Need Help- Virginia Beach Vacation

[sweetpeakaris]

Since we can't do Disney this year, I am planning a Virginia Beach Vacation. There will be 2 adults and 4 children(1, 9, 11, & 13yrs old). Can someone please suggest where to stay? I want to stay close to the Beach(ocean view), I like nice hotels/villas, but also want a deal. What are the must do things? Please share good restaurants and places to shop?

So far I have Busch Gardens, Water Country, and I don't know what else. Also where can I buy the best prices on tickets? Oh, We are going in July anywhere from July 2nd-18th. I'm thinking more like the second week in July.

Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Psychodisney]

We stayed at the Residence Inn a few years ago. There were 5 of us in a one bedroom. Nice kitchenette which was nice to have since I was not impressed with any of the restaurants. Fabulous view. Was like new then.

 

[JBAK549]

I’d recommend the Virginia Aquarium. It’s not inexpensive but it’s a great place. Ocean Breeze is a step (or two!) down from Water Country but it’s a water park very close to the beach. It recently came under new ownership and they’re renovating. It’s next to Motor World (place with go carts). There are a huge number of mini golf places (indoor 3D, or fighter pilot, outdoor jungle themes, pirate themes, etc.) and various tourist attractions. We live near the beach and spend most of our beach time during the summer at the outdoor festivals and concerts that seem to stretch from 5th street down to 31st. In the evenings is Beach Street USA where they have family-friendly entertainment such as magicians, acrobats and musicians scattered within a few blocks. Last year we participated in the family adventure series and went on a pirate treasure hunt that ended up with an fairly enormous group of people digging frantically through the sand. It was hysterical. We are platinum pass holders at Busch Gardens and spend a good amount of time at BG and WC. You can also walk through Colonial Williamsburg without paying but my 11-year-old prefers Jamestown Settlement. I can’t recommend hotels as I don’t stay there, but definitely check out Tripadvisor. You might sign up for the Hampton Roads Groupon daily emails. I get plenty of touristy offers through Groupon which I love because we figure if we’re going to live at the beach, we might as well take advantage of everything. We all love going to Doc Taylors for breakfast. It’s a restaurant in a old beach cottage that’s very busy but you can grab a 1.99 mimosa or bloody Mary at the bar and take a seat outside while waiting. It’s also one of the few places with free parking. Like most tourist areas, there are stands with coupon books on every corner. No one pays full-price for ice cream in VB!

 

[MomRN]

We rented a house through Sandbridge (sandbridgereality.com). It was very nice. This was 5+ years ago though.

 

[StephMK]

I’d recommend the Virginia Aquarium. It’s not inexpensive but it’s a great place. Ocean Breeze is a step (or two!) down from Water Country but it’s a water park very close to the beach. It recently came under new ownership and they’re renovating. It’s next to Motor World (place with go carts). There are a huge number of mini golf places (indoor 3D, or fighter pilot, outdoor jungle themes, pirate themes, etc.) and various tourist attractions. We live near the beach and spend most of our beach time during the summer at the outdoor festivals and concerts that seem to stretch from 5th street down to 31st. In the evenings is Beach Street USA where they have family-friendly entertainment such as magicians, acrobats and musicians scattered within a few blocks. Last year we participated in the family adventure series and went on a pirate treasure hunt that ended up with an fairly enormous group of people digging frantically through the sand. It was hysterical. We are platinum pass holders at Busch Gardens and spend a good amount of time at BG and WC. You can also walk through Colonial Williamsburg without paying but my 11-year-old prefers Jamestown Settlement. I can’t recommend hotels as I don’t stay there, but definitely check out Tripadvisor. You might sign up for the Hampton Roads Groupon daily emails. I get plenty of touristy offers through Groupon which I love because we figure if we’re going to live at the beach, we might as well take advantage of everything. We all love going to Doc Taylors for breakfast. It’s a restaurant in a old beach cottage that’s very busy but you can grab a 1.99 mimosa or bloody Mary at the bar and take a seat outside while waiting. It’s also one of the few places with free parking. Like most tourist areas, there are stands with coupon books on every corner. No one pays full-price for ice cream in VB!

Oh I am so jealous of you! I would LOVE to live in the VA beach area. Even despite the summer crowds & traffic.

OP - we always stay at Sandbridge but that is much quieter unless you drive to the attractions. My kids adore the beach & we spend the week just hanging out on the sand & playing in the water. We will be there the same time as you!

VA Aquarium is a lot of fun & there is a touch tank that mine love. There are plenty of shops & cute restaurants all over the area. Have a great trip!

 

[minnierocks]

We were there last September...we stayed at the Country Inn and Suites right on the boardwalk. It was a great location and we enjoyed our stay there. We received free breakfast with the room and it was a full breakfast-not just pastries and cereal. We walked out the front door and onto the boardwalk. We had no problems walking everywhere we wanted to go. There is plenty of shopping, and touristy stuff to do. I would suggest a trip into Norfolk...it will take you about 20 minutes to get there. There is a navy ship there to visit and a boat tour of the Navy yard.

 

[ssawka]

I can't remember the name of the place we stayed l ast year, but it was a timeshare. The timeshares rent out excess inventory, usually at reasonable rates.

As for restaurants, you can't beat the Pocohanttas for breakfast. It's the quintessential beach breakfast place, and it's been there forever. It's often featured on the cable networks.

 

[sweetpeakaris]

Does anyone know the average price of Hotels that have ocean view rooms? I can't seem to find anywhere under $250/night.

 

[abolanwoski]

Does anyone know the average price of Hotels that have ocean view rooms? I can't seem to find anywhere under $250/night.

For a decent hotel, oceanfront during THE highest week of the year, you should expect around 300 per night. And you should choose and book soon, since the non-rat trap hotels fill up quickly for July. The courtyard is nice, the Hilton is nice (not as kid-friendly though). Unfortunately, a beach vacation during high season around here isn't much cheaper than going to Disney! LOL

 

[kirstenb1]

Like some previous posters, we rent a house in Sandbridge. We rent 4th row, but it's still about 1500 for the week.

I love Va Beach, but to make it affordable, it really helps to split a rental with another family, like we do. Then there are hotels along Atlantic ave, where the boardwalk is. I'm not that familiar with their rates, but sometimes our Richmond paper has ads for VB that give you the fourth night free, etc.


Although I know you didn't ask...Myrtle Beach in South Carolina seems to have a lot more rooms, and when I pull them up on Trip Advisor, they look more affordable too. I love Va Bch, but I don't think of it, when I think of trying to keep it in a budget.

 

[ssawka]

Like some previous posters, we rent a house in Sandbridge. We rent 4th row, but it's still about 1500 for the week.

I love Va Beach, but to make it affordable, it really helps to split a rental with another family, like we do. Then there are hotels along Atlantic ave, where the boardwalk is. I'm not that familiar with their rates, but sometimes our Richmond paper has ads for VB that give you the fourth night free, etc.


Although I know you didn't ask...Myrtle Beach in South Carolina seems to have a lot more rooms, and when I pull them up on Trip Advisor, they look more affordable too. I love Va Bch, but I don't think of it, when I think of trying to keep it in a budget.

If your going to go in with another family, I would consider renting a house in the Outerbanks.

 

[sweetpeakaris]

If your going to go in with another family, I would consider renting a house in the Outerbanks.

Sadly, we don't have another family to join us. It would be a great way to save some money. Maybe we will stay in Williamsburg? The Hotels seems a little cheaper.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

Sadly, we don't have another family to join us. It would be a great way to save some money. Maybe we will stay in Williamsburg? The Hotels seems a little cheaper.

Williamsburg is quite a drive from the beach. Yes, they are cheaper but with traffic an hour drive each way and going through the bay bridge tunnel might not be worth it.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

Then you can always go to Yorktown beach if you stay in Williamsburg.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

Williamsburg is quite a drive from the beach. Yes, they are cheaper but with traffic an hour drive each way and going through the bay bridge tunnel might not be worth it.

Va beach isn't the only beach around here.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

Va beach isn't the only beach around here.

You are absolutely right. There are some great other beaches. I was just referencing VA beach because that is what she was asking about in her original post.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

http://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/YorktownBeach/


http://buckroebeach.net/

I am sure this isn't the type of beach you think of when you think of getting away it sort of isn't in the best area of Hampton roads but we sometimes like to go cause it is close and low crowd.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

I was also going to suggest Yorktown battlefield for 4th of July but I goggled it and it looks like they may not have it there this year

 

[hereyago]

I was also going to suggest Yorktown battlefield for 4th of July but I goggled it and it looks like they may not have it there this year

What?! that is crazy, fireworks have been a past time 4 ever there. DANG! I know we won't have the fair this year unless Richmond Raceway can get it back there, but dang.

 

[hereyago]

. I am a water snob, but I prefer the waters of Hawaii, Bahamas,etc. But I do go to Yorktown beach and take DD13 and her friends.There is a Ben and Jerry's right there,lol.