Looking for the perfect three-day Virginia Beach itinerary? You’re in the right place!
Virginia Beach has everything you want from a classic East Coast getaway. There are miles of sandy coastline and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, but it’s not all about the beach! We’ve worked hiking into the itinerary, plus a day trip to historic Williamsburg, so you’ll get a really varied taste of this part of Virginia.
Three days is a great amount of time to explore Virginia Beach without having to rush, and we’ve included all the need-to-know info about transport and timing to help you get the most out of your time here. Let’s get into it!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Virginia Beach was this sunset dolphin kayaking tour! You’ll paddle along Chesapeake Bay in search of bottlenose dolphins while taking in beautiful sunset views. We saw dozens of dolphins, and it was easily the highlight of our time here!
- Our Top Choice
- Itinerary Overview
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Where to Stay in Virginia Beach
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Book your Airport Taxi in advance
- Renting a Car in the USA
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
- The Services We Recommend
Itinerary Overview
Virginia Beach actually has much more variety than you might expect from a classic beach destination! We’ve designed this three-day itinerary to show you a few different sides of the area, from the coastline and boardwalk to First Landing State Park. There’ll also be time to discover the colorful ViBe Creative District and take a day trip to historic Williamsburg.
We definitely recommend having a car for this itinerary, and we use Discover Cars to find affordable and reliable rentals. Public transport in Virginia Beach is very limited, and using taxis and ride-hailing apps can get expensive fast! Fortunately, most places around Virginia Beach are fairly quick to drive between, although spots like Sandbridge Beach are further out, and Williamsburg is about an hour’s drive away. Having your own wheels will make the whole trip much easier and give you more freedom to explore!
🐬 Day 1: Trails, Beach & Dolphins
Hike through First Landing State Park, enjoy the beach and boardwalk, then enjoy an epic kayak adventure with dolphins at sunset.
🎨 Day 2: Art, Aquariums & Ghosts
Explore the ViBe Creative District and Virginia Aquarium before relaxing at Sandbridge Beach and later getting spooky on an evening ghost tour.
🏛️ Day 3: Step Back in Time
Take a day trip to Williamsburg for a private historical tour and independent exploring, then return to Virginia Beach for your final night.
Day 1
Breakfast – Atlantic Waffle Company
We’re kicking off day one with a solid breakfast at Atlantic Waffle Company! It opens bright and early at 7 am, so we recommend getting here by around 8 am at the latest. That way, you can enjoy breakfast without having to rush off to our first stop of the day.
We can’t say enough good things about the apple pie-flavored waffles here, or the crispy fried chicken ones if you’re in more of a savory mood. They’ve also got gluten-free options, and you can always customize your waffles by adding extra toppings.
From here, it’s only around a 12-minute drive to the entrance of First Landing State Park, where we’ll be spending the morning hiking. So fuel up, grab a coffee, and get ready for our first adventure!
Morning – First Landing State Park
After breakfast, it’s around a 12-minute drive to First Landing State Park, where we’ll spend the morning exploring one of the prettiest natural areas in Virginia Beach. The park gets its name from the English colonists who first landed here in 1607 before continuing to Jamestown. Today, it’s a protected natural area with miles of hiking trails and lots of wildlife. There’s even a stretch of coastline here, which is much quieter than you’ll find in central Virginia Beach.
We recommend spending around two or three hours hiking here. Most of the trails are pretty easy and flat, so you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. The Cape Henry Trail to Long Creek Trail makes a nice loop, while the Bald Cypress Trail is a great option if you’re visiting with kids. You can also check out all of the hiking trails here!
After your hike, head over to First Landing State Beach for a quick look around or even a swim if the weather is nice. We’ll have more beach time later today, but this spot is much quieter and calmer than the main Oceanfront area.
And one practical tip: bring bug spray! Virginia can be pretty buggy, and it’s also worth keeping an eye out for ticks if you’re walking through any brush. In our experience, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Lunch – Repeal Bourbon & Burgers
After a morning of hiking, you’ll definitely have earned a burger! Head back towards the Oceanfront for lunch at Repeal Bourbon & Burgers, a fun speakeasy-style spot just behind the beach.
As the name suggests, burgers are the big thing here. They’re made with 100% grass-fed beef, and the menu has some pretty creative options. The PB&J burger comes with Virginia peanut butter, sriracha jelly, and candied jalapeño bacon, which sounds a little kooky, but trust me, it’s delicious. You can also keep things classic if that’s more your style, and there are Beyond Beef and turkey substitutions available, too.
Repeal is also known for its huge bourbon selection, although maybe go easy at lunchtime because we’ve got kayaking later! The restaurant is right in the Oceanfront area, so once you’ve finished eating, you’re already perfectly placed for this afternoon’s beach and boardwalk time.
Afternoon – Hit the beach and boardwalk
After lunch, it’s time to explore Virginia Beach’s famous beach and boardwalk! This is the most famous part of the city, and there’s a fun, lively atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re well and truly on vacation.
The boardwalk runs for three miles alongside the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. You can walk for as long as you like and stop to check out whichever shops catch your eye. And when you’ve had enough of walking, you can just find a spot on the sand and enjoy some well-earned downtime.
This is definitely a livelier beach than First Landing State Beach, and it can get pretty busy during summer and on weekends. But that’s all part of the atmosphere here, and we think it’s fun to experience both sides of Virginia Beach!
After a few hours, head back to your hotel to shower and get cleaned up. We’ve got a pretty special evening planned: kayaking with dolphins at sunset!
Evening – Kayak with dolphins at sunset
After a few hours of downtime, it’s time to head back to First Landing State Park for what we think will be one of the highlights of the entire trip: kayaking with dolphins at sunset! It was certainly the highlight of our time here.
The tour lasts for two hours and takes you out onto the iconic Chesapeake Bay in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. We paddled along the coastline towards the Cape Henry Lighthouses and enjoyed views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel along the way. And since we were out on the water in the early evening, we got to watch the sun go down over the bay too!
You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker to do this, either. The tour uses easy-to-handle sit-on-top kayaks, and our guides taught us all of the basics before we headed out. It’s a great experience for beginners.
Of course, dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. But this stretch of coastline is known for dolphins during their summer migration, and even without them, kayaking along Chesapeake Bay at sunset is amazing. We were super fortunate and saw dozens of dolphins – it really was amazing!
We recommend booking the 5 pm or 5:30 pm departure to make the most of the evening light. It’s only around a 10-minute drive back to First Landing State Park from central Virginia Beach, so getting here is nice and easy.
Dinner – Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill
If you’re anything like us, you’ll probably be pretty hungry after two hours of kayaking! So after the tour wraps up, do what we did and head to Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill for dinner. It’s on the way back towards central Virginia Beach, which makes it a super convenient stop after the tour.
Tulu is right on the Oceanfront and has a breezy seaside patio overlooking the beach, so it’s very much in keeping with the coastal theme we’ve got going on today. The restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced food, with plenty of seafood on the menu, as well as some lighter options if you don’t have a huge appetite after the waffles and Southern comfort food from earlier.
As much as we enjoyed the food here, the best part was definitely the setting. I mean, nothing beats a dinner and a cocktail by the ocean, am I right?
Day 2
Breakfast – Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen
Start day two with breakfast at Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen. This bright and welcoming spot is tucked right behind the boardwalk, and we absolutely loved it! It’s a great place to ease into the morning with some real Southern comfort food before heading off to explore the ViBe Creative District.
As you can guess from the name, the food here is Southern-inspired and full of flavor, but what stood out most was the warm, friendly atmosphere. The staff was so welcoming and attentive, and we could really tell that a lot of care goes into the whole dining experience.
We had such a lovely experience that we’d happily recommend Milk & Honey even without the handy location. But it’s especially convenient for today because once you’re finished, you can head straight into the ViBe Creative District and start exploring on foot!
This morning is pretty relaxed, so there’s no set time you have to be here by. It opens at 9 am, but we got here around 9:30 am and still had plenty of time to explore ViBe after we ate.
Morning – Explore the ViBe Creative District
Once you’ve finished breakfast, you’re already in the perfect place to explore the ViBe Creative District! This colorful neighborhood is Virginia Beach’s main arts district, and it’s full of street art and independent local businesses.
We loved spending the morning here just wandering around and seeing what we stumbled across! All of the murals make it a really fun area to explore on foot and snap a few photos, and if you happen to be here on a Saturday, even better! This is when there are lots of farmers’ and flea markets to check out, so the atmosphere is extra lively.
And obviously, there’s always room for another coffee! We highly recommend stopping by Three Ships Coffee Roasters while you’re exploring. It’s such a cool spot and the coffee we had here was amazing, so it’s the perfect place to get a caffeine fix before moving on to the aquarium.
Mid-day – Visit the Virginia Aquarium
Next up, we’re swapping street art for sea life! It’s around a 10-minute drive from the ViBe Creative District to the Virginia Aquarium, where we recommend spending two or three hours exploring.
This is a great addition to the itinerary because it gives you a break from the beach while still introducing you to the marine life found around Virginia and beyond. There’s plenty to see, so give yourself enough time to wander rather than trying to rush through before lunch. We definitely recommend checking out the sharks and sea turtles, and the jellyfish gallery is an absolute must-see – it’s mesmerizing!
Admission is currently around $35 USD per adult, so this is one of the more expensive attractions in the itinerary. However, with a few hours to explore, we think you can definitely make a morning of it.
Lunch – New Realm Brewing Co.
After the aquarium, it’s time for lunch at New Realm Brewing Co. It’s only around an 8-minute drive away and, conveniently, it’s already on the way towards Sandbridge Beach.
Now, this is a brewery, so obviously we love the opportunity to try some local craft beer! New Realm brews its beer right here in Virginia Beach, with everything from light pilsners to IPAs on tap.
But it’s definitely not just about the beer. There’s a full food menu with classic pub fare like burgers and fish and chips, so it’s a great spot for a filling lunch before heading back to the beach.
And if you’re not a beer drinker, no worries! There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available too, so you can still enjoy the laid-back brewery atmosphere before continuing on to Sandbridge.
Afternoon – Sandbridge Beach
After a busy morning, we’re slowing things down for a few hours at Sandbridge Beach. From New Realm Brewing Co., continue south towards this much quieter stretch of the Virginia Beach coastline.
We love Sandbridge because it feels completely different from the Oceanfront Beach you visited yesterday. It’s much more peaceful and less developed, so it’s a great place to escape the crowds and just enjoy the ocean for a while.
There’s no big agenda for this afternoon, either! Find a spot on the sand and go for a swim, or take a walk along the shoreline. We’ve packed quite a lot into the itinerary so far, so make the most of having a few hours where you don’t need to be anywhere at a specific time. Afterward, head back to your hotel to freshen up before dinner and tonight’s ghost tour!
Dinner – Las Palmas
After an afternoon at Sandbridge Beach, head back towards the Oceanfront and get cleaned up before dinner at Las Palmas. This is a casual Mexican spot just a five-minute walk from the starting point for tonight’s ghost tour, so you won’t have to worry about driving anywhere afterward.
We’ve already had a pretty food-heavy day, so you can just grab some tacos or some chips and salsa if you’re in the mood for a lighter meal. But of course, if all that beach time has worked up an appetite, there are more substantial options like enchiladas and burritos on the menu, too.
Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to eat without rushing, because the ghost tour starts at 8 pm. Once you’re finished, it’s just a short walk over to the meeting point for our final activity of the day.
Evening – Discover Virginia Beach’s spooky past on a ghost walk
Once darkness falls, it’s time to discover a much spookier side of Virginia Beach! This haunted walking tour starts at 8 pm and takes you along the boardwalk to uncover some of the ghost stories hiding behind this cheerful beach town.
You’ll hear tales of ruthless pirates and paranormal activity as you visit some of the Oceanfront’s supposedly haunted hotspots. One of the creepiest stories centers around the Norwegian Lady Statue, which commemorates those who lost their lives when the Dictator was shipwrecked off the coast in 1891. The story is tragic enough on its own, but hearing it at night beside the ocean definitely adds to the atmosphere.
You’ll also learn about Blackbeard’s connection to the area and stop outside the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum, where there are even more dark stories to uncover. It’s quite a contrast to strolling along this same boardwalk in the sunshine yesterday!
What we like about this tour is that it mixes local history with just the right amount of creepy storytelling. You’re still getting to know Virginia Beach, just from a completely different angle.
The tour lasts around an hour, so it’s an easy addition to the evening without taking over your whole night. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk, though. You never know who, or what, might be joining you on the boardwalk…
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Drinks – The Hunt Room
If you’ve still got a bit of energy left after the ghost tour, finish the night with a drink at the Hunt Room (closed Sundays). It’s only around a five-minute drive away, tucked inside the historic Cavalier Hotel.
The Hunt Room has a cozy, old-school tavern feel, with a roaring fireplace and plenty of whiskey behind the bar. It’s particularly well known for its craft cocktails and bourbon, so this is a great place to settle in with an Old Fashioned after a busy day.
We think the atmosphere works especially well after tonight’s ghost tour, too. It’s dark, intimate, and housed inside one of Virginia Beach’s most historic hotels, so you can keep the evening feeling a little mysterious for one final drink.
Then it’s definitely time for bed. We’ve got a road trip to Williamsburg tomorrow!
Day 3
Breakfast – VLOVE COFFEE HOUSE
We’ve got a little road trip ahead of us today, so we recommend keeping breakfast quick and easy. VLOVE Coffee House is a great option near the Oceanfront, and it opens at 7 am, giving you plenty of time to fuel up before hitting the road.
Grab a coffee and one of their breakfast sandwiches, or there are pastries and lighter options if you’re not too hungry first thing. We’d keep things fairly speedy this morning, because today we’re leaving Virginia Beach behind for a day trip to Williamsburg!
It takes around an hour to drive to Williamsburg, so aim to leave Virginia Beach at roughly 9 am. That should get you into town at around 10 am, with a nice bit of breathing room before your private tour begins at 10:30 am.
Morning – Discover Colonial Williamsburg with a private guide
Once you arrive in Williamsburg, it’s time to dive into the history! We booked this private tour of Colonial Williamsburg for 10:30 am, and it was such a good way to get our bearings before exploring more independently later in the day.
There’s a lot of history packed into this area, so having a guide made a huge difference. Instead of just wandering past old buildings and reading plaques, we really started to understand why places like the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol Building, and Bruton Parish Church were such an integral part of the settlement. Our guide also answered all of our questions as we went, which made the whole experience feel much more personal.
Because the tour is private, the route can be tailored to your interests too. We loved being able to slow down at the places we found most interesting rather than following a rigid group schedule.
By the end, we had a much better understanding of Virginia’s role in early American history and the wider story of Williamsburg. It also gave us loads of ideas for what we wanted to come back and explore on our own that afternoon! And we’re not the only ones who loved it, because you can read 125+ glowing reviews here.
Lunch – King’s Arms Tavern
After the tour, keep the Colonial Williamsburg theme going with lunch at King’s Arms Tavern. This historic-style tavern recreates the atmosphere of 18th-century Williamsburg, so it almost feels like an extension of the tour!
Jane Vobe established the original King’s Arms Tavern in 1772, and it became one of Williamsburg’s most fashionable places to eat. Today’s reconstructed tavern leans into that history with period decor, candlelight, and costumed servers. Even the menu draws on historic recipes, so this is more of an experience than just a place to grab lunch.
We think it’s a fun choice because you can stay immersed in the Colonial Williamsburg atmosphere rather than suddenly heading somewhere modern for lunch. You may even encounter period-style entertainment while you eat!
Lunch is currently served from 11 am to 2 pm on select days, so make sure to check the opening schedule when planning your Williamsburg day.
Afternoon – Explore on your own
This morning’s tour was a great introduction to Colonial Williamsburg, but there’s still plenty more to see! We recommend spending this afternoon exploring at your own pace and revisiting anything that caught your attention earlier. We’d also suggest asking your guide what they think you should prioritize, as they can point you to anything particularly interesting happening that day.
Browse Merchants Square
Start with a wander around Merchants Square, where you’ll find plenty of shops to browse. It’s a good place to pick up some souvenirs or grab a snack after all of this morning’s walking, and you can take your time exploring without having to follow a schedule.
Ride in a horse-drawn carriage
For something a little more memorable, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Colonial Williamsburg! It’s a fun way to stay immersed in the historic setting, and after spending most of the morning on foot, we’re sure your legs will appreciate the break too!
Check out the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Finally, head inside the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. This is a great choice if you enjoyed learning about everyday colonial life this morning, as you can see historic furniture, ceramics, paintings, and other decorative objects up close.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to squeeze everything in! Pick whatever interests you most and enjoy your final few hours in Williamsburg before driving back to Virginia Beach.
Late Afternoon – Head back to Virginia Beach
Don’t lose track of time while you’re exploring Williamsburg! You’ve still got around an hour’s drive back to Virginia Beach, so we recommend hitting the road in the late afternoon rather than hanging around until closing time.
Once you’re back, head to your hotel to freshen up and relax for a little while. Then it’s time to get ready for your final dinner in Virginia Beach – time sure flies!
Dinner – Orion’s Roof
Once you’re back in Virginia Beach, head to your hotel to get cleaned up before going out for a stylish final dinner at Orion’s Roof.
This is definitely a special-occasion kind of spot, which is why we’ve saved it for your last night. The restaurant sits 183 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, so you get amazing panoramic views across the coastline while you eat. If you can time your reservation around sunset, even better!
Orion’s Roof serves Asian-inspired cuisine with a big focus on seafood and sushi, so for us, this felt like a fun change after the Southern and American food we had enjoyed over the past few days. There’s also a rooftop terrace where you can grab a drink and take in the views.
We think it’s worth making a reservation in advance, especially if you want to eat around sunset. After a full day exploring Williamsburg, this is a pretty spectacular way to toast your final night in Virginia Beach – cheers!
Night – Enjoy the Boardwalk
If you feel like walking off your dinner, head back toward the boardwalk after dinner and soak up the evening atmosphere around Oceanfront Beach. You could even stop for a nightcap at somewhere like Beachside Social or grab some desserts from Dream the La Cream. They have super indulgent banana splits and milkshakes with every topping imaginable, so it’s the ideal spot for a sweet treat.
But even if you’re done with food and drink for the night, the boardwalk has a completely different atmosphere after dark. Coming here for one last stroll is a nice way to revisit one of the first places we explored on this itinerary and round off your trip.
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Where to Stay in Virginia Beach
For this itinerary, we definitely recommend staying in the Oceanfront area. You’ll have the beach and boardwalk right on your doorstep, plus plenty of restaurants nearby. It also puts you in a convenient spot for driving to the different places we visit over these three days.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for somewhere special, the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is our luxury pick. It sits right on the beach at the quieter northern end of the Oceanfront, so you get those gorgeous coastal views without being right in the middle of the busiest section.
The hotel feels bright and modern, and the big draw is definitely the beachfront setting. There are indoor and outdoor pools, plus multiple places to eat and drink, including Orion’s Roof. Since that’s where we’ve planned our final dinner, staying here would make the end of day three especially easy! Check availability and book the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort here!
Mid-range – $$
For something a little more affordable, Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach is a great mid-range option. It’s right beside the boardwalk, so you’ll still get a fantastic Oceanfront location without paying luxury hotel prices.
We especially like that all of the rooms and suites face the ocean, and there’s an indoor pool and hot tub for days when the weather isn’t playing ball. Breakfast is included too, which is always a nice way to save a little money while traveling! Check availability and book Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach here!
Budget – $
If you’re trying to keep accommodation costs down, check out the Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. You’re still right by the beach and boardwalk, so choosing our budget option doesn’t mean sacrificing that all-important Oceanfront location.
There’s an indoor pool and an on-site restaurant, and rooms have private balconies so you can make the most of being by the coast. We think this is a solid choice if you’d rather save your money for all of the activities we’ve packed into this itinerary! Check availability and book Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront here!
For more great options, check out all the hotels listed for Virginia Beach here!
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Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
Virginia Beach seriously surprised us with just how much there is to do beyond the beach! One minute you’re hiking through First Landing State Park or kayaking alongside dolphins, and the next you’re checking out colorful murals, hunting for ghosts on the boardwalk, or stepping back in time in Colonial Williamsburg. Of course, there’s still plenty of time for sandy beaches and great food along the way!
If you’re planning more adventures around the USA, check out all of our USA travel blogs here. We’ve traveled to some incredible places across the country, so there’s plenty more inspiration waiting for you. Or browse through some of our favorites below and start planning your next trip now!
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The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
