Ready for the perfect Virginia Beach weekend? Follow along as New Jersey native Rob Kelly maps out his go‑to spots for surfing, great eats, and can’t‑miss experiences across the city. This itinerary blends outdoor action, local culture, and memorable moments for the whole family.
@robkellysurf
Day One — Arrive & Strive
An afternoon arrival sets the tone for a chill start to the trip. After checking into the hotel and dropping off the bags, it’s the perfect time to freshen up before heading over to 1st Street Jetty for a late-day surf session. The area has a great family-friendly feel, with Grommet Island Park just steps away!
Before catching waves, a quick stop at Chix on the Beach makes for an ideal pre‑surf bite. Their famous Orange Crush is a refreshing must-try, with non‑alcoholic and kid‑friendly versions available for everyone in the group.
Post-surf, Wave Riding Vehicles, is the go-to spot to explore. As the largest surfboard manufacturer in the region, their showroom is filled with top-tier boards, helpful staff, and plenty of gear. They even offer summer surf camps, rentals, and apparel, perfect for anyone looking to level up their surf game.
As the sun starts to dip, the ViBe Creative District becomes the evening hangout. Colorful murals, local artists, and unique shops line the streets, creating the perfect backdrop for wandering and discovering new favorites. For dinner, there are plenty of standout options: Vibrant Shore Brewing Co. with rotating food trucks, The Stockpot for cozy comfort food, Mary’s Restaurant for hearty classics, and Frank and Patty’s for a laid‑back, good‑vibes meal.
Day Two — One thing to get done.. Have fun!
Start the morning with a delicious breakfast and some seriously good coffee at Java Surf Café & Espresso Bar, the perfect way to set the tone for the day
After fueling up, the adventure continues at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center located at 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach! It’s an immersive world of underwater wildlife, featuring more than 800,000 gallons of aquatic habitats. From sharks gliding overhead to playful otters and hands-on enrichment presentations, there’s something to amaze visitors of all ages.
Once the aquarium explorations wrap up, the next stop is Atlantic Park Surf. Spanning over 4.3 acres with a massive 2.67-acre lagoon, it’s home to the first Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon in North America and the only man‑made wave park located this close to the actual ocean. The lagoon can fire off up to 1,000 surfable waves per hour, scaling from beginner‑friendly one‑foot rollers to six‑foot waves built for more experienced surfers. Meanwhile, The Beach area offers a relaxed beach‑club vibe where surfers and non‑surfers can hang out, watch the action, or enjoy the atmosphere.
To wrap up the time at Atlantic Park, there are great dining options both inside and nearby. Milk & Honey, located right within the park, serves up tasty eats perfect after a surf session. For those wanting to venture out, Commune is a top pick, a local favorite known for fresh flavors and a cozy vibe.
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