Beach, Art, and Shopping: 3 Days in Virginia

Experience the ultimate beach escape in Virginia's jewel, Virginia Beach.

22 April 2023

A trip to Virginia Beach, United States is the perfect escape for tourists looking for sun, sand, and sea. Enjoy a variety of water activities, from swimming to surfing or simply lounging on the beach. Explore the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, stroll the boardwalk, and indulge in local seafood cuisine for a complete seaside experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Sun, sand and seafood

  • Start the day with breakfast at The Bee and The Biscuit, a cozy cafe serving up delicious southern-style fare.
  • Head to the beach and enjoy some sun, sand and surf. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas to soak in the rays and take a dip in the ocean.
  • For lunch, stop by Catch 31, a restaurant situated right on the boardwalk that offers some of the freshest seafood in town.
  • Take a stroll down the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk and check out the street performers, vendors and quaint shops.
  • End the day with dinner at Waterman's Surfside Grille, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Hotel recommendation: The Cavalier Hotel, a historic and elegant hotel situated right on the oceanfront.
Day 2

History, art and nature

  • Start the day with a traditional southern breakfast at Doc Taylor's, a restaurant that has been a Virginia Beach institution since 1991.
  • Head to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, where you can learn about maritime life and even pet stingrays.
  • Take a scenic drive to the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Virginia that dates back to 1792.
  • Visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to see their latest exhibitions and collections.
  • Finish off the day with a peaceful walk through the First Landing State Park, a beautiful natural reserve with hiking trails and beaches.
Day 3

Shopping and chilling

  • Start the day with a cup of coffee at Three Ships Coffee Roasters, a local coffee shop serving up freshly brewed coffee and pastries.
  • Explore the ViBe Creative District, a lively area with local artists, independent shops, galleries and restaurants.
  • Head to the Virginia Beach Town Center for some upscale shopping and dining. Top it off with a movie at the nearby cinema.
  • For dinner, try Steinhilber's Restaurant, a family-owned steak and seafood restaurant that has been serving the area since 1939.
  • End the day with a drink at Grain, a rooftop bar with stunning panoramic views of the city.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, a modern and luxurious hotel with an unbeatable location right on the beach.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Virginia Beach by plane is to fly into Norfolk International Airport, which is about 25 miles away from Virginia Beach.

Car

Driving to Virginia Beach is a good option if you want the freedom to explore the area. The easiest way to get there by car is to take I-64 or I-264 East, and follow the signs for Virginia Beach. There are several parking lots available around the city.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no trains that directly go to Virginia Beach. The closest train station is in Norfolk, which is about 20 miles away. From there, you can take a bus or car to Virginia Beach.

Boat

There are no passenger boats that go directly to Virginia Beach, but you can take a cruise ship to nearby ports such as Norfolk or Baltimore. From there, you can take a car or bus to Virginia Beach.

Bus

Taking a bus to Virginia Beach is affordable and convenient. Greyhound and Megabus are two popular bus companies that have routes to Virginia Beach. The bus station is located in the heart of the city.

Destination

Virginia Beach

Welcome to the land of surf, sand, and sunscreen - where even the seagulls are on vacation mode! Virginia Beach is definitely the perfect spot to get your tan on and soak up some sun (just don't forget to constantly reapply your SPF!).

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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A trip to Virginia Beach offers the perfect combination of sandy beaches, rich history, and exciting activities. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the iconic boardwalk, explore the First Landing State Park, and witness the unique sea creatures at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. With its variety of attractions and scenic beauty, Virginia Beach makes for an unforgettable vacation destination.

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A trip to Virginia Beach on a limited budget can still be a fun and memorable experience. With plenty of affordable accommodation options, visitors can enjoy the stunning coastline and beaches, or explore local attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. For budget-friendly eats, there are plenty of local seafood shacks and diners to satisfy any hunger cravings.

Beach, Art, and Shopping: 3 Days in Virginia

A trip to Virginia Beach, United States is the perfect escape for tourists looking for sun, sand, and sea. Enjoy a variety of water activities, from swimming to surfing or simply lounging on the beach. Explore the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, stroll the boardwalk, and indulge in local seafood cuisine for a complete seaside experience.