Virginia Beach is a summer hot spot for vacationers who enjoy sun, surf, and sand. Make the most of a vacation to this East Coast destination with these handy vacation planning tips for an affordable trip, even during the peak tourist season.
Hit the Summer Festivals
Though Virginia Beach sees bigger tourist crowds in summer, there’s good reason for the influx of visitors. This city comes alive with summer festivals. Kick off summer with the Beach Music Weekend in May. Attend the North American Sand Soccer Championships or browse the Boardwalk Art Show & Festival in June.
July visitors can see the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge where hermit crabs compete in the Crustacean 500 race and Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant. In August, the summer wraps up with the East Coast Surfing Championship. Check out Hipmunk.com for nearby Virginia Beach hotel accommodations adjacent to these festivals.
Enjoy Free Local Attractions
Virginia Beach is an ideal destination for budget-minded travelers. Explore 14 miles of public beaches that range from the shallow bay waters at the northern end, to surf-friendly swells further south.
The sidewalks along Atlantic Avenue come alive during the summer with a diverse range of street performers offering free entertainment to all. The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, housed in a historic 1895 cottage, features art and artifacts pertaining to these local birds, and offers free admission.
Pack for Wet Weather
Virginia Beach sees between three and five inches of rain most months. The driest is November with average precipitation of 3.15 inches. The wettest month is July, with 5.14 inches of rain on average. This means that visitors can expect precipitation any time of the year, and should pack accordingly. Include a waterproof jacket in cooler months and a poncho in the summer. Summer lows dip to the upper 60s and low 70s so a sweatshirt or light jacket for warmth are smart inclusions as well.
Hop on the VB Wave
The VB Wave is a convenient low-cost option for local transportation in Virginia Beach. Adult fares are just $1 and day passes are $2. The Route 30 shuttle runs the length of Atlantic Avenue from May through September. Route 31 services the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum from May through Labor Day. Route 32 covers the south end of Atlantic Avenue up to the Hilltop area where travelers find popular shopping and dining destinations. Be sure to check out fun outdoor activities as well such as paddle boarding and fishing excursions.
Don’t Miss Oceanfront Seafood Restaurants
There’s a certain magic in eating fresh seafood where there’s salt in the air and the rhythm of waves in the background. Virginia Beach offers several stellar spots for this unique experience. The Lynnhaven Fish House has been a staple since 1978. Don’t miss their signature crab cakes.
Hit Waterman’s Surfside Grille between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. for happy hour Sunday through Friday. The menu includes flavorful fish ranging from Parmesan peppercorn flounder to sweet mango salmon. There’s also the beautiful beach-side restaurant in the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel located just off the downtown beach area.
Enjoy Virginia Beach on a budget, even during the popular summer months, with these easy tricks. For fresh seafood and classic boardwalk allure, this is an unforgettable choice.
