Scheduled to open in 2025, the multiuse Atlantic Surf Park along Virginia Beach’s three-mile boardwalk will feature convention and meeting facilities and a 3,500-seat live entertainment venue. Several components are complete while others are in development or under construction. The complex will include new hotels, apartments and condominiums; ocean-view restaurants; retail and office space; and year-round access to bike and surrey paths and an 880-foot pier. Located between 18th and 20th streets on the beach, the project is a collaboration of multiple developers and Virginia Beach resident Pharrell Williams, who is assisting with planning and branding.
Also changing the Virginia Beach landscape is the Laskin Road Gateway project, which revitalized the area around 31st Street and the beach. The redevelopment has created a pedestrian-friendly environment with restaurants, upscale shops, hotels and residential properties arranged around walkable outdoor spaces.
© The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hotel development has accelerated, with several new, expanded and renovated properties now open or coming soon. Many offer ocean views and easy access to the beach and the boardwalk.
This year Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened at 1201 Atlantic Blvd. Part of the Marriott group and known for its contemporary style, Moxy offers 134 upscale rooms and features a full-service restaurant, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, meeting space and a business center. Hilton has introduced the Embassy Suites Oceanfront Resort at 4101 Atlantic Ave., and the 140-room Hyatt Place Virginia Beach/Oceanfront at 3601 Atlantic Ave. sits just steps from the sand with an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, meeting facilities and complimentary internet. In addition, the Fairfield Inn & Suites opened last year in Town Center at 20 Constitution Drive.
Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites offers 295 one- and two-bedroom suites, each with a private balcony. The property overlooks the Chesapeake Bay and sits on a private beach, featuring an oyster bar and additional dining options, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, six meeting rooms and electric vehicle charging stations. Just off the northern end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort provides 305 rooms and suites across 23 floors with ocean views. The resort includes expansive meeting and event spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill and Orion’s Roof Restaurant.
© Pickleball Virginia Beach
If you’re traveling with a pet, a new luxury pet center, K9 Resorts, provides specialized care while you enjoy the beach. For sports enthusiasts, Pickleball Virginia Beach now features 25 new courts with another 20 under renovation, offering plenty of space for play and tournaments.
Scenic Drives
Drive north along the Atlantic coast to experience one of the longest stretches of beach in the world — miles of sand beginning at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Start early and stop for breakfast with an ocean view along U.S. 60. A short drive on Atlantic Avenue leads to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, which highlights conservation efforts for local wildfowl, and the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum, which chronicles the area’s surfing history. Continue north to explore the historic triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg for a deeper look at early American history.
Heading south toward the rural community of Pungo, don’t miss the Military Aviation Museum, home to a large collection of restored World War I and World War II aircraft, many in flying condition. On the return to Virginia Beach, stop by Commonwealth Brewing Co., located in a converted firehouse, or enjoy lunch at the historic Cavalier Hotel. Stretch your legs by climbing the 191 steps of Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792 and the first lighthouse in the United States. Finish the day at First Landing State Park, site of the First Landing Cross and scenic views, then stroll the boardwalk or explore the creative shops and galleries in the Vibe Creative District.