A day at the beach—happiness comes in waves
Located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, idyllic Virginia Beach invites everyone to unwind and relax in its laid-back setting. Soak up the sun and breathe in the fresh ocean air as you enjoy this bustling beach town. Book a Virginia Beach vacation rental and you'll never be far from miles of sandy beaches, crashing waves, and oceanfront parks. While Virginia Beach offers plenty of natural beauty, it's also home to a boardwalk that buzzes with activity, offering a host of watersports and outdoor adventures for thrill seekers of all ages.
Did you hear about the aquarium and aviation artifacts?
The ocean comes to you at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, home to sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, and jellyfish. If you want to see nature in action, sign up for one of the aquarium's whale- or dolphin- watching tours. More interested in taking to the skies than the ocean? The Military Aviation Museum features exhibits with World War I and World War II aircraft, and stages airshows throughout the year. Soar to new heights on foot when you climb to the top of 1881 Cape Henry Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Under the boardwalk, you'll be having some fun
Beach bums staying in a Virginia Beach vacation rental will think they've died and gone to heaven. Start your day with a walk or bike ride down the 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk, pausing to enjoy street performers and outdoor cafes. During the summer, the boardwalk's multiple stages feature live evening concerts. Want to test your sea legs? You can sign up for surfing, standup paddleboarding, and kayaking lessons throughout the area. Nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, the 2,800-acre First Landing State Park features a public beach, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and areas for camping, fishing, and swimming.
Soaking up the sunshine and some vitamin sea
If you book your Virginia Beach vacation rental for the summer, get ready for some hot and humid weather, with daytime temperatures reaching the high 80s. While rain isn't always synonymous with beach destinations, Virginia Beach sees about 50 inches of rain annually. In fact, make sure you pack an umbrella with your swimsuit, as spring and summer are the wettest seasons, garnering up to 10 inches of rain each month. Winters are cool, with temperatures frequently dropping to freezing at night. Sandy beaches are sometimes covered with a blanket of snow in the winter, particularly in January and February.
Keeping everything at bay—Chesapeake Bay
Dotted with rivers, lakes, and creeks, Virginia Beach offers a watery landscape, set at the meeting point of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Nature enthusiasts will fall in love with the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, an 8,000-acre preserve nestled between the ocean and the Back Bay, and located on Virginia's Outer Banks barrier islands. Explore the islands on foot or by boat and you'll come across large sand dunes, maritime forests, marshes, ponds, and ocean beaches. In the winter, the island's reservoirs serve as homes for migrating wildfowl.
Best beaches near Virginia Beach vacation homes
The beaches in Virginia Beach are an attraction all their own. Vacation rentals are available near beach locales like Sandbridge Beach, a tranquil location with soft sand and calm waves, and Chicks Beach, a secluded beach with a wooded backdrop and gentle waters. You may also enjoy Croatan Beach, a low-key beach that’s a popular spot for surfers and watersport enthusiasts.
Transportation options to and around Virginia Beach
The nearest airport is in Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF), located 13 mi (20.9 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF), which is 34.3 mi (55.3 km) away.
If you'd prefer to travel by train, the main station serving the city is Virginia Beach Station.
Coastal cuisine in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is located on the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay, leading to a coastal cuisine that’s focused on fresh seafood. The unique restaurants and eateries near Virginia Beach vacation rentals serve the rich bounty of the bay and the fertile farmland, combining fresh seafood and locally harvested ingredients. The top delicacies are Lynnhaven oysters, Pungo strawberries, and seasonal soft-shell crab.