Thanksgiving Getaways

Thanksgiving Getaways Within a Tank of Gas

As milder weather sets in and holiday lights begin to illuminate Virginia Beach, we begin preparing and planning for the next big holiday: Thanksgiving! We all know the biggest meal of the year tends to come with the biggest scramble. Planning, organizing, cooking, cleaning — it’s a lot. Fortunately, the perfect getaway is closer than you think and well within a single tank of gas, offering a refreshing way to mix things up this year.

Short Drives, Big Adventures

You can turn one tank of gas into a weekend of endless adventures. Whether you’re fueling up in Richmond, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or Washington, D.C., it’s a quick, easy and rewarding trip to Virginia Beach for a weekend of family-friendly fall activities like hiking, biking, or exploring our lovely fall offerings.

Get in the Holiday Spirit

You made great time getting into town; now it’s time to get into the spirit. Don’t worry–we make that part easy, too.

• A Traditional Thanksgiving Feast Without the Dishes: You’re on vacation–don’t worry about cooking and cleaning! Instead, reserve a table for an exquisite Thanksgiving feast at the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club.
• Virginia Beach Farmers Market: Stroll the open-air year-round at Virginia Beach Farmers Markets for fresh, local baked goods, fall florals, jams, produce, and holiday treats.
• A Coastal Thanksgiving: The turkey of the sea is totally up to you, but adding a bit of fresh-off-the-boat seafood to your meal adds a tasty twist to a traditional turkey feast. Stop by any of our seafood markets for a wide selection to take and make.
• A Winter Wonderland: Every November and December, The Shack outdoor restaurant and bar transforms into a Winter Wonderland filled with festive fun for the whole family. Sip seasonal craft cocktails, browse goods from local artisans, challenge the kids to yard games, and pick out the family Christmas tree.
• Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit. This annual competition and exhibition is open to everyone, with a special invitation to active-duty military, veterans, and military families. And don’t forget to vote! You can help decide the winner.

Thanksgiving in Sandbridge

Virginia Beach’s quiet southern shore, Sandbridge sits just moments from the city’s bustling Oceanfront, presenting a one-of-a-kind vacation within a vacation. Thanksgiving in Sandbridge is an experience unlike any other – unique housing options, succulent seafood, homemade pumpkin pie, and fresh fruit and vegetable picking from the nearby Pungo farms.

Your New Thanksgiving Tradition

Late autumn is an insider secret in Virginia Beach. You’ll enjoy mild temperatures, uncrowded shorelines, seasonal flavors, and colorful fall foliage. You can rest easy or play hard, enjoying our parks, farms, breweries, sunsets, festivals, live music, and everything else fall offers.

You may have a Thanksgiving tradition you love, but why not shake things up and relieve yourself of the holiday pressure? Your new favorite family tradition may be just a tank of gas away. So go ahead, fill up the car–then fill up your schedule in Virginia Beach. And if you enjoy yourself, you’re invited to come back for Christmas, too!

Plan Ahead and Have Something to Look Forward to

Ready to try out a new tradition? Check out our Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Virginia Beach for places to stay, where to eat, and other ideas on what to do while you’re here.