Things to Do in Virginia Beach in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Virginia Beach
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely quiet beaches and boardwalk - February brings the lowest visitor counts of the year, meaning you can actually find parking at the Oceanfront without circling for 30 minutes. Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peak, with oceanfront rooms available for $80-120 per night instead of $250-400.
- Winter ocean watching is spectacular - February is prime time for spotting humpback whales migrating north along the coast. The Atlantic is dramatic this time of year, with powerful waves that draw serious surfers to spots like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel's first island. Bring binoculars for the 17th Street beach access.
- Indoor attractions are actually enjoyable - The Virginia Aquarium, Military Aviation Museum, and Contemporary Art Center are comfortable to explore without summer crowds. You can spend 2-3 hours at the aquarium without fighting through school groups, and the Aviation Museum's unheated hangars are tolerable in February's cooler temps.
- Restaurant reservations are easy to snag - Places like Catch 31 and Terrapin typically booked weeks ahead in summer have same-day availability in February. Local restaurants run winter promotions, with Restaurant Week usually happening late February with three-course dinners for $35-45.
Considerations
- Ocean swimming is genuinely uncomfortable - Water temperatures hover around 7-10°C (45-50°F) in February. Even with a wetsuit, you're looking at brief dips only. The beach is for walking, not swimming. If you're coming specifically for water activities, this isn't your month.
- Weather unpredictability requires flexible planning - February in Virginia Beach swings wildly. You might get a sunny 18°C (65°F) day perfect for biking the boardwalk, followed by a 4°C (40°F) day with biting wind off the ocean. That 70% humidity makes cold days feel colder and warm days feel sticky. Pack for all scenarios.
- Many seasonal businesses are closed - Roughly 30% of boardwalk shops, outdoor bars, and beach rental operations shut down January through March. The Chick's Beach area is particularly quiet. Don't expect the full Virginia Beach experience - this is the off-season version.
Best Activities in February
First Landing State Park hiking and biking
February is actually ideal for exploring Virginia Beach's 3,047-hectare (7,530-acre) state park. The humidity is lower than summer, trails are firm and dry with minimal rainfall, and you avoid the mosquitoes that plague warmer months. The 26 km (16 miles) of trails through bald cypress swamps and maritime forest are comfortable to hike in layers. Temperatures in the 10-15°C (50-60°F) range mean you can cover the 9.7 km (6-mile) Cape Henry Trail without overheating. Bike rentals typically cost $25-40 per day.
Virginia Aquarium behind-the-scenes tours
The aquarium offers specialized tours in winter that are often unavailable during crowded summer months. February is when they run penguin encounters and sea turtle hospital tours with smaller group sizes, typically 6-8 people instead of 15-20. The building stays comfortable year-round, making this perfect for those unpredictable cold or rainy February days. Tours run 60-90 minutes and cost $45-75 per person depending on the experience.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel fishing and sightseeing
February brings some of the year's best striped bass fishing at the 28 km (17.4-mile) bridge-tunnel complex. The first island has a restaurant and fishing pier that's less crowded in winter - you might see 10-15 anglers instead of 100 in summer. Even if you don't fish, the $14 toll to drive across is worth it for the engineering spectacle and potential whale sightings. The drive takes 25 minutes one way, and the views of the Atlantic meeting the Bay are dramatic in winter light.
Military Aviation Museum tours
This privately-owned collection of 70+ vintage military aircraft is one of the largest in the world, and February is genuinely the best time to visit. The hangars aren't climate-controlled, so summer visits are sweltering. February's cooler temperatures make the 2-3 hour self-guided tour comfortable. The museum occasionally runs aircraft on weekends weather permitting - hearing a WWII-era fighter engine start up is worth the $18 admission alone.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge walking and photography
February is migration season, making this 3,642-hectare (9,000-acre) refuge south of Sandbridge exceptional for birding. You'll see tundra swans, snow geese, and numerous duck species that aren't here in summer. The 8 km (5-mile) Bay Trail loop is flat and manageable in February weather - just dress in layers. Entry is $10 per vehicle and the refuge is rarely crowded in winter, maybe 20-30 visitors on a busy day versus hundreds in peak season.
ViBe Creative District gallery walks and craft breweries
The ViBe District along 17th-22nd Streets is Virginia Beach's arts neighborhood, and February is when locals actually explore it without tourist crowds. First Friday art walks happen year-round with 15-20 galleries staying open until 8pm. The area has five craft breweries within walking distance, with tasting flights typically $12-18. Indoor activities like this are perfect for February's unpredictable weather days, and the neighborhood has a genuinely local feel in winter.
February Events & Festivals
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
Typically runs late February with 40-50 participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menus. Three-course dinners run $35-45 at places that normally cost $60-80 per person. This is when locals try restaurants they've been curious about, and reservations are actually available unlike summer. Worth planning your trip around if you're a foodie.
Mid-Atlantic Boat Show
Usually held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in mid-February, showcasing boats, marine equipment, and fishing gear. If you're into boating or considering a charter fishing trip, this is where you meet captains and compare options. Admission typically $12-15 for adults.