Shore Thing: Virginia Beach Is More Than Just A Seaside Getaway

Virginia Beach: when you hear its name, you might assume it’s just another seaside getaway—but you’d be mistaken. There’s so much more to this place than its shoreline; in fact, its moniker barely scratches the sandy surface, and its rich connection to history makes it a must-visit destination. As one of Virginia’s most populous cities, where Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach boasts 35 miles of idyllic sandy beaches, a thriving culinary and craft beer scene and diverse arts and entertainment (our accidental detour at the 1990s R&B group Color Me Badd concert while trying to find the beach is a testament to this). It’s the perfect place for any type of traveller—or for someone who enjoys a little bit of everything. —Christina Armanious

Stay

It’s only when you step into one of the many hotels along the strip—like Hyatt House Virginia Beach—that you truly grasp the vastness of the ocean and the stunning beauty of Virginia Beach. From our room, 20 stories high, it felt like we were hovering over the edge of the Atlantic, with breathtaking views from the balcony of dolphins bobbing in and out of the waves in the morning and illuminated cruise ships gliding by at night.

Spy

Whether you stay there or not, fans of The Great Gatsby will feel right at home at the Historic Cavalier Hotel, where F. Scott Fitzgerald is said to have found inspiration for his book during a stay in 1927. This luxe landmark offers everything from an on-site distillery to a full-service spa, a lavish indoor pool, an exclusive beach club and farm-to-table dining—along with weekly live entertainment for guests and visitors. And, if you’re into ghost stories, the Cavalier offers tours that explore its spooky history, including haunted elevators, phantom phone calls from the sixth floor, sightings of a little girl and her cat and the ghost of American magnate Adolph Coors. Speaking of sips, try the Ghost Cat espresso cocktail at on-site Becca Restaurant & Garden.

Salut

Seeing a historic site is one thing, but being fully immersed in it is an entirely different experience—and that’s exactly the feeling you get in Virginia Beach. The city is home to several Navy bases, including Naval Air Station Oceana, which opens its doors to the public during the annual NAS Oceana Air Show, and Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base. One of the most thrilling aspects of being near these naval installations is witnessing fighter jets soaring through the sky in true Top Gun fashion—their powerful engines creating a roar that you can feel as much as you hear. Another historical gem located on an active military base is the Cape Henry Lighthouses at Fort Story, which you can climb to catch panoramic views. Nearby, see the site where English settlers first landed in North America in 1607 and erected a wooden cross. Today, a granite cross stands in its place.

Scene

The ViBe Creative District feels like stepping into a colourful cartoon; artists have transformed roads, sidewalks, poles and walls into a vibrant community canvas. Find lively events, art initiatives, unique boutiques and farmers’ markets here, as well as Three Ships Coffee Roasters, serving java sweetened with local produce like Pungo apples, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.

Sojourn

If you’re seeking outdoor adventures, Virginia Beach offers far more than just its sandy stretches. Captain Erik Moore’s boat tours guide visitors through the “green sea,” home to more than 20 globally rare or threatened species and around 60 plant species with similar conservation status. For another unforgettable adventure, Rudee Tours offers a 90-minute boat cruise to spot bottlenose dolphins up close as they leap from the water and bob in and out—sightings are guaranteed March through October, or your ride is free. And, if you’re planning a visit in 2025, watch for Atlantic Park, the new man-made surf park by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams.

Savour

Virginia Beach is also a dining destination, with local seafood and farm-to-table highlighted on many menus. Becca Restaurant & Garden at the Cavalier Hotel is garden-to-table, sourcing produce from the surrounding garden for dishes like she-crab soup, popovers with sweet butter, raw oysters and bourbon mole-based rockfish. For a casual bite, Back Bay Market and Deli offers mouthwatering sandwiches (Turkey on Cran tastes like a warm holiday hug) and unique drinks like vanilla cream soda, which will redefine your pop experience. For fresh fish, Tautog’s, in a charming Victorian beach cottage, serves ginger teriyaki-glazed salmon, crab nachos and the classic Orange Crush: a refreshing mix of vodka, orange liqueur, soda and freshly squeezed orange juice. Stylish Love Song restaurant focuses on shareable dishes like Iberico chorizo, chicken liver mousse, local puppy drum fish and an unforgettable olive oil cake. And, of course, while in Virginia Beach, don’t forget to sample the local saltwater taffy and the famous Virginia peanuts for a true taste of the area.