Planning a weekend in Virginia Beach?
You’re in for way more than two days of sitting on the sand.
This coastal Virginia city packs Atlantic Ocean views, centuries of American history, colorful street art, coastal hiking trails, and miles of beaches into one seriously fun getaway.
Over one weekend, explore cypress swamps, spot sharks and sea turtles, bike beside the ocean, and discover wild stretches of shoreline where the crowds quickly disappear.
This Virginia Beach weekend itinerary maps out exactly how to spend your time, with famous sights, outdoor adventures, and a few surprises along the way.
1. Cape Henry Lighthouse
Located inside Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Cape Henry Lighthouse stands near the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, where ships have navigated between the bay and Atlantic Ocean for centuries.
Built in 1792, the 90-foot stone tower was the first federally funded public works project completed under the new U.S. government, and George Washington personally authorized its construction.
You can climb the lighthouse’s 191 steps for sweeping views of the coastline, then check out the nearby 1881 Cape Henry Lighthouse, a 163-foot black-and-white cast-iron tower that still guides ships today.
Before leaving, stop by the nearby Cape Henry Memorial Cross, which marks where English colonists came ashore in 1607 before continuing to Jamestown, and remember that Fort Story requires security screening for entry.
2. First Landing State Park
Trade lighthouse steps for sandy trails at First Landing State Park, a 2,888-acre park stretching along Chesapeake Bay.
The park marks the area where English colonists first landed in 1607, but today you can hike 20 miles of trails through maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and bald cypress swamps.
For an easy adventure, follow the 1.8-mile Bald Cypress Trail, where wooden boardwalks cross dark swamp water filled with towering cypress trees, turtles, frogs, and plenty of birds.
You can also swim or paddle along the park’s 1.5-mile Chesapeake Bay beach, rent a kayak, stay overnight at the campground, or watch the sunset from the sand before heading back into Virginia Beach.
3. Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
After a few hours among the trails, head about 15 minutes to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk for three miles of classic beach action along the Atlantic Ocean.
The 28-foot-wide paved boardwalk runs from 2nd Street to 40th Street, with a separate bike path, oceanfront restaurants, and easy access to the sandy beach.
Make a stop at 31st Street for the 34-foot-tall King Neptune statue, a massive bronze landmark showing Neptune holding a trident above sea creatures.
Walk or rent a bike to explore the full stretch, grab ice cream along Atlantic Avenue, and stick around after sunset when the hotels and restaurants light up this busy part of Virginia Beach.
4. ViBe Creative District
Once you’ve had your fill of ocean views, take a 5 minute drive inland to the ViBe Creative District, a colorful arts neighborhood centered around 18th Street.
Plenty of public artworks cover walls, garages, utility boxes, and businesses throughout the district, so follow the self-guided Mural Walking Tour to spot giant sea creatures, bold geometric designs, and works by local artists.
Pop into the Virginia Beach Art Center, where you can browse exhibitions, meet local artists working in their studios, and browse locally made goods.
Then, grab coffee or a pastry from one of the independent businesses scattered around the neighborhood.
On Saturday mornings from April through October, check out the Old Beach Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked treats, flowers and snacks.
5. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
It’s just 5 minutes to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which gives you an up-close look at Virginia’s underwater wildlife.
The aquarium houses hundreds of species, with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, Komodo dragons, and other animals spread across massive tanks and exhibits.
One highlight is the 300,000-gallon Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, where sand tiger sharks and other ocean creatures cruise past huge viewing windows while you learn about habitats found off Virginia’s coast.
Save time for the outdoor nature trail through salt marshes and woods, or book a seasonal boat trip from the aquarium to search the Atlantic for bottlenose dolphins in warmer months and migrating humpback whales during winter.
6. Sandbridge Beach
Drive about 20 minutes to Sandbridge Beach, a 4.5-mile stretch of Atlantic shoreline with wide sand, rolling waves, and rows of beach houses.
You can swim, surf, search for shells, or simply spread out on the sand, with public beach access and parking available around Little Island Park at the southern end.
Little Island Park also has a 400-foot fishing pier, picnic shelters, playgrounds, sports courts, and a kayak launch into Back Bay.
7. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
From Sandbridge Beach, it’s about a 10-minute drive to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where more than 9,000 protected acres stretch between the Atlantic Ocean and the freshwater waters of Back Bay.
Leave the busy beach behind and explore barrier dunes, maritime forests, marshes, and ponds on trails where you might spot turtles, deer, and dozens of bird species.
The refuge is especially important for migrating and wintering waterfowl, with thousands of ducks, geese, and tundra swans using these protected wetlands during colder months.
You can also explore one of the refuge’s short trails, which offer scenic views over Back Bay.
8. False Cape State Park
Finish your Virginia Beach weekend at False Cape State Park, a remote 4,321-acre park squeezed between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s no public vehicle access, so reaching the park is part of the adventure, with options including hiking, biking, boating, or taking the park-operated tram through the refuge.
Once inside, walk six miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach and watch for deer, wild pigs, snakes, shorebirds, and loggerhead sea turtles.
Before heading home, check out the remains of Wash Woods, a former coastal community where you can see a small cemetery and the surviving church steeple built using wood salvaged from a shipwreck.
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