Sprawling the three miles from 2nd to 40th Streets along our world-famous Oceanfront, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk can keep you entertained for much longer than 24 hours. But if you’ve only got one full day to give us, here are our insider suggestions for strolling, sweating, snacking, shopping, swimming and more — all along our celebrated shoreline.
Start Right at Sunup.
Watch the Sunrise on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
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You can nap on the beach later — this morning has an early call time if you watch to catch one of our brilliantly banded sunrises! For a sunrise photo worthy of royalty, you’ll want to consult the King; head over to the stretch of the Boardwalk near 31st Street, which is anchored by the iconic Paul DiPasquale statue of King Neptune. Standing 26 feet high and weighing over 100 tons, Neptune and his sea creature subjects make an ideal centerpiece for your Virginia Beach sunrise photos.
Raise Your Heart Rate
Where & How to Exercise on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Mornings on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk are the perfect time to go for a leisurely jog while most people are still asleep. At this time of day, it’s peaceful enough for biking or rollerblading; Cheries Bike & Blade Rental has multiple locations throughout its length to hook you up.
There are also two activity parks, one for adults and one for kids, that are standing by to help the whole family burn off some energy. For the little ones, the fully accessible (and totally awesome) Grommet Island Park offers a friendly school of sea-creature climbing sculptures as well as sand castle tables and a shaded seating area for family members. Nearby Hillier Ignite Fitness Park is basically a jungle gym for grown-ups — with rings, beams, bars, ropes, slacklines and a variety of ways to get a full-body workout right on our beautiful beachfront.
Smash a Stack of ‘Jacks
Best Breakfast on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to tuck in for breakfast. Health-conscious visitors and those with dietary restrictions will love the creative juices, smoothies and bowls at Green Cat Juice Bar & Market — most of them vegan as well as gluten free. For a classic American breakfast on the Boardwalk, try Doc Taylor’s Restaurant or Sunnyside Cafe & Restaurant. But if you’re really ready for a reward after your morning workout, it’s time to smash a stack of flapjacks at Pocahontas Pancake House, a Food Network “Best Of” series winner and *very* memorable meal.
Horse Around on the Sand
Where to Go Horseback Riding on Virginia Beach
If you’re visiting us during the cooler months, you’re in for an unforgettable treat: horseback riding on the beach, right along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk! Virginia Beach Horseback leads one-hour tours for riders six and older, at all levels. The operation is located right on the sand at 14th Street; you’ll be matched with a steed appropriate to your experience and go through a short orientation prior to following your wrangler along our breathtaking sandy shores.
Score Some Souvenirs
Where to Shop on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Whether you’re just window shopping or looking for a souvenir with a distinctly coastal flair, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye on Atlantic Avenue. For a colorful array of clothing, jewelry and housewares drenched in our city’s sun-and-sand aesthetic, hit up Sea La Vie, the Beach Nut and Beach Bodies. For classic Virginia Beach souvenirs, try Sunsations or Virginia Gift Shop. And don’t miss 31 Ocean, where you can grab a quick bite and find sweet all-ages gestures at shops like Kitty Hawk Kites and Life is Good.
Soak up the Sunshine
Virginia Beach Boardwalk: Find Your Sandy Spot
You can’t visit Virginia Beach without catching some rays on our tranquil golden sands. If you were up with the Dawn Patrol and did your due diligence via bike or blade, you may have already scoped out the ideal place to soak up the sunshine — and sneak in an afternoon nap. If not, almost anywhere along Oceanfront Beach will do nicely, with food vendors, live music, access to restrooms and lifeguards on duty from mid-May through mid-September.
Make a Memorable Splash
Top Virginia Beach Boardwalk Water Sports
Want to go deeper than a quick swim? The waters just off the Virginia Beach Boardwalk are the perfect environment for total immersion! VB Surf Sessions is a wonderful place to start; they offer stand-up paddle board and surfing lessons, tours and rentals, and will even bring the equipment to you! If you’re feeling the need for speed, nearby Rudee Inlet Jet Ski Rentals has the horsepower to fuel a REALLY fun day. And if you’re looking for a different perspective, Rudee Inlet Parasail & Watersports offers single, tandem and triple rides up to 500 feet in the air.
Dine with the Dolphins
Where to Eat Along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
There’s regular hunger, and there’s beach day hunger. As your epic adventure draws to a close, you’ll be feeling the latter — and luckily, dining on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a moveable feast with options to suit every budget and craving. Even better: with no shortage of waterfront fine dining and casual beachside grills, you may even see a dolphin or two during dinner.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille may just be the quintessential Virginia Beach Boardwalk dining experience, with a menu full of sustainably sourced seafood, bragging rights for the original Orange Crush cocktail — and an unbeatable ocean view. Catch 31 serves fresh and flavorful farm-to-table fare with outstanding views of Neptune Park and the sparkling sea beyond.
If you’re turning up rather winding down, The Shack On 8th is a solid bet — with a jam-packed schedule of live music and DJ dance parties powered by a block party atmosphere, an impressive beverage list and lots of tasty casual bites. Ocean 27 has similar vibes, with a playful indoor-outdoor space stocked with oversized lawn games, elevated happy hour food and colorful cocktails. If your trip just won’t be complete without dinnertime dolphins, try the Ocean House. You’ll love the live music, fresh-caught seafood and top-shelf specialty drinks … and the open-air, second-story location will give you a good chance of making a finny friend.
About Our Writer
As a Californian living in Colorado, Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and enthusiastic longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
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Written by Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
