How Locals Spend Free Time in Virginia Beach
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Virginia Beach? If you like the idea of chasing sunrises along the boardwalk, getting artsy painting in seaside studios, and are daring enough to try parasailing over emerald waves, Virginia Beach is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from sunrise surf to neon nights and give you a salty sampling of Virginia Beach's coastal culture and outdoor energy.
Laura, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Laura arrived in Virginia in 1988 with a teaching job, a love of sunshine, and zero idea she’d still be here decades later—now basically an honorary ambassador for the state. She’s tracked down over 800 of Virginia’s iconic LOVE signs, a feat that probably deserves its own license plate. When she’s not at the beach or debating which El Azteca location does the best Nacho Fajitas, she’s editing Snappy Scout’s Virginia guides, helping readers discover the local quirks and hidden gems she’s been living (and loving) for years.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Virginia Beach?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
cruising the boardwalk, ocean glittering like sequins, Neptune approving, Kayack Back Bay
when the gals come to town for the weekend
orange crushes at Waterman's, laughter ricocheting off Atlantic Avenue, shop Lynhaven Mall
rainy dreary day
Virginia Aquarium sharks judging your umbrella choices, otters stealing the show, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
intellectually stimulating
<strong>A.R.E.</strong> Library decoding dreams while waves whisper conspiracy theories
artsy
ViBe District murals popping harder than sunscreened beach calves, nine Virginia LOVEwork signs
outdoorsy
Back Bay Refuge, osprey overhead, sand flats stretching forever, deep sea fishing trip
fitness oriented
pre sunrise run from Rudee Inlet to 64th, bragging rights
if you're a shopaholic
Town Center boutiques, Hilltop treasure hunts, Lynhaven Mall, wallet whispering be reasonable
with your dog
Chic's Beach weekdays, fetch between gentle bay waves and fries, Friday nights at Shore Drive Taste
family oriented
Ocean Breeze Waterpark, sunscreened chaos, nap guaranteed by 4
in need of a selfie
hugging King Neptune at 31st, pretending he texted back
you have to see this
dual Cape Henry lighthouses blinking across centuries, goosebumps included
My Favorite Local Spot in Virginia Beach
The Egg Bistro, locally owned and operated, offers a pleasant ambiance with lively paintings and a delicious breakfast menu of shrimp and grits and my favorite Banana Nut French Toast that is topped off with fresh bananas and pecans.
— Laura Gray
Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Virginia Beach Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Virginia Beach guide for the bigger picture.