Spanning just over 10 acres in one of the most sought-after areas of Virginia Beach — right between the bustling activity of Oceanfront and the eclectic artistry of The ViBe Creative District — Atlantic Park is a mixed-use community that’s poised to become a key cultural hub for our coastal city.
After all, the $350-million-dollar development combines three of the things that infuse Virginia Beach with its uniquely effervescent energy: surfing, live music and, of course, the spirit of reinvention. Here’s how to embrace all the amazing vibes with a surf-centric getaway.
Learn to Surf on Our State-of-the-Art Swell
Surf culture is woven into the very fabric of Virginia Beach. We’re proud to host the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, the longest continuously running surf contest in the world. The best of the best come here to compete, including more than 500 of the world’s top amateur and professional surfers — and now they’ll have access to more rides than ever.
Atlantic Park Surf is the first surf lagoon in the U.S. to use Wavegarden Cove® technology — one of only nine total in the world — and the only human-made wave park in the world from which you can hear the actual ocean. So why would you choose the Wavegarden, when the real thing is within shouting distance? For starters, the seasoned dawn patrollers at Surfer magazine have called it “The Best Wave Pool in America” … no small praise from these experienced reviewers. It’s also ideal for first-time surfers of any age.
Drop Into Predictably Perfect Peaks
The surf park, which features two mirror-image lagoons offering both left and right breaks, can generate up to 1,000 surfable waves per hour — peaks of predictable perfection — which is a luxury no natural wave can provide. What’s more, the Wavegarden can be adjusted to both ability and preference, with seven distinct experience levels ranging from Beginner to Professional, plus six different wave-shape categories: Airs, Barrels, Turns, Malibus, Waikikis and Bays.
That means everyone, from the littlest groms and floundering grown-ups to local legends, like Michael Dunphy and Blayr Barton, can find waves that suit their style — any time of year. Book a session to shred on your own, or a lesson (either group or private) for expert guidance. Prefer the shore to the sea? The lagoon is surrounded by a beach club offering lounge seating or cabana rentals with seamless food and beverage service and a most excellent view of the action.
Catch Some Sound Waves at the Dome
Here’s the wonderful thing about Atlantic Park: as a live-work-play community, it’s so much more than a surf spot. And, as with its nod to the surfing heritage of Virginia Beach, this budding cultural epicenter is honoring a beloved chapter of our live music history, too. Designed in 1957 by midcentury visionary R. Buckminster Fuller, The Dome was an iconic part of the Virginia Beach skyline until its demolition nearly four decades later. More than 30 years on, a new iteration of The Dome has risen — as an innovative indoor-outdoor music hall where the sound waves are always breaking.
Thanks to tone-enhancing parametric design elements, massive hangar doors that open to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and a prime location adjacent to the Wavegarden surf lagoon, the 5,000-seat Live Nation venue is already on track for a legacy of unforgettable shows — including Gunna, All Time Low, KC and the Sunshine Band, and other national acts. Even cooler: On non-event days, the venue’s public plaza transforms into a neighborhood gathering place with free fairs, markets, outdoor performances and more.
Swap Your Board For a Fork
Catching and riding waves works up quite the appetite. Fortunately, Atlantic Park is steps away from Virginia Beach’s top culinary spots, so you can towel off and grab some food with ease. Wiseguy Pizza serves up classic, oversized New York-style slices and a full bar, complete with dual entrances from both the surf lagoon and the public plaza. Need to refuel before heading back out? The Hola Snacks food truck is the perfect place to snag tropical-inspired bites without venturing far from the waves.
Nearby, indulge in comfort food at Milk & Honey, a modern, Southern-inspired kitchen legendary for its chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, catfish and mimosa towers. Next door at The Grill, settle in for seaside favorites like fresh mussels and clam chowder before digging into wood-fired branzino or steak topped with herb butter.
If you’re craving bold flavors from south of the border, head over to Mi Vida, a Mexican restaurant helmed by Chef Roberto Santibañez. Order a refreshing frozen marg alongside their decadent mole enchiladas. For a taste of local culture, don’t miss Only at Renee’s, a favorite homegrown spot serving Filipino Pampanga specialties like savory peanut stew, sizzling chopped pork and crispy lumpia spring rolls.
Cool off with a cucumber-elderflower martini before grabbing some just-shucked oysters on the half shell or lobster, crab or shrimp rolls with housemade chips at The Hampton Social. For something ultra-fresh between sets, grab a bite at Nami Nori — a sleek Japanese restaurant specializing in open-style temaki hand rolls (and co-owned by Virginia Beach’s own Pharrell Williams). Be sure to order their Virginia Beach-exclusive spicy crab dip while you’re there. For a clean energy boost, fuel up with acai bowls, smoothies and fresh juices at Playa Bowls. Or, cap off your surf day by satisfying your sweet tooth at The Sweet Spot, a dessert bar loading up over-the-top milkshakes, unheard-of ice cream flavors, warm churros, funnel cakes, boba and fresh coffee.
Score Your Next Fit on a Surfside Shopping Spree
You don’t have to venture far to trade your wetsuit for something stylish. Atlantic Park’s retail lineup makes it easy to elevate your wardrobe, Virginia Beach style. Upgrade your fit at Faherty Brand, a family-owned coastal lifestyle label beloved for its sustainably minded, ultra-soft clothing. If you are looking for sharp menswear or premium resort apparel, slide into Johnnie-O to nail that perfect blend of East Coast classic and Southern California cool. Finally, swing by Lululemon to stock up on high-performance athleisure wear and studio gear designed to keep you moving comfortably from the waves to the Boardwalk.
Tuck In and Bed Down Within Walking Distance
Just how pedestrian-friendly is Atlantic Park? There’s an incredible range of lodging options within walking distance that are 5–7 minutes away on foot. Nab an oceanview balcony at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront or Travelodge by Wyndham Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront, or score a seaview room at Country Inn & Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront — all affordable, amenity rich and ideal for families hoping to stay right on the sand. If your surf sessions are part of a romantic getaway, you’re our kind of traveler; stay at Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast, serving up Southern hospitality and Victorian charm since 1917.
Side Quest: Sandbox Immersive Virtual-Reality Experiences
If your day in the waves only stokes your craving for adventures, you’re in luck. Atlantic Park is also home to Sandbox VR, a full-body virtual reality experience for groups of up to six. Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, Sandbox is just like the real world in that you can see and physically interact with all the other people inside. But unlike regular reality, you’ll be stepping into fully imagined alternate omniverses like those of Stranger Things and Squid Game. Ages 8 and up.
Share this post
- Live Music
- Oceanfront
- Surfing
- Vibe Creative District
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.
