Most romantic winter getaways conjure up thoughts of snuggling by a crackling fire with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Sounds pretty nice, we get it. But why not spice things up with an exciting trip for two where you experience something totally new? We’re talking whale watching, horseback riding, indoor skydiving, outdoor igloo dining and more.
Virginia Beach offers a variety of unique — and exhilarating — activities that bring couples closer together, so grab your sweetie, plan your trip and get ready to enjoy the ride! Here are some of our favorite outside-of-the-box couples activities in Virginia Beach to create new lasting memories with the one you love.
Book a Whale-Watching Tour
Thanks to cooler temperatures, January and February provide the surest bet to spot humpback whales in the deep, plankton-rich waters of Virginia Beach. Even better, smaller crowds give you more space to spread out and soak up ocean views while you spot whales breaching the surface — sometimes just feet away from your boat.
And that boat, by the way, is likely equipped with restrooms, an open deck, covered seating, snacks and a full bar to enhance your trip. Check out our complete whale-watching guide to learn when, where and how to make the most of an exciting tour.
Go Horseback Riding on the Beach
A walk on the beach, hand in hand, is a great way to spend any day. But the winter months here provide a great backdrop for horseback riding, giving couples a different way to enjoy the area’s sandy shores on a romantic weekend getaway in Virginia Beach.
Not an experienced rider? Not a problem. Virginia Beach Horseback will teach you how to become comfortable with your horse before hopping in the saddle to trot along the surf for an experience you’ll never forget.
Wine and Dine in a Rooftop Igloo
Just because there’s a chill in the air doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy dinner and drinks outdoors. Skybar Rooftop Club at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers the area’s only rooftop heated igloos on the hotel’s 21st floor, providing sweeping views and an oh-so intimate night under the stars.
Accommodating up to six guests, each igloo features a private server, customized music through your own Bluetooth speaker, warm blankets should you need them and an enticing menu of handcrafted cocktails and light bites. Toast your love with a classic Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini, warm up with a Butterscotch Hot Coffee or Caramel Apple Hot Toddy, then dig into perfect-for-sharing plates of Cajun Crab Dip, Shrimp Cocktail, Chicken Caesar Flatbread or “Build Your Own” S’mores.
From rooftop views and cozy hideaways to wine tastings and more, there are plenty of great spots for a romantic meal in Virginia Beach.
Climb to the Top of a Lighthouse
Take your love to new heights atop a towering lighthouse offering panoramic views where the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay meet. Cooler temperatures make for an easier climb up, where you’ll enjoy a special stolen moment for two.
As the country’s fourth-oldest lighthouse open to the public, the original black-and-white-striped Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1792. A 191-step circular staircase taking you to the top is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter months. You’ll also see the “newer” lighthouse built in 1881 just a few hundred feet away, but it is not open to the public.
Hike to the Best Birdwatching
While folks in many places hibernate this time of year, Virginia Beach’s somewhat milder winter weather makes it a great time to explore the outdoors along a quiet trail. Average winter temperatures are in the 50s, with only a few days dipping below freezing.
Explore a haven for migratory birds along the beach and trails at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a diverse ecosystem of unspoiled dunes, ponds, coastal woodlands, maritime forests and freshwater marshes on 9,108 acres tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay. Considered one of the best places for birdwatching along the Eastern Seaboard, this is where massive flocks of ducks, swans and geese stop to feed on their winter journey south.
Plan a Date for Skating and Skydiving
Few activities say winter like gliding around an ice rink — and it’s a great date night, too. Enjoy a “couples skate” at ice rinks throughout the area, skating hand in hand against a backdrop of festive music and lights. Iceland Family Skating Center is a year-round rink in the Town Center District offering both lessons and public sessions.
Or if the two of you are looking for a bigger adrenaline rush, gear up and hop into the wind tunnel at iFLY Virginia Beach, offering the thrill of free-fall skydiving in a safe and controlled indoor environment. Powerful fans generate a 1,600-horsepower cushion of air that you can safely “float” on without anything tethering you to the ground. Regardless of your skill level (don’t worry: instruction is provided), it’s a feeling like no other.
Take a Well-Deserved Break
Alright, you’ve earned it. After all of these fun activities, it’s definitely time to treat yourself to a little R&R on your weekend getaway in Virginia Beach.
Book a couples massage at a spa or a romantic dinner at a splurge-worthy restaurant. Capture the memories you’ve made by snapping a selfie in front of one of Virginia Beach’s epic sunrises and sunsets. Toast your love at a wine tasting or evening cocktail cruise, then check into a swanky hotel or charming B&B to rest up for another day of play.
These romantic winter activities only scratch the surface. Enjoy a winter weekend in Virginia Beach, find cozy winter date night ideas and discover fun indoor activities while you’re here.
About Our Writer
A former resident of Virginia Beach, Steven Keith is now a professional food and travel writer known as “The Food Guy,” whose work has appeared in Bon Appétit, on the Food Network, and in countless national and regional travel publications throughout the country. Probably not surprising, he enjoys all things food and drink in his spare time, while also serving as president of his local farmers’ market. Steven grew up near Huntington, WV, and graduated cum laude in 1991 with a BA degree in News-Editorial Journalism from Marshall University, where he was named a Distinguished Alumni in 2000.
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Written by Steven Keith
A former resident of Virginia Beach, Steven Keith is now a professional food and travel writer known as “The Food Guy,” whose work has appeared in Bon Appétit, on the Food Network, and in countless national and regional travel publications throughout the country. Probably not surprising, he enjoys all things food and drink in his spare time, while also serving as president of his local farmers’ market. Steven grew up near Huntington, WV, and graduated cum laude in 1991 with a BA degree in News-Editorial Journalism from Marshall University, where he was named a Distinguished Alumni in 2000.
