Things to do in Virginia Beach
Surf, oysters, and craft beer: Virginia Beach without the tourist traps.
This itinerary skips the boardwalk souvenir shops and sticks to the neighborhoods locals actually use: the ViBe Creative District, the waterfront bars off Shore Drive, and the low-key polish of Town Center. It suits anyone who wants to get in the water, eat well without overthinking it, and end each night at a place worth going back to.
Day 1: ViBe District, Waves and Steaks
Start with a serious coffee and a surf lesson, spend the afternoon in a genuine 1903 lifesaving station, then reward yourself with the best steak in the neighborhood and a craft beer nightcap down the road.
- 9:30 AM
Fathom Coffee
Local-favorite independent roaster in the ViBe District, quality brews, zero tourist trap energy.
Map - 10:15 AM
Surfing at 1st Street Jetty
Mellow beach break, surf lessons available, East Coast Surfing Championships in August. Book a few days ahead.
Map - 12:30 PM
The Pink Dinghy
Tapas spot locals swear by in the ViBe District, share a few plates and keep it casual.
Map - 2:30 PM
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Shipwrecks, lifesaving history, and surf heritage packed into a legit 1903 Coast Guard station, low cost, high story.
Map - 7:30 PM
The Grill
A proper steak dinner in the ViBe District, a short walk from the brewpub for a nightcap after.
Map - 9:15 PM
Bunker Brewpub
Craft beer, live music, and a brewpub buzz, the right wind-down after a steak dinner, and close.
Map
Day 2: Shore Drive, Oysters and Water Views
A slow morning walk through Bayville Farms leads to a long lunch of local oysters at Chick's, and the evening belongs to waterfront seafood and proper cocktails on the back deck.
- 10:30 AM
Bayville Farms Park
Bayville Farms Park, a genuine local green escape, great for a morning stroll before lunch.
Map - 12:30 PM
Chick's Oyster Bar
The heart of the neighborhood, fresh local oysters and seafood right on the water.
Map - 7:30 PM
The Porch on Long Creek
Seafood dinner looking over Long Creek; ask for a table outside as the light drops.
Map - 9:30 PM
The Back Deck
Waterside bar off Shore Drive for a last drink outside, a few minutes from dinner.
Map
Day 3: Town Center: Culture, Sushi, Splurge
Check the Sandler Center box office first thing, keep lunch light and sharp with Zushi's sushi, then close the trip with a serious steak dinner at Ruth's Chris.
- 10:30 AM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Swing by Sandler Center to grab tickets (or check the box office) for a Virginia Symphony or touring show, locals swear by it and it's worth planning around.
Map - 12:30 PM
Zushi
Light sushi lunch in Town Center; order a couple of rolls and some nigiri and keep room for steak.
Map - 7:30 PM
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Close the trip with prime steak on a 500°F plate that sizzles all the way to the table.
Map
Where to stay
Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront
Sits closest to Shore Drive and the Day 2 waterfront spots, solid mid-range Marriott with no resort-price guilt.
Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach, North Beach
Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach
Make Virginia Beach your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: a few days ahead
- Military Aviation Museum: weeks ahead
- Sandler Center for the Performing Arts: weeks ahead
- Hell's Point Golf Club: a few days ahead
- Virginia Beach National Golf Club: a few days ahead
- Heron Ridge Golf Club: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Atlantic Ave souvenir, pizza and all you can eat crab legs strip is overpriced, eat in the ViBe instead.
- Boardwalk mini golf and haunted houses are poor value as a day plan compared with the Aquarium or First Landing.
- Ocean view can mean a side glimpse, book oceanfront with a balcony if the view matters.
- Check Cape Henry base access that morning before driving up.
The full Virginia Beach travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around