Things to Do in Virginia Beach in March

March Weather in Virginia Beach

60°C (140°F) High Temp

41°C (106°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Comfortable 18-21°C (64-70°F) temperatures perfect for walking the 48 km (30 mile) boardwalk and beachfront without summer's sweltering heat
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from peak summer pricing - oceanfront rooms average $89-129 vs $189-299 in July
Minimal crowds at major attractions like First Landing State Park and Virginia Aquarium - parking always available and no wait times
Ocean water temperature around 10°C (50°F) ideal for wetsuit surfing and fishing without summer tourist boat traffic

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 4°C (40°F) to 24°C (75°F) within same week requiring multiple clothing layers
Many beachfront restaurants and seasonal attractions remain closed until April 1st limiting dining options
Ocean too cold for comfortable swimming without wetsuit - most beach activities are land-based only

Best Activities in March

First Landing State Park Hiking Trails

March offers perfect hiking weather before summer humidity sets in. The 32 km (20 miles) of trails through cypress swamps and maritime forests are most comfortable now with temperatures rarely exceeding 21°C (70°F). Wildlife is active preparing for spring - best month for spotting bald eagles and migratory birds. Trails can be muddy after March rains, so waterproof boots essential.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for day use ($4 vehicle entry). Arrive early (8-9am) for best wildlife viewing. Park maps available at entrance - Bald Cypress Trail and Cape Henry Trail most popular. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Virginia Beach Fishing Charters

March begins the spring fishing season with striped bass migration and fewer competing boats than summer months. Water temperature around 10°C (50°F) brings fish closer to shore. Weather can be choppy - trips often rescheduled due to March wind patterns, but when conditions align, fishing is exceptional. Charter boats return to full schedules after winter maintenance.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed captains. Half-day trips typically $350-450 per person, full-day $500-700. Weather-dependent with high rescheduling likelihood. Look for boats with heated cabins and recent safety inspections. Check current charter availability in booking widget below.

Military Aviation Museum Tours

March marks the beginning of flying season after winter aircraft maintenance. Indoor hangars provide perfect backup for rainy days (expected 10 days in March). This is when vintage aircraft return to flight status, and you might catch test flights or early season demonstrations. Comfortable walking weather for outdoor aircraft displays.

Booking Tip: General admission $16-20, flight experiences $165-425. Open Thursday-Tuesday (closed Wednesdays). Flying schedule weather-dependent but most active in March compared to winter months. Advanced flight bookings recommended 2-3 weeks ahead. Current tour options available through booking section below.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Kayaking

March offers ideal kayaking conditions before summer crowds and heat. Water levels optimal after winter rains, and migrating waterfowl create exceptional birding opportunities. Temperature range 10-21°C (50-70°F) perfect for paddling with light layers. Winds typically calmer in early March, becoming breezier mid-month.

Booking Tip: Refuge entry $5 per vehicle. Kayak rentals from nearby outfitters typically $35-55/day. Launch from boat ramp requires 4.8 km (3 mile) paddle to reach prime wildlife areas. Best conditions morning hours before afternoon winds. Check current guided tour availability in booking widget.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Cycling

The 4.8 km (3 mile) concrete boardwalk is perfect for cycling in March's mild temperatures without summer pedestrian congestion. Bike rental shops reopen for season with freshly serviced equipment. Ocean breeze keeps temperatures comfortable, and you can actually enjoy the ride without dodging crowds every 30 meters.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals from boardwalk shops typically $15-25/day, $8-12/hour. Most shops open weekends only until April, then daily. Electric bikes $25-35/day becoming more popular. No advance booking needed - plenty of availability in March. Helmets required for under-14s, recommended for all.

Norfolk Botanical Garden Day Trips

Just 32 km (20 miles) from Virginia Beach, March showcases early spring blooms while avoiding summer heat and humidity. Camellias peak in March, and early azaleas begin blooming. The 67-hectare (165-acre) garden is most comfortable for walking in March temperatures. Train tours resume weekend schedules after winter break.

Booking Tip: Admission $12-15 adults, $8-10 children. Located 30-40 minutes drive from Virginia Beach resort area. Train tours $5 additional, operate weekends starting mid-March. Bring camera for early spring photography. Parking always available in March unlike peak bloom season.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Shamrock Marathon Weekend

Virginia Beach's largest spring event draws 25,000+ runners for full marathon, half-marathon, and 8K races. The flat, oceanfront course showcases the entire resort area. Even non-runners enjoy the festival atmosphere with live music, expo vendors, and beachfront celebrations. Traffic impacts Saturday-Sunday morning around resort area.

Late March

Virginia Beach Restaurant Week

Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus $25-45 to kick off the dining season after winter closures. Many establishments use this to debut new spring menus and reopen seasonal locations. Reservations essential at popular spots - book 2+ weeks ahead.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - March swings from 4-24°C (40-75°F) daily, pack t-shirts through fleece jackets

Waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails at First Landing State Park after March rainfall

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and ocean reflection intensifies exposure during outdoor activities

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - afternoon showers expected 10 days and ocean winds can be brisk

Long pants for evening temperatures that drop quickly after sunset, especially near ocean

Closed-toe shoes for restaurant dining - many upscale establishments maintain dress codes year-round

Warm layers for fishing or early morning activities when temperatures hover around 4°C (40°F)

Camera with weather protection for capturing early spring wildlife and potential storm photography

Reusable water bottle - March hiking weather perfect but dehydration still possible with variable humidity

Cash for parking meters and small vendors that may not accept cards during slower March season

Insider Knowledge

Many locals consider March the secret best month - comfortable weather without summer tourists, making restaurant reservations and parking actually manageable

Fishing supply shops offer March equipment deals to clear winter inventory - best month to purchase gear before peak season pricing

Hotel resort fees often negotiable in March unlike summer months - ask about removal or reduction when booking directly

Municipal Golf Course rates remain at off-season pricing through March 31st, saving $20-30 per round compared to April rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - March's 20-degree daily temperature swings catch visitors unprepared for chilly mornings and evenings

Expecting all boardwalk shops and restaurants to be open - many seasonal businesses don't resume full operations until April 1st

Booking fishing charters without weather flexibility - March conditions frequently require rescheduling, choose operators with liberal rebooking policies