Virginia Beach Weekend Escape
From the Boardwalk to the Back Bay
Trip Overview
This three-day Virginia Beach itinerary balances the classic Atlantic Ocean experience with the quieter, wilder side of this coastal city. Begin by feeling the gritty sand between your toes on the main resort strip. Hear the rhythmic crash of waves against the pier pilings. Taste the salt-tinged air. The plan then shifts to the calm, tannic-scented waters of the Back Bay. You might spot a great blue heron stalking in the reeds. You will walk the famous three-mile concrete promenade. Explore a historic park where English settlers first landed. Finish with the sight of dolphins rolling just offshore. The pace is moderate. It mixes active exploration with relaxed beach time. It is designed to show the distinct personalities of Virginia Beach.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$150-200 per day
Best Seasons
Visit from late spring through early fall. May, June, and September are best. They bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Couples, Outdoor enthusiasts, Families with older children
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
1
Sands, Sculptures, and Sunset
Virginia Beach Oceanfront & Boardwalk
Start with the classic Virginia Beach experience along the oceanfront. Move from the beach to the boardwalk's art and evening entertainment.
Morning
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Stroll and Neptune's Park
Begin your day on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. This wide concrete path hums with the sound of bicycle wheels and rolling beach cruisers. See the bronze statue of King Neptune towering over the park. His trident gleams in the sun. Feel the cool spray from the fountain at the 31st Street stage. Walk south to gaze at the intricate sand sculptures often on display near the pier.
Lunch
Waterman's Surfside Grille
Afternoon
Beach Time and Atlantic Fun Park
Spend the afternoon feeling the warm, grainy sand of Virginia Beach under your feet. Hear the laughter from the Atlantic Fun Park. Dip your toes in the cool Atlantic surf. Watch kids build crumbling sandcastles. Smell the mix of sunscreen and ocean brine. The park has classic amusements like a Ferris wheel with views of the coastline.
Purchase ride tickets at the park. No advance booking required.
Evening
Dinner and Live Music on the Strip
Have dinner at Chick's Oyster Bar for a casual meal on the deck overlooking the Lynnhaven Inlet. Then return to the Virginia Beach oceanfront strip. In summer, you can often catch free live music performances at the 17th, 24th, or 31st Street park stages. The sound of guitars mixes with the evening breeze.
Where to Stay Tonight
Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Hotel like the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront or The Cavalier)
Staying on the strip places you steps from the sand and the heart of the Virginia Beach action. This makes it easy to return to your room after a day in the sun.
See all Virginia Beach accommodation options →Parking can be challenging and expensive along the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Consider using the city's park-and-ride lots or the trolley service. It runs frequently along Atlantic Avenue during peak season.
Day 1 Budget: 180
2
History and Wild Wetlands
First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Trade the ocean surf for the serene cypress swamps and maritime forest of First Landing. Next, see the expansive marshes of Back Bay.
Morning
Hiking at First Landing State Park
Explore the trails of First Landing State Park. The air feels cool and damp under the canopy of towering loblolly pines. You will hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and the calls of ospreys overhead. Smell the earthy scent of the Bald Cypress swamp. Walk along the shady, sandy paths. See where English colonists first stepped ashore in Virginia Beach.
Pay the parking fee at the main entrance. No reservation needed for trails.
Lunch
The Bee and the Biscuit
Afternoon
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Drive south to the quiet expanse of Back Bay. You will see vast marshes painted in golden greens. Feel a steady breeze coming off the water. Hear the distant cry of gulls. Walk the dike trails to spot turtles sunning on logs. Smell the clean, brackish scent of the refuge's freshwater ponds. The landscape here feels wild and removed from the city.
The refuge requires a daily parking fee, payable on arrival.
Evening
Seafood Dinner in Sandbridge
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Baja Restaurant in Sandbridge. Taste freshly grilled fish while watching the sky over the bay turn shades of orange and pink from the waterfront deck.
Where to Stay Tonight
Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Hotel like the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront or The Cavalier)
Returning to the oceanfront base allows for an easy transition to your final day's activities along the coast of Virginia Beach.
See all Virginia Beach accommodation options →Apply bug spray before exploring the park and refuge trails. This is important in the warmer months. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in the wetland areas of Virginia Beach.
Day 2 Budget: 160
3
Marine Life and Local Flavors
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and ViBe Creative District
Find the aquatic life of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic. Then explore the local art and food scene in a creative neighborhood.
Morning
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Visit the Virginia Aquarium. See harbor seals gliding through blue-lit water. Hear the bubbling sounds of massive tanks. Feel the cool, humid air of the indoor rainforest habitat. Come face-to-face with the toothy grin of a sand tiger shark in the Norfolk Canyon exhibit. The touch pools let you feel the slick, rubbery skin of a cownose ray.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, for weekends.
Lunch
Commune
Afternoon
ViBe Creative District Exploration
Stroll through the ViBe Creative District. This neighborhood is transformed by colorful murals covering building walls. Hear the whir of a coffee grinder in a local shop. Smell the tangy scent of wet paint from a working artist's studio. Pop into boutiques. Feel handmade pottery and see lively local artwork for sale.
Evening
Farewell Dinner and Dolphin Watching
Dine at Orion's Roof on the rooftop for panoramic views of the Virginia Beach coastline. Then consider a sunset dolphin-watching cruise from Rudee Inlet. See their dark fins breaking the shimmering, orange-hued water.
Where to Stay Tonight
Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Hotel like the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront or The Cavalier)
A final night on the oceanfront lets you fall asleep to the sound of waves. This completes your Virginia Beach weekend.
See all Virginia Beach accommodation options →For a memorable souvenir from Virginia Beach, stop by the Virginia Beach Art Center in the ViBe District. Purchase a piece directly from a local artist.
Day 3 Budget: 220
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
A personal car is highly recommended for this Virginia Beach itinerary. It provides flexibility to reach First Landing, Back Bay, and Sandbridge. For the oceanfront day, the city's trolley runs along Atlantic Avenue. It is a convenient way to avoid parking hassles. Ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout Virginia Beach.
Book Ahead
Book your Virginia Beach oceanfront hotel well ahead. This is true for summer weekends. Reserve tickets for the Virginia Aquarium online. If you plan a dolphin cruise, booking a day or two in advance is wise during peak season.
Packing Essentials
Pack beach towels and sunscreen. Bring bug spray for park visits. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalk and trails. Bring a light jacket for breezy evenings. Carry a reusable water bottle.
Total Budget
560
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Focus on free activities in Virginia Beach: the boardwalk, beaches, and First Landing hiking trails. Book a room at a budget motel a few blocks from the oceanfront. Grab picnic supplies from a grocery store. Skip the amusement park and aquarium. The cheaper Back Bay refuge visit delivers better value.
Luxury Upgrade
Book an ocean-view suite at The Cavalier. Reserve a private dolphin-watching charter. Dine at places like Terrapin or Steinhilber's. Consider a hotel spa treatment after exploring Virginia Beach. It's a fine reward.
Family-Friendly
Skip the ViBe District. Visit the Virginia Beach Children's Museum instead. Pick a hotel with a pool. Allocate more time to the Atlantic Fun Park and the aquarium's adventure park. Rent a family surrey bike for a boardwalk tour. A good call.
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