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Regions & Districts

Deep Dive | Virginia Beach Town Center

Author Valeria L. Palmertree with long blonde hair smiles, wearing a floral print blouse against a black background.

Valeria L. Palmertree

A smiling man and woman take a selfie together while holding coffee cups in front of an outdoor fountain in a city plaza.

Virginia Beach is not your regular beach town. Our coastal city has plenty to offer beyond its beautiful coastline and distinct beaches, including a downtown hub, located just uptown at the Virginia Beach Town Center. 

Located in the heart of Virginia Beach, Town Center (as the locals call it) is a walkable destination in and of itself, with a vast offering of dining, shopping and entertainment options in an al-fresco setting that feels equal parts cosmopolitan and coastal. 

Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out away from the sand or planning a romantic evening with dinner, drinks and a show, the Virginia Beach Town Center delivers on experiences that’ll keep you coming back – and rediscovering Virginia Beach on every visit.

SHOP
 

Customers receive shopping bags from a store employee at a counter.
Customers receive shopping bags from a store employee at a counter.

Whether you’re window-shopping or in need of some major retail therapy, Town Center abounds with high-end shopping options from some of your favorite brands for women’s and men’s fashion, gifts, eyewear, books, art and much more. Explore local gems like Commonwealth and beloved favorites include Anthropologie, Barnes & Nobles, Brooks Brothers, Bluemercury, Free People, Madewell, Nike, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and so many more.

DINE
 

Three people sitting at a restaurant table clinking glasses, with drinks, chips, and menus in front of them.
Three people sitting at a restaurant table clinking glasses, with drinks, chips, and menus in front of them.

Craving Italian, Mexican or Southern fare? No matter what your taste buds are asking for, Town Center has you covered with delectable dining options for every palate and budget. Enjoy a casual lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, Lamia’s Crepes, Shake Shack or Quirks, or splurge in an unforgettable dining experience at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Zushi Japanese Bistro or Bravo Italian Kitchen. Choose from tried-and-true favorites like The Cheesecake Factory, Cantina Laredo and P.F. Chang’s, or dive into regional flavors at Tupelo Honey or Benny’s.

And of course, because it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, there are plenty of options for handcrafted cocktails, craft beers and wine, too, thanks to spots like Three Notch’d Brewing Co., Twist Martini Bar & Associates and Vice Bar, just to name a few.  Just be sure to save plenty of room for treats too. Sweet treats and hot coffee abound at Town Center Cold Pressed, The Royal Chocolate and Macaron Tart.

PLAY
 

Modern building exterior with large windows and a metal sculpture nearby. Trees and benches line the sidewalk. Sunlight filters through the leaves.
Modern building exterior with large windows and a metal sculpture nearby. Trees and benches line the sidewalk. Sunlight filters through the leaves.

The fun never ends at Town Center – seriously! Year-round events include outdoor concerts, an annual Restaurant Week, wine-and-beer festivals and Last Night on the Town, Town Center’s own New Year’s Eve festivities. Events take place almost every night of the week, so you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on the Town Center Events Calendar.

Not to mention, there are plenty of entertainment venues to enjoy, too! Catch a late-night comedy show at The Funny Bone Comedy Club or spend the night playing games, bowling or go-karting at Apex Entertainment. Join friends for a painting class at Muse Paintbar or take in a performance at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts or the Zeiders American Dream Theater.

PARK & STAY

Modern hotel lobby with elegant decor, featuring a curved sofa, blue chairs, spherical chandeliers, a glass staircase, and a water feature on the wall. Reception desks in the background.
Modern hotel lobby with elegant decor, featuring a curved sofa, blue chairs, spherical chandeliers, a glass staircase, and a water feature on the wall. Reception desks in the background.

Whether you’re exploring for the day or staying overnight, Town Center’s convenient location and amenities make visiting a breeze. 

Swinging by for a few hours? Park easily – and free! Town Center’s more than 4,000 on-street and garage parking spots are always free-of-charge, thanks to the generosity of The City of Virginia Beach. Visiting in the evening? Valet service is available daily from 5 p.m. until midnight for $8 for all Town Center guests wanting some extra convenience.

Want to stay right where the action is? Book a room at one of Town Centers conveniently located luxury hotels, including the Westin Virginia Beach and Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Town Center.

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Author Valeria L. Palmertree with long blonde hair smiles, wearing a floral print blouse against a black background.

Written by Valeria L. Palmertree

Valeria has cultivated her passion for storytelling throughout a 15-year communications career that has granted her the opportunity to find, write and tell stories on behalf of a variety of brands, including destinations across the country. A native of Buenos Aires and raised in Miami Beach, Valeria has called Virginia Beach home since 2014. At first unsure of what she’d find here, she quickly grew fond of our coastal city’s laidback style and learned that everything she thought she knew about seafood and farm-fresh ingredients wasn’t enough. Over the past seven years, she has had a front-row seat to seeing some of her favorite restaurants emerge, alongside a collective of local artisans who have provided VB with its distinctly vibrant vibe. A lover of food culture, some of Valeria’s go-to spots include Commune, Esoteric, The Atlantic on Pacific, May’s Parlor and Jorgio’s (leave it to the native Argentine to find herself a taste of home). When she’s not savoring the local dining scene, Valeria can be found chasing sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay, writing, reading, cooking, traveling, listening to live music and taking in the outdoors with her husband and golden retriever – First Landing State Park is one of their most beloved spots! As a communications consultant, Valeria helps clients unearth, craft and share their stories. Learn more about Valeria’s work – and read her musings on food, travel and more – at ThePalmTreeType.com.