Virginia Beach Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Virginia Beach.
Healthcare System
Virginia Beach operates under the U.S. healthcare system, which is private and fee-for-service based. Healthcare quality is excellent but costs can be extremely high without insurance. Emergency rooms are required to treat life-threatening conditions regardless of ability to pay, but you will receive a bill afterward.
Hospitals
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (1060 First Colonial Road) is the main hospital serving the area with a 24/7 emergency department. Sentara Princess Anne Hospital also serves the region. Multiple urgent care centers are available for non-emergency medical needs, including locations along Shore Drive and Independence Boulevard. Walk-in clinics often have shorter wait times and lower costs than emergency rooms for minor issues.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid pharmacies are widely available throughout Virginia Beach, with many open 24 hours. Prescription medications from other countries may not be recognized; bring sufficient supplies and original prescriptions. Over-the-counter medications are readily available and inexpensive.
Insurance
Travel medical insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all international visitors and highly advisable for domestic travelers without comprehensive health insurance. Medical costs in the U.S. can be extraordinarily expensive - a simple emergency room visit can cost $1,000-$3,000 or more, and serious injuries requiring hospitalization can result in bills exceeding $50,000-$100,000.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry your insurance card and a credit card with sufficient limit for medical emergencies
- For minor issues, use urgent care centers or walk-in clinics instead of emergency rooms to save significant money
- Keep copies of prescriptions for any medications you're traveling with
- Sunscreen, pain relievers, and basic first aid supplies are cheaper at grocery stores or Target/Walmart than at beachfront shops
- If you need emergency care, Sentara hospitals can often provide cost estimates and payment plans for uninsured patients
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Theft of unattended belongings on the beach, including phones, wallets, bags, and valuables left while swimming or walking away from your spot
Theft from parked vehicles, particularly those with visible valuables or rental car identifiers
Strong, narrow currents flowing from shore to sea that can pull swimmers away from the beach; responsible for most ocean rescues in Virginia Beach
Opportunistic theft in crowded areas, bars, and events, though less common than in major urban centers
Injuries from bicycle, electric scooter, or surrey rentals due to unfamiliarity with equipment, traffic, or impaired riding
Overexposure to sun and heat, particularly during summer months when temperatures exceed 90°F with high humidity
Incidents related to excessive alcohol consumption, including accidents, altercations, DUI, and vulnerability to crime
Stings from sea nettles and other jellyfish, most common in late summer; painful but rarely dangerous
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals pose as parking attendants in public lots or on streets, collecting cash payments for parking spots that are actually free or controlled by the city. They may wear unofficial vests or simply approach drivers offering to 'watch your car.'
Fraudulent vacation rental listings for properties that don't exist or aren't actually available, or aggressive timeshare presentations that promise free gifts but involve high-pressure sales tactics and hidden costs.
Beach equipment rental operators, particularly those approaching people on the beach, charge inflated prices for chairs, umbrellas, or water sports equipment without clear pricing displayed upfront.
One person creates a distraction (asking for directions, dropping something, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals belongings from your beach spot, bag, or person.
Sellers offer tickets to concerts, festivals, or events at inflated prices or sell counterfeit tickets that won't grant entry.
Charges for items not ordered, automatic gratuities not disclosed, or inflated prices compared to menu, particularly targeting tourists who may not notice or complain.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Beach Safety
- Always swim at beaches with lifeguards and only during guarded hours (typically 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Learn the flag system: green = low hazard, yellow = medium hazard/caution, red = high hazard/no swimming, purple = dangerous marine life
- Never turn your back on the ocean; waves can be unpredictable and knock you down
- Supervise children constantly and keep them within arm's reach in the water
- Don't swim alone, while intoxicated, or immediately after eating a large meal
- Apply waterproof sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours
- Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade to prevent heat exhaustion
Personal Security
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables you don't need during the day
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
- Walk in groups when possible, particularly late at night in entertainment districts
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Keep emergency contacts and hotel information saved in your phone and written down
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
Transportation Safety
- Never drink and drive; use Uber, Lyft, or local taxi services (Yellow Cab: 757-622-3232)
- Lock car doors and keep valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk
- Be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, especially on Atlantic Avenue and the boardwalk
- Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals
- If renting bicycles or scooters, wear helmets and follow traffic laws
- Park only in well-lit, authorized areas and note your parking location
- Be aware that Atlantic Avenue can have heavy traffic during peak season
Alcohol and Nightlife
- Know that open containers of alcohol are prohibited on the beach and boardwalk
- Never leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers
- Pace yourself and alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- Stay with your group and designate a meeting spot if separated
- Keep your phone charged and have ride-sharing apps ready
- Be aware that some bars may have cover charges or minimum drink requirements
- Avoid confrontations and leave situations that feel uncomfortable
Money and Valuables
- Use credit cards when possible for better fraud protection than debit cards
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, secure locations rather than standalone machines
- Carry only the cash and cards you need for the day
- Keep a small amount of emergency cash separate from your wallet
- Beware of skimming devices on ATMs and gas pumps; check for loose or unusual attachments
- Keep a record of credit card numbers and emergency contact numbers separate from the cards
Weather Preparedness
- Download weather apps (Weather.gov, Weather Channel) and enable severe weather alerts
- Check daily weather and surf conditions before heading to the beach
- Have a plan for severe weather, including knowing where to shelter
- If visiting during hurricane season (June-November), purchase travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations
- Follow @CityofVaBeach and @VBgov on social media for official emergency updates
- Leave the beach immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning
- Keep phone charged and have portable chargers in case of power outages
Family Travel
- Establish a meeting point in case family members get separated
- Have children carry contact information or use identification bracelets
- Take a photo of children each day to have a current image if they go missing
- Teach children to look for lifeguards or police officers if they need help
- Apply sunscreen to children frequently and ensure they stay hydrated
- Be extra vigilant with children near water; drowning can happen silently and quickly
- Consider renting beach equipment with bright colors to easily spot your location
Accommodation Safety
- Verify hotel/rental legitimacy through reviews and official websites before booking
- Use deadbolts and security chains on hotel doors
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through front desk
- Know the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers
- Keep balcony doors locked when sleeping or away from room
- Report any suspicious activity or safety concerns to hotel management immediately
- Consider ground floor or lower floor rooms if concerned about hurricane season
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Virginia Beach is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The resort area has a strong police presence, and the city welcomes many solo female travelers year-round. Standard precautions for women traveling in the U.S. apply, with the most common issues being unwanted attention in nightlife areas and the general safety concerns that apply to all travelers.
- The oceanfront boardwalk and main tourist areas are well-populated and safe during the day and evening
- Exercise extra caution in nightlife districts (Atlantic Avenue bars) late at night; stay with groups when possible
- Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, move to a public area or seek help from staff/police
- Keep drinks in sight at bars and restaurants; don't accept drinks from strangers
- Use ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) rather than walking alone late at night
- Share your location with friends or family when going out, especially at night
- Consider staying in hotels rather than isolated vacation rentals if traveling solo
- The Virginia Beach Police Department is responsive; don't hesitate to call if you feel threatened
- Jogging or walking on the boardwalk is safe during daylight hours; many women exercise alone
- Beach areas are family-friendly during the day, but avoid isolated beach sections at dawn/dusk when alone
- Catcalling or unwanted comments may occasionally occur in nightlife areas but is not typical during daytime tourist activities
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships and marriage are fully legal throughout Virginia and the United States. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in many contexts, though Virginia's protections are still evolving. LGBTQ+ travelers have the same legal rights as all visitors.
- The oceanfront resort area and main tourist zones are LGBTQ+-friendly and welcoming
- While there isn't a large dedicated LGBTQ+ nightlife scene in Virginia Beach, nearby Norfolk (20 minutes away) has several LGBTQ+ bars and venues
- Same-sex couples can expect to be treated normally at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions without issues
- Public displays of affection are generally safe in tourist areas, though you may encounter less acceptance in outlying suburban areas
- The city hosts some LGBTQ+-inclusive events, though it's not known for major Pride celebrations (Norfolk and Richmond have larger Pride events)
- Major hotel chains and resorts are welcoming and professional toward LGBTQ+ guests
- Healthcare providers in the area are generally professional and respectful of LGBTQ+ patients
- If you experience discrimination, Virginia Beach has local LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and the police department takes hate crimes seriously
- Consider connecting with Hampton Roads Pride for local LGBTQ+ community information and events
- Overall, exercise the same level of awareness you would in any mid-sized American city; tourist areas are safe and welcoming
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all visitors to Virginia Beach, particularly international travelers. Medical care in the United States is extremely expensive without insurance, and a single emergency room visit or hospital stay can result in bills exceeding tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, Virginia Beach's hurricane season and unpredictable weather can lead to trip cancellations or interruptions. Travel insurance provides crucial financial protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and other unforeseen circumstances.
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