Virginia Beach Oceanfront

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Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Virginia travel guide

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COASTAL DESTINATION

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Virginia’s best-known seaside resort district pairs a broad Atlantic beach with a three-mile boardwalk, public art, dining and easy access to the water.

Region
Hampton Roads

Type
Atlantic resort district

Setting
Atlantic coastline

Known for
Oceanfront Beach and the Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is made for an easy-to-shape coastal getaway: swim or stroll the sand, walk or cycle the boardwalk, then pause for seafood, shops or an evening event. The resort area centers on the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk, running from 2nd to 40th Streets beside the beach, with attractions and places to eat along the way. Beyond its lively central stretch, the Oceanfront also connects visitors with the quieter North End and the boating and water-tour hub at Rudee Inlet.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Places to stay

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Why go

The Oceanfront brings beach time and town amenities together in a compact, walkable resort district. The beach is the main draw, while the boardwalk makes it easy to add a bike ride, people-watching, public art, a meal or a stop at one of the parks. Summer brings more entertainment and activity; the shoreline and boardwalk remain appealing for walks and ocean views outside the busiest beach season, too.

It also offers more than a day on the sand. Rudee Inlet, at the district’s southern end, is a starting point for water-based outings, while museums and historic buildings give the resort area a sense of its earlier coastal life. For visitors who want a wider view of the city’s beaches and outdoor spaces, see Things to do in Virginia Beach.

Highlights

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Walk the three-mile oceanfront promenade, with the beach on one side and hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions along the other.

Oceanfront Beach

Enjoy the Atlantic shoreline beside the resort area. Check current city beach rules and conditions before swimming or bringing pets.

Rudee Inlet

Explore the Oceanfront’s southern waterfront, with access to boating, fishing and other water activities.

Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum

Discover exhibits on the region’s coastal communities and maritime heritage in a former lifesaving station near the boardwalk.

King Neptune Statue

A landmark meeting point at Neptune Park, the statue is one of the Oceanfront’s most recognizable public artworks.

de Witt Cottage and the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

See wildfowl art and carving exhibits in an 1895 cottage, a reminder of the residential oceanfront that preceded today’s resort skyline.

History and character

The Oceanfront grew from a small seaside resort into a destination shaped by hotels, leisure attractions and public beachfront. The Princess Anne County Virginia Beach Historical Society’s local timeline records the opening of the Virginia Beach Hotel in 1883, followed by further resort development; a concrete boardwalk was later extended along the beachfront. The change from a modest coastal settlement to a resort district is still legible in the contrast between its historic cottages and lifesaving station and its contemporary hotels and busy promenade.

The 1895 de Witt Cottage, now home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, preserves a different scale of oceanfront life from the modern hotel-lined shore. Near 24th Street, the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum occupies a former lifesaving station; the site reflects the working maritime history that existed alongside recreation.

Planning a trip

The central resort area is easiest to explore on foot, with the boardwalk, beach access points, restaurants and many attractions close together. A dedicated bike path runs alongside the boardwalk; follow posted rules and use the designated path. Seasonal public transit and parking arrangements can change, so check the city or visitor bureau’s current transportation information before setting out.

Beach conditions, lifeguard coverage, pet rules and permitted activities vary by season and location. Review the City of Virginia Beach’s current beach rules and safety guidance, especially before swimming, surfing or visiting with a dog. Accessible beach ramps are provided at resort-area access points; the city lists additional accessible walkways and facilities at selected streets. Confirm current access details before your visit.

For a first visit, set aside time for both the sand and the boardwalk rather than treating the district as a single beach stop. A morning walk is a calmer way to take in the shoreline; later, you can explore the parks, attractions and dining along Atlantic Avenue. Events, operating hours, transport service and parking fees vary, so verify current details with official sources before traveling.

Explore nearby

Virginia Beach, Virginia
Explore the wider coastal city, from its other beach districts to museums, parks and outdoor attractions.

First Landing State Park
Visit a state park on the Chesapeake Bay, with trails and a different shoreline setting from the Atlantic resort beach.

Norfolk, Virginia
Discover a neighboring Hampton Roads city with maritime history, museums and cultural attractions.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Learn about and travel across the engineering landmark connecting southeastern Virginia with the Eastern Shore.

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References

External links

• Oceanfront — Visit Virginia Beach
• Virginia Beach Boardwalk — Visit Virginia Beach
• Beach Rules & Safety — City of Virginia Beach
• Our Beaches — City of Virginia Beach