False Cape State Park
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, we’re kicking it up a notch this year by planning a romantic escape to Virginia Beach for a weekend. No matter what you and your special someone do for fun together, we’ve got you covered here in our city by the sea. Here are a few of our favorite weekend itineraries for couples of all kinds.
For the Thrill-Seeking Couple
Whether you are looking to take to the skies or speed across the water, Virginia Beach has everything you need for a heart-pounding good time with your person.
Day One
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Check into the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront in the heart of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront District.
Head across the street to iFly Indoor Skydiving for an afternoon spent gloriously free-falling.
Recharge with dinner at Esoteric. Don’t miss the mouthwatering charred octopus small plate.
Rent some jet skis at the Rudee Inlet and take in the last light of the day by racing each other across the water.
Spend the evening back at the hotel at the exclusive rooftop bar, Sky Bar, dancing the night away.
Day Two
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Begin your second day of thrills by sitting side-by-side with the one you love, floating above the Atlantic Ocean on a parasailing expedition.
After an invigorating breakfast at Bad Ass Coffee in the ViBe Creative District, head to Motor World for a day of zipping around the go-kart tracks. Winner takes all.
After you finish your own personal Daytona 500, rest your driving muscles and refuel with some awesome fish tacos at Gringo’s Taqueria.
When you finish eating and your food has had some time to digest, head up into the trees at the Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium. With 15 different treetop obstacle courses, at varying degrees of difficulty, you’re going to be feeling this one!
After freshening up at the hotel (you’ll need it!), take in the last night of your getaway together with a trip to the prohibition-style Repeal Bourbon & Burgers for what some consider the best cheeseburger in town. Wash it down with a classic Old Fashioned with your whiskey of choice. You can’t go wrong with that.
For the History Buffs
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The rich history that lies within our coastal city makes for the perfect place to experience our country’s beginnings with the one you love.
Day One
Begin your weekend together in Virginia Beach the right way: by retracing the steps of our forefathers at First Landing State Park.
Check out the Cape Henry Memorial Cross, which commemorates the landing, after which the settlers erected a cross on the beach.
Climb the 191 steps of the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. Government in 1792. The climb may be hard, but the view you will share at the top is worth it. Before visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse, be sure to read additional information on location, arrival, and rules and regulations.
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of our most historic homes, including the Thoroughgood House, Francis Land House, Adam Keeling House and the Lynnhaven House.
Grab a some beers at Commonwealth Brewing Company, an old firehouse-turned-brewery. With a rotating food truck lineup, get a bite to eat while you’re at it.
Top the evening off with a sunset walk along the Chesapeake Bay where, legend has it, Blackbeard buried his plundered treasure before fleeing incoming Navy ships.
Day Two
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Fuel your day at Doc Taylor’s restaurant at the oceanfront. The old seaside cottage, once a doctor’s office, is cranking out delicious diner-style breakfast favorites that will get your day started off on the right foot.
Let your breakfast settle as you explore the oceanfront area’s most historic buildings, the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum, the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum and the “Grand Dame of the Shore,” the Cavalier Hotel.
For lunch, experience a local delicacy that was a favorite of Captain John Smith. Stop by Rockafeller’s at the Rudee Inlet for a plate of juicy oysters, prepared in a variety of ways for a palette of all persuasions.
After lunch, make your way down to Pungo for a beacon of aviation history at the renowned Military Aviation Museum. Take in the largest private collection of WWI and WWII-era planes that have all been incredibly restored to flying condition. Top it all off with a romantic plane ride together aboard a restored open-air biplane.
Finish the weekend with dinner for two and a few glasses of wine at Heirloom restaurant. It may not be a landmark of American history, but it will certainly be a night to remember.
For The Nature Lovers
Everywhere you look in Virginia Beach, opportunities abound to get outside with that special someone and explore the beauty of the city around us. From our beaches and parks, to the rural farming community of Pungo, there is no time like the present to get outside and explore together.
Day One
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Check into your cabin retreat at the historic First Landing State Park.
Grab a couple of sandwiches from Taste Unlimited and head to the Chesapeake Bay District for a laid-back afternoon beach picnic on a blanket together by the water. We recommend the Northender sandwich or one of Taste’s seasonal picks.
Head back to the park, rent a couple of kayaks and take in the sunset floating together on the serene Broad Bay.
Spend the evening fireside back at the cabin with burgers on the grill for dinner and fire-roasted s’mores for dessert. Perfection.
Day Two
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Kick your morning off with an invigorating hike among the ancient lagoons and towering cypress trees of the park.
After a healthy breakfast at The Green Cat at the oceanfront, saddle up for a romantic horseback ride on the beach along the Atlantic coastline.
When you are done recreating the covers of those cheesy romance novels, rest your legs and fuel up with a bite to eat dockside at Big Sam’s at the Rudee Inlet.
Take a trip down to Sandbridge, where you can rent a couple of fat-tire bikes at Surf and Adventure Co. and ride right on the sand at Little Island Park. Sure, it’s a bit of a leg workout, but it’s totally worth it!
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the untouched outdoors and the native wildlife at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.
Finish your trip off with dinner fireside at Catch 31. We recommend the oysters Rockefeller and a couple glasses of wine. You’ve earned it!
