From bike rides along the boardwalk to berry picking at local Pungo farms, Virginia Beach is filled with loads of incredible outdoor activities. As a matter of fact, you don’t even have to go inside to enjoy a meal — pack yourself a picnic and dine al fresco! Make a homemade spread or take advantage of the many delicious grab-and-go food options throughout the region. Without further ado, here are some of our favorite places for a picnic in Virginia Beach.
Oceanfront and Sandbridge Beaches
While a beach picnic in Virginia Beach may seem obvious, it’s a popular option for a reason. After all, who wouldn’t want epic Atlantic ocean views during a picnic? While you can lay out a beach towel or blanket just about anywhere along the miles of golden sand in the Oceanfront region, there are a few quieter spots that might be a little more ideal for a picnic, like the Oceanfront North End, Croatan Beach and Sandbridge Beach.
Once you’ve got the location picked out, it’s all about the food. A homemade picnic is always a great time, but so is an easy, breezy grab-and-go option. Graze Kitchen, Taste Unlimited and Green Cat Cafe are all nearby and offer healthful sandwiches, salads and smoothies, perfect for a beachfront meal.
Mount Trashmore Park | Inland
While the name of this one-time landfill might not scream “perfect picnic spot,” Mount Trashmore is now an environmental landmark and a beautiful park with great views of Virginia Beach. With 11 picnic shelters and 165 acres of land, there’s no shortage of space here to park it and dig into your feast.
Need a place to grab food for your picnic? You’ve got quite a few options nearby. Both Zero’s Subs and The Bagel Baker Delicatessen offer delicious and easy-to-transport sandwiches, while Mission BBQ has to-go barbecue favorites, like brisket, pulled pork, baked beans and mac and cheese.
Cape Henry Lighthouse | Chesapeake Bay
How can you beat a picnic in the shadow of Cape Henry Lighthouse, one of the most historic buildings in Virginia? After all, climbing the 191 steps of America’s first lighthouse can really work up an appetite. Pack a picnic — something homemade or perhaps from Green Cat Juice Bar & Market or Taste Unlimited, both of which you’ll likely pass on the drive up from the Oceanfront region — and bring it onto the Fort Story Military Base. Enjoy your meal overlooking Chesapeake Bay at one of the picnic tables dotting the area.
Before visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse, be sure to read additional information on location, arrival, and rules and regulations.
First Landing State Park | Chesapeake Bay
Beneath the towering bald cypress trees and canopy of Spanish moss, First Landing State Park makes for an ideal spot for a picnic. Whether you’re fueling up after a long hike or bike ride, or you simply came to the park for a picture-perfect meal, the large main picnic area, located off of the landside Shore Drive entrance, is the best place to unpack your basket. While a large shelter, accommodating up to 80 people is available to rent on a first come, first serve basis, there are also many tables, as well as charcoal grills, drinking water, bathrooms and a playground, available to use in the picnic area.
Since First Landing State Park is just across the way from Cape Henry Lighthouse, the same grab-and-go food spots work for picnics here as well. If you’re coming from the Oceanfront region, you’ll likely drive by Green Cat Juice Bar & Market and Taste on the way up. If you happen to be driving in from the west — think Inland and Norfolk — Lynnhaven Coffee Company is a great place to stop, both for a cup of joe and for delicious salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and bowls.
Red Wing Metro Park | Inland
Located south of the resort area, Red Wing Metro Park is without a doubt one of the best Virginia Beach picnic spots. With five picnic table-filled pavilions with charcoal grills, it’s already well-equipped, especially if you decide to make your picnic more of a barbecue or cookout. More than that, the park is stunning, with thriving greenery nearly year-round and even blooming cherry blossoms in the spring.
Looking for nearby take-out options? You’re in luck! Both Operation Brew Coffee & Bakery and Town Center Cold Pressed make it easy enough to order elevated coffees, juices and sandwiches for you to take to-go and enjoy under the Virginia Beach sunshine.
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Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
