boutique, a wildly colorful clothing and accessory boutique.

ViBe Creative District: 611 18th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Have some family-friendly fun

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Virginia Beach has a variety of family-friendly activities and places to visit, from dolphin- and whale-watching tours to Atlantic Fun Park, home of the city’s iconic Ferris wheel. Other points of interest include the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA), and Beachside Social, a shuffleboard and games bar.

Other places are free and open to the public, including First Landing State Park for nature hikes and Hillier Ignite Fitness Park, a public outdoor gym in the sand on 36th Street. There are children’s playgrounds in the sand on 10th and 31st streets. The City Council also has plans to transform Rudee Loop, primarily a parking site, into Rudee Park, with immersive natural trails, a shared-use pedestrian and cycling path, and nature-based play areas.

Due to their expansive outdoor areas, breweries in the area are great places for the entire family. Many host game and movie nights, as well as themed events. Fun ones to visit are Back Bay Farmhouse, Aslin Beer Company, and New Realm Brewing Company.

Shop local

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It’s always a good idea to support small businesses in any area, and Virginia Beach has plenty of locals creating new and exciting businesses, products, and events. For one, The Parlor Room is a whimsical pink boutique that carries a balanced mix of Atlantic coastal clothing and laid-back bohemian clothing from Australia. Named after the traditional parlor room of Victorian-aged homes where women would gather, the boutique is not only a place to shop but also one that fosters conversation and community.

Owner and buyer of The Parlor Room, Maddie Collins, says, “I wanted women to hang out here. I wanted them to feel safe. It’s not about buying clothes; I wanted them to love being here.” The store also believes in minimizing its impact on the environment and has implemented sustainable practices by working with brands that believe in quality and longevity.

“Before carrying a brand, I always ask what they’re doing to reduce their footprint because every little bit helps,” says Collins. The boutique offers a denim recycling program where old jeans can be brought into the store to be recycled in exchange for a store voucher.

Another clothing and jewelry boutique worth a visit is Polish Boutique, which frequently partners with Mahjong VB to offer fun shopping and game nights. Hanging Around VB pops up around the city, hosting fun create-your-own bead jewelry experiences. Petal Party Co. is a customizable flower bar that also sometimes offers build-your-own bouquet workshops. Elsewhere, Sleepy Cowgirl Coffee currently serves flavorful lattes and matchas in a tiny pink trailer and will soon be opening a brick-and-mortar shop.

As you’re traveling through Virginia Beach, you might also keep an eye out for locally made brands, such as Crunchy Hydration (sold in several stores throughout the city) and All Good Granola, which you can pick up at the Old Beach Farmer’s Market. Virginia Beach local Megan Riggs founded the former as a natural remedy drink after struggling with anxiety and bouts of depression, while resident Bryan Daniels created the latter as part of a mission to fight food waste by upcycling spent grain from the beer brewing process at local breweries.

The Parlor Room: 1554 Laskin Rd #114, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Join in the local festivities

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Virginia Beach hosts more than 70 festivals throughout the year. Below are some of the most popular festivals and events to experience.

• Super Girl Festival: This festival series is the world’s largest platform dedicated to empowering women in sports, music, art, fitness, gaming, and other industries where women have historically been underrepresented. It will be coming to Virginia Beach for the first time over Labor Day weekend in 2026. The festival will showcase a women’s surf competition, live performances, and activities. It will be free and open to the public.
• Neptune Festival: This annual festival along the boardwalk features live performances, arts and crafts, a grand parade, volleyball tournaments, an 8K race, sand sculptures by world-renowned sculptors, and more.
• Boardwalk Art Show: Among the longest-running art shows on the East Coast, this outdoor festival along the boardwalk is held annually through Virginia MOCA and showcases the work of artists from around the country.
• VB Crush Fest: This annual festival celebrates Virginia Beach’s classic Orange Crush cocktail, made with vodka, orange liqueur, lemon-lime soda, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The event features live music, food, and orange-themed activities.
• Old Beach Farmer’s Market: The Old Beach Farmer’s Market hosts over 30 farmers and culinary vendors every Saturday from April through October and two Saturdays a month from November through March. Expect fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, live entertainment, and more.
• The VB Flea Market: This market is held on the third Saturday of every month and has a night market on the first Friday of the month, where vendors sell upcycled goods and vintage clothing.
• Old Beach Art & Eco-Market: Dozens of crafters and eco-friendly brands gather at ViBe Park every Saturday from April through October and two Saturdays a month from November through March. Expect handmade jewelry, eco-friendly home products, and more.

Where to eat and drink in Virginia Beach

Love Song

Love Song is a mid-Atlantic neighborhood restaurant and natural wine bar that’s bringing metropolitan energy to the beach.

According to the Love Song’s Chef Mike Hill, there’s a demand for this in Virginia Beach. “We’re seeing so much opportunity for growth in the dining scene,” he says. “People are moving to Virginia Beach and wanting a city-style dining experience. It’s important for us to progress the city to draw people in.”

Hill was born and raised in Virginia Beach, traveled the US for a bit, worked in other cities, and returned to open Love Song. The restaurant is located two blocks from the oceanfront with intimate indoor seating, reminiscent of a New York neighborhood restaurant, and casual picnic table seating outside. It’s fancy yet eclectic and welcoming to all who like good food and community.

When he and his business partner, Danny Ha, opened the restaurant in 2021, the area needed renovation. “We loved the location, but it was a full gut. It took us 1.5 years to open,” says Hill. Now Laskin Road, between Arctic and Pacific Avenues, is bustling with retail shops, cafes, gyms, and more.

Most of the menu inspiration (think dishes like herby ricotta with trout roe gnudi) comes from the time Chef Hill spent with his friends who cook across the country. He sources his ingredients from local farmers, and his seafood is delivered daily, strictly from the Chesapeake Bay. He cooks solely based on the shipments he receives, with a few staples he typically works with.

Love Song also has a small yet energetic bar in the back called Back Bar, which is filled with a culmination of things and art that Hill has collected over his lifetime, as well as bar-esque artwork from friends. Hill describes the vibe as “streamlined and wild.”

“One of the coolest things to see in this space is that people of all ages and all areas of the city have a good time here. They love the energy. It’s not about drinking or eating; it’s about the entire experience,” he adds.

Love Song: 327 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Nami Nori

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Nami Nori is another spot bringing a “city-style dining experience” to Virginia Beach — literally. The restaurant originally opened in New York City and is now a new addition to Atlantic Beach. The focus here is on temaki, or Japanese hand rolls, with crisp sheets of nori (seaweed) enveloping a variety of fresh ingredients, from spicy tuna or salmon and avocado to coconut shrimp or wagyu. Vegans are in good hands, as well, with fillings ranging from tofu and eggplant to sweet potato tempura. While the temaki is the undeniable star of the Nami Nori show — with build-your-own combos or signature sets — you can round out your meal with additional bites like miso soup, shishito peppers, and furikake fries.

Nami Nori: 1892 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Zeke’s

Zeke’s is the epitome of a laid-back, surfer-style café where you’ll primarily sit side-by-side with locals. There’s nothing fancy about the décor or interior of this place, but that’s what makes it so charming. You’ll find artwork on the walls done by locals and flyers taped to the walls about upcoming events in the neighborhood. There are a few tables, stools at the bar, and high-top chairs along the windows. The café specializes in poké, pitas, açaí, smoothies, and craft coffee. If you’re unsure of what to order, the breakfast and PB&J bowls — topped with fresh fruits and granola — never disappoint.

Zeke’s: 616 Norfolk Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Waterman’s Surfside Grille

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The first indication that Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a staple of the Virginia Beach dining scene is the “since 1981” displayed proudly in its logo, which also touts the fact that it serves “fresh, local seafood.” The restaurant’s prime location on Atlantic Avenue in the heart of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is another hint.

Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, Waterman’s plates up a wide array of seafood dishes — ranging from its “famous” crab dip and bacon-wrapped scallops to a fried oyster platter and a lobster tail lunch or dinner — alongside hush puppies, other assorted bites, and the city’s signature Orange Crush drinks.

Waterman’s is such a local institution that it even operates a shop serving merch and kitchen supplies that you can bring home as a souvenir.

Waterman’s Surfside Grille: 415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Prosperity Kitchen & Pantry

What’s not to love about an artisanal bakery that specializes in fresh croissants, Roman-style pizza by the slice, custom desserts, and slow-fermented breads? Prosperity Kitchen & Pantry is housed in an urban-industrial-looking brick building painted in cream. Herbs used in its baked goods are grown outside of the bakery. Inside, diners will find a mini market along with communal tables for casual, first-come-first-served seating. The menu changes daily, and everything is made in-house — in small batches from scratch with locally grown ingredients. You can order custom cakes in advance for occasions. The bakery also hosts book clubs.

Prosperity Kitchen & Pantry: 532 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite B, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

The Bee & The Biscuit

The Bee & The Biscuit, housed in a restored 1919 home, serves mouthwatering biscuits, mimosa flights, and more as part of its beloved breakfast and lunch service (the restaurant closes at 2 PM). If you’re not going to go all out and get the biscuit basket — which comes with jam and housemade honey butter — you can add a buttermilk biscuit to your breakfast order, whether you’re in the mood for a bay crab Benedict or a sirloin steak tostada. Lunch options range from loaded sandwiches, wraps, and burritos to salads and bowls. The best part? Both menus are served all day, so you can always get exactly what you’re craving.

The Bee & The Biscuit: 1785 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Commune

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Located in Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District, Commune is a casual farm-to-table restaurant that has an ever-changing menu based on seasonal ingredients. One must-try staple dish that changes based on the fruit in season is the housemade seasonal fruit fritters served with housemade whipped cream. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local farms, which is fitting as the founder, Kevin Jamison, was a longtime sustainable farmer who worked directly with restaurants before opening one of his own.

Commune: 501 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite B, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Barrel 17

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Barrel 17 is located within the city’s ViBe Creative District and is one of the best burger joints in the area. Although it’s known for its Jammin G.O.A.T. Burger, taking first place in a local burger challenge, other menu highlights include the blackened tuna sandwich and black bean burger with the housemade bean patty.

Though there are several meaty burger options to choose from, Barrel 17 makes sure to accommodate vegans by offering vegan burgers, salads, and desserts. The place is casual and looks like a saloon that came out of a Western movie. Dining outside at the picnic tables is a special treat because you can add your dreams to the restaurant’s large chalk wishing wall.

Barrel 17: 1706 Mediterranean Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Quemar

Quemar is Virginia Beach’s most elevated Latin American and Mexican dining experience. Each dish is made from scratch, and the restaurant is known for its wood-fired Argentine-style parrilla (grill). Must-try items at Quemar are the loaded yuca, squash and queso enchiladas, esquites, and ceviche. When entering the restaurant, seating is on the left, and Tranquilo Lounge is to the right. Embracing an intimate cocktail setting with velvet seats and leather couches, the lounge hosts DJs on weekends that turn into vibrant dance parties.

Quemar: 1201 Laskin Rd STE 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Fruitive

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Fruitive is a quick and easy organic and plant-based dining option. Not only is the food tasty, but it’s also incredibly nourishing, as everything is made from scratch, 100 percent plant-based, organic, and kosher certified. It’s also an eco-friendly café that follows sustainable practices. On the menu, diners will find sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, soups, salads, açaí bowls, waffles, overnight oats, smoothies, and juice blends. The café is a casual spot within a strip mall and has indoor and some outdoor seating.

Fruitive: 1624 Laskin Rd #740, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Orion’s Roof

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Located on the 23rd floor of the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront — a whopping 183 feet in the air — Orion’s Roof is the best place for epic views of Virginia Beach’s cityscape and oceanfront. The inside is sleek, featuring an open-kitchen concept that sets the stage for a globally inspired menu representing various Asian fusion ideas, from Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei sushi to wok specialties and seafood-focused entrees. Great for a date night, dinner with friends, weekend brunch, or any other excuse to drink a craft cocktail with a view, Orion’s Roof is a good choice for a meal accompanied by a memorable setting.

Orion’s Roof: 4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Cafes and coffee shops

There is no shortage of coffee shops and cafes in the city, like Java Surf Cafe & Espresso Bar serving scrumptious breakfast burritos and more; Granier European Bakery & Café, which serves baked goods and light meals from France, Spain, and Italy; and Pourfavor Coffee Shop, offering guests a variety of caffeinated flavors with their coffee flights.

Where to stay in Virginia Beach

The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, Autograph Collection

The Cavalier stands tall at the oceanfront with its beautifully manicured lawn and welcoming white lawn chairs. The hotel has been an icon in the community since the 1920s. After being transformed into a military training site and later reopening as the original hotel in 1976, it underwent a four-year renovation in 2012, and it shows. Maintaining its neoclassical style and taking cues from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home, the hotel is grandiose, immaculate, and nothing short of drawing attention.

Walking through the hotel, guests will see framed black-and-white photographs of prominent figures and celebrities who’ve stayed there, such as Jimmy Carter, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Muhammad Ali, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. The hotel has three restaurants and a distillery, and it offers afternoon tea service and bourbon tours and tastings.

The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club: 4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Located steps across from the Cavalier and situated with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean is Virginia Beach’s Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, which opened in 2020. The hotel has an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean and a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant with epic views of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, perfect for sunset dining and drinks. In addition to bocce ball, fire pits, and complimentary bicycles for cruising down the boardwalk, hotel guests are also able to participate in the activities hosted by The Cavalier, such as beach yoga and plush toy making for children.

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort: 4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

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The Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront stands side-by-side with the Marriott Oceanfront Resort, offering the same ocean views in a larger, suite-room setting. Having opened in 2023, it’s the newest of the three resorts listed so far, all of which are within a stone’s throw of one another. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and a daily evening reception. Perks of staying here include beach chairs and easy beach access, and guests can participate in the activities offered to The Cavalier and Marriott guests.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort: 4101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

The Moxy is a fun hotel for guests who are forever young at heart. The colorful hotel opened in 2023 and is located on the opposite end of the trifecta of hotels listed above, within the oceanfront’s nightlife scene rather than the residential area of the previous hotels. The Moxy has expansive communal spaces and games such as shuffleboard and foosball. It’s located along the boardwalk, allowing for easy access to the beach, and is within a 20-minute walk to the ViBe Creative District. The Moxy also organizes weeknight activities.

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront: 1201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Bonus: Things to do nearby in Norfolk

If you’re traveling to Virginia Beach, you may also want to visit its neighbor, Norfolk. Known for its beautiful mermaid statues that stand throughout the city, each with a different theme, Norfolk presents a completely different feeling from Virginia Beach’s laid-back beach vibe — although the two cities also have some draws in common. Take the NEON District, which is similar to Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District and showcases over 120 works of all types of public art from local and guest talent.

“The district gives a nice balance to the nearby Chrysler Museum of Art: refined art versus street art,” says Joshua Weinstein, Founder and CEO of Norfolk Tour Company. Once a center for auto parts and industries, the district is now home to Push Comedy Theater, which specializes in stand-up, and the Hurrah Players, a not-for-profit organization that puts on family-friendly performances.

On the outskirts of the NEON District is the Harrison Opera House — an opera house that welcomed Martin Luther King Jr., Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan back in the day — as well as the Scope Arena, a popular venue for concerts. Even further from the NEON District and closer to the airport is the Norfolk Botanical Garden, with over 60 gardens from various parts of the world. Check out the bloom chart on the website to know what to expect to see each month.

If you plan on spending the night in Norfolk, Hilton Norfolk The Main is a popular hotel in the area because of its rooftop restaurant and bar, Grain. Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection is another great option. The boutique hotel is home to an art gallery with over 65 pieces of art by renowned artists. Within walking distance of both hotels is Vino Culture Wine Shop, an intimate wine shop that has an extensive selection of varietals and hosts weekly educational and fun wine tastings and workshops.

Getting to and around Virginia Beach

The primary airport for Virginia Beach (and the Hampton Roads area) is Norfolk International Airport (ORF). The airport is an approximately 20-minute drive from the oceanfront, a 10-minute drive from downtown Norfolk, and offers 45 nonstop markets on its route map. Passengers can fly in and out of ORF on United, Delta, American, and Southwest or opt for low-cost carriers such as Breeze, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant. Norfolk is also home to an Amtrak station (NFK) with daily round-trip train service to northern cities.

The best way to get around while in the area is via rental car. Ubers, Lyfts, and taxi services are also available. The Freebee app offers complimentary rides in eco-friendly vehicles throughout the Virginia Beach Resort Area, within a certain mile radius. The city’s public transit system, the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), runs throughout the city and includes buses, trolleys, shuttles (mini-buses), and a light rail. Plans are underway to construct the Virginia Beach Trail, a 12.6-mile-long, 14-foot-wide, paved shared-use biking and walking path spanning the city from the Norfolk border to the Oceanfront.