10 Best Things to do in Virginia Beach on Weekends

10 Best Things to do in Virginia Beach on Weekends

According to Project: Time Off, 662 million vacation days were left on the table last year by Americans. It seems like the thought of letting your work lay unattended on the desk while on a long vacation seems like a no-no to some people thus sometimes it just does not seem feasible. That’s why it’s becoming imperative to turn your weekend break into an unforgettable trip as not every vacation requires weeks away. There are tons of places to visit in Virginia Beach, ranging from free things to do like parks and beaches to more expensive offerings like museums, aquariums, special tours, and amusement parks. Virginia Beach is a fantastic independent coastal city situated in the southeastern portion of Virginia. It is a resort town at heart and, despite being very suburban, it is Virginia’s most populous city. It sits within the metropolitan area of Hampton Roads, where it rests on Chesapeake Bay’s mouth on the Atlantic Ocean. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach boasts a vibrant lineup of events that provides entertainment and music of all genres for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Whether planning for a concert on the sand, enjoying varied watersports at the Oceanfront, or browsing local crafts and produce at a weekly market, Virginia Beach’s festivals, events and concerts will take your weekend outing to the next level. A three-day weekend to Virginia Beach might be all you need to reboot and step away from the stress of the daily grind. This read will enlighten you on the 10 best things to do in Virginia Beach on weekends.

 

Fill your Friday with Memories, not Memos

Biking on the Boardwalk

 

With miles of bike-friendly trails through a variety of landscapes, Virginia Beach is a cyclist’s paradise. Cycling is one of the most popular outdoor activities for the locals and tourists in this city. You can’t go anywhere in Virginia Beach without seeing tons of people biking the boardwalk, the neighbourhoods, biking on the beach (with fat bikes)  and just cruising along the resort city. The boardwalk bike path is an easy, flat ride and is a great way to see the entire boardwalk while creating a mental map of the area before a weekend full of fun. By biking, you can cover more in a relatively short time, which is a great option for those with limited time or with other activities planned for the day. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk was built with cyclists in mind because of its differentiated biking and walking paths, cyclists can ride along the coast without having to dodge pedestrians or cars. If you want a classic Virginia Beach adventure, rent a four-wheeled surrey bike and work as a team with your entire family or friends as you pedal along the boardwalk. The views of the Atlantic Ocean as you cycle along the path are memorable and there are many outdoor options along the path where you can grab a bite or drink. What’s more, for your bike security there are racks positioned conveniently to lock up your bike while on a stop. You can bring your own bike to pedal adjacent to the ocean or hire one from rental stations located along the boardwalk.

Climb Aboard a Craft Brews Cruise

Another way to spend your Friday is to enjoy the setting sun over the water as you sip on craft beers from Virginia Beach-based breweries. Most of the Boat cruises that offer this service partner with the local breweries to ensure their clients’ satisfaction. Each cruise has a unique angle but all are basically to let you have a good time at sea while learning something about Virginia Beach. For instance, the tours in provide multiple tastings at local breweries and behind-the-scenes tours of the brewhouses. Learn the “Grain to Glass” process of craft beer where locals treat tourists like ‘locals’. Some tours include flights at each brewery, brewhouse tours, transportation, light snacks and water. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center also hosts a series of Craft Brews Cruises in which during the two-hour trip, guests will be treated to craft brews from local breweries on the Atlantic Explorer. The cruise is part of the aquarium’s Sensible Seafood Program. Beer enthusiasts also love food so Pop-up style food offerings are usually available for purchase before departure. There will also be snacks available for purchase on board the ships. If you want to enjoy the waters of Virginia Beach and you’re not really seeking any thrills or workouts, you have to go on a Brews Cruise

More about Virginia Beach Aquarium.

Practical Information

This is a 21 and over event thus a valid photo ID is required at check-in

Boarding Mostly begins at 6:30 pm.

Browse the ViBe Creative District

Arts, technology & cultural district packed with creative professionals and colourful street art. It is a cultural enclave of restaurants, artists, craftsmen, fitness, shops and more. Local artisans are inspired by this creative community and look forward to sharing their passion with you.  Visit The ViBe to browse creative businesses that have set up shop to share their passion and inspire a sense of discovery in locals and visitors alike. Weekly and monthly events like the Old Beach Farmer’s Market and Second Saturdays give a taste of the town and bring entertainment and community art projects you can partake in. The ViBe District embodies Virginia Beach’s eclectic spirit with over two dozen wall murals, created by local artists adorning the buildings of ViBe’s local businesses. A walk in the district gives you a chance to take in the aesthetic of the ViBe District. While wall murals are trendy in many cities (and my personal favourite), Virginia Beach takes its street art even further with painted sidewalks, crosswalks, fences, and sculptures! They will also make for a great backdrop in pictures. Even when you’re planning to be here for a few days there’s always something special going on.

Practical Information

Address: 611 18th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: +1 757-202-9533

Hours: Open 24 hours

Catch a show at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach (LTVB)

Book a show at Virginia Beach’s oldest continually-operating community theatre! Conveniently located just a few blocks from the oceanfront and nestled in a residential neighbourhood, LTVB is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization committed to providing quality live theatre at affordable prices. Operating year-round, we produce 5 shows each regular season (September through June) as well as one summer production (July through August). They are dedicated to offering top-notch entertainment featuring many of Hampton Roads’ best local performers. To go with the season catch Irving Berlin’s White Christmas which is about Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of year-round productions. Please visit their website for the current season schedule.

You can catch more shows on the Virginia Beach boardwalk.

Practical Information

Address: 550 Barberton Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

 

SUPER SATURDAY

Morning hike at First Landing State Park

Start your day by hiking one of the most historic sites in Virginia is First Landing State Park, where the English colonists first landed in 1607 before settling at Jamestown. It’s a hiking oasis where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet. This location in Virginia Beach is now a huge state park with trails, camping sites, a beach, and more. The trails are open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. First Landing State Park charges a fee to enter. This is a simple trail from the beachside parking lot down to the beach. The state park has 20 miles worth of hiking trails that cover a few types of landscapes including bald cypress swamps, a dense maritime forest and wetlands. It’s right where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet. Virginia State Parks lists the trails as being either “easy” or “moderate.” Easy trails may have short grades that can be easily accomplished by all hikers. Moderate trails have varying levels of steepness and grade. Try the Long Creek Trail which is 4 miles long. This is a longer trail that follows Broad Bay and Long Creek. Hikers on this trail will see varying landscapes: small beaches, marshy areas and woods.

Camping in Va Beach.

Practical Information

Address: 4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Hours: 8 am to Dusk

Cost: $4* per vehicle on weekdays and $5* on weekends

Post-Hike Massage at The Flowering Almond Spa

Using time-honoured rejuvenation and relaxation techniques, the Flowering Almond Spa specializes in massage and facial treatments and manicure and pedicure services. Spa guests may also access the fitness centre, indoor pool, and hot tub. Signature treatments here leave the body refreshed and relaxed. Discover a place where mind, body and spirit find harmony and soothing luxury touches the soul. The Flowering Almond Spa is the luxurious spa of the Founders Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach. For those of you who just simply can’t choose, there are also spa packages available. To expand its wellness offerings, the Fitness Center is outfitted with a variety of training equipment for cardiovascular training, circuit training equipment and even free weights for strength training. The indoor complex is complete with a heated pool and Jacuzzi. While at the spa, order a spa lunch to enjoy in our conservatory or dine in our casually elegant Swan Terrace Restaurant.

Practical Information

Located in: Regent University

Address: James River Lodge, 5641 Indian River Rd #10C, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Call: +1 757-366-5790

Hours: Everyday 10 am to 5 pm

Enjoy the Beautiful Vistas of the Rudee Inlet at Sunset

Situated directly on the Rudee Inlet Marina, Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar offers unique indoor and outdoor experiences by providing authentic waterfront views, fresh seafood delivered daily, and a fun relaxed setting that all can enjoy. From every one of their tables, you will have a beautiful view of Rudee Inlet and many yachts and working fishing vessels at the dock. The same fishing boats supply much of our fresh fish served at Rudee’s who take great pride in serving the freshest seafood and the choicest beef. Rudee’s on the Inlet has grown to become one of the most popular restaurants and night spots at the Beach. The atmosphere and decor of Rudee’s is open, airy and nautical. The building which houses the restaurant is a replica of an authentic coast guard station. Go see for yourself why they are one of the top-rated restaurants in Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach water sports.

Practical Information

Address: 227 Mediterranean Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone: +1 757-425-1777

Hours: Sun-Fri: 11 am to 8 pm           Saturday: 11 am to 8:30 pm         

Reservations Highly Recommended

Dance the Night Away

After an active Saturday, you would probably want to party like a rock star.  Peabody’s Night Club, within walking distance of most oceanfront hotels, is the place to be! It is a high-energy club serving Hampton Roads since 1967 and is known for its packed dance floor, crazy atmosphere and talented DJs and bartenders. Peabody’s is a great place to elevate your weekend experience. The nightclub is always filled with tourists. You will always find a party happening at Peabody’s, and the DJ will be keeping the atmosphere lively all night long. The club opens up early, so it is also a great place for happy hour aptly christened Hammer Time. There is also plenty of food with tacos, pizza, shrimp, crab legs, wings and a nacho bar. While the energy in some clubs begins to die as the night wears on, Peabody’s stays fresh until closing time. The huge dance floor is always busy with people swaying to the beats of hip-hop, dance, rock, techno and country music.

Practical Information

Admittance is 18+ for women and 21+ for men

Happy Hour: 7:00-9:00 PM

 

SLOW SUNDAY

Pick Spring Wildflowers in Pungo

Beyond the beaches, Virginia Beach offers more than 23,000 acres upon acres of explorable farmland. Seriously – complete with roadside stands, farm-to-table restaurants, cosy cafés, unique museums and plenty of lush trails to discover. Pungo community is a dynamic part of Va Beach culture and offers rural serenity and countryside charm. With 16 pick-your-own farms located just a short drive from the beach, you can pick your own bushel of fresh berries, produce, or even a bouquet of wildflowers and be back at the beach for other scheduled activities. If you are lucky join the locals for the annual Pungo Strawberry Festival – a two-day strawberry-centric event with over 50 strawberry delicacies, family activities, live entertainment, a parade, a carnival and much more. The Annual Strawberry Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend every year and attracts tens of thousands of people for the two-day event.

Indulge in Virginia Beach Brunch Tradition

Aside from the ambience, this resort city also entices guests through its dining scene. In Virginia Beach, brunch is a beloved weekend tradition, to some even a religious event. Because the coastal city has such a solid brunching scene there are tons of options. Check out Bay Local Eatery famous for “Bloody Blues” (a spin on the classic Bloody Mary). Topped with local Chesapeake Bay soft-shell crab, these seasonal shellfish are delicious and filling. Apart from Bloody Marys, the restaurant’s extensive cocktail menu includes an assortment of “crushes” made with fresh juices, as well as mega mimosas so huge they’re made for sharing with your fellow brunchers. You can’t go wrong with the Crab Cake Bennie — it’s a spin on Eggs Benedict, served with two pan-seared crab cakes and topped with crispy smoked bacon. The Willis Wharf Special — an omelette with house Rockefeller mix and topped with fried oysters — is also a crowd-pleaser. Bay Local’s self-described “Coastal Southern” food menu is full of classic Southern soul food combined with savoury local seafood inspired by the Chesapeake Bay.