Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Written by Mercy B.
Mercy writes for Sandbridge Life Realty, highlighting all the fun and wonderful things to do in and around Sandbridge and Virginia Beach.
When you visit Virginia Beach, there are numerous free activities for you to enjoy! From beach days to concerts, there’s plenty to do without stretching your wallet. These free things to do in Virginia Beach will help you stay within your budget while still enjoying the best the area has to offer.
Get a start on your vacation by booking your accommodations with Sandbridge Life Realty!
In This Piece:
- List of Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach
- Plan Your Stay with Sandbridge Life Realty
- Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Let’s start with the most obvious free activity in Virginia Beach: the beach itself is 100% free to enjoy! Take a swim or a stroll, enjoy sunrises and sunsets, build sandcastles, or kick back and relax. The beach is easily the top choice for budget‑friendly fun.
Pro Tip: The Sandbridge area offers a quieter beach experience that’s perfect for folks who want to unplug. And when you book with Sandbridge Life Realty, you can be steps away from the sand and surf.
Dates: Year‑round
Hours: Daylight hours (lifeguards seasonal)
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront & Sandbridge Beach
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Spanning about three miles along the Oceanfront, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk doesn’t cost a thing! The boardwalk is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, or people‑watching. Along the way, you’ll find stores, ice cream shops, restaurants, bars, public art, and more. It’s a fun way to spend some time!
Dates: Year‑round
Hours: Boardwalk open all day and night, but establishments have their own hours
Location: Atlantic Avenue at the Oceanfront
The King Neptune Statue
For a dose of art and wonder, visit the King Neptune Statue. It stands over 30 feet tall and symbolizes Virginia Beach’s connection to the ocean. The statue is also the centerpiece of Neptune’s Park, which includes seasonal concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Dates: Year‑round
Hours: Open daily
Location: 31st Street & Atlantic Avenue
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park offers a rare blend of history and nature. This is where English colonists first landed in 1607, making it one of the most historically interesting spots in the region. While some areas require a parking fee, free access is available via nearby beach entry points, allowing visitors to explore miles of trails, maritime forests, dunes, and waterfront scenery.
Dates: Year‑round
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Location: 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Symphony By the Sea
From the end of July into early September on Thursdays, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonicity Orchestra host free concerts titled Symphony by the Sea at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront! Where else do you get to listen to wonderful classical music for free? This is a popular event, so arrive early and enjoy the show.
Dates: Thursdays, July 23 through September 3.
Hours: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: 3001 Atlantic Ave, 31st and Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23451
The ViBe Creative District
The ViBe Creative District is a walkable arts neighborhood filled with colorful murals, outdoor sculptures, and creative spaces. Browsing the public artwork is completely free and offers a unique look at Virginia Beach’s artistic side. It’s a great area for a stimulating walk, to take some photos, and discover local culture!
Dates: Year‑round
Hours: Anytime
Location: 17th–19th Streets, Virginia Beach
Oceanfront Concert Series
The Oceanfront Concert Series is one of the most popular free events in Virginia Beach and a must for music lovers visiting during warmer months! Held weekly at 17th Street Park, this outdoor concert series features a rotating lineup of live bands covering rock, pop, beach music, and classic hits. Bring lawn chairs or beach blankets and enjoy great music just steps from the ocean.
Dates: April 24 – August 19
Hours: 7:00 PM
Location: 1701 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Beach Blanket Cinema
Beach Blanket Cinema turns the beach into a movie theatre! Folks gather on the sand to watch family‑friendly films under the stars. Just bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive early to claim a good spot. From animated favorites to nostalgic classics, you can enjoy some of the best films around!
Dates: Every Thursday, starting June 18 through August 20.
Hours: 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Location: On the beach at 29th street
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Located right on the Oceanfront boardwalk, the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum calls a historic 1903 lifesaving station home. The museum highlights Virginia Beach’s maritime past with exhibits on surf rescues, shipwrecks, coastal history, and beach safety. This is a great stop for history buffs, and offers an indoor break from the sun without spending a dime.
Dates: Seasonal, with extended summer availability
Hours: Varies by season
Location: 2401 Atlantic Avenue & Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Plan Your Stay with Sandbridge Life Realty
Featured Rental: Coastal Escape
From sandy beaches to outdoor concerts to free museums, there are plenty of free things to do in Virginia Beach! Now all you need is the perfect rental. That’s where Sandbridge Life Realty comes in. We offer a wide selection of vacation homes near these free attractions! Better yet, our homes feature all sorts of amenities that make your stay all that much more comfortable and pleasant. We have dog-friendly homes, places with private pools, and of course, oceanfront rentals. When you book directly with us, you bypass third-party fees that online travel agencies like Airbnb and VRBO charge. So what are you waiting for? Book with Sandbridge Life Realty today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Is Virginia Beach really free to visit?
Yes! Virginia Beach is completely free and open to the public, including the Oceanfront and Sandbridge areas.
Are there free activities in Virginia Beach year‑round?
Absolutely. While summer offers the most free events, like the Oceanfront Concert Series and Beach Blanket Cinema, many Virginia Beach free activities are available year-round, including beach walks, historic sites, public parks, and murals in the ViBe District.
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