Virginia Beach is one of the East Coast’s most popular family destinations, drawing visitors with its miles of golden shoreline and lively boardwalk atmosphere. According to WTKR, the resort city welcomed over 14 million visitors during the 2024 tourist season, generating a $2.6 billion economic impact, and it’s easy to see why families keep coming back. Here’s how to make the most of a day trip.
1. Things to do
The three-mile boardwalk is the heart of the action. Atlantic Fun Park offers classic fairground rides and midway games, while Jungle Golf provides a fun detour for kids of all ages. Beach Arcade is a solid rainy-day backup, and Rudee’s on the Inlet is worth a stop for the waterfront atmosphere alone. For younger children, Neptune’s Park and 17th Street Park both offer well-maintained playgrounds right in the resort area. If you have a little extra time, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a short drive away and an excellent family-friendly attraction beyond the beach.
2. Places to eat
For a sit-down meal near the oceanfront, Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a local favorite with a menu that works for the whole family, and Chix on the Beach offers a relaxed, casual setting with views to match. Both are conveniently located along Atlantic Avenue. When you’re ready for something sweet, Lolly’s Creamery and Twisted Sisters Cupcakes are both popular with families and easy to find in the resort area, which is a well-earned treat after a day in the sun.
3. Getting there
Virginia Beach is accessible via I-64 and I-264, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from the Eastern Shore, or U.S. Routes 58 and 460 from further west. If you’d rather skip the drive, Amtrak serves nearby Norfolk and Newport News, with the option to continue by local transit or rideshare. Parking in the resort area can fill up fast during peak season, so arrive early or plan ahead for metered street parking or one of the public parking garages near the boardwalk.
4. Safety tips
Beach conditions in Virginia can change quickly, and it pays to check before you swim. Environment Virginia’s analysis of 2024 bacteria testing found that 85% of Virginia beaches were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day that year, making it essential to review current advisories before getting in the water. Keep children within arm’s reach at all times, even where lifeguards are on duty. Public Wi-Fi at the boardwalk is convenient but not always secure, so downloading a VPN free on your phone is a smart precaution before connecting. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen before heading out, reapply regularly, and know where the nearest emergency services are located before you need them.
Virginia Beach has plenty to offer families, from the boardwalk attractions and oceanfront dining to easy access from across the region. With a little planning and a few simple precautions, it makes for a great day out.
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