The Jackalope Festival of Virginia Beach brings hundreds of visitors to the town’s sunny shores each May and June. It’s filled with thrill-seeking, gravity-defying sports competitions that you simply won’t want to miss. But if you find yourself needing a break from watching skateboarding tricks and Moto X stunts, why not explore the rest of what Virginia Beach has to offer? From beach mornings to museum afternoons, you’ll get to soak up the best of this Atlantic Coast city, before resting up each night in a luxurious hotel or cozy vacation rental.
Without further ado, here are some of the best things to do and places to stay in Virginia Beach during Jackalope 2026.
What to Do While in Town for Jackalope 2026
Catch the Festivities
First things first: you simply have to experience Jackalope Virginia Beach. Even if you aren’t dropping into the halfpipe yourself, the energy at this annual Virginia Beach festival is contagious. Watch both professional and amateur athletes catch air while skateboarding on a half pipe, do stunts while riding Moto X off a dirt ramp, or perform BMX tricks that’ll make the adrenaline junkies in the crowd want to take a turn. As if that weren’t enough, the event also features bouldering and base jumping for those wanting to get a birds’ eye view of the beach. Before you know it, you’ll be searching for a place to test your own skills out!
Enjoy the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Not far from Jackalope’s festivities lies the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The heart of Virginia Beach, this three-mile-long promenade is lined with hotels and restaurants, shops and sculptures — and of course, beautiful Atlantic Ocean views. all along the way. Enjoy the thriving atmosphere, pop into small businesses that catch your eye, or simply take a leisurely stroll amidst the salty air.
Pick Your Beach
You’ll have more than your fair share of golden shorelines to choose from while in Virginia Beach. Keep things simple and enjoy the popular Virginia Beach Oceanfront, where the iconic three-mile boardwalk, water sport rental vendors and vibrant street performers keep the energy high all day long. Head down to quiet Sandbridge Beach for a break from the hustle and bustle. Or venture north to Chesapeake Beach, where the Chesapeake Bay waters are a little more calm compared to the small swells of the Atlantic.
Take Things Outdoors
While everyone’s at the beach, the city’s other natural gems often go overlooked. Whether you’re into hiking breathtakingly scenic routes, sighting wildlife, biking adventurous trails, surfing the waves, zip-lining through the trees or joining the locals at a skatepark, Virginia Beach offers an ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures like Jackalope Fest.
Get Out on the Water
Nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s almost impossible not to be by the water wherever you are in Virginia Beach. Want some laid-back fun? Fishing and dolphin-watching are both fantastic options. Prefer to get your blood pumping? You can’t go wrong with a kayaking, standup-paddleboarding (SUP) or surfing adventure.
Explore the Virginia Beach Dining Scene
Virginia Beach is a seafood-obsessed, brunch-loving, oyster-slurping, orange-crushing, beer-tasting destination. Between the local produce from the farms of Pungo and the fresh seafood of Chesapeake Bay, you’ll be eating like royalty while you’re in town. Explore local classics, like the delicious oysters at Chick’s Oyster Bar or the Asian fusion dishes of Orion’s Roof, or check out the town’s newest restaurant openings.
Need something to wash it all down? Hit the Virginia Beach Beer Trail or order a signature “orange crush” at a local bar. Cheers!
Visit the City’s Best Museums
While you might be tempted to spend your entire Virginia Beach trip in the sun and surf, the city’s museums are a treat too. Learn all about local marine life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or take in a history lesson with a view atop the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Explore Virginia Beach’s farming community on your way to the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the world’s largest private collections of legendary military aircraft. Or head inland to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, where your inner artist will get to take in a whole lot of inspiration.
Where to Stay for Jackalope 2026
The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club
The historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club has stood sentinel over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for nearly a century. Perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia’s most iconic hotel, reimagined in 2018 and now a distinguished member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, provides a glamorous and timeless backdrop for a truly unforgettable stay in one of its 85 guest rooms. Guests enjoy a long list of luxury amenities — from a classic indoor “splash pool” and access to a private beach club, to world-class restaurants and a full-service spa.
Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront
One of the newest additions to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, The Moxy is a gem. First and foremost, it’s location is fantastic, just steps away from many of the best sites, shops and eateries in town — and the Jackalope Festival as well.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the hotel’s unique features too. Start your morning with a quick bite from the onsite Belvedere Coffee Shop & Diner, soak up some Virginia Beach sun at the heated outdoor pool and round out your day with an artfully crafted cocktail at Bar Moxy.
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Looking for a particularly family-friendly stay? At the Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, comfort, convenience and coastal enjoyment are at the forefront of the hotel’s amenities. It’s also right on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, and each of the hotel’s 167 oceanfront guest rooms boast picture-perfect private balconies. On top of all that, guests can make the most of incredible amenities like the sun deck, indoor pool, outdoor pool and two family-friendly oceanfront restaurants.
Sandbridge Vacation Rentals
Staying in the middle of the excitement isn’t for everyone. If you’d like to escape each evening to a peaceful home away from home, book one of the fantastic vacation rentals in Sandbridge. A half-hour drive from the Jackalope 2026 action, these vacation rentals are often quieter and roomier than the accommodations along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
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Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
