Virginia’s coast, nestled along the eastern seaboard of the United States, offers a diverse tapestry of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities. From the tranquil shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the sandy beaches of Virginia Beach, this coastal region beckons visitors with its scenic landscapes and endless recreational opportunities.
- Norfolk, Virginia, situated in the southeastern region of the state, is a vibrant city with a rich maritime heritage and diverse cultural offerings. Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, which plays a significant role in the city’s identity.
- Near by is Virginia Beach, renowned for its beautiful coastline, making beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and building sandcastles a must-do for visitors of all ages.
The Same
Both the Dinks and the Family visited primarily for some beach time. Overall, the greater Virginia Beach area provides a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and entertainment, making it a favorite destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Relax on the Beach
Relaxing on the beach, listening to the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves, is a timeless pleasure that rejuvenates both body and soul. The gentle caress of the breeze, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the endless horizon merging sea and sky create a tranquil escape from the bustle of everyday life. It’s a moment to unwind, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of nature’s symphony, offering a serene retreat that transcends time and place.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Take a stroll or bike ride along the three-mile-long boardwalk, lined with restaurants, shops, attractions, and entertainment venues. Along the boardwalk, visitors can find a wide range of attractions, including amusement parks, arcades, and outdoor entertainment venues. There are also vendors selling snacks, ice cream, and souvenirs. Throughout the summer months, the boardwalk comes alive with live music performances, street performers, and special events. Visitors can enjoy concerts, festivals, and fireworks displays right on the beach.
Local Cuisine
Virginia Beach offers a delightful array of local cuisine that reflects its coastal charm and Southern roots. Like in Maryland, Virginia’s coastal location along the Chesapeake Bay makes it a prime destination for seafood lovers, particularly blue crabs. Local specialties also include she-crab soup, a creamy soup made with crab meat and crab roe, and shrimp and grits, a Southern favorite featuring shrimp served over creamy grits. For those seeking a taste of Southern hospitality, barbecue and Southern-style fried chicken are also popular choices.
- Crab Cakes – A local favorite, often made with lump crab meat and hopefully minimal filler.
- Fresh Oysters – Enjoy fresh, locally harvested oysters.
- Fish Tacos – A popular beachside choice, with flavorful and crispy options.
- Fried Chicken – Sample some Southern-style fried chicken .
- Soft Shell Crab Benedict – A standout brunch dish at Citrus.
- Citrus: The Soft Shell Crab Benedict was absolutely amazing and well worth the $20+ price tag, and this comes from someone who hates spending $10 on breakfast. The original mimosa was only $3 and was twice the size of a normal mimosa. They also had a variety of other flavors, which looked interesting, though we didn’t branch out. While they offer many fancy dishes, they also had basic breakfast items at very reasonable prices. Overall, the service was great, and I would highly recommend this place.
The DINKs
We spent some time on Virginia Beach but also ventured out to surrounding areas.
Buckroe Beach
Buckroe Beach, located in Hampton, Virginia, is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Situated along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Buckroe Beach offers a scenic coastline with sandy shores and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Visitors to Buckroe Beach can enjoy a variety of amenities, including picnic areas with tables and grills, playgrounds for children, and a paved walking and biking path along the waterfront. Lifeguards are also on duty during the summer months for added safety. While it is on the bay and not the ocean, the water was clear and the beach really nice. It was a relaxing alternative to the hustle and bustle of Virginia Beach.
Norfolk Tides Baseball Game
Baseball fans in Norfolk, Virginia can enjoy watching games at Harbor Park, home to the Norfolk Tides. The Norfolk Tides are a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles, competing in the Triple-A East league. Harbor Park is known for its picturesque location along the Elizabeth River, offering stunning views of the downtown Norfolk skyline. The stadium provides a family-friendly atmosphere and modern amenities, including comfortable seating, concession stands serving classic ballpark fare, and entertainment options for fans of all ages. On given nights they have fireworks over the harbor including on Independence Day.
Orange Crush from Waterman’s
The Orange Crush from Waterman’s is a signature cocktail that has become synonymous with summertime refreshment in Virginia Beach. The classic Orange Crush typically consists of vodka, orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau), freshly squeezed orange juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Some variations may include additional ingredients like freshly muddled orange slices or flavored syrups for added depth of flavor. We recommend trying a couple variations. Cheers.
Wasserhund Brewing
Wasserhund Brewing Company offers a unique and inviting atmosphere with a focus on quality craft beer and a welcoming environment. Known for its German-inspired brews, Wasserhund provides a diverse selection of beers, including traditional lagers and innovative ales, all brewed on-site. The brewery’s name, meaning “water dog” in German, reflects its dog friendly atmosphere. The taproom features a relaxed and friendly vibe, making it an excellent spot for both locals and visitors to unwind. With a spacious outdoor beer garden, patrons can enjoy their drinks in a laid-back setting while taking in the pleasant Virginia Beach weather. We even picked up a 4 pack togo.
The Family
We stayed at the Hyatt right on the beach. Staying at a beachfront hotel offers the perfect opportunity to spend leisurely days on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil sounds of the ocean waves. Additionally, having a balcony adds an extra element of relaxation and enjoyment to your beachfront getaway.
Beach Activities
We spent our days on the beach indulging in a variety of activities from swimming to building sand castle to just relaxing & basking in the sun. With the convenience of being just steps away from our hotel room, we could easily take breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge in the comfort of your beachfront accommodation.
Balcony Views
One of the highlights of our stay was having a balcony overlooking the ocean. Listening to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. Our balcony was the perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, or simply unwind & relax while soaking up the scenery.
- Hyatt House Virginia Beach/Oceanfront: We always try to use points to cover our hotels and this trip was no different. We forked out more points to stay at this hotel with a balcony overlooking the ocean for a comfortable and convenient stay right on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. The hotel suites were spacious with separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens, which helps when you have two kids and all their beach toys. We took advantage of amenities like a complimentary breakfast buffet, and outdoor pool as well.
Summary
In Virginia Beach, both the DINKs and the Family found common ground in relaxing on the beach, strolling along the Boardwalk, and savoring local cuisine, creating cherished moments under the sun. The DINKs added a dash of excitement with a Norfolk Tides baseball game and indulged in the famous Orange Crush at Waterman’s. Meanwhile, the Family embraced active beach activities and enjoyed serene balcony views from their accommodations. Each experience brought its own charm and enjoyment, making it difficult to declare a clear winner—rather, highlighting how Virginia Beach offers something special for every traveler, whether seeking relaxation or adventure by the sea.
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