Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
4.5
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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309 within 3 miles
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50 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,095 reviews
Excellent
1,971
Very good
744
Average
259
Poor
79
Terrible
42
John L
1 contribution
Jul 2022
We moved to Virginia Beach 14 months ago North End 81st str. and so far mostly good, for me nicer in the winter for obvious reasons, noise, trash.
The noise from motorcycles and very loud mufflers, we are sort of getting used to it.
The complete disrespect with out of towners trashing the beach particulalry the young folks drinking and leaving everything on beach, usually more partying on beach at night. Fireworks, nice but big mess left behind, and I find if good hearted people like myself and others didn't clean up who does?
The noise from motorcycles and very loud mufflers, we are sort of getting used to it.
The complete disrespect with out of towners trashing the beach particulalry the young folks drinking and leaving everything on beach, usually more partying on beach at night. Fireworks, nice but big mess left behind, and I find if good hearted people like myself and others didn't clean up who does?
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harryatkck
Kansas City, KS939 contributions
May 2022
My wife & I stayed overnight in a hotel overlooking the beach so we were able to observe it late in the day & early in the morning. We walked on he beach late in the day & observed that the sand was very clean & there were trash bins at numerous spots. There are several public access points, so there were quite a few people on the beach late in the day. The next morning we watched tractors & other heavy equipment clean the beach & put it in pristine condition for the day. If you love the ocean, come here.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kenobusek
White Oak, PA6 contributions
Dec 2019
We visit Virginia Beach between Christmas and New Year's every year. There is always something to do, Someplace to go and fun to have. The weather is always perfect. THe water (Ocean) is a little chilly to cold but we still enjoy the wavers, hunting for sea glass and sea shells. We bring two teenage boys with us and they put their reservations in for the next year always before we leave. The Boardwalk Christmas Light display is out of this world and for $10 a car you can see an amazing one mile display of lights.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Ken O,
Thank you for noticing all the hard work and dedication many passionate people have poured into our destination. We are proud of our coastal city and will never stop improving our offerings for our many loyal and repeat visitors, locals, and those who have yet to experience Virginia Beach! We hope you will return soon!
Gratefully,
Team Virginia Beach
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JD-NotForMe
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
I am glad the fighter pilots train, and we NEED military bases, but because of this, Virginia Beach should not be considered a vacation town. Barely mentioned in reviews, and locals say “you will get use to it” is not something you want to hear on an expensive vacation. And add in the chain smokers and pot smokers, you never get to actually breathe in the fresh ocean air, they light their next cigarette off the last one. My addictions only affect my health, I don't blow my high cholesterol and high blood pressure in other peoples faces, oh, and then throw it on the ground when i’m done.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jln1992
Pennsylvania28 contributions
Aug 2021
Camped outside of downtown Virginia Beach for one week which was long enough to see and do all the attrations in the area. Checked out the beach, aquarium, zoo, lighthouse, pier and other attractions.
Beach was clean and well kept. Not alot of broken shells all over the place on your walk down to the water which was nice. A little crowded, but expected as any other beach. Life guards on duty which was a plus, shows concern for safety. Feet washing stations. Only downfall was porta potties instead of public restrooms and as far as finding public restrooms on Atlantic Avenue while shopping, good luck. Most places either don't have public restrooms or have signs stating you can only use their bathrooms If you are a paying customer.
As for shopping, Atlantic Avenue has a lot of shops even though some are chain stores and you find the same thing in each one. There are some stores that are inexpensive and you can find other items than you find in the chain stores.
And if you like entertainment they have arcades and other familiy entertainment. While I was there the arcades were not the greatest as some were only half open or very small arcades. They have fun land, mini golf and water parks.
I would say Virginia Beach is a smaller version of OCMD, OCNJ, Wildwood, Rehobeth. Nice place just scaled down a little compared to some of the other beaches I have visited.
Beach was clean and well kept. Not alot of broken shells all over the place on your walk down to the water which was nice. A little crowded, but expected as any other beach. Life guards on duty which was a plus, shows concern for safety. Feet washing stations. Only downfall was porta potties instead of public restrooms and as far as finding public restrooms on Atlantic Avenue while shopping, good luck. Most places either don't have public restrooms or have signs stating you can only use their bathrooms If you are a paying customer.
As for shopping, Atlantic Avenue has a lot of shops even though some are chain stores and you find the same thing in each one. There are some stores that are inexpensive and you can find other items than you find in the chain stores.
And if you like entertainment they have arcades and other familiy entertainment. While I was there the arcades were not the greatest as some were only half open or very small arcades. They have fun land, mini golf and water parks.
I would say Virginia Beach is a smaller version of OCMD, OCNJ, Wildwood, Rehobeth. Nice place just scaled down a little compared to some of the other beaches I have visited.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear jln1992,
Thank you for noticing all the hard work and dedication many passionate people have poured into our destination. We are proud of our coastal city and will never stop improving our offerings for our many loyal and repeat visitors, locals, and those who have yet to experience Virginia Beach! We hope you will return soon!
Gratefully,
Team Virginia Beach
Written September 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JustCho
8 contributions
Oct 2022
Great place to jog or walk, separate path for bikes etc. I like how they comb the beach and ensure it is always clean. It is well planned, from the lights, benches, showers, even the entertainment for different age groups (horseback, sport/health enthusiast, rides, events) Hats off VA Beach! That is why I keep coming back!
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reindrop
Fort Lauderdale, FL22 contributions
Jul 2021
As a Great Neck resident I seldom adventure to the northern beach front unless I am dining at a restaurant there. The parking issues along the north end are frustrating. Homes will “claim” whole sections of street parking by creating oversized driveways to their homes and put illegal signs prohibiting parking, or large planters street side etc. The problem is, the city does not enforce these violations and so there is little chance of knowing where it is ok to park. Like so many I circle a bit, then go back home.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Reindrop,
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns and we apologize you had a negative experience in Virginia Beach. If you’d like to speak with someone directly, please feel free to reach out to stories@vbgov.com. We apologize again and hope you have a good week!
Best,
Team Virginia Beach
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marian M
1 contribution
Jun 2021
We stayed at the north end where there were fewer people and not as crowded with over priced tourist shops. However, we were not prepared for the loud jets flying over every 10 minutes until 10 30 or 11 pm. Saw the lighthouse, pier, skipped aquarium. So
me of the bus drivers were just there to fill the seats and take your money. Buy a 3 day pass from someone who knows how to tell you where to get them. Glad we only stayed a few days. Not a bad vacation but average. Older hotels and high rises are off the list after Florida's tragedy.
me of the bus drivers were just there to fill the seats and take your money. Buy a 3 day pass from someone who knows how to tell you where to get them. Glad we only stayed a few days. Not a bad vacation but average. Older hotels and high rises are off the list after Florida's tragedy.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear marianmV2577VP,
Thank you for taking the time to share your recent Virginia Beach experience. We appreciate your choosing our coastal city for a visit and hope you'll return again soon!
Gratefully,
Team Virginia Beach
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lee F
Baltimore, MD30 contributions
Jul 2021
Hotels can get pricey unless you book months ahead but most the restaurants are inexpensive. Must stay on the beach! One of the best beaches on the Mid-Atlantic with a matching concrete 40 block boardwalk. They should allow electric bike rentals and maybe scooters.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear leef640,
Thank you for taking the time to share your recent Virginia Beach experience. We appreciate your choosing our coastal city for a visit and hope you'll return again soon!
Gratefully,
Team Virginia Beach
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luigi
Virginia Beach, VA15 contributions
Apr 2019
No need to search for a friendlier vacation spot than the Virginia Beach oceanfront. From the Neptune statue to the fishing pier, the boardwalk provides a variety of attractions and great exercise (it's over 30 blocks long). My favorite time to walk along the beach is during our many festivals and music concerts. Virginia Beach is music icon Pharrell Williams hometown and you don't want to miss when many of his friends come to visit for the annual "Something In The Water" music/cultural festival. Enjoy.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear luisrI1908MT,
Thank you for taking the time to share your recent Virginia Beach experience. We appreciate your choosing our coastal city for a visit and hope you'll return again soon!
Gratefully,
Team Virginia Beach
Written February 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lori b
Blandon, PA
Are you able to rent beach chairs in October?
GoingPlacesWanderlust
Lehigh Valley, PA516 contributions
No - everything is closed after labor day and with covid I didn't see any rentals open - check with individual hotels as some so have rentals usually.
Payal M
Ashburn, VA2 contributions
We are visiting VA beach on Saturday and staying through the next week. Now I am reading news about overcrowding in the beach and people not wearing masks or maintaining social distancing on the beach or boardwalk. How bad is it? Little nervous visiting in the light of what I am reading.
Felicia H
Connecticut344 contributions
On the beach ppl social distanced pretty well. On the Boardwalk ppl also wore mask. On Atlantic street things were iffy. It’s hot and difficult but we stayed away from ppl so we were fine.
295RachelC
Knoxville, TN37 contributions
We are staying in Williamsburg and want to do a day trip to the beach. What is the drive from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach like?
Butch B
Williamsburg, VA310 contributions
Currently very easy, about 1:30 depending on traffic at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
downeyfresh07
19 contributions
What is parking like in September on Thursday, Friday & early Saturday? We're planning on coming out in less than 10 days. Also, will water be warm enough to at least get knee deep for a while? Weather website says high temperatures should be 79ish for the time we're staying.
BostonWhirlwind
Mechanicsville, VA13 contributions
Parking on the street requires a credit card. There are also parking decks and lots.
September is, in my opinion, the best time to go to Va Beach. The water is cool but you can certainly go in to your knees.
The Neptune Festival is the last weekend of the month and a fun event. Just know the area shall be somewhat crowded then. Otherwise, enjoy your stay. One of the best beaches on the East Coast.
Travelling down with my husband and 2 kids (11 & 14) from Toronto. This is our first time and just exploring the area/accommodations. Any recommendations in terms of where to stay? What area of the beach? Thanks!
Beenaroundandiiii
Virginia115 contributions
I’ve grown up here.just really depends. If you have a car. It’s cheaper to stay a little further from the beach. Personally I’d stay more towards the north end. PAST 24th (unlike the other comments) and not around 1st either. It depends on how touristy you want your visit. Right now til Labor Day I don’t like to head to even that part of the oceanfront due to parking/heat/tourists (it was 101 yesterday)
Emily B
4 contributions
Does this beach still only have outhouses? Or do they have public bathrooms now?
rogerwZ5323IW
Woodbridge, VA79 contributions
Public restroom on the boardwalk in Virginia beach
Nicole W
Oshawa, Canada2 contributions
We are coming from Toronto, Canada and planning to travel to Williamsburg in June or July and would like to spend a day at the beach. We have 3 kids (one infant, 8 yr old, 10 yr old). Is the ocean warm enough in early June for kids to swim? Is is difficult to find parking? We already have accommodation booked in Williamsburg for 3 days.
smrn8
Amherst, MA48 contributions
Hi. I have only been in the winter. The beach is amazing and there is a fishing pier and general ocean conditions available at the hotel(s) and at the pier. It should be way better than our frozen beaches in New England. There were loads of shops to get beach supplies too.
Are the waves rough? Is there a strong undertow? Is the water shallow for a while or is there a drop off not too far from shore? I grew up at gulf shores where we are in the panhandle so we had breakers before the water reached the shore.
Tiffany D
3 contributions
The beach is very family friendly and safe. It depends on the weather on how rough the waves are. They will put out weather advisors if the waves are too rough.
Thuy D
1 contribution
What’s the best month for family with young kids to visit?
daniellY6365Q
14 contributions
If your kids are out of school the week before all the other kids are out is IMHO the best. Somewhere around the 2nd week in June. We've had / have a timeshare that week since 1990. We have been living down here since 1993. It does get rather crowded by July - back to school time. However after Labor Day it calms back down and the weather might just be some of the best IMHO here in Va. Beach. We might just happen to have a 1 bedroom sleep 6 3rd floor unit on the Oceanfront for rent this year. Va. Beach and the surrounding area , including Williamsburg, is a friendly family area but traffic can get worse during the summer months. (like most tourist areas)
All three restrooms were closed on 2nd Street today but there was an attendant there today listening to music and reading. The beach showers were working he said all three are out if order. Didn't believe him.
Virginia Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Beach
- Hotels near Virginia Beach:
- (0.03 mi) Ocean Resort
- (0.04 mi) Ocean Sands in Virginia Beach
- (0.08 mi) Comfort Suites Beachfront
- (0.08 mi) Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront / South
- (0.07 mi) SureStay Studio by Best Western Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- Restaurants near Virginia Beach:
- (0.00 mi) Dough Boy's Pizza
- (0.03 mi) Kilwins
- (0.06 mi) CP Shucker's
- (0.11 mi) Tautog's Restaurant
- (0.11 mi) Doc Taylor's Restaurant
- Attractions near Virginia Beach:
- (0.07 mi) iFLY Va Beach Indoor Skydiving
- (0.07 mi) Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
- (0.14 mi) Virginia Beach Horseback
- (0.06 mi) King Neptune's Indoor Blacklight 3-D Mini Golf
- (0.06 mi) Virginia Beach Firefighters Store
Virginia Beach Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,971 |
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Very Good Reviews | 744 |
Virginia Beach Photos | 1,188 |