Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer — and in Virginia Beach, that means longer days, ocean breezes and the return of sun-soaked adventures. To celebrate the three-day weekend in Virginia Beach, we’ve rounded up some of the best must-see sights and activities you’ll want to add to your list.
Bike the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Opt for a ride with the whole family on a classic beach surrey or go with one of the local favorites — a beach cruiser. Visitors can even enjoy the leisure bike tour along the 3-mile Boardwalk or join a guided ride from local outfitters like Beach Bike Tours.
Visit the Military Aviation Museum and spend the day in Pungo
While you’re in Pungo for our strawberry season, head to the Military Aviation Museum — home to one of the world’s largest private collections of historic military aircraft, many of which have been meticulously restored to their original flying condition. Before you go, stop by a local farm to pick some wildflowers and, of course, fresh strawberries, which are in peak season this time of year.
Spend the afternoon outside at The Shack on 8th
The Shack on 8th is a fully open air bar at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, stocked with lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball and giant beer pong, making it the perfect place kick back with an Orange Crush, a signature local summer cocktail.
Have a nice night out at Terrapin
For the past decade, Chef Rodney Einhorn has helmed this James Beard-recognized, AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, serving contemporary American Cuisine with a creative use of locally sourced, seasonal farm-fresh ingredients at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Terrapin Restaurant, which has been credited for launching the farm-to-table movement in Virginia Beach, offers a warm, elegant dining room with an open view into the kitchen, giving visitors a glimpse of how the culinary magic comes to life.
Local tip: we recommend starting off with the beet salad, a signature dish commonly known to the staff as a “salad of love” — an homage to the Chef’s very own love story with his wife, Amanda.
Kayak with dolphins in Chesapeake Bay
Dolphins are frequent visitors to the calmer inland waterways off of the Chesapeake Bay, making for a perfect opportunity to kayak alongside some of our favorite locals. Get into the water with Tula Paddle Sports, located in Chesapeake Bay.
Take a hike at First Landing State Park
Head down Shore Drive, in Chesapeake Bay, to First Landing State Park for a morning hike through preserved marshland dotted with towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Opt for the Bald Cypress Trail, a roughly 1.5-mile route that winds through cypress swamps, with boardwalks and overlooks offering unbeatable scenic views of the surrounding enchanting swampland. It’s just one of many scenic hiking trails you’ll find throughout Virginia Beach.
Enjoy a local breakfast at Doc Taylor’s
For soul-satisfying fare that gives a nod to our Southern culinary roots, look no further than the Oceanfront, where you’ll find Doc Taylor’s. Once the home and practice of a Virginia Beach doctor, this beloved spot now serves up delicious comfort breakfast and lunch food, along with Bloody Marys and mimosas. A true locals’ favorite, that the menu even features several items named after some of their regulars.
Zipline at The Adventure Park
Take your holiday weekend to new heights with a high-flying endurance test at The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium. With over 15 different treetop obstacle courses ranging in difficulty, this is no walk in the park. From nighttime climbs through illuminated trees to zip lines over Owl Creek and heart-pounding leaps from above, it’s an experience that might just make you forget you’re at sea level — and it’s fun for the whole family.
Salute the Summer
Rock out with three days of free live music from local bands at Live! on Atlantic’s Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A “Heroes Walk” display will stretch north from 16th Street along the Boardwalk, featuring original essays from local Virginia Beach high school students honoring service members and sharing stories from U.S. history.
There no shortage of ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Virginia Beach, and get your summer started the right way. Plan your Memorial Day Weekend getaway now!
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- Museums
- Summer
- Things to Do
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.
