Planning a day of shopping in Virginia Beach isn’t hard to do with its many shops and malls offering all the retail goods your heart desires. Whether you’re in the market for a snazzy new swimsuit, a Victorian-era vintage postcard, a trendy statement piece or a beachy souvenir — Virginia Beach delivers the full package. Check out this 2-day shopping itinerary full of shops, entertainment, delicious restaurants and where to have a drink after a full day of shopping-til-you-drop in Virginia Beach.
Day 1: Retail Therapy with a Creative Flair
Breakfast in the ViBe Creative District
Kick off your day of retail therapy in the funky ViBe Creative District. Grab a coffee at Three Ships Coffee, then head to breakfast at Prosperity Kitchen and Pantry, where you’ll find churro croissants and other small-batch breakfast bites. If you’re craving home-style brunch, check out The Pink Dinghy, where the menu consists of favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken biscuits and flavor-of-the-day doughnuts.
While fueling up for a day of shopping, take a moment to download ViBe’s public art walking map so you can catch sights of murals, sculptures, painted crosswalks or decked-out sidewalks along the way.
Artisan Shops in the ViBe Creative District
Once you’re ready to shop, stop by Jars of Dust for handmade ceramics that can double as practical vessels for your morning oatmeal or afternoon tea. Select from the elegant showroom or sign up for a class and try your hand at making your own in the on-site pottery studio.
At North End Bag Company, sights of cutting tables and the whirring sound of sewing machines signal classic totes being crafted for this artisan shop. Whether fashioned from leather — tanned Old World-style, and made with bark tannins for lasting beauty — or high-quality canvas, the result is a sturdy carryall to love and use for ages.
Next door is Igor’s Custom, set inside a garage, where old-school artist Igor Acord tackles projects like restoring 1940s neon signs, detailing vintage cars and hand-painting his trademark designs on everything from storefront signs and banners to guitars, motorcycles and even cowboy boots. Igor’s is also home to a mini-museum where he shows off his blend of Americana artifacts, art and other oddities.
Other must-sees dot the district, including the Pixelated Boutique for trendy outfits, the nearly year-round Old Beach Farmers Market and the 17th Street Marketplace. Before you bid adieu to ViBe, stop by for afternoon drinks at Chesapeake Bay Distillery or enjoy a tasty lunch at Esoteric, Barrel 17 or The Stockpot — where you can snag healthier versions of comfort food favorites.
Coastal Shopping on Atlantic Avenue
Spend your afternoon on Atlantic Avenue admiring the ocean views and popping into classic beach shops like Coastal Edge, Bargain Beachwear and Kitty Hawk Kites, where you can find plenty of popular Life is Good products. These shops have everything you need for a day at the beach, from surfboards, swimwear and sunglasses to coverups, t-shirts, loungewear, souvenirs and pet items.
Other retailers cater to shoppers looking for home accessories, jewelry, gifts and, of course, the latest fashions. Lemon Cabana is a charming boutique where outfits are colorful, coastal and sophisticated. At French Twist Boutique, you can find chic European-inspired dresses and even schedule a private shopping experience.
Dinner and Drinks with an Ocean View
After a full day of shopping, cap off your day by grabbing a drink at Orion’s Roof Garden & Dining, which takes happy hour to new heights — 183 feet up, to be exact! This rooftop patio offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and is the ideal spot for sipping on a Mango Mule, champagne cocktail or something off their robust sake menu.
For a classic Virginia Beach seafood dining experience, choose from The Atlantic on Pacific, Catch 31 or Chixon the Beach, a mainstay since 1977 offering up delicious blackened tuna tacos, fresh salads and its trademark Steamer Bags filled with corn-on-the-cob, spicy sausage and seasoned potatoes.
Don’t leave the boardwalk without checking out the majestic King Neptune Statue at 31st and Atlantic. Ever since its installation in 2005, this 34-foot-tall, 12.5-ton Paul DiPasquale bronze creation has reigned as one of the most popular landmarks in Virginia Beach.
Day 2: Vintage Finds and Town Center Fun
In the mood for some time travel? With constantly replenished inventory and offering acres of vintage finds, the Virginia Beach Antique Mall and the Barrett Street Auction Center and Antique Mall will put you in a nostalgic mood — no time machine required. Seasoned collectors will enjoy hours of adventure, as will shoppers brand new to the antiquing adrenaline rush. No matter what you collect or the size of your budget, you’ll love winding your way through curated photos, movie posters, tableware, art, clocks, jewelry, military memorabilia and furniture. With a little luck, your Virginia Beach treasure hunt might lead to a Star Wars collectible, an Art Deco vase or the cherry-red Pyrex you’ve been seeking.
Town Center Shops
Next, head downtown to the Town Center, where parking is free in its four covered garages. You’re in for an afternoon of big shopping energy with brands like Lululemon Athletica, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Barnes and Noble, Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor Loft and Free People. Town Center shops also include local spots like Eclectic Design Florist & Gift, a plant lovers’ utopia — and Mrs. Bones, where you can create a custom dog collar or leash from 500+ options in brocade, velvet or tartan.
Entertainment at Town Center
When in Town Center, carve out some time to play, too. The 85,000-square-foot Apex Entertainment has plenty of fun activities for kids and adults including go-karting, escape rooms, mini golf, virtual reality experiences, arcade gaming, laser tag, bowling and axe throwing.
Other Town Center entertainment includes comedy shows at Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant and the chance to make your own masterpiece at the Muse Paintbar. Or catch a performance of the Virginia Symphony or other big names at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. If you’re visiting Town Center during summertime, take advantage of the Sandler’s free summer concert series on Wednesdays in its outdoor plaza.
Dining in Town Center
For a meal or a pick-me-up, all kinds of appealing Town Center dining options await, including the decadent Cinnaholic, Saffron Indian Bistro, California Pizza Kitchen, Einstein Bros Bagels, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Twist martini bar and Tupelo Honey Southern kitchen and bar.
About Our Writer
Christine Snyder holds a journalism degree from Marshall University and has worked as a sports reporter, editor and tech writer. She’s passionate about history, fitness walking and old episodes of “Columbo.” She’s always planning her next day trip or other trek and often takes along her husband and four daughters.
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