Things to do in Virginia Beach, splurging
Oysters, prime cuts, serious cocktails, and the oceanfront done right.
This is Virginia Beach for people who eat well and sleep better: a long weekend that moves between the ViBe Creative District, the water, and the polished towers of Town Center, with a destination dinner anchoring each night. It suits anyone who wants the beach without sacrificing the table, and who considers a well-made cocktail a reasonable way to end most evenings.
Day 1: ViBe District and The Grill
The day opens with serious coffee and surf history in the ViBe Creative District, passes through a long kayak afternoon looking for dolphins, and closes at the area's top steakhouse table followed by one of the best cocktail bars in the city.
- 9:30 AM
Fathom Coffee
Independent ViBe roaster with quality roasts, local favorite for a proper morning cup.
Map - 10:15 AM
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Shipwrecks, lifesaving history, and surfing heritage inside an original 1903 Coast Guard station, compact and fascinating.
Map - 12:30 PM
Esoteric
Seasonal plates and a smart drinks list in the ViBe District; a relaxed lunch before the kayak.
Map - 2:30 PM
Dolphin Kayak Tour
Guided 2 to 2.5-hour kayak paddle on the look out for dolphins, a quintessential Virginia Beach afternoon.
Map - 7:30 PM
The Grill
A proper steak dinner in the ViBe District; book ahead, order a big cut and take your time.
Map - 9:30 PM
Hunt Room
Clubby gastropub under the Cavalier; order a cocktail made with whiskey from the distillery next door.
Map
Day 2: Chesapeake Bay Oysters and Long Creek
A morning walk through Bayville Farms works up the appetite for a midday feast of raw oysters at the city's most beloved seafood institution, then the evening shifts north to The Porch on Long Creek for the waterfront dinner of the trip.
- 10:30 AM
Bayville Farms Park
Former dairy farm turned city park, with open fields and a community garden for a quiet walk.
Map - 12:30 PM
Chick's Oyster Bar
Lynnhaven Inlet institution with a dock-side deck; order local oysters raw and a bowl of she-crab soup.
Map - 7:30 PM
The Porch on Long Creek
Seafood dinner looking over Long Creek; book a table outside for the evening light on the water.
Map
Day 3: Town Center: Dim Sum to Sizzling Plates
The final day trades the coast for downtown, with a morning at the Sandler Center, a proper Cantonese dim sum lunch at Jade Villa, and the night capped by prime cuts at Ruth's Chris and craft martinis at Twist.
- 10:30 AM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Touring theatre, comedy, Virginia Symphony in downtown Town Center. Book a few days ahead.
Map - 12:30 PM
Jade Villa Chinese Restaurant
Cart-style dim sum and Cantonese roast meats; go for har gow, siu mai and a plate of roast duck.
Map - 7:30 PM
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Prime steaks served on 500°F plates so they sizzle at the table; add creamed spinach.
Map - 9:30 PM
Twist Martini & Associates
Twist Martini & Associates, craft cocktails and a lively bar scene right in Town Center to cap the night.
Map
Where to stay
The Cavalier Virginia Beach
The Cavalier is the right address for this trip: a landmark 1927 hotel with genuine design character, close to both the ViBe District and the oceanfront, at a price that matches the tone of the dinners.
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
The Marriott Oceanfront puts you steps from the water and a short drive from every stop on the plan, with the room quality and service to support a splurge itinerary.
Make Virginia Beach your trip
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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