What to Do in Virginia Beach this Father’s Day

Father’s Day 2026

From flying high above the world on his shoulders to the genuine, full-belly laughter sparked by one of his terrible jokes, the reasons for celebrating our fathers are endless. This year, skip the neckties and aftershave and give him something he can’t buy for himself at a store: quality time. We have compiled a list of some of our favorite ways to show our dads a good time, in true Virginia Beach style, that are sure to have him feeling the love this Father’s Day.

Take Him Zip-Lining

Zip-lining at the Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium offers a thrilling way to celebrate Father’s Day outdoors. Designed for ages five and up, the park features aerial ropes courses and zip lines that take you through the treetops on a series of platforms connected by cables, wood and rope bridges. With courses of varying difficulty and heights reaching up to 150 feet, it’s an exciting way to climb, zip and explore from a whole new perspective.

For a more traditional zip-lining experience, Adventureworks offers multiple zip lines set among scenic maritime forests. Perfect for guests of all ages, it’s a great way to soar through the trees and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Bike the Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk was designed with both cyclists and pedestrians in mind. With separate paths for biking and walking, riders can cruise along the coast without worrying about dodging crowds or traffic, making it a safe and enjoyable option for all ages, especially younger riders.

Stretching three miles along the oceanfront, the Boardwalk is the perfect place to hop on a beach cruiser and take in the views. You can even find tandem beach cruisers for a more challenging, cooperative ride beside the beach, perfect for spending quality time together this Father’s Day. Whether you explore the full length or stop along the way, this is one of our favorite Virginia Beach experiences.

Surf 

Considered by many to be the birthplace of East Coast surfing, Virginia Beach has a deep-rooted surf culture. Whether you’re a novice, a “grom” or a seasoned pro, catching one of the area’s swells is a must-try local experience for dads and their families this Father’s Day.

Depending on the season, scoping out the ideal surfing conditions in Virginia Beach has become an art form. As many of our resident wave-riders will tell you, riding the perfect wave here comes at the cost of patience, tenacity and a little bit of luck – and that’s part of the appeal. For those hopping on a board for the first time, Virginia Beach often offers the right conditions to safely ease into the action.  

Fishing 

This Father’s Day, take your father out on a charter from Rudee Inlet and experience the thrill of fishing along the Virginia Beach coast. Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, a wide variety of fishing opportunities awaits, from freshwater and brackish waters to offshore adventures. Anglers can reel in everything from croaker, spot and flounder to striped bass, cobia and red drum, with seasonal catches like tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi adding to the excitement.

Prefer to stay on land? Casting a line from the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier or surf fishing along the shoreline are easy ways to get in on the action. And when you’re ready for more, Rudee Inlet is the go-to spot for charters and unforgettable days on the water.

Dine 

Located in the Virginia Beach ViBe Creative District, The Pink Dinghy is just one example of the city’s vibrant dining scene. From and abundance of seafood options, to an ever-growing list of restaurants offering outdoor dining, the restaurants in Virginia Beach are serving up the very best local flavors and coastal vibes this season. From clean spaces to the freshest food, there’s a lot to love about our food scene this Father’s Day.

Enjoy Our Parks, Beaches and other Natural Areas 

Here in Virginia Beach, we’re lucky to have some of the best beaches and parks right here in our backyard, ready to be explored.

Coastal waters, scenic green spaces and great fishing make Virginia Beach the perfect getaway for outdoor lovers of all ages. Home to one of the last great salt marsh habitats on the East Coast, the area offers hundreds of miles of inland waterways, winding trails and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States.

Whether you’re building sandcastles on the beach, paddling through quiet coves or enjoying a family walk at Mount Trashmore Park, there’s something here for everyone., there’s something here for everyone. Spend your days surfing, biking or hiking, and your evenings soaking in time together —making memories that go far beyond a typical beach vacation.

Go Camping 

Virginia Beach is home to five campgrounds containing more than 2,000 campsites featuring amenities such as restrooms/showers, guest laundry, bicycles, playgrounds, pools and boat ramps.

First Landing State Park offers tent, RV and cabin camping, with 20 rustic cabins that make it an ideal spot for a family getaway. The park has campsites both with and without water and electrical hookups and comes equipped with a picnic table and fire-grill. Some sites are located within minutes of the Chesapeake Bay, offering convenient access to the water.

On the southern end of Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park features 12 primitive camping sites and an extensive environmental education program. There are no cabins, but campsites are open year-round and are located in four main areas – Barbour Hill Bay, Barbour Hill Ocean, False Cape Landing Bay and False Cape Landing Ocean. If Dad loves the outdoors, a camping trip here is the perfect way to unwind, explore and spend quality time together.

Explore Our Beer Trail 

A Flight of Beer at Back Bay Brew House Beach House

Raise a glass to Dad with a flight of local brews at Back Bay Brew House Beach House. The ever-growing craft beer scene of Virginia Beach is full of unique flavors, from juicy IPAs bursting with hops to complex, barrel-aged sours — so there’s sure to be something for every kind of beer lover.

The Virginia Beach Beer Trail celebrates the region’s top breweries, stretching from Chesapeake Bay to the Oceanfront, and offers the perfect way to spend quality time together, one pint at a time.