Where to Stay in Virginia Beach
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The heart of Virginia Beach tourism, this 3-mile concrete boardwalk stretches along Atlantic Avenue with direct beach access. High-rise hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues line the strip, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. This is where you'll find the iconic Neptune statue and most of the city's summer action.
- Direct beach access from most hotels
- Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and entertainment
- Best selection of hotels and amenities
- Evening boardwalk activities and street performers
- Easy access to bike rentals and water sports
- Most expensive accommodation area
- Crowded and noisy during peak season
- Parking can be expensive and difficult
- Less authentic local character
Located north of 40th Street, the North End offers a quieter, more residential beach experience while still providing ocean access. This area features a mix of smaller hotels, vacation rentals, and condos with a more laid-back vibe. The beach here is less crowded, and the neighborhood has a more local feel with fewer tourists.
- Less crowded beaches than the main boardwalk
- More peaceful and residential atmosphere
- Often better value than central Oceanfront
- Easier parking availability
- Close to First Landing State Park
- Fewer restaurants and shops within walking distance
- Limited nightlife options
- May require driving to main attractions
Virginia Beach's arts and culture hub, located along the boardwalk between 16th and 24th Streets. This trendy neighborhood features colorful murals, independent shops, craft breweries, and unique dining options. It offers a more bohemian alternative to the traditional resort strip with boutique accommodations and local character.
- Unique local character and artistic vibe
- Excellent independent restaurants and breweries
- Still close to beach access
- More authentic Virginia Beach experience
- Growing boutique hotel scene
- Fewer accommodation options than main Oceanfront
- Can be lively at night (noise from bars)
- Limited family-oriented activities
An inland urban district located about 5 miles from the beach, Town Center offers a modern downtown experience with shopping, dining, and entertainment. This area features upscale hotels, a convention center, and a more business-traveler atmosphere. It's ideal for those who want city amenities and plan to drive to the beach.
- More affordable than beachfront properties
- Excellent restaurants and upscale shopping
- Free parking at most hotels
- Quieter at night than beach areas
- Year-round activity (not seasonal)
- No beach access (15-20 minute drive required)
- Less vacation atmosphere
- Need a car to reach main attractions
Located on the quieter bay side near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, this area offers calmer waters and a different beach experience. Popular with families with young children due to gentler waves, it features a more local, low-key atmosphere with smaller hotels and vacation rentals. The sunsets over the bay are spectacular.
- Calmer bay waters ideal for young children
- Less crowded than ocean beaches
- Beautiful sunset views
- Good for kayaking and paddleboarding
- Generally more affordable
- Not the traditional ocean beach experience
- Very limited accommodation options
- Fewer nearby restaurants and amenities
- Further from main tourist attractions
A secluded beach community located about 15 miles south of the main resort area, Sandbridge feels like a world away from the busy boardwalk. This residential area is dominated by vacation rental homes, offering a peaceful, family-oriented beach experience. The area is bordered by Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, providing nature access alongside beach activities.
- Pristine, uncrowded beaches
- Spacious vacation homes perfect for groups
- Adjacent to wildlife refuge for nature activities
- Peaceful, residential atmosphere
- Great for fishing and water sports
- Very limited hotels (mostly vacation rentals only)
- Requires car for restaurants and shopping
- Isolated from main Virginia Beach attractions
- Minimal nightlife or entertainment
Located at the southern end of the boardwalk where Rudee Inlet meets the ocean, this area serves as the hub for fishing charters, dolphin tours, and water activities. It offers a mix of accommodation types with easy access to both beach and marina activities. The area has a nautical character with seafood restaurants and boat docks.
- Prime location for fishing and boat tours
- Excellent seafood restaurants
- Close to both beach and boardwalk
- Adventure activities readily available
- Good mix of hotel options
- Can be busy with marina traffic
- Some hotels show age compared to newer properties
- Parking can be challenging during peak season
The southern stretch of the oceanfront between the boardwalk's end and Rudee Inlet, offering a slightly quieter alternative to the central boardwalk while maintaining beach access. This area features a mix of older and renovated hotels, with some excellent value options. It's close enough to walk to boardwalk activities but far enough to escape the heaviest crowds.
- More affordable than central boardwalk
- Still walking distance to main attractions
- Direct beach access
- Quieter atmosphere while remaining convenient
- Good restaurant options nearby
- Some properties are dated and need renovation
- Slightly longer walk to boardwalk center
- Fewer hotel amenities than luxury properties
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Virginia Beach's most popular accommodation type, ranging from budget chains to luxury resorts. Most feature pools, restaurants, and direct beach access. High-rise properties dominate the boardwalk area with rooms offering ocean views.
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and anyone prioritizing beach access and amenities
Abundant throughout Virginia Beach, especially in Sandbridge and North End areas. Options range from condos to large beach houses. Ideal for longer stays and groups, offering full kitchens and more space than hotels.
Best for: Large families, groups, extended stays, and those wanting kitchen facilities
Limited but charming options scattered throughout residential areas and the North End. These smaller properties offer personalized service and homemade breakfasts in historic or unique settings.
Best for: Couples, romantic getaways, and travelers seeking personalized experiences
Older, simpler properties found mostly along Atlantic Avenue and inland areas. Basic amenities with limited services but clean and functional. Many are family-owned operations that have served Virginia Beach visitors for decades.
Best for: Budget travelers, road trippers, and those who plan to spend minimal time at the accommodation
Found primarily in Town Center and inland areas, these properties offer suite-style rooms with kitchenettes. Designed for longer visits with weekly rates and more residential amenities.
Best for: Business travelers, families on extended vacations, and budget-conscious visitors staying a week or more
A growing category in Virginia Beach, particularly in the ViBe District and select oceanfront locations. These smaller properties emphasize unique design, local character, and personalized service over chain hotel standardization.
Best for: Couples, design-conscious travelers, and those seeking unique experiences
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Virginia Beach accommodations, especially oceanfront properties, fill up months in advance for July and August. Start looking in January or February for the best selection and rates. Many hotels release their summer inventory in December or January, and prices only increase as availability decreases. Holiday weekends like July 4th require even earlier booking, often 6-9 months ahead.
Late May, early June, and September offer the best value with warm weather, swimmable ocean temperatures, and prices 30-50% lower than peak July-August rates. The ocean is warmest in September, and you'll encounter far fewer crowds while still enjoying full beach weather. Most attractions and restaurants remain open through September.
While sites like Booking.com and Expedia can offer deals, many Virginia Beach hotels provide best rate guarantees and perks (free parking, resort credits, room upgrades) when booking directly. Always check the hotel's own website and call to ask about packages or AAA/military discounts that may not appear online. Local vacation rental management companies often have better rates than Airbnb or VRBO.
Oceanfront hotels typically charge $15-$35 per night for parking, which can add significantly to your total cost. Some properties include parking in resort fees while others charge separately. Town Center and inland hotels usually offer free parking. If staying oceanfront without a car, you can save substantially and use rideshares, bikes, or the Wave Trolley for transportation.
Many Virginia Beach hotels add mandatory resort fees of $15-$40 per night that aren't included in the advertised rate. These supposedly cover amenities like WiFi, pool access, and beach chairs, but they're essentially unavoidable surcharges. Always check the total price including all fees before booking. Some smaller hotels and vacation rentals don't charge these fees.
Most oceanfront properties require 2-3 night minimum stays on summer weekends, and some require full-week stays during peak season. Holiday weekends often have 3-4 night minimums. Vacation rentals in Sandbridge typically require Saturday-to-Saturday weekly bookings from mid-June through August. Plan your dates accordingly or consider inland properties for more flexibility.
Many hotels offer packages including Virginia Aquarium tickets, dinner vouchers, or activity credits that provide better value than booking separately. The Virginia Beach CVB website lists current packages and deals. Some hotels partner with local attractions for discounted combo tickets. Military personnel should always ask about military rates, as Virginia Beach has a large military presence and many properties offer 10-20% discounts.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For July and August stays, book 4-6 months in advance (January-March) for best selection. Prices increase significantly as summer approaches, and oceanfront properties sell out completely. Expect to pay premium rates and encounter minimum stay requirements. Last-minute deals are rare during peak summer.
May, June, and September offer more booking flexibility with 2-3 months advance notice usually sufficient. Prices are 30-40% lower than peak season, and you'll find better availability and more negotiating room. This is the sweet spot for value-conscious travelers who still want warm beach weather.
October through April sees the lowest rates and maximum availability. You can often book just days or weeks in advance and find deals. Many hotels offer winter packages at 50-70% off summer rates. However, the ocean is too cold for swimming (except perhaps early October), and some attractions have reduced hours or close entirely. Great for budget travelers and those interested in off-season beach walks.
Book as early as possible for specific summer dates, especially if you need oceanfront or have a large group. For shoulder and low season, you can wait for deals but risk missing out on the best properties. Always compare prices across multiple booking platforms and directly with hotels. Set price alerts on hotel booking sites if your dates are flexible.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.