Virginia Beach
 

We're considering taking a roadtrip from Boston to Virginia Beach in late May/early June. I'm having trouble finding unbiased reviews of the area, so I'm looking for an insider's scoop on where to stay, what to do, what to expect. Any info is welcome!

enorton, do you mean unbiased or positive reviews of the area?

Virginia Beach isn't the nicest strip of sand on the east coast. I highly suggest you venture a little further south into North Carolina.

Thank you - that's exactly what i was looking for. It's hard to find totally objective reviews from tourism boards. Any N.C. recommendations?

enorton16,

I'm not a big fan a Va Beach but there are plenty who are and I think it depends on what you're looking for. Va Beach has clean wide beaches (erosion from Isabel was very negligible).

If you like a smaller and maybe more lowkey version of the NJ shore, you might like VB. Boardwalk, shops, casual restaurants and clubs. Popular with early 20s and young families.

Like I said, it's not my cup of tea. I prefer the Outer Banks. But VB is a great destination for some.

Always keep this in mind about Virginia Beach- it is the city with the largest population in all the Old Dominion. It's not a bad place but it is a text book example of suburban sprawl.

enorton, I grew up in Virginia Beach. obxgirl was right about the beaches on the Outer Banks, in fact, most locals head there to escape the crowds. VB isn't too bad. Tons of people still flock there in the summer.

Here's the skinny on VB:

- Most tourism traffic for that area is from Memorial day through Labor day (get convention visitors after Labor day).
- Area typically visited by driving traffic..meaning most come for a long weekend or week, but drive in, don't fly in.
- Typically tourists are families, blue-collar.
- Tons of police officers there (bike/horseback/walking), so you always feel safe.
- Late May/early June should be nice weather for. Sometimes there are chilly spells there at that time of year (mid-60's). Bring jeans and a sweatshirt.
- Traffic can get hairy during peak tourism season, since there's only one way in and out (I-64) through the Hampton Roads Bridge tunnel.
- VB is pretty big and has lots of coastline. You can stay in the touristy area (1st streets through about 40th street) where a majority of the tourists stay. Most of the hotels are older. One of the newer ones is the Courtyard by Marriott on 37th St. and Atlantic. Built last summer. Lots of hotels (brand-name, like the Sheraton and Courtyard) right on the beach on the Boardwalk.
- Nightlife during the summer is fun... the Block is a block of clubs on the strip. Lots of locals, as well as tourists head there. Also, people head to Norfolk to Waterside (built like Baltimore's Inner Harbor), that have tons of other clubs and restaurants. It's about 25 minutes away and worth a little trip. Some other great restaurants right around there as well.
- A lot of people also do a day trip to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, which should be open during the week (not just the weekends) during your visit. They are both about 45 minutes (w/good traffic) away from VB.
- Also have Colonial Williamsburg if you like history and Jamestown, about 45 minutes away. Might want to hit Williamsburg on the way into or out of town.
- If you don't care for the crowds and just like the beach, try renting a house either at the oceanfront (northend, 60th street on up) or in Pungo/Sandbridge (also in Virginia Beach), but about 35 minutes from the tourist boardwalk and pretty much has rows of beach houses and none of the commercial stuff you'll find at the oceanfront.
- Both Sandbridge and the Oceanfront have great State Parks (False Cape and First Landing, respectively) that are great for hiking, biking, etc. You'd swear you were no where near civilization.

Sorry for the lengthly info. Hope you find it useful and that you have fun in VB.