Things to Do in Virginia Beach in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Virginia Beach
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find hotel rates 25-35% lower than summer peak, with oceanfront properties typically running $120-180 per night instead of $200-300. Book by January for the best selection.
- The boardwalk and beaches are genuinely manageable in March - you can actually walk without weaving through crowds, find parking at the municipal lots within 15 minutes most days, and snag a decent beach spot even if you arrive at 11am.
- Water temperature sits around 8-10°C (46-50°F), which sounds brutal but actually makes March ideal for serious surf conditions. The offshore winds pick up and you'll see consistent 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) swells, sometimes bigger after nor'easters roll through.
- The local restaurant scene operates at a relaxed pace before the summer rush - you can walk into most places without reservations, and servers actually have time to chat about the menu. Plus, several spots run off-season specials trying to maintain winter traffic.
Considerations
- That weather data showing 60°C (140°F) highs is clearly a data error - actual March highs average around 13°C (55°F), with lows near 4°C (39°F). It's genuinely chilly, especially with the ocean wind. You'll need layers, and beach days require mental toughness.
- About half the boardwalk businesses stay closed until late March or early April. Amusement park rides, some ice cream shops, and a good chunk of the arcade operations won't open until closer to spring break. The vibe can feel somewhat dormant compared to summer's energy.
- Those 10 rainy days in the data actually translate to unpredictable weather patterns - March sits right in that transitional zone where you might get a 18°C (65°F) sunny day followed by a 4°C (40°F) day with sleet. Pack for all scenarios because forecasts beyond 3-4 days out are essentially guesses.
Best Activities in March
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Walking and Cycling
The 5 km (3.1 mile) concrete boardwalk becomes genuinely pleasant in March without the summer shoulder-to-shoulder traffic. Mornings around 8-10am offer the clearest conditions before afternoon winds pick up. The separate bike path means you can rent bikes and cover the full length in 30-40 minutes, stopping at the King Neptune statue and various murals without fighting crowds. The cooler temperatures actually make this more comfortable than summer's heat and humidity.
First Landing State Park Hiking
This 1,127-hectare (2,785-acre) park offers 32 km (20 miles) of trails through maritime forest and cypress swamps. March weather is ideal for hiking - cool enough that you won't overheat on the longer trails, but the ground has mostly dried out from winter. The Bald Cypress Trail (2.4 km/1.5 miles) stays relatively mud-free and takes about 45 minutes at a casual pace. Wildlife becomes more active as spring approaches, and you'll avoid the summer mosquito swarms entirely.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Tours
This becomes your best backup plan for those inevitable rainy or brutally cold March days. The 800,000-liter (210,000-gallon) aquarium takes 2-3 hours to explore properly, and the indoor exhibits maintain comfortable temperatures regardless of conditions outside. March timing means you'll miss the spring break crowds that hit in late March through April. The sea turtle rehabilitation area is particularly active this time of year as they prepare animals for summer releases.
Cape Henry Lighthouse and Fort Story Historical Tours
The 49 m (162 ft) lighthouse built in 1792 offers panoramic views worth the 191-step climb, and March's clearer air provides better visibility than summer's haze. The site sits on an active military base, adding an unusual access element. Temperatures in the 10-13°C (50-55°F) range make the climb comfortable without overheating. Plan for 90 minutes total including the small museum and grounds exploration. The nearby Old Cape Henry Memorial marks the first landing of Jamestown colonists.
Chesapeake Bay Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tours
March marks the beginning of dolphin activity returning to the Chesapeake Bay area as water temperatures slowly rise. Tours typically run 2-3 hours covering 16-24 km (10-15 miles) of bay and ocean waters. You'll need serious layering - the wind chill on the water drops the effective temperature by 5-8°C (10-15°F) below land temperatures. Success rates for dolphin sightings run around 60-70% in March compared to 90% plus in summer, but the trade-off is far smaller tour groups and more personalized attention from guides.
Local Craft Brewery and Winery Tours
The Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads area has developed a legitimate craft beverage scene with 15-plus breweries and several wineries within 30 minutes of the oceanfront. March's cooler weather makes this indoor-focused activity particularly appealing, and you'll find the tasting rooms operating at relaxed capacity. Most breweries offer flights of 4-6 samples for $12-18, and the local scene focuses heavily on IPAs and sours. Several operations have added full kitchens or regular food truck schedules, making this a viable lunch or dinner plan.
March Events & Festivals
Shamrock Marathon Weekend
This is the major March event, typically held mid-month around St. Patrick's Day weekend. The full marathon, half marathon, and 8K races bring 20,000-plus runners to the oceanfront, transforming the boardwalk area into a massive athletic festival. Even if you're not running, the expo at the convention center showcases local vendors and the post-race party atmosphere takes over several blocks. Road closures affect oceanfront access from roughly 6am-2pm on race day Sunday.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
Usually runs for 10-14 days in early to mid-March, with participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus at $25-35 per person for three courses. This is legitimately useful for trying higher-end spots at reduced prices, though menus are obviously limited compared to regular offerings. About 30-40 restaurants participate, spanning the oceanfront to the Town Center area. Reservations become essential for weekend evenings.