Where to stay in Virginia Beach: a neighbourhood guide

When deciding where to stay in Virginia Beach, it helps to know what each area has to offer. The city boasts 56 kilometres of beautiful shoreline across three unique beaches, each brimming with coastal character. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful bayside retreat or a lively boardwalk escape, knowing more about the neighbourhood you’re staying in will help you make the most of your time. 

North End is a quiet, residential stretch located between picturesque First Landing State Park and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach here is vast and backed by dunes, creating a peaceful setting for swimming, sunbathing and shoreline strolls. 

Its proximity to the park means easy access to hiking, cycling and birdwatching. It’s perfect for travellers who want leafy walking trails and a calm coastal feel. 

Accommodation recommendations

• The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club Autograph Collection: this charming hotel near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers a private beach area and beachfront access.
• Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach – North Beach by IHG: a stay at this hotel promises an infinity swimming pool and a spa and a wellness centre.

Often called ‘the Outer Banks of Virginia’, Sandbridge is known for its secluded location, oceanfront cottages and proximity to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. 

The beach here has soft golden sand and gentle rolling waves that make it ideal for swimming, beachcombing and peaceful walks along the shore. It’s also a haven for nature lovers, with opportunities for kayaking, surfing and spotting migratory birds.

Accommodation recommendations

• The Schooner Inn: boasting a great location and a comfortable stay, The Schooner Inn has a homely feel, perfect for relaxing.
• The Sandbridge Dunes – Captains’ Quarters 408: just steps from Sandbridge Beach, this three-bedroom apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, with a swimming pool and fitness centre on the premises.

Oceanfront is the bustling centre of Virginia Beach, with a vibrant boardwalk, live music venues, water sports and family attractions like Neptune’s Park. With so many Virginia Beach resorts in this area, it’s perfect if you want everything on your doorstep.

Accommodation recommendations

• Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North: situated right on the boardwalk, this hotel offers sea views and easy access to restaurants and entertainment.
• Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel: with its boardwalk setting and direct beach entry, this hotel offers easy access to local dining, shopping and recreation.
• Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Oceanfront: boasting modern rooms and breakfast included, this stay combines style with a convenient beachfront setting.

On the Chesapeake Bay, Chic’s Beach has calm, shallow waters ideal for families and paddleboarding. This area is loved by locals for its casual seafood spots and sunset views, offering a peaceful beach experience.

Accommodation recommendations

• Shore Breakaway Condo: just a short walk to the beach, this cosy condo is available for monthly rental and comes complete with kitchen facilities. 
• Chic Virginia Beach Retreat: situated right by the ocean, this studio offers direct beach access, a spa in the building, modern amenities and relaxing sea views.

For a change of pace from Virginia Beach’s coastal neighbourhoods, Town Center offers an urban base packed with shops, theatres, restaurants and nightlife. 

It’s perfect if you’d prefer to stay in the city’s vibrant core while being around a 20-minute drive from the sand. From here, it’s easy to enjoy world-class dining, catch a show or explore nearby districts like Oceanfront and Great Neck.

Accommodation recommendations

• Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center: located in the heart of Town Center, this modern hotel features an indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant and bar.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Virginia Beach Town Center: offering spacious suites with kitchens, this extended-stay hotel includes an indoor pool and free parking.
• Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center: newly renovated, this hotel offers an indoor pool, on‑site restaurant, bar and complimentary parking.

The best time to visit

Virginia Beach has something to offer year-round, and the best time to visit depends on the type of trip you’re planning. Summer (June to August) is the most popular, with warm ocean temperatures, bustling boardwalk events and beautiful beach days on itineraries. On the other hand, spring and autumn offer a more relaxed atmosphere and mild weather. Winter offers a quieter coastal charm, with the bonus of off-season pricing.

Getting around

If you’ve booked flights to Norfolk International Airport, you’ll be less than 20 minutes from most neighbourhoods. Once you’re in Virginia Beach, getting around is easy. Summer trolleys serve Oceanfront, bikes and scooters are widely available and ride shares are quick to arrange. For exploring beyond the main beach, renting a car offers the most freedom.

Where to eat

Virginia Beach’s best restaurants are as varied as its neighbourhoods, with fresh seafood and coastal flavours taking centre stage. 

Oceanfront offers lively boardwalk eateries serving everything from crab cakes to fish tacos, while Chic’s Beach is known for its waterfront spots perfect for sunset meals. In Town Center, you’ll find an array of international restaurants, steakhouses and cafés. 

For a local favourite, try a spot on Chesapeake Bay and pair your meal with views of the boats.

Arts and culture

Virginia Beach’s creative side shines through in its museums, galleries and public art. 

The ViBe Creative District brims with colourful murals and artisan studios, while the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art showcases rotating exhibitions. Seasonal events, from art fairs to cultural festivals, add extra colour to the city’s calendar.

Local events and festivals

Virginia Beach hosts a packed calendar of events that bring its neighbourhoods to life. 

Spring kicks off with the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival and the Neptune Spring Wine Festival, while summer draws crowds for the Patriotic Festival and weekly live music along the oceanfront. Autumn sees art shows, seafood festivals and surfing competitions and winter offers holiday markets and the dazzling BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach.

Shopping spots

From beachfront souvenir shops in Oceanfront to the boutiques and designer stores in Town Center, Virginia Beach caters to every kind of shopper. 

The ViBe Creative District offers one-of-a-kind art, crafts and homewares, while Lynnhaven Mall – that’s just a ten-minute drive away – brings together big-name brands under one roof. Farmers’ markets in Great Neck and surrounding areas are perfect for picking up fresh local produce and handmade goods.

From the quiet sands of North End to the lively boardwalk of Oceanfront, the wild beauty of Sandbridge to the urban energy of Town Center, Virginia Beach’s neighbourhoods are sure to suit you. Whether your ideal holiday means sunrise swims, days in nature or nights in the city, knowing where to stay in Virginia Beach will help you make the most of your coastal getaway.