Virginia Beach has always been a place where everyone is welcome to feel the sand between their toes — and for LGBTQ+ travelers, that welcome doesn’t fade once summer ends. The coastal city’s inclusive spirit shows up in its restaurants, breweries, galleries, nightlife and beaches alike. This is LGBTQ+ Virginia Beach: open, easygoing and ready to make you feel at home.
If you want to time your trip around a celebration, mark your calendar for Hampton Roads Pride Weekend. Each year, the community comes together for Pride events and Pride at the Beach — a joyful celebration right by the sand — making Pride Weekend a natural anchor for a visit.
Whether you’re planning around Pride or simply looking for an LGBTQ-friendly Virginia Beach getaway, this three-day itinerary will help you make the most of a long weekend. From easy mornings by the water to nights filled with drag, dancing and new friends, here’s how to spend three memorable days by the coast.
Day One — Arrive, Explore and Unwind
Check in at Surfbreak Virginia Beach Oceanfront, an Ascend Hotel Collection member right on the Boardwalk, with a coastal, artsy design sensibility that fits right alongside the ViBe Creative District a few blocks away. Its Boardwalk location puts you close to everything on this itinerary, from your morning coffee to your first night out.
Morning — Coffee and the ViBe Creative District
Ease into the trip with a cup from Three Ships Coffee, a community-focused roaster in the heart of the ViBe District. From there, let your feet lead you through the ViBe Creative District itself — a neighborhood built on public murals, independent shops and an inclusive, creative spirit that shows up on nearly every block.
Visiting on a Saturday? Time your morning around the Old Beach Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to noon, when local farmers and makers fill the district with fresh finds. Browse the stalls and pick up a Virginia-grown or made treat before the day gets going.
Afternoon — Sun, Sea and Lunch at The Pink Dinghy
Explore the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and let three miles of beautiful Oceanfront scenery do the rest — stroll, run, bike or simply find a bench and soak up the salty air.
When you’re ready for lunch, The Pink Dinghy is all about small plates, natural wine and creating a space for people to gather and share. Browse the attached market while you’re there, or snap a photo in front of its picture-perfect pink exterior.
After lunch, trade the shoreline for some time on the water with Virginia Aquarium Boat Tours. Seasonal excursions head out with marine educators on board and focus on responsible wildlife viewing. It’s a great way to see Virginia Beach from an entirely different angle.
Evening — Dinner and First Night Out
Grab dinner at Repeal Bourbon & Burgers, where a deep bourbon list meets a hearty burger menu — strong drinks, bold flavors and the kind of spot that sets you up right for a night out.
Then, for a night out on the town, head to Rainbow Cactus— a cornerstone of gay-friendly Virginia Beach nightlife since 1996 — where drag, karaoke, DJs and pool have made it a community fixture for nearly thirty years. Recurring nights at the LGBTQIA+ show bar include Wednesday drag hosted by Amethyst Stone Douglas and Thursday pool-and-karaoke with Marc — check their events page for the current weekend lineup, since programming rotates.
Day Two — Brunch in the ViBe, Nightlife at the Oceanfront
Morning — Drag Yourself to Brunch
Sunday morning calls for Croc’s 19th Street Bistro and its “Drag Yourself to Brunch,” where lively drag performances take center stage at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. — reservations required. Between rum-buttered apple waffles and bacon cheese tots from the specialty menu and a show that brings plenty of energy to the table, this is no ordinary Sunday brunch.
Afternoon — Arts, Culture and a Craft Beer Stop
For an artsy afternoon, spend it at Virginia MOCA, now in its new home on the Batten University campus. Browse rotating exhibitions, and take your time in a space built to be welcoming and inclusive for everyone who walks through the door — free admission for Virginia residents.
From there, head to Vibrant Shore Brewing Company, an arts-focused craft brewery in the ViBe District that’s been a home base for the LGBTQ+ community since its earliest days — from same-sex couple date nights to a trans prom to drag shows raising money for local causes.
Settle into the eclectic, arts-themed tasting room, rooftop beer garden or front patio, and catch open mic night if your visit lands on the first Tuesday of the month. It’s a brewery that puts its welcome into action, with LGBTQ+ staff members and ongoing support for Hampton Roads Pride, the LGBT Life Center and the Pride Brew Tour.
Evening — A Lively Night Out
Head back to the Oceanfront for dinner, then make your way to The Edge, a fixture of Virginia Beach nightlife since 1991 on the 21st Street block. It’s built on diversity and fun, with themed parties, guest DJs and a welcoming crowd every night of the week — yes, even Sundays, when the party keeps going until 2 a.m.
Day Three — Slow Down and Savor
Morning — Wellness and the Water
Start the day slowly with a sunrise walk along the sandy shoreline, straight from your hotel. From there, grab breakfast at Commune, a bakery and cafe known for its farm-to-table menu and welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
Then, swap the Oceanfront for the wooded beauty of First Landing State Park — kayak, paddleboard or hike along trails winding through maritime forest.
After your outdoor adventure, roll out your mat at Torch Yoga, an LGBTQ+-affirming studio that welcomes yogis of all identities. The studio shows its support year-round through inclusive events and Pride-focused programming, creating a comfortable, judgment-free space to move, recharge and show up exactly as you are.
Afternoon — Wine and Wandering
Now that your body’s had its workout, it’s time to treat the soul to a little wellness of its own — head over to Virginia Beach Winery for a relaxed, LGBTQ+-owned and operated tasting experience with a philosophy as welcoming as the wine: “All are welcome here.” The winery has hosted Drag Bingo in the past and plans to bring it back, with a lively events calendar that includes comedy nights, Latin dancing and Naughty Bingo throughout the year. It’s just one of the city’s growing roster of LGBTQ+-owned businesses worth supporting on your visit.
When hunger calls, The Shack on 8th meets you wherever your energy’s at — chill and low-key, or ready to make some noise. The calendar keeps things lively year-round, from TGIF nights to Crush N’ Country on the first Friday of every month (mechanical bull and line dancing lessons included) to regular karaoke nights that turn dinner into a whole evening.
Pride Weekend or not, Virginia Beach is ready to welcome you year-round — come as you are and make the weekend your own.
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Written by Nicole Partis
From coastlines to city streets, Nicole is always in search of great food, new experiences and the next place to take a dip in the sea. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Southern California and has traveled to over 20 countries, always on the move. Passionate about travel writing, she is constantly on the lookout for destinations and experiences worth sharing.
