Things to Do in Virginia Beach in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Virginia Beach
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak beach season with water temperatures around 26°C (79°F) - genuinely comfortable for swimming without a wetsuit, and the ocean is typically calm enough for families with young kids to wade in safely
- Extended daylight hours with sunrise around 5:50am and sunset near 8:30pm gives you roughly 14.5 hours of usable daylight - you can actually fit beach time, lunch, a nap, and evening boardwalk activities all in one day without feeling rushed
- The oceanfront entertainment scene is fully operational in July - live music venues, outdoor movie nights on the beach (typically Wednesdays), and the weekly Neptune Festival events are all running, which doesn't happen in shoulder seasons
- Sea turtle nesting season peaks in July, and if you're willing to wake up early (around 6am), you might catch volunteer-led nest protection activities along the shore - it's become a surprisingly popular thing for families staying here to experience
Considerations
- This is unquestionably the most crowded month of the year - parking at the oceanfront between 10am-4pm can take 30-45 minutes of circling, and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue often have 60-90 minute waits without reservations, especially Friday through Sunday
- Accommodation prices are at their annual peak, typically running 40-60% higher than September rates - a beachfront hotel room that costs 180 USD in early fall will likely run 280-320 USD per night in July, and most properties enforce 3-4 night minimum stays
- The combination of 70% humidity and temperatures in the upper 80s Fahrenheit (around 31-32°C) creates that sticky, heavy air quality where you're sweating within minutes of leaving air conditioning - it's the kind of weather where you'll want to shower twice a day
Best Activities in July
Oceanfront Beach Activities and Water Sports
July offers the warmest and calmest ocean conditions of the year, making it ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing lessons. The water visibility is typically better in July compared to spring months when runoff clouds things up. Mornings before 10am are your sweet spot - the beach crowd is lighter, the sand isn't scorching yet, and the ocean tends to be glassier. Afternoons can get choppy with the sea breeze picking up around 2pm. Worth noting that jellyfish sightings do increase in July, though they're usually the harmless moon jellies rather than the stinging varieties.
First Landing State Park Nature Trails
This 2,888-acre park offers 20 miles (32 km) of hiking and biking trails through maritime forest and cypress swamps - it's where locals escape when the oceanfront gets overwhelming. July is actually a great time for the shaded trail system because the tree canopy provides genuine relief from the sun. The Cape Henry Trail (6 miles/9.6 km loop) takes you through ecosystems you wouldn't expect to find at the beach. Early morning visits (before 9am) let you avoid both heat and crowds, and you'll likely spot herons, egrets, and the occasional river otter. The bald cypress swamp section stays surprisingly cool even in July heat.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
This is your essential backup plan for the inevitable afternoon when it's either too hot or one of those surprise July thunderstorms rolls through. The aquarium has genuinely improved over the past few years with expanded exhibits, and July is when their sea turtle rehabilitation program is most active - you can often watch feeding sessions and learn about current patients. The air-conditioned environment is a relief after beach time, and the outdoor aviary and marsh pavilion are tolerable in early morning or evening. Plan for 2.5-3 hours to see everything without rushing.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
While everyone crowds the oceanfront, Back Bay offers 9,000 acres of protected marshland and waterways just 20 minutes south. July is prime time for paddling here because water levels are reliable and wildlife activity peaks - you'll likely see bottlenose dolphins, brown pelicans, and various heron species. The protected waters mean you're not dealing with ocean swells, making it suitable for beginners. Launch points at Little Island Park provide easy access. The downside is mosquitoes can be intense in marshy areas, especially early morning and dusk, so timing matters - mid-morning to early afternoon (9am-2pm) tends to have fewer bugs.
Cape Henry Lighthouse and Historic Fort Story Area
The first federally funded lighthouse in the US (built 1792) sits at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, and July offers the clearest visibility for the panoramic views from the top. You'll climb 191 steps up the old lighthouse - it's hot and narrow, but the 360-degree view of where the bay meets the Atlantic is legitimately impressive. The newer 1881 lighthouse next door is still operational. Fort Story, the active military base surrounding the lighthouses, has opened more public access recently. Plan for early morning visits (8-10am) before the metal lighthouse structure becomes a heat trap.
Chesapeake Bay Sunset Cruises and Dolphin Watching
The Chesapeake Bay side of Virginia Beach offers calmer waters and spectacular sunsets that the ocean side simply can't match. July evenings feature sunset around 8:30pm, and various boat tours depart between 6-7pm for 2-3 hour cruises. Dolphin sightings are common in July as pods feed in the bay - success rate is typically 70-80% according to local captains. The temperature drops 3-5°C (5-9°F) on the water with the evening breeze, making it genuinely pleasant compared to daytime heat. These cruises are popular with couples and families looking for a break from the beach scene.
July Events & Festivals
Patriotic Festival at the Oceanfront
The week surrounding July 4th brings an extended celebration along the boardwalk with live music stages, food vendors, and fireworks. The main fireworks display typically happens July 4th around 9:30pm, launched from the beach near 24th Street. The oceanfront gets absolutely packed - we're talking shoulder-to-shoulder crowds from 17th to 40th Streets. If you want a good viewing spot, claim your beach real estate by 7pm. Many locals actually watch from hotel balconies or rooftops rather than dealing with the beach crowds.
Neptune Festival Sand Sculpting Competition Preview
While the main Neptune Festival happens in September, July features preview sand sculpting demonstrations and smaller competitions along the boardwalk, typically mid-month. Professional sand sculptors create elaborate temporary installations that last 3-5 days depending on weather. It's become a popular photo opportunity and gives you something to see beyond just beach and waves. The sculptures are usually positioned near 31st Street and are free to view anytime.
Boardwalk Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts happen multiple nights per week throughout July at various stages along the boardwalk. The main stage at 17th Street and another at 24th Street host regional and national tribute bands, typically starting around 7pm. Music ranges from classic rock to beach music to country. Bring blankets or low beach chairs - seating is first-come, first-served on the sand. These concerts are genuinely well-attended by both tourists and locals, and the vibe is pretty relaxed. Check the current schedule as lineups change yearly, but count on 3-4 concert nights per week throughout the month.