The Best Areas to Stay in Virginia Beach

The Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, a seaside community in southeastern Virginia. The 3-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches along its beach-lined oceanfront. Tourists visiting Virginia Beach will find a wide range of accommodations, including oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals and many seaside activities to ward off any boredom. Not to mention some of the best seafood restaurants to satisfy every palate.

While the white sand beaches, endless canals, and ocean views are some of Virginia Beach’s finest features, the waterfront metropolis has so much more to offer. So many unique neighborhoods make up the area, each with its own individuality.

Fancy ocean views with private balconies, room service, and free breakfast? Virginia Beach neighborhoods boast some of the best hotels known for these amenities. From free wi-fi to cozy suites, Virginia Beach hotels have something for every vacationer. Whether you seek the lively waterfront hotspot near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, something quieter and more inland, or something in between, we’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of the best Virginia Beach areas to stay just in time for your next weekend getaway.

North Virginia Beach Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the heart of Virginia Beach, with the most restaurants, bars, and local attractions on its northern side. This is where you’ll most likely stay if you’re traveling and wish to visit Virginia, a must-do for first-time tourists. Four Sails Resort is an excellent option for some shut-eye. Even if you choose to stay somewhere else, you should still visit North Boardwalk.

Travel further north to reach Virginia Beach’s North End. This substantially residential area is also one of the best Virginia Beach areas to stay in. Be sure to visit First Landing State Park, a large coastal area with South Virginia Beach Boardwalkcypress swamps, freshwater marshes, and dunes.

Things to See and Do near North Virginia Beach Boardwalk

• Go for a stroll along the Boardwalk before visiting Neptune’s Park. With a free summer concert series and picturesque ocean views, it’s a must-see, all the more convenient if you are staying at the adjacent Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel and Ocean Beach Club.
• Paul DiPasquale sculpted King Neptune, a massive bronze statue. The Neptune statue, which sits at the entrance to Neptune Park on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 31st Street, depicts the legendary god Neptune.
• Go down to the beach to rent watersports equipment — most of the resort hotels offer them, and non-guests can also rent from some of them.
• Head to Cavalier Beach Club, the most incredible beach bar, with plenty of sun loungers to enjoy your cocktail while soaking up some sun rays.

South Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Compared to the northern half of the boardwalk, the southern half is remarkably tranquil and laid-back. That is why we believe it is suitable for families. You’ll be able to pedal down the coast without worrying about too much traffic and safely paddle in the ocean. In addition, the southern end of the Boardwalk is home to many of the top family-friendly attractions, including Atlantic Fun Park.

Are you visiting Virginia Beach as a couple? In addition to the Hampton Inn and DoubleTree hotels, there are some magnificent apartment rentals with great ocean views closer to the Boardwalk’s heart. Better yet, check in to one of Hyatt House Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s guest rooms. H Bar, the Hyatt’s on-site restaurant, features cocktails and appetizers from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. In addition, there’s always nearby Ocean 27, within walking distance to the beach.

Things to See and Do near South Virginia Beach Boardwalk

• The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a terrific place to cast a line, but photographers, too, will enjoy the panoramic vistas.
• The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is undoubtedly one of the top sea life attractions in the country, ideal for teaching youngsters about marine life and conservation.
• Oceans 14 is a must-visit South Boardwalk seafood restaurant that serves local fish with worldwide cuisines and breathtaking views of the ocean.

Sandbridge

Sandbridge is a hidden beach refuge with natural dunes and dancing sea oats, only a short drive south of the boardwalk. It is one of the more tranquil Virginia Beach areas to stay in, where one can rest and unwind while on vacation.

The Atlantic never fails to excite beachgoers. The marshes and open seas of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park provide excellent kayaking, hiking, and fishing opportunities.

SanGhent – Norfolkdbridge also has a lot of wonderful eateries to try. Grab a Back Bay Benedict and a cup of coffee from Margie & Ray’s Seafood, Crab & Raw Bar for a morning boost. Margie and Ray’s has been a Sandbridge institution since 1964, with a seafood-focused menu that features the greatest she-crab soup in Virginia. Like bisque, she-crab soup is a thick soup made with milk or heavy cream, crab or fish stock, Atlantic blue crab meat, crab roe, and a small amount of dry sherry.

Things to See and Do in Sandbridge

• Rent kayaks from Surf and Adventure Company to explore Sandbridge’s beaches and waterways.
• Explore the Back Bay’s unspoiled beauty by boat.
• Visit Sandbridge beach or pier early in the morning or late in the evening to see bottlenose dolphins play and surge through the Atlantic ocean waves.

Pungo

Pungo is one of the best areas for individuals who enjoy a rural lifestyle. Its 8,000-acres of farmland only minutes outside of Sandbridge’s windswept dunes offer farm stands on almost every corner, as well as pick-your-own establishments. A trip through this sprawling agricultural region transports you to a realm of peace and pastoral charm far removed from the hustle and bustle of the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Stop by The Bee & the Biscuit for a hearty southern breakfast cooked using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Operating out of a quaint 1919 cottage, Pungo’s beautiful garden patio overlooks an emerald green lawn and offers covered and uncovered seating.

Things to See and Do in Pungo

• Visit the Military Aviation Museum for an up-close view of World War I and World War II planes and the fascinating stories of the pilots who flew them.
• Eat at Blue Pete’s for a once-in-a-lifetime sunset dinner kayak tour or feast on delicious seafood set to the ambient sounds of live music.
• Visit Pungo Board House. You’ll find everything you need for a day of surfing and skating, including custom boards, lessons, and even a skate ramp on the premises.

Oceanfront

The Oceanfront is one of Virginia Beach’s main activity centers, with beachfront hotels, dining, and entertainment. Live music, street entertainers, outdoor cafes, hot dog and snow cone vendors, and the famous three-mile boardwalk, ideal for rollerblading, jogging, or cruising down the strip, are all at your fingertips in Oceanfront.

The vast sandy beaches attract sunbathers, surfers flock to the area, and everyone comes for the quintessential beach day. Furthermore, take a journey back to the Oceanfront of yesteryear with today’s vintage coastal cottages turned bakeries and restaurants.

Things to See and Do in Oceanfront

• Eat at Tautog’s or Waterman’s Surfside Grille, both long-standing VA Beach favorites.
• Stop by Doc Taylor’s for their thirst-quenching bloody mary.
• Visit Rudee Inlet, located in Oceanfront’s south end. It’s a popular spot for fishing charters, jet-skiing, parasailing, and waterside restaurants.

Chesapeake Bay/Chic’s Beach

Beachgoers seeking kinder, gentler waves will find refuge along the calm waters of Chesapeake Bay, in the neighborhood lovingly known as Chic’s Beach by locals. All of the classic beach rituals are possible here.

From swimming to sand castles to volleyball, Chic’s Beach is one of the best Virginia Beach areas to stay for those seeking a local’s perspective with a distinctively laid-back vibe. Shore Drive, the main thoroughfare in this area, is home to some of the best restaurants and breweries in town, preserving the relaxed vibes that make Chic’s Beach popular among locals.

One can’t visit Chic’s Beach without taking a romantic evening stroll or dining al fresco as the sun sets over the world-famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Things to See and Do in The Chesapeake Bay/Chic’s Beach Neighborhood

• Check out the current boat rental deals at Lynnhaven Boat Marina.
• Before savoring the natural beauty of Pleasure House Point, visit Loch Haven Park to connect with nature and get some fresh air.
• Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse may appear unassuming on the exterior, yet it serves some of the city’s most fabulous affordable seafood.

Town Center

Town Center is the go-to neighborhood for high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Virginia Beach. The closest to a downtown that Virginia Beach has, enjoy entertainment at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts or shop ’til you drop.

While globally known establishments such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Cheesecake Factory, Pottery Barn, and Cold Stone Creamery may draw you in, Town Center also has numerous hidden gems well worth a visit. For example, get your green thumb on at Eclectic Design Florist & Gift and indulge in a culinary adventure at Saffron Indian Bistro or Keagan’s Irish Pub.

End your day with some well-deserved R&R at one of the area’s convenient luxury hotels, such as The Hilton Garden Inn and The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center.

Things to See and Do in Town Center

• Visit Zeiders American Dream Theatre, a new, state-of-the-art two-theater complex and nonprofit theater that gives local writers, performers, and artists a platform to stimulate artistic expression of all kinds.
• The nationally famous Jones Art Gallery is a must-see for art lovers.
• Laugh the evening away at the Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant.

Hilltop

This neighborhood, just west of the resorts, features a busy nightlife, a substantial retail sector, and a variety of culinary options.

Many young professionals and singles flock to the neighborhood because of its walkability, convenience of commuting, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors flock to the area because of its closeness to the resort strip and The Shops at Hilltop. Its proximity to the seaside and its numerous festivals provide many ways to stay engaged indefinitely.

Things to See and Do in Hilltop

• Curate a spa day at one of Hilltop’s handful of salons and spas, including Elite Salon and Spa.
• Take your pick from the expanse of culinary options, including Mediterranean, Indian, and Chinese.
• Got a sweet tooth? No Hilltop shopping experience is complete without a waffle cone from Gerald’s Ice Cream Bar.

ViBe Creative District

The ViBe Creative District in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia Beach acts as a thriving hub for many creative industries. Encouraging local artists to inspire one another and visitors alike through their crafts and community, one can’t help but soak up the vibes. Take a stroll through the district’s monthly First Fridays, where one can see homegrown ideas come to life, or go to the weekly Old Beach Farmers Market for unrivaled local flavor.

Despite being known for its colorful walls and homegrown craftsmanship, the ViBe District’s artisan spirit can be found in its restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and distilleries. From delectable brick oven pizzas and soul-satisfying baked delicacies to craft spirits and locally roasted coffee, The ViBe’s palette of flavors is a work of art in and of itself.

While you can find all mediums of artwork within the eclectic shops and cafes that comprise the area, one needs to look no further than the murals that fill the ViBe with wonder and color, most of which were done by local artists.

In addition to fantastic cuisine and art, the ViBe is one of the best Virginia Beach areas to stay for unique beach shopping. Check out Igor’s Custom for hand-painted signage and pin-striping, a local favorite whose work can be spotted all around town. His designs are created the old-fashioned way; thus, there are no computers in his studio.

North End Bag Company, located next door to Igor’s in The Alley, a stretch of small studios and coffee shops, creates handcrafted leather bags from scratch using old sewing machines from various eras. These timeless and durable bags miss no detail in their construction.

If traveling with little ones during the hot summer months, a visit to the nearby Ocean Breeze waterpark is a must. Cool off while the kiddos splish splash with splendor!

Things to See and Do in ViBe Creative District

• Take the ViBe Mural Walking Tour, a leisurely, one-mile walking tour, to capture shots for an unbeatable Instagram gallery. Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes.
• Eat at Esoteric, housed in a 1920s-era building on the Virginia Beach Historical Registry. Esoteric serves European-influenced cuisine made with local ingredients, many of which come from the restaurant’s on-site garden.
• Get your morning caffeine buzz going with a visit to Three Ships Coffee, ideal for coffee or dessert any time of the day.

Ghent – Norfolk

The Ghent area of Norfolk is vibrant, engaging, and totally unique, with plenty of flavors, art, and entertaining things to do. One element that adds to the area’s uniqueness is the architectural culmination of numerous styles shown over the years, from Colonial Revival to Spanish-inspired haciendas and Tudor homes.

As the area grew, it became a melting pot of architecture and people, taking pleasure in its cultural diversity and curiosity. This melting pot has resulted in vibrant art and culinary scenes and a welcoming environment for everybody.

Colley Avenue and 21st Street are the main thoroughfares, with unlimited dining and shopping options. So, plan on spending some time exploring this hidden gem that is one of our picks for the best Virginia Beach areas to stay in.

Things to See and Do in Ghent – Norfolk

• Shop for fine french antiques and home furnishings at Le Marche.
• Visit the Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary.
• Go wine tasting at Mermaid Winery.

With this, you and your family are ready to have an unforgettable vacation to Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Freatured Image Credit: Joanna Will