Guide to Summer in Virginia Beach, VA

Lying on the beach, playing in the surf, barbecuing, hiking — there are so many ways to enjoy the long summer days. Here in Virginia Beach, Virginia, there are many ways to pass the summer. Whether you’re looking for local festivals, places to cool off in the water, or somewhere to quietly enjoy nature and the beauty of the season, you’ll find it in Virginia Beach. Check out our guide to the best activities taking place in the area this year and make this your most memorable summer yet.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Locals know that Virginia Beach is not the only beach to enjoy in this city. There are many local beaches you can try, each with their own unique vibe. You’ll be able to find a great spot on the sand to relax with a book, or if you’re looking to get a little more social, you can find a beach that draws a crowd. Here are several local beaches you can try:

• Sandbridge Beach: Although this beach boasts pristine sand and beautiful clear water, it’s a less-popular destination, making it a tranquil spot to enjoy a beach day.
• Chesapeake Bay/Chic’s Beach: While the official name for this beach is Chesapeake Bay, its local name is Chic’s Beach. This beach’s setting in the bay makes for calmer waves that are perfect for little ones. Relax and build a sandcastle, watch for dolphins, or take a stroll along the shore.
• Virginia Beach Boardwalk: You can stroll or bike for three miles on this boardwalk. Along the way, you’ll be captivated by stunning views of the sea and sand. There are shops and restaurants lining the path and a 24-foot statue of King Neptune you can snap a photo with.

Try Surfing

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete newbie, you can find a great place to surf in Virginia Beach. Some of the more well-known spots are the First Street Jetty, the Virginia Beach Pier, and Croatan Beach. You’ll find great surf due to the jetty itself acting as a reef to create the swell. The Virginia Beach Pier is much the same, with the pier helping to create awesome waves for surfers.

Croatan Beach is the place to go when you want to catch a wave in a more relaxed location. This beach has two surfing spots and is a local favorite. The lifeguards along the entire beach are ready to help if the need arises. Surf lessons are also available during the summer months for those wanting to learn. Don’t forget there are surf shops scattered throughout the town, so you can pick up any gear you might need locally. Also, check out the East Coast Surfing Championships, held every year in August in Virginia Beach.

Explore the Waterways

Not only is Virginia Beach situated right on the ocean, but there are also various local waterways you can explore by boat, kayak, or canoe. Here’s a list of some local waterways to check out:

• West Neck Creek.
• Stumpy Lake.
• Rudee Inlet.
• Elizabeth River.
• North Bay.
• Lake Smith.
• Lynnhaven River.
• Broad Bay.

Each of these waterways has canoe, motorboat, or kayak access points, making it easy for you and your friends and family to get out on the water in the warmer months.

Check Out a Local Park

Summer is the perfect time for playing outdoors, and Virginia Beach has a variety of parks to discover this season. Great Neck Park offers a playground, a gazebo, three basketball courts, picnic tables, grills, and baseball diamonds, all located within its 70 acres. You can also explore the many paths that wind through the woods. The park is located on the banks of Lynnhaven Bay.

Another cool park to check out is Mount Trashmore, a former landfill converted to a green space in Virginia Beach. Here, you’ll find picnic shelters, a playground, volleyball courts, a skate park, and concessions in the summer. You can also check out sports equipment from the park office if you’d like to play a game.

Take a Hike

Whether you want an all-day adventure or a short stroll, you’ll find it in Virginia Beach. Check out the Cape Henry Trail if you’d like to tackle some distance. This 7.5-mile trail is open to hikers and cyclists and features shaded stretches, glimpses of wildlife, and views of the beach. This trail is relatively flat and begins in First Landing State Park.

For a shorter hike, the Bald Cypress Trail will take you on a 1.6-mile loop, where you’ll see wetlands and the flora and fauna that live there. Dogs are welcome on this trail, as long as they’re leashed and you clean up after them. This trail is also located within First Landing State Park. There are plenty of other hikes to check out in Virginia Beach, too.

Attend a Festival or Event

Summers in Virginia Beach mean entertainment, and you’ll find no shortage of it with Live on Atlantic, a summer entertainment series that runs from mid-June through Labor Day. Located on the Virginia Beach oceanfront, you’ll find live entertainment on most nights, including jugglers, musicians, and magicians. There are great concerts and quirky family shows, and most are completely free to attend. You won’t want to miss the fun this summer.

Summer Fun in Virginia Beach

Summer is a magical season when you can relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy all the wonderful scenery and activities Virginia Beach has to offer. If you need a new vehicle to get around town this summer, check out the new or used vehicles available at Checkered Flag Hyundai World. We can help you find the perfect vehicle to get you where you need to be this summer, whether that’s the beach, the park, or a festival. We hope you enjoyed this guide to summer in Virginia Beach and feel inspired to get out and explore with your family this season.

Girl Reading at the Beach by Drew Perales is licensed with Unsplash License