Virginia Beach travel

[kilee]

Booked a last minute trip to VA beach. Leaving in 1 week. Looks like the weather will start to be come around for this trip too We won't swim in the ocean so that won't be a concern.

I haven't been to VA beach in many years. Wondering what are some of the must see's. Info on the web is really limited. We are looking to relax alittle but would like "little things" to do during the afternoons.

I did see the "National Shag Competition" is on the beach while we are there. Anyone know what that is??

We are staying at the Courtyard Marriott North end of the beach. It's supposed to be new and it gets great reviews on tripadvisor.

Any heads up would be great!!

 

[tiggerlover]

We are moving there this summer so I have been doing a lot of research. Also, I lived there from 1986-1988 so I do know a little of the area. Are you going with children or just adults, that would help in pointing you in the right direction. Also, there are a few ladies on the boards who live nearby, hopefully they will see this thread and respond.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We were just there about 3 weeks ago and really enjoyed the Nauticus museum in Norfolk.

 

[kilee]

It is me, DH and DS (11). I know we are going to make the trip to Williamsburg 1 day. Other than that I'm at a loss.

 

[JoeThaNo1Stunna]

Weather here in VA is completely random, so be prepared. Like within five days we will have a day with a high of 59 and a day with a high of 87.

 

[dina7]

We went to Va. Beach a few yrs. ago and had a really nice time. Be sure to go to the Virginia Beach Marine Science Museum. It is a great aquarium! There is also the Portsmouth Children's Museum in the area that was excellent. It even has Planetarium shows in the museum. It has many hands-on exhibits-my DS enjoyed it and so did we. Also, at night there are street performers all along that main road in Va. Beach, at the corner of every other block or so. Not the boardwalk side, but directly across the street from all of the main hotels. There are musicians,jugglers, etc. It was fun watching their performances as we souvenir-shopped one night. Also, when you arrive check the schedule to see if there is any entertainment going on at the center stage area of the Boardwalk. They have signs posted or ask at the front desk of your hotel. The day we arrived we watched a great magic show. At the southern end of the boardwalk there is also a little amusement park that we took our son to one night. There are also fireworks shot off on the water, I believe every Sunday night. So if your hotel room has a balcony, that would be a nice place to view them. That's what we did. Well, those are the highlights I can think of for now. Have a wonderful trip. Did you try to go on the Va. Beach website? I think it's called Vabeachfun.com, but I'm not positive.

 

[dina7]

Just thought of something else-you can also rent bicycles to ride along the boardwalk.

 

[Sleepy]

I hate to sound this way, but I don't know why anyone would come to Va Beach for a vacation. There really is nothing to do here unless you really enjoy sunbathing. I have only been to the beach once in the 13 years I have lived here. I grew up near Myrtle Beach and there is FAR more stuff to do there than here. Most people who live here either go to Nags Head or Myrtle Beach. Guess you can always do some of the museums......Nauticus (as someone mentioned) if you like Navy stuff or the Childrens Museum (if you have kids) or the Aquarium (if you like fish). Not a huge variety of seafood restaurants either.....as compared to Myrtle Beach. I was really disappointed.

 

[MAC3]

We loved Va Beach. We went 7 yrs ago. We were very impressed by Busch Gardens (I had been to the one in FL and didn't care for it) but was pleasantly surprised by the Williamsburg one.

We mostly body surfed in the water. When your from this neck of the woods, water you can actually get into without freezing is a nice change.

We are heading down that way in a couple of months and are going to try water country usa too.

Have fun,
Lisa

 

[CindysGusGus]

I grew up in Virginia Beach.. I have always enjoyed the amenities they have but the one that I really enjoyed was the walking trails through Seashore state park. Also OceanBreeze Festival Park is fun. I guess there is a real big debate between Myrtle Beach and Va Beach...You either love them or hate them. I personally was not that impressed with Myrtle Beach allthough I liked the Broadway at the Beach. BTW Shag competition is a dance from the 60s. There was a movie with Phoebe Cates and Annabeth Gish (SP) made in the late 80's about it.

Good Luck and I hope you enjoy!

 

[welovedisneyx4]

I have a restaurant suggestion for you. Try Duck-In www.duck-in.com. It has a seafood buffet, plus other menu items. It has an outside eating area and is right on the water. I can't say enough good things about it.

I think you will like going to Wmsburg (try Busch Gardens if you have the time). We usually will combine Wmsburg and Va Beach into one trip.

While I do agree that there is more to do in Myrtle Beach than VA Beach, Va Beach is still a fine place to visit. You won't get bored, there is plenty to do. The VA Beach-Hampton Rds.-Newport News area is huge w/ plenty of activities.

Also, I almost forgot. I have another restaurant suggestion! Try The Raven. It is on the main strip (Atlantic Ave) and is excellent for lunch or a light dinner. (As opposed to a large seafood meal) They have burgers and sandwiches and other items as well.

Hope you have a great time!!!

Let us know how the trip goes!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by Sleepy
I hate to sound this way, but I don't know why anyone would come to Va Beach for a vacation. There really is nothing to do here unless you really enjoy sunbathing. I have only been to the beach once in the 13 years I have lived here. I grew up near Myrtle Beach and there is FAR more stuff to do there than here. Most people who live here either go to Nags Head or Myrtle Beach. Guess you can always do some of the museums......Nauticus (as someone mentioned) if you like Navy stuff or the Childrens Museum (if you have kids) or the Aquarium (if you like fish). Not a huge variety of seafood restaurants either.....as compared to Myrtle Beach. I was really disappointed.

Sleepy...You are definitely ready for your upcoming move! LOL!

I'll go to VA Beach any time!

There's something to ponder...why do the people in this area go to Myrtle Beach and Nags Head? That's kind of like thinking about all the people in the US that want to retire in FL. Well, when I worked at the hospital down there, I remember the docs saying that people who live and work in FL retire in the Carolinas! LOL!

 

[Pin Wizard]

You guys are very helpful. I'll have to take notes. I just moved here a month ago, so I'll be looking for places to go and things to do.

 

[Blondie]

Lots of native Virginians travel to Nags Head or Myrtle Beach.

I know some like the the peace and quiet of Nags Head because there really isn't a whole lot to do there except enjoy the sun, surf and sand. I on the other hand want to be entertained by something a little more than what the ocean has to offer!

That is why I'm just so-so about VA Beach. There aren't any oceanfront amusement piers like you have at the Jersey shore or Ocean City, Maryand. My boys are just happy being at the beach from sun up to sun down, but since I don't go past my knees in the ocean, I get bored very fast! I'm also not one to bake in the sun (fear of skin cancer).

Kilee that new Mariott Courtyard North looks great! They have one of the best pools down there right now. The Holiday Inn Sun Spree is also nice, as is the Sheraton, all located at the North end of the beach where it's quieter at night.

 

[Sorcerer]

welovedisneyx4...I'm not sure if The Raven is still there? I had heard rumors that it was going to be closed. Could be wrong

Check out www.pilotonline.com - that is the Va. Beach newspaper website and it has links to upcoming activities, etc.

Be prepared for all types of weather...like someone else pointed out it can swing from one extreme to the other in a matter of hours!

I lived there for 20 years, and am already planning on moving back. Ocean Breeze is a lot of fun and should be open this time of year. The water might not be too cold for you. Also, staying at the North End of the Beach will allow you to take a quick trip around the point to the Bay side of Shore Drive (where Duck In is located - I also recommend that!) The water on the Bay is warmer b/c it is shallower, so you may be able to enjoy swimming there. Also, fewer waves. The water can still be a little rough this time of year on the Ocean side.

I second the recommendation on the Marine Science Museum...it was always great for a good day of entertainment!

For an awesome brunch, try Mary's on 17th Street. They are only open for breakfast and lunch...it isn't expensive and I can guarantee you won't be disapointed. It's a local favorite.

I am not familiar with the Courtyard Marriott, but if it is what I'm thinking of then you will be near 30th street (Laskin Road) and you will be close to Jewish Mother, which is another local favorite. Great sandwiches and milkshakes! I think you can walk there from your hotel.

Va. Beach is very pedestrian friendly. There is a trolley that runs the length of the strip so it's easy for you to get around for evening activities.

If you have a car and want to take advantage of inexpensive seafood, have someone give you directions to Margie and Ray's at Sandbridge. It's a local dive but the food is always fresh!! Lynnhaven Fish House is another good one (on the bay), but it is very expensive.

I can also recommend Chick's right off Shore Drive (right near Duck Inn). I would actually go to Chick's before I went to Duck Inn, but they are both very good.

Lynnhaven Mall is good for a rainy day (it has a Disney Store!)

There are a lot of things to do...check out the pilotonline website for updated activities (it is very thorough). My favorite thing to do was to just pick a spot on the sand and read a good book, even if it wasn't hot enough for sunbathing. The sound of the waves and the salt air is so therapeutic!

Have a wonderful time!!

 

[kilee]

Thanks everyone for all the tips!! I am really excited. Looking forward to having a "relaxing" vacation of sorts. The weather changes are okay. Just 2 weeks ago here, we had 81 one day and several inches of snow less than 24 hrs later .

I hate to sound this way, but I don't know why anyone would come to Va Beach for a vacation. There really is nothing to do here unless you really enjoy sunbathing. I have only been to the beach once in the 13 years I have lived here. I grew up near Myrtle Beach and there is FAR more stuff to do there than here. Most people who live here either go to Nags Head or Myrtle Beach.

We've been to Mrytle Beach, which we've enjoyed, but it's a 2 day drive for us. Don't have enough time for that kind of drive. I understand acutally how you feel. I live about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls--- to me they were beautiful the first few times, but now--- they're just water. I can't believe people from all over the world plan vacations to come see them, when there is really nothing to do there!! But I think it's because I'm from here, and it's all always been in my backyard practically.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

The Raven was still open as of last month. DH and I love that place....BEWARE of the Raven shooters lol

I just love going to Va Beach. We go in the off season. I am all about the ocean though. But there is tons of stuff to do down there. There are several amusement park places down there in the summer.

And I have no idea why everyone from here goes to the Outer Banks and Nags Head. I go on vacation to get away from here. Lol you go down there and you'll see everyone you know!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by Sorcerer
Check out www.pilotonline.com - that is the Va. Beach newspaper website and it has links to upcoming activities, etc.

I just spent about an hour and a half at that website! LOL! And all I did was bookmark for when I return. Thanks!! That's a GREAT place!