How to Spend a Day at the VA Beach Boardwalk
Written by Mercy B.
Mercy writes for Sandbridge Life Realty, highlighting all the wonderful things about the Virginia Beach area.
Exploring the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is one of the best ways to experience the Virginia coast! Stretching three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is free, runs from 2nd Street to 40th Street, and is open year-round. From oceanfront dining and beachside shopping to family-friendly attractions, the boardwalk offers something for everyone. So, wondering how to spend a day at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk? Keep reading!
Looking for a place to stay on your Virginia Beach vacation? Stay with Sandbridge Life Realty!
In This Piece:
- Morning Walk Along the Ocean
- Enjoy Breakfast with an Ocean View
- Explore Virginia Beach Boardwalk Shops
- Time for Lunch!
- Spend the Afternoon at Local Attractions
- End the Evening with Dinner
- Stay with Sandbridge Life Realty
- Frequently Asked Questions
Morning Walk Along the Ocean
One of the best ways to begin your day at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is with a peaceful morning walk beside the sea. Early mornings mean cooler temperatures, quieter sidewalks, and beautiful sunrise views over the Atlantic Ocean.
King Neptune Statue
Be sure to stop at the famous King Neptune Statue! This massive bronze sculpture stands 34 feet tall and is one of the most iconic landmarks on the boardwalk.
- Hours: Open 24 hours daily
- Cost: Free
- Location: 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Cherie's
Another great way to see the sights is riding a bike. Cherie’s is one of the most well-known bike rental companies at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and has 12 rental locations along the boardwalk. Visitors can rent beach cruisers, tandem bikes, family surreys, and specialty bikes for exploring the coast.
- Hours: Open daily, 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM
- Cost: Approximately $12–$40 per hour, depending on bike type
- Location: 12 locations along the boardwalk
Enjoy Breakfast with an Ocean View
After exploring the Boardwalk, it's time for a scrumptious breakfast near the beach. The Boardwalk is filled with excellent spots that make it easy to start the day with a great meal.
Belvedere Coffee Shop and Diner
Belvedere Coffee Shop and Diner is a longtime Virginia Beach favorite known for classic breakfast plates, friendly service, and oceanfront views. You’ll love the egg plates, pancakes, omelets, and fresh coffee in this relaxed diner setting.
- Menu
- Hours: Open daily from 6:30AM – 2 PM
- Cost: $$
- Location: 1201 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Atlantic Waffle Company
Atlantic Waffle Company is a popular breakfast stop on the Boardwalk, serving belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, breakfast platters, and other brunch favorites.
- Menu
- Hours: Friday to Monday, 7 AM –1 PM
- Cost: $$
- Location: 2608 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, United States, Virginia
Explore Virginia Beach Boardwalk Shops
Shopping along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is part of the fun! You can find shops that sell all sorts of things, from beach supplies and souvenirs to candy and more all throughout the oceanfront district.
Sunsations
Sunsations is one of the best beach shops on the boardwalk with souvenirs, swimwear, towels, and beach gear.
- Hours: Daily, hours vary
- Location: Multiple locations on the Boardwalk
Forbes Candies
Forbes Candies is a longtime favorite for saltwater taffy, fudge, chocolates, and caramel popcorn!
- Hours: Open daily, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Multiple locations along the Boardwalk
Time for Lunch!
Now it’s time for a fabulous lunch near the beach! Oceanfront restaurants around Virginia Beach offer everything from seafood to burgers and, of course, fun and tasty drinks.
Chix on the Beach
Chix on the Beach is a favorite for casual oceanfront dining with specials like loaded cheese fries, garden fresh salads, seafood platters, burgers, and coastal tacos.
- Menu
- Hours: Sunday to Tuesday, 11 AM–10 PM; Wednesday to Thursday: 11 AM–1 AM; Friday–Saturday, 11 AM – 2 AM
- Cost: $$
- Location: 701 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Johnny Mañana's Boardwalk Café and Tequileria
Craving some Mexican food? You’ve come to the right place. Find a table with a view and enjoy classics like quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, and more. Grab a margarita while you’re at it!
- Menu
- Hours: Open daily, 11:00 AM to late
- Cost: $$
- Location: Boardwalk Side, 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Spend the Afternoon at Local Attractions
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is packed with attractions that make it easy to spend an entire day near the ocean. Families, couples, and groups can all find activities to enjoy.
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a great place for ocean views, fishing, and watching surfers along the shoreline!
- Hours: Typically 7 AM–late evening seasonally
- Cost:
- Walking admission: $2
- Fishing pass: $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12
- Location: 1415 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Atlantic Fun Park
Atlantic Fun Park features rides, games, and carnival attractions right on the boardwalk.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Cost:
- Ride tickets: $1 per ticket
- Unlimited ride wristbands: $30 for people under 42”, $39 for people over 42”
- Location: 15th Street and Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
End the Evening with Dinner
As the sun sets, it’s time to find some dinner! Dining at these delicious restaurants is the perfect way to end a fun-filled beach day.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Waterman's Surfside Grille is famous for peel and eat shrimp, the beach burger, ribs, steaks, seafood, beachfront views, and the signature Orange Crush cocktail!
- Menu
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Location: 415 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar serves dishes such as calamari, lobster carbonara, and a plethora of seafood options in an upscale oceanfront setting.
- Menu
- Hours: Open daily, 7:00 AM to 12:30 AM
- Cost: $$
- Location: 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Stay with Sandbridge Life Realty
Featured Rental: The Kottage
After a full day of dining, shopping, and exploring the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, relaxing in a comfortable vacation rental is the perfect way to end your evening! Here at Sandbridge Life Realty we offer lovely vacation homes that make it easy to enjoy both the excitement of Virginia Beach and the peaceful atmosphere of Sandbridge. From dog-friendly homes to rentals right on the beach, you’re sure to find a property that is right for you.
Ready to book your Virginia Beach vacation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk free to visit?
Yes! The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is completely free and open year-round for walking, biking, beach access, and entertainment.
How long is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?
The boardwalk stretches approximately three miles along the oceanfront from 2nd Street to 40th Street.
What is the best time to visit the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?
Summer is the most popular season thanks to warm weather, outdoor events, and live entertainment, while spring and fall offer smaller crowds and mild temperatures.
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