Virginia Beach in the summer is pure coastal sunshine and laid-back vibes. Honestly, if you haven’t experienced this gem on the East Coast when the sun is blazing and the ocean is calling, you’re seriously missing out on one of the best beach destinations in the country.
The boardwalk stretches for miles, the waves crash, and those warm, golden days are just begging you to explore every corner.
Forget everything you think you know about traditional beach towns. We’re talking about a city that’s packed with adventure, offering a killer mix of state parks, vibrant entertainment, and a food scene that’s absolutely crushing it.
Get ready to fill your itinerary with some of the most amazing places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer.
1. Hit the Iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is the heart of the action and one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer. This 3-mile oceanfront stretch is perfect for biking or a leisurely stroll with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop.
You’ll pass by Neptune statues, outdoor cafes, and stages hosting free concerts all summer long. The vibe is electric, making it a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
2. Explore the Natural Beauty of First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is an absolute must and one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer. As Virginia’s most-visited state park, it offers a surprising wilderness escape right in the city, featuring 20 miles of trails through maritime forests and bald cypress swamps.
You can also enjoy 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beachfront, perfect for swimming or kayaking. It’s a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
3. Cool Off at the New Level Green Park Sprayground
Beat the heat at Level Green Park, which just got a major upgrade and is one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer.
This park is now home to the city’s first public sprayground, featuring arching water sprayers and ground-level bubbling jets that activate automatically when the temperature hits 75 degrees.
It’s a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer, offering free, refreshing fun for the whole family.
4. Discover the Family Fun at Little Island Park
For a classic beach day away from the main crowds, head to Little Island Park, one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer. Located in Sandbridge, this 122-acre park offers a quieter alternative to the Oceanfront, with a beautiful beach and a 400-foot fishing pier.
The park also hosts the “Party at the Pier” series with free movies and live music on the sand. It’s a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
5. Experience the Oceanfront Concert Series
Summer in Virginia Beach means free music, making the Oceanfront Concert Series one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer. Nearly every Wednesday night from May through August, you can catch live bands performing at the 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks.
Bring a chair, grab some snacks, and settle in for an incredible evening with the ocean as your backdrop. It’s a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
6. Watch a Movie Under the Stars at the Beach Blanket Cinema
Movie nights on the beach are a summer tradition, and the Beach Blanket Cinema is one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer.
On select Thursday evenings from June through August, you can grab a blanket and watch a free family-friendly movie right on the sand at 29th Street. It’s the quintessential summer experience, making it a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
7. Get Active at Bayville Farms Park
Bayville Farms Park is an outdoor paradise and one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer. This park is packed with activities, including an 18-hole disc golf course, a skateboard park with ramps, and a suspension frame for TRX strength training.
You can also find shuffleboard courts, lighted softball fields, and a dog park, making it a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
8. Feast on World-Class Vegan Food
Virginia Beach’s vegan scene is absolutely crushing it, making it one of the best places to visit for plant-based eaters this summer.
Spots like Honest Pastures Inc serve up incredible vegan subs, burgers, and sandwiches that even non-vegans rave about.
For authentic Caribbean flavors, Desmond’s Island Soul Grill offers vegan twists on island classics like jerk jackfruit. It’s a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer for food lovers.
9. Cheer on the RVA Spiders at the Diamond
For a classic summer night out, catching a baseball game is one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer. The RVA Spiders at the Diamond offer an exciting and affordable experience for the whole family.
With a convenient location and a fun atmosphere, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a summer evening, making it a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
10. Celebrate July 4th at Mount Trashmore
Mount Trashmore Park is the ultimate spot for Independence Day, making it one of the best places to visit in Virginia Beach this summer. This iconic park, built on a converted landfill, hosts a massive celebration with live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show.
It’s a beloved local tradition, and the view from the top of the “mountain” offers a fantastic vantage point, making it a totally unique place to visit in Virginia Beach during the summer.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. From the iconic boardwalk and serene state parks to vibrant concert series and incredible food, Virginia Beach is bursting with amazing places to visit this summer.
It’s a city that knows how to put on a show, blending classic beach charm with non-stop summer energy.
Don’t just dream about it—make it happen. Start planning your epic summer trip to Virginia Beach right now.
Grab your crew, pack your bags, and get ready for adventure, incredible food, and unforgettable moments. This summer is calling, and Virginia Beach is ready to welcome you with open arms.