Top Reasons to Visit Virginia Beach This Fall

Fall might just be the sweetest time to experience Virginia Beach. The air is crisp but comfortable and the summer crowds have eased. Whether you’re biking the boardwalk, paddling peaceful waterways or sampling freshly shucked oysters, there are endless ways to make the most of the season. Here are ten reasons to plan your Virginia Beach getaway in the fall.

Enjoy our Parks

Fall is a fantastic time to stretch your legs in the parks of Virginia Beach. Think cool breezes, changing leaves and wide-open trails that make it easy to spend the day outside. At First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park, you’ll find 19 miles of trails winding through pine forests, cypress swamps and sandy dunes, plus more than a mile of Chesapeake Bay beachfront. The shaded Cape Henry Trail is a go-to for relaxed bike rides this time of year.

Looking for something wilder? False Cape State Park offers a true escape, only reachable by foot, bike or tram through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which offers sandy beaches and short nature trails. For pure fall color, head to Stumpy Lake Natural Area, where vibrantly-colored foliage reflects off serene waters, perfect for paddling or just soaking up the views.

Harvest Fun on the Farm

Head out to the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, where quiet country roads and wide-open fields set the scene for fall fun. This rural pocket is famous for its farm-fresh produce and pick-your-own experiences, from apples and pumpkins to late-blooming sunflowers. At Cullipher Farm, you’ll find all that plus a huge corn maze, a play area and a petting farm that kids love.A short drive away, Hunt Club Farm keeps the fall fun going strong with its season-long Harvest Fair, complete with hayrides, pumpkin patches and plenty of animal meet-and-greets. For extra adventure, the on-site TreeWalk Adventure features tunnels, cargo nets and suspended bridges that lead you through the treetops for a whole new view of the farm.

Sample Lynnhaven Oysters
 

Oysters have been harvested in Virginia for more than 400 years, and they’re at their best from September through April, when colder waters give them a clean, delicate flavor with a crisp finish. Virginia Beach is known for Lynnhaven oysters, once sought after by presidents and royalty for their sweet, buttery taste. Try them raw, roasted or fried at local hotspots like The Atlantic on Pacific and Lucky Oyster Seafood Company, paired perfectly with a glass of wine or local craft beer.

For a true oyster celebration, mark your calendar for Oysterpalooza at Chick’s Oyster Bar (October 11) or Calypso Bar & Grill’s annual Oyster Roast (November 8). Want to go behind the scenes? Book a tour with Pleasure House Oysters, where you can help harvest oysters on the Lynnhaven River or sit down to a Chef’s Table meal served knee-deep in the river.

Sip Seasonal Brews
 

The craft beer scene in Virginia Beach thrives in the fall, when local breweries roll out pumpkin ales, spiced stouts, crisp ciders and malty Oktoberfest lagers. At The Casual Pint, a laid-back “craft beerstro,” sample from 35 rotating taps while indulging in hearty favorites like giant pretzels with beer cheese, brats, burgers and flatbreads. Seasonal brews include Pumpkin Jack hard cider and Oktoberfest Märzen, a rich amber lager.

Smartmouth Brewing Co. (known locally as Smartmouth Pilot House) serves small-batch brews in an unpretentious tasting room with an outdoor patio ideal for cool evenings. Regular events like trivia, live music and happy hours keep the atmosphere lively. Look for their fall beer, The Princess, which delivers warm notes of caramel and toasted malt with every sip.

Paddle Peaceful Waterways

Fall is one of the best times to experience Virginia Beach by water. Smooth conditions and fewer boats make for a peaceful paddle. Hop in a kayak or onto a stand-up paddleboard to explore quiet inlets, winding bays and calm rivers. At First Landing State Park, join a two-hour guided kayak tour with Chesapean Outdoors, where you’ll glide past dunes and marshes. Keep your eyes open for native wildlife, like herons and egrets.  

For something more secluded, launch from the visitor center at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and paddle through marshes and maritime forests, either on your own or as part of a guided trip with Surf & Adventure Co. Want ocean views? Start at Rudee Inlet’s Owl Creek, where early-morning paddlers are sometimes joined by playful dolphins.

Get High Up in the Trees

Cooler fall weather makes it a wonderful time to climb, zip and explore Virginia Beach from above. At The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, the largest climbing park in Virginia Beach, you’ll find ropes courses and ziplines that send adventurers as young as five soaring up to 150 feet through the trees. Nearby, Adventureworks offers canopy zip tours with nine different lines, some stretching 1,000 feet across a wonderland of changing leaves.

For a brand-new experience, check out Owl Creek Landing, a 38-acre forest adventure park. Wander suspended treetop trails or watch kids discover the playful Children’s Treehouse Village with its four elevated hideaways. It’s a must to climb the 65-foot Nautilus Lookout Tower, then return to the forest floor on the longest stainless steel slide in the country.

Chase the Sunrise and Sunset

Virginia Beach is one of the few places where you can catch the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean and setting over the Chesapeake Bay in the very same day. Fall skies make it even better when the chill air sharpens the pinks, oranges and purples. Start your morning on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a three-mile stretch ideal for sunrise walks, jogs or bike rides. Snap a photo at the King Neptune statue or the 14th Street Fishing Pier, both iconic at first light.

In the evening, head to the calm shores of the Chesapeake Bay for a peaceful sunset. Or, visit Rudee Inlet where the day ends with glowing skies framed by bobbing boats and dockside restaurants like Rockafeller’s, which is named for its signature oyster dish.

Celebrate the Season at Fall Festivals

In fall, Virginia Beach is chock-full of festivals that highlight the city’s food, culture and coastal charm. The season kicks off with the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, held the last weekend in September. Stretching 35 blocks along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, it packs in more than 40 events, including live concerts, surfing contests, wine tastings and art shows, as well as its signature event, the International Sandsculpting Championship.

Over at Mount Trashmore Park, the Taste of VA Fest (September 28) gathers top chefs and food trucks serving everything from soul food and Asian specialties to classic American fare. The park also hosts the Autumn in the Air Festival (November 1), a family favorite with live music, bounce houses, petting zoos and food vendors.

Pedal the Iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Riding along the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a classic experience, and fall makes it even better. Dedicated bike lanes run the entire length, keeping your ride safe and scenic. Don’t forget to wear a helmet.

Start the day with a cup of locally roasted coffee at Daybreak Coffee on 23^rd Street, then rent wheels from Cherie’s Bike & Blade Rentals, which has 14 convenient locations along the boardwalk. Stop for landmarks like the Norwegian Lady statue or the Naval Aviation Monument Park at 25th Street. Want to explore beyond the oceanfront? Try the shaded Cape Henry Trail at First Landing State Park or the paved paths at Mount Trashmore Park.

Go Camping

Fall is a great time to go camping in Virginia Beach. Crisp evenings make for comfortable sleep, while sunny days are perfect for outdoor adventures. At First Landing State Park, the campground offers RV and tent sites, plus cabins and yurts just steps from the Chesapeake Bay. It’s hard to beat drifting off to sleep to the soothing rhythm of gentle waves.  

For a more rugged escape, venture to False Cape State Park, where primitive campsites are only reachable by foot, bike or boat. It’s the only place in Virginia where you can pitch a tent directly on the sand. If modern amenities are more your style, the Virginia Beach KOA Holiday and North Landing Beach RV Resort & Cottages provide family-friendly stays with easy access to the water.