Eat, Drink and Play Like a Local at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront

In Virginia Beach, our marquee attraction is a three-mile-long, 28-foot-wide boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean. Wowza. This action-packed zone – and the stretch along Atlantic and Pacific avenues and bisecting streets – constitutes the Virginia Beach Oceanfront District. This is where the major festivals happen, and visitors can eat, drink and play with the most laid-back locals on the Eastern Seaboard. Here’s a look at some of the places on the Oceanfront that locals love best.

Getting Around the Oceanfront District

If you book a hotel on the Oceanfront (niiiice!), you can get to lots of great spots on foot, or in one of those super-cute beach cruisers. Plus, Uber and Lyft are available.  

And here’s a handy transportation fact: The VB Wave Trolley, operated by the Hampton Roads Transit Authority (HRT.), offers an Atlantic Avenue Trolley (Route 30) which goes to restaurants and oceanfront attractions. There’s daily service every 15 minutes or so, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., from mid-May through the Neptune Festival in late September. HRT also operates two other seasonal trolley routes, so check out the full schedule. Single fares are $2 or less.

Meanwhile, a free, on-demand ride service called Freebee VA Beach (via downloadable app) covers much of the city using electric vehicles. You may have to wait a bit for your ride, but the price is right (do plan to tip!).  

Where to Eat Along the Oceanfront
 

Atlantic meets Pacific at Aloha Snacks, a casual spot with an island vibe and tasty poke bowls, burgers, sandwiches, and spicy poke tots (yes, it’s a thing.) Chef/owner Jesse Wykle beat Iron Chef Bobby Flay on “Beat Bobby Flay.” Respect.

On the fine-dining side, top-rated Orion’s Roof at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel offers a fab duo: Great views of the Atlantic and a tempting menu of Asian-fusion dishes, including some of the city’s best sushi. Oh, did we mention the vast sake selection, and the open kitchen? Locals love it for closing deals and impressing dates alike.  

Brunch and Baked Goods

In Virginia Beach, there’s one “doctor” that everyone wants to visit: Doc Taylor’s. They serve breakfast and brunch favorites (think grits and Bloody Marys) in a beachfront cottage that once held a doctor’s office. On vacation, you’re required by law to do brunch.

Few can resist the sweet and savory baked goods at May’s Parlor. Yes, you need a “cruffin” (croissant + muffin) in your life. This is where no-carb diets go to die.  

Where to Drink an Orange Crush

Bright, zippy, and the color of sunshine, the Orange Crush is Virginia Beach in a glass. The city’s signature drink is a blend of fresh O.J., vodka, and orange liqueur, plus a splash of lemon-lime soda. Go to the source, Waterman’s Surfside Grille (they invented this swanky sister of the screwdriver, as the story goes), or grab your potion at Chix on the Beach or The Shack on 8th. You’ll definitely rub elbows with locals (challenge them to a game of cornhole at your own risk.)  

Where to Go for a Few Beers

Love beer? You’re in good company here. The Oceanfront is home to a couple of locally beloved breweries, Back Bay Brewing Co. (where the options include an Orange Crush IPA) and Smartmouth Pilot House, a former post office-turned-brewery where folks now hoist mugs rather than mailbags.

Where to Tiki

If a tiki bar on the beach sounds like your perfect outing (and it sure does to us), head directly to Tortuga’s Café & Tiki Bar. Their Spicy Beach cocktail is made with cucumber-jalapeno tequila, so technically, it’s a vegetable. They make a good smoothie, too… which reminds us: The local mocktail game is improving by the minute.  

Where to Enjoy Some Outdoor Fun

Craving a Zen moment? Do as locals do, and settle into the leafy embrace of Mother Nature at First Landing State Park, a marvel of lagoons, marshes, bays, and mega-sized cypress trees. Hike it, bike it or take a guided kayak tour to enjoy total immersion in this pristine habitat.  

Where to Find New Fitness Friends

The buffest bodies in town hang out at Hillier Ignite Fitness Park, located on the beach at the north end of Atlantic Ave near 36th Street. This al fresco gym is outfitted with climbing ropes, parallel bars, a balance beam, slackline posts and more. (Tip: Arrive early.) For inspiration, check out the King Neptune statue,* located at 31st St. and Atlantic Avenue. Created by artist Paul DiPasquale, the 34-foot-tall specimen is pretty ripped (sorry, officially, that’s “a majestic symbol of the city”).  

Look, Ma, it’s a festival

The summer season is jam-packed with events and festivals along the oceanfront. Don’t miss Live! On Atlantic which brings music and entertainment to stages on 13th, 15th, 17th, and 25th streets nearly every night.

Held in late September, the Neptune Festival is the city’s major bash, with concerts and an Arts & Crafts Show that is ranked as one of the top 10 in the country. And wait ‘til you see the eye-popping art created by international sculptors at Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship. A parade, road race, regatta and other events add to the fun.  

Live Music Venues

Come nightfall, the Oceanfront thrums with live music, spanning the genres. Reliable haunts include Calypso Bar & Grill, The Blind at Back Bay Brewing Co., Waterman’s Surfside Grille, The Shack on 8th, and Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub. (Pro tip: Catch 31 is a great spot to catch summer concerts at Neptune Park.)  

Saltwater Taffy and Other Necessities

Any beach town worth its sea salt offers a medley of places to buy mermaid-themed tchotchkes, colorful beachwear and inflatable alligators. In the Oceanfront District, Atlantic Avenue takes top honors for tourist-friendly shops, plus a beloved local favorite, Forbes Candies. Claiming kids’ allowances since 1934, they still use original recipes to create their irresistible saltwater taffy. Their dark chocolate sea salt caramels are unforgettable.