Oceanfront is a must-see if you are heading to Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach Oceanfront has all of the excitement – this is the hub for Virginia Beach hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the name of the 3-mile long boardwalk in South East Virginia Beach, on the Atlantic Coast. The boardwalk, Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue are all included.
Holiday makers, locals, and tourists gather here for boardwalk walks, fun, dining, and of course a beach day. The Oceanfront, which is Virginia Beach’s main tourist attraction because it’s a resort town, attracts both tourists and locals.
This guide was created by Hotels.com in collaboration with Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront: How to get around
On foot, you can explore Oceanfront best. Walking is easy on the long boardwalk, shopping streets and along the oceanfront.
You can also take the VB Wave & Bayfront Shuttle if you do not want to walk.
There are 3 routes to HTML0:
- Route 30, Atlantic Avenue– From one end to the other of Atlantic Avenue.
- Route 31, Trolley, Aquarium and Campground – Ride the VB wave south to campsites, tennis courts, amusement parks and the Virginia Aquarium Marine Science Center. Take the Atlantic Avenue Shuttle to points north.
- Route 25: Bayfront Shuttle– seasonal service in Virginia Beach between Atlantic Avenue/ 3rd Street, and Shore Drive/ Pleasure House Road. Route 35 is a seasonal shuttle service that will run between the Oceanfront and First Landing State Park. It also serves North End Beaches, Chesapeake Bay beach, as well as Bayfront Restaurants on Shore Drive.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront Attractions
The main attractions along the Oceanfront that you shouldn’t miss
Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic Avenue in the Virginia Beach Oceanfront District is an entertainment hub. Live music, street performers and outdoor food and cafes are all part of the entertainment at Virginia Beach Oceanfront District.
You can also do your shopping here, from local clothing boutiques to souvenir stores. This is a shoppers’ paradise! Bargain Beachwear, True Woman and other shops are worth checking out.
Live! On Atlantic is also the home of Live! The On Atlantic Free Summer Concert Series is a series of free concerts that are held throughout the summer. This event has been cancelled for 2020 because of COVID-19 regulations. Dates have yet to be announced.
Rudee Inlet Marina
Rudee Inlet, located on the southern end of Oceanfront is the perfect place for water sports. These include jet skis, fishing charters and waterside dining.
Rudee Inlet protects the marina from yachts larger than 100 feet. There are many fishing boats in the area, so keep an eye out to catch a glimpse of their day’s catch.
Rudee’s Inlet Station Marina, located five minutes from the Virginia Aquarium, is close to public golf, tennis, shopping and other amenities. This is an outdoor activities paradise!
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
CNN named the Virginia Beach Boardwalk as one of America’s top boardwalks. The boardwalk is 28 feet wide and stretches three miles. There is also a bike track that allows you to go for long runs, or for long walks. Many vendors and restaurants offer bicycle rentals if you do not have your own.
Four stages, located at the 7th Street, the 17th Street, the 24th Street, and the 31st Street, are available for live music and other entertainment during the summer.
Atlantic Fun Park
The Atlantic Fun Park, located on 15th Street right next to the boardwalk, has a number of rides for families and many food stands. The amusement park is only open in the summer. The park was not open in 2020, but you can keep track of when it will be.
Usually, the park has 16 rides including go-karts and family rides.
King Neptune Statue
King Neptune Statue, the most popular statue along the Boardwalk. The King Neptune Statue is over 30 feet high and holds a giant loggerhead with dolphins in the background, an octopus on his left side. You won’t be able to miss this guy! He’s located on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk overlooking Neptune’s Park at 31st Street.
The Norwegian Lady
Another statue is the Norwegian Lady, which can be found at the 25 th street and Boardwalk. The statue, which looks out over the ocean is dedicated to those lost at sea.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront restaurants
Near the Oceanfront you’ll discover a variety of dining options, from fast food to more traditional. Many of the traditional restaurants offer seafood, grills and Italian meals.
Some of the best seafood restaurants in the area include Big Sam’s raw bar or Rockafeller’s. Rudee’s On The Inlet is another option. Tautog’s, Waterman’s Surfside Grille are two other long-established seafood restaurants. Doc Taylor’s offers diner food and breakfasts.
Other restaurants that offer oceanfront views include Chix Seaside Grill & Bar, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grille and Ocean House.
You can grab an ice cream cone at one of the ice-cream shops if you don’t want to eat a meal. You can also try the popular Banana Splits at the Boardwalk Dairy Queen.
Also, there are some great bakeries. May’s parlor offers a tasty mix of sweets and savoury items, such as locally-sourced meats, dairy and cheese. Try their Macarons, which come in such interesting flavors as “Back Bay Brewing Co. Strawberry & Basil Beer”