Do realize that even though it's a beach, VB won't be terribly warm next weekend most likely...although there could be a surprise. Check weather.com...I think they do the 10 day forecast.

But it's great to enjoy the beach without all the heat and stickiness, too. Do realize that with the ocean as refector and the white sand and light boardwalk you can still burn even with some cloud cover. So use the ol' SPF, expecially on your 3 year old. Remember to use it on tops of heads, noses, tops of feet...bottoms of feet if you get to lie down, as well as other spots. If you're very fair skinned don't just trust being covered lightly...the rays can permeate light clothing. But you've probably already sunbathed in your life...just not at the beach.

Sunglasses. I think way too few children wear sunglasses.

I don't think the sand could be hot this time of year...haven't had that happen. But do be aware of the sand temperature. Put it on your most sensitive spots, like top of your feet. If you're not comfortable, don't think your little one is in bare feet.

A lot of VB sand beach part is about a football field wide from the boardwalk to the ocean, so it's a lot of space and beautiful.

I like to collect miniature shells, which your child might get a kick out of spotting in the sand here and there.

Take binoculars to see whatever is in/on the ocean from the boardwalk or from your room.

Have to go do something. Write more later. You'll have a great adventure.

Today it's 70 degrees - what weird whether! At this time of year, though, you won't run into jellyfish, and there's nothing poisonous in the sand. As explorer said, the beach is wide, so you won't get caught by the incoming tide. Even if you fell asleep in the sand, you'd certainly wake up with the first big wave washing over you. Relax and have fun.

Check out the "Things to Do" along the left margin. Look at the articles, particularly Family Travel, some of which is available year round.

There are lots of things to do along the 3 mile boardwalk...lots to see. The boardwalk is the longest recreational boardwalk according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

This time of year along the Boardwalk you will see the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum in the historic DeWitt Cottage at 11th, one of the oldest on the oceanfront;

the Virginia Legends Walk at 13th off the Boardwalk; honoring Virginians who have made important national and world contributions in their lives;

The Old Coast Guard Station at 24th and the Boardwalk in the historic 1903 Life Saving Station cottage.

The Naval Aviation Monument is at 25th and the Boardwalk. This is something we finally got to really look at recently. It is actually many bronze sculptures paying tribute to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard from the early 1900s to the present. There are laser-etched granite storyboards since this is outdoors so you know what you're looking at. The sculptures are of people in outfits from the period...real people...depicting significant events in history.

Nov. 21st is also the start of the wonderful Virginia Beach annual Festival of Lights along the boardwalk. It's sponsored by McDonald's and Verizon. There will be more than 250 animated holiday light displays, fish that appear to be jumpting, etc. And thousand of colorful lights. You start at 2nd St. and the Boardwalk and do it in your car, driving beside and under the displays. It's $10/car and starts at 5:30, the darker the better of course. You get a Christmas CD to pop in and listen to as you're viewing. beachstreetusa.com/festivals-and-events/mcdo…

Today it is only in the low '40s for a high! I hope it gets a littls milder for your vacation this weekend. Nothing like already-frigid air along with the open-ocean wind to chill you right to the bone. Definitely keep an eye on the Weather Channel & be prepared to bring winter coats, hats & gloves! Don't want your first beach trip to be ruined by cold weather freezing you right back inside!

If you end up taking off your shoes, when you get back to the car, sprinkle baby powder anywhere you have sand and it will brush right off.

I agree with Eliziam, especially with a toddler. We have had great fun in VAB in the summer, but I was suprised and unprepared on a November trip when we were struck by a hailstorm. I am packing sweatshirts and long pants for a blustery beach. Last time we were cuaght offfguard expecting swimming, dolphins and a boardwalk scene. Much of the boardwalk was closed. If you plan properly, you can take a nice walk on the very clean boardwalk. I'm not sure if they do the bicycle rides in winter - those a loads of fun. Does anyone know?

Be on the safe side and pack warm winter clothes and plan for 'cosy fireplace.'

Best of luck and have a great trip. Either way - seeing the beauty of the ocean will be refreshing!

Yes, you really can't get real winter warmth until you get to South Florida (even then...) But even moderate is difficult to be sure of. I know lots of high schoolers who come south to VB or the Carolinas on a fall or winter break and freeeeze. They assume...south...beach...must be warm. For example, VB will be in the 30s Monday, and furth south Myrtle Beach will be in the 40s Mon. But it warms up a bit ten degrees or so and then goes down again.