Virginia
Virginia Beach and Norfolk pair a classic Atlantic resort with one of the great naval harbors of the world.
On one side is the Oceanfront, with its three-mile boardwalk, lifeguarded beach and the bronze King Neptune standing guard over the promenade. On the other is Norfolk, a working waterfront where a World War II battleship sits beside a maritime museum, harbor cruises pass the largest naval station on earth, and a free-to-enter art museum shows off a celebrated glass collection. Between them lie state parks, cypress swamps, a wildlife refuge, dolphin-spotting kayak routes and the lighthouse that guided colonists in 1607. This guide books the region properly, from guided history and ghost walks to paddleboards and treetop ziplines, and matches you to the right hotel, whether that is a beach tower, a historic landmark, a Town Center base or a downtown Norfolk address.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Oceanfront
About three miles of wide boardwalk along the Atlantic, with a paved bike lane, public beach, the King Neptune statue, fishing pier, live music and the resort strip behind it. Free to walk, easy to love.
Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus
A World War II battleship moored on the Norfolk waterfront beside a hands-on maritime museum. Walk the teak deck, see the guns and bridge, and combine it with the Virginia Zoo in one discounted ticket.
First Landing State Park
Over 2,800 acres of dunes, cypress swamp and Chesapeake Bay beach where English settlers first came ashore in 1607. Hike, bike, kayak or camp, only minutes from the Oceanfront.
Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour
A small-group paddle through the bay and tidal waters around Virginia Beach, hunting for bottlenose dolphins, ospreys and herons with a guide. No experience needed beyond basic fitness.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeAbout three miles of wide boardwalk along the Atlantic, with a paved bike lane, public beach, the King Neptune statue, fishing pier, live music and the resort strip behind it. Free to walk, easy to love.
A World War II battleship moored on the Norfolk waterfront beside a hands-on maritime museum. Walk the teak deck, see the guns and bridge, and combine it with the Virginia Zoo in one discounted ticket.
Over 2,800 acres of dunes, cypress swamp and Chesapeake Bay beach where English settlers first came ashore in 1607. Hike, bike, kayak or camp, only minutes from the Oceanfront.
A small-group paddle through the bay and tidal waters around Virginia Beach, hunting for bottlenose dolphins, ospreys and herons with a guide. No experience needed beyond basic fitness.
Ziplines, rope bridges and climbing courses in the treetops beside the Virginia Aquarium. Multiple course levels for kids and adults, with a guided safety briefing and a harness.
Sharks, sea turtles, river otters and a marsh boardwalk, plus an outdoor aviary, an IMAX-style theater and an active stranding response program. The top rainy-day choice in Virginia Beach.
The first federally built lighthouse in the United States, finished in 1792. Climb the spiral stair of the octagonal sandstone tower for views over the Chesapeake Bay mouth and the Atlantic.
More than 9,000 acres of marsh, dunes, maritime forest and open bay at the southern edge of the city, with trails, a bike route and a barrier-island beach that feels a world away from the boardwalk.
A major art museum in Norfolk with European and American painting, photography, a famed glass collection and a hot-glass studio. General admission to the museum has long been free.
A waterfront garden of more than 60 themed spaces, from a camellia collection to a Japanese garden, with tram and boat tours, a children's garden and seasonal light displays.
A hybrid zoo, aquarium, science center and planetarium in Newport News with native wildlife, a Coastal Plain boardwalk and hands-on exhibits. A strong family day trip from Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
A scenic cruise through Norfolk Harbor and the Elizabeth River with a lunch buffet or plated meal, passing the Naval Station, shipyards and the downtown skyline. Relaxed and easy for all ages.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Oceanfront (Cavalier Hill)
The grand 1927 Georgian Revival hotel on its hill above the Oceanfront, with a private beach club, historic rooms and modern tower suites. Virginia Beach's most storied address.
Check rates →
$$$Oceanfront (Resort Area)
A big, polished tower right on the sand, with an ocean-facing balcony in most rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and restaurants, a short walk from the boardwalk action.
Check rates →Oceanfront (Mid-Strip)
A dependable mid-range Oceanfront hotel with ocean views, an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant and a location a short walk from the boardwalk, at a more moderate price than the big resorts.
Check rates →Oceanfront (North End)
An all-suite oceanfront resort with a sunny atrium, free cooked-to-order breakfast, indoor and outdoor pools and separate living areas. A family favorite for room to spread out.
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$$$Town Center
A polished high-rise in the Town Center district, a few miles inland, with city views, an outdoor pool and walkable restaurants, shops and a theater. Ideal for a stylish, car-light stay.
Check rates →Oceanfront (South End)
A reliable mid-range hotel at the quieter south end of the resort strip with free breakfast, an outdoor pool and easy access to the beach and boardwalk at a friendly price.
Check rates →Oceanfront (Resort Area)
A smaller, simpler beach hotel on the Oceanfront strip, offering budget-friendlier rates, a pool and quick access to the sand. A good pick for travelers who just need a clean base near the water.
Check rates →Downtown Norfolk
A downtown Norfolk tower on Main Street, steps from the Waterside District, Nauticus and the harbor, with a pool, restaurants and a skyline view. The natural base for Norfolk sightseeing.
Check rates →Western Virginia Beach
A Georgian-style inn and spa in western Virginia Beach, with landscaped grounds, a full-service spa, on-site dining and quiet rooms. A refined, relaxed alternative to the beach strip.
Check rates →Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Virginia Beach Boardwalk and OceanfrontStay
Hilton Virginia Beach OceanfrontOceanfront (Resort Area)
Do
Battleship Wisconsin and NauticusStay
Hilton Norfolk The MainDowntown Norfolk
Do
First Landing State ParkStay
The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, Autograph CollectionOceanfront (Cavalier Hill)
A three-day plan that splits time between the Oceanfront, Norfolk's waterfront and the quiet nature corners of the south end, with weather backups and booking tips.
How to choose between an oceanfront tower, a quieter inn, a Town Center base or a downtown Norfolk hotel, with trade-offs on noise, parking and walkability.
What each season is like on the Virginia coast, from summer beach crowds to spring azaleas, fall dolphin kayaking and quiet winter walks, with hurricane-season advice.
A family guide to Virginia Beach and Norfolk covering kid-friendly beaches, animals, climbing, rainy-day options and where to stay with children.
How to enjoy Virginia Beach and Norfolk without overspending, with free attractions, low-cost tours, shoulder-season tips and ways to save on parking and lodging.
A guide to Norfolk's naval and maritime sights, from the Battleship Wisconsin and harbor cruises to historic walks, museums and tips for combining them with the beach.
