The Beach Nest Guidebook for Virginia Beach
Food Scene
Our favorite local restaurants …
Located in the historic Cavalier Hotel, this is an exceptional outdoor dining experience. You'll feel as though you've entered The Great Gatsby era. Be sure to ask for a garden table!
20 locals recommend
Becca
4200 Atlantic AvenueLocated in the historic Cavalier Hotel, this is an exceptional outdoor dining experience. You'll feel as though you've entered The Great Gatsby era. Be sure to ask for a garden table!
Elevenses Fresh Table & Bar
Where locals and tourists collide, Big Sam's is a family friendly restaurant and watering hole located on Rudee Inlet. Early Bird breakfast rates from 7am-9am and a breakfast happy hour from 7am-11am make this a great place to start the day. It's an easy walk one block east and three blocks south. Try Grandma's Pancakes for fresh buttermilk pancakes made from Sam's Grandma's recipe. These won "Best Pancakes in Tidewater!"
Bike racks on site.
http://bigsamsrawbar.com
71 locals recommend
Big Sam's Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar
300 Winston Salem AvenueWhere locals and tourists collide, Big Sam's is a family friendly restaurant and watering hole located on Rudee Inlet. Early Bird breakfast rates from 7am-9am and a breakfast happy hour from 7am-11am make this a great place to start the day. It's an easy walk one block east and three blocks south. Try Grandma's Pancakes for fresh buttermilk pancakes made from Sam's Grandma's recipe. These won "Best Pancakes in Tidewater!"
Bike racks on site.
http://bigsamsrawbar.com
A local's favorite for seafood. Consider dining outdoors along the marina in unique covered gliding tables or enjoy drinks at the Cabana Bar which boasts fire pit tables and 10 HD flat screen TV's.
https://www.rudees.com
73 locals recommend
Rudee's Restaurant and Cabana Bar
227 Mediterranean AvenueA local's favorite for seafood. Consider dining outdoors along the marina in unique covered gliding tables or enjoy drinks at the Cabana Bar which boasts fire pit tables and 10 HD flat screen TV's.
https://www.rudees.com
A family owned restaurant overlooking the marina and Rudee Inlet. Great view and seafood. Try the Oysters Rockafellar, BBQ Shrimp and Crabcake dinner, and the homemade Key Lime Pie! An easy walk from The Beach Nest - one block west and three blocks south.
http://rockafellers.com
26 locals recommend
Rockafeller's Restaurant
308 Mediterranean AveA family owned restaurant overlooking the marina and Rudee Inlet. Great view and seafood. Try the Oysters Rockafellar, BBQ Shrimp and Crabcake dinner, and the homemade Key Lime Pie! An easy walk from The Beach Nest - one block west and three blocks south.
http://rockafellers.com
A great place for oceanfront dining on the patio. Sunday brunch is amazing - don't forget to ask for the complimentary hot sticky buns. Yum'
http://www.watermans.com/
195 locals recommend
Waterman's Surfside Grille
415 Atlantic AveA great place for oceanfront dining on the patio. Sunday brunch is amazing - don't forget to ask for the complimentary hot sticky buns. Yum'
http://www.watermans.com/
A great place to sit outside and enjoy live music on the 7th Street Stage. Great seafood, a fresh sushi bar, happening happy hour and live entertainment.
http://www.mahimahs.com
64 locals recommend
Mahi's Seafood & Sushi
615 Atlantic AveA great place to sit outside and enjoy live music on the 7th Street Stage. Great seafood, a fresh sushi bar, happening happy hour and live entertainment.
http://www.mahimahs.com
Flanking the 7th Street Stage on the Boardwalk, this is another great and lively location for outdoor dining and drinks while listening to the live music.
http://www.chixvb.com
48 locals recommend
Chix on the Beach
701 Atlantic AveFlanking the 7th Street Stage on the Boardwalk, this is another great and lively location for outdoor dining and drinks while listening to the live music.
http://www.chixvb.com
Java Surf Café & Espresso Bar
1807 Mediterranean AveMay's Parlor
2708 Pacific AveBarrel 17
1706 Mediterranean AveHarvest
1718 Atlantic AveOne of the few oceanfront restaurants that may take a reservation in the busy summer months. Sit at a table in the bar area, and enjoy the musician who plays a wide variety of fun songs.
31 locals recommend
Il Giardino Ristorante
910 Atlantic AveOne of the few oceanfront restaurants that may take a reservation in the busy summer months. Sit at a table in the bar area, and enjoy the musician who plays a wide variety of fun songs.
Hearth Wood Fired Cuisine & Craft Beer
605 Virginia Beach BlvdTautog's Restaurant
205 23rd StFun, casual beach Mexican with flat screens showing surf competitions.
33 locals recommend
Pelon's Baja Grill
3619 Pacific AveFun, casual beach Mexican with flat screens showing surf competitions.
Taste
3603 Pacific AveGreat place to order lunch boxes to take to beach or on outings.
Aloha Snacks
501 Laskin RdIt's a bit of a drive but a great little gem. A cute little house in Pungo that serves amazing breakfast and lunch. Sit outside or in one of the quaintly decorated rooms. Farmhouse shabby chic. Mimosa flights are fun.
58 locals recommend
The Bee and The Biscuit
1785 Princess Anne RdIt's a bit of a drive but a great little gem. A cute little house in Pungo that serves amazing breakfast and lunch. Sit outside or in one of the quaintly decorated rooms. Farmhouse shabby chic. Mimosa flights are fun.
A fun bar owned by and honoring service members. Large beer selection. Check website for game nights. Musical Bingo is a must!
7 locals recommend
Warriors Taphouse
1630 General Booth BlvdA fun bar owned by and honoring service members. Large beer selection. Check website for game nights. Musical Bingo is a must!
Local pizza joint with old pews from the former wedding chapel that occupied its location.
17 locals recommend
PIZZA CHAPEL
637 10th StLocal pizza joint with old pews from the former wedding chapel that occupied its location.
Tad's Deli
600 Norfolk AveAnother great option for picking up lunch to take to the beach.
Icehouse Restaurant
604 Norfolk AveCozy, casual restaurant. Mondays are Burger Night! Yum!
ShoreBreak Pizza & TapHouse
2941 Shore DrOrion's Roof
4201 Atlantic AvenueBay Local Eatery
Zeke's Beans n Bowls VB
616 Norfolk AveDrinks & Nightlife
Locally owned, lively tasting room. One block west and four blocks north of The Beach Nest. Bike rack located behind the brewery.
http://www.backbaybrewingco.com
63 locals recommend
Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Co.
1805 Kempsville RdLocally owned, lively tasting room. One block west and four blocks north of The Beach Nest. Bike rack located behind the brewery.
http://www.backbaybrewingco.com
Located at the intersection of 17th Street and Baltic Avenue, this new facility features a Vabc store and the Blue Ridge Tasting Room. Per Virginia ABC requirements, the tasting event allows for four one half ounce samples of alcohol available for patrons at $7. Tours are available 12p-4p on Saturdays at no charge.
https://chesapeakebaydistillery.com
12 locals recommend
Chesapeake Bay Distillery
437 Virginia Beach BlvdLocated at the intersection of 17th Street and Baltic Avenue, this new facility features a Vabc store and the Blue Ridge Tasting Room. Per Virginia ABC requirements, the tasting event allows for four one half ounce samples of alcohol available for patrons at $7. Tours are available 12p-4p on Saturdays at no charge.
https://chesapeakebaydistillery.com
New Realm Brewing
1209 Craft LnReaver Beach Brewing
1505 Taylor Farm Rd
Thin Brew Line
1375 Oceana BlvdThe Shack
712 Atlantic AveSmartmouth Brewing Company
313 32nd StParks & Nature
Miles of hiking and biking trails.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml
340 locals recommend
First Landing State Park
2500 Shore DriveMiles of hiking and biking trails.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml
Located in southern Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Access is through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is limited to hiking, bicycling or boating. The park features primitive camping and an extensive environmental education program in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape.shtml
37 locals recommend
False Cape State Park
4001 Sandpiper RdLocated in southern Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Access is through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is limited to hiking, bicycling or boating. The park features primitive camping and an extensive environmental education program in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape.shtml
This 15,000 square foot beach park features wheelchair accessible entrances and an incredible playground.
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/city-parks/Pages/grommet-island.aspx
34 locals recommend
Grommet Island Park
2nd StreetThis 15,000 square foot beach park features wheelchair accessible entrances and an incredible playground.
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/city-parks/Pages/grommet-island.aspx
Dismal Swamp State Park
2294 US-17Mount Trashmore Park
310 Edwin DrCape Henry Lighthouse (1881)
583 Atlantic AveEntertainment & Activities
The place for parasail, jet ski, boat and kayak rentals. Located one block east and three blocks south.
http://beachparasail.com/about-adventure-parasail-in-virginia-beach/
6 locals recommend
Adventure Parasail
300 Winston Salem AveThe place for parasail, jet ski, boat and kayak rentals. Located one block east and three blocks south.
http://beachparasail.com/about-adventure-parasail-in-virginia-beach/
Dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, speed boat trips, and fishing trips. Home of the Rudee Rocket, a 2000 Horse Power speed boat that takes you along the oceanfront and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
https://www.rudeetours.com/
111 locals recommend
Rudee Inlet Parasail
200 Winston Salem AveDolphin cruises, sunset cruises, speed boat trips, and fishing trips. Home of the Rudee Rocket, a 2000 Horse Power speed boat that takes you along the oceanfront and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
https://www.rudeetours.com/
Home to the largest charter fleet in Virginia and a short walk from The Beach Nest - one block east and three blocks south. Book an inshore, nearshore or offshore fishing trip. We suggest the Wave Runner with Captain Pat.
http://virginiafishing.com
6 locals recommend
Virginia Beach Fishing Center
200 Winston Salem AveHome to the largest charter fleet in Virginia and a short walk from The Beach Nest - one block east and three blocks south. Book an inshore, nearshore or offshore fishing trip. We suggest the Wave Runner with Captain Pat.
http://virginiafishing.com
Today's Boardwalk is 28-feet wide and stretches three miles featuring a separate bike path, making it ideal for strolling, rollerblading and biking. Entertainment is offered nightly during the summer months and four oceanfront stages at 7th, 17th, and 24th and 31st Streets provide live musical acts. Check out the below website for a schedule of events and live music along the Boardwalk.
https://www.beachstreetusa.com/locations
170 locals recommend
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach BoardwalkToday's Boardwalk is 28-feet wide and stretches three miles featuring a separate bike path, making it ideal for strolling, rollerblading and biking. Entertainment is offered nightly during the summer months and four oceanfront stages at 7th, 17th, and 24th and 31st Streets provide live musical acts. Check out the below website for a schedule of events and live music along the Boardwalk.
https://www.beachstreetusa.com/locations
Located in the majestic trees of the Aquarium, between the Marsh Pavilion and the Bay & Ocean Pavilion, you will find our amazing “aerial forest park.” The first of its kind in Virginia! Experience “adventure in the trees” on your own or with friends, family and parties. Ages five to adult are welcome. You'll see a series of platforms in the trees connected by cable, wood, rope and zip lines to form bridges. Each bridge presents a different challenge of how to get to the next platform. A series of bridges form “aerial trails” throughout the forest.
https://virginiabeachadventurepark.com/virginia-beach-adventure-park/?gclid=COC46p-V2dUCFUtNfgodO_sB3A
130 locals recommend
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
801 General Booth Blvd Located in the majestic trees of the Aquarium, between the Marsh Pavilion and the Bay & Ocean Pavilion, you will find our amazing “aerial forest park.” The first of its kind in Virginia! Experience “adventure in the trees” on your own or with friends, family and parties. Ages five to adult are welcome. You'll see a series of platforms in the trees connected by cable, wood, rope and zip lines to form bridges. Each bridge presents a different challenge of how to get to the next platform. A series of bridges form “aerial trails” throughout the forest.
https://virginiabeachadventurepark.com/virginia-beach-adventure-park/?gclid=COC46p-V2dUCFUtNfgodO_sB3A
Come explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums and animal habitats in the country at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Experience hands-on exhibits, nature path, and marshlands. The Aquarium is also home to an IMAX movie theater.
https://www.virginiaaquarium.com
329 locals recommend
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth BlvdCome explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums and animal habitats in the country at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Experience hands-on exhibits, nature path, and marshlands. The Aquarium is also home to an IMAX movie theater.
https://www.virginiaaquarium.com
Indoor skydiving adventure.
https://www.iflyworld.com/virginia-beach/
90 locals recommend
iFLY VA Beach
2412 Pacific AveIndoor skydiving adventure.
https://www.iflyworld.com/virginia-beach/
Movie theater with wait staff for dining and drinks.
https://beachmoviebistro.com
37 locals recommend
Beach Cinema Alehouse
941 Laskin RdMovie theater with wait staff for dining and drinks.
https://beachmoviebistro.com
Topgolf
5444 Greenwich RdBest movie theater in the area. You can buy your tickets and reserve your reclining seats online, so no need to arrive early to find seats!
21 locals recommend
Regal Strawbridge Marketplace Stadium 12
2133 General Booth BlvdBest movie theater in the area. You can buy your tickets and reserve your reclining seats online, so no need to arrive early to find seats!
Nauticus
1 Waterside DrChildren's Museum of Virginia
221 High StEssentials
Located just four blocks north, this is the closest place to get necessary food or drink items in a pinch. We hear the BBQ sandwich is amazing too!
JR. MARKET #5
920 Mediterranean AveLocated just four blocks north, this is the closest place to get necessary food or drink items in a pinch. We hear the BBQ sandwich is amazing too!
Harris Teeter Pharmacy
2800 Arctic Ave32nd Street Laundry Land Laundromat
315 32nd StArts & Culture
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is a non-profit institution which exists to foster awareness, exploration, and understanding of the significant art of our time.
http://www.virginiamoca.org
125 locals recommend
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
2200 Parks AveThe Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is a non-profit institution which exists to foster awareness, exploration, and understanding of the significant art of our time.
http://www.virginiamoca.org
This unique museum is located in the last remaining Virginia Beach Boardwalk cottage, de Witt Cottage, which was built in 1895. There is an array of wildfowl artifacts and art as well as representations of the early history of the Virginia Beach. Admission is free.
http://awhm.org
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
1113 Atlantic AveThis unique museum is located in the last remaining Virginia Beach Boardwalk cottage, de Witt Cottage, which was built in 1895. There is an array of wildfowl artifacts and art as well as representations of the early history of the Virginia Beach. Admission is free.
http://awhm.org
This museum tells the story of the men who served in the US Life-Saving Service and the US Coast Guard. Galleries provide an insight into the early days of shipwrecks along the Virginia coast and the efforts of the life-savers at the stations. Located at 24th Street and the Boardwalk.
http://www.vbsurfrescuemuseum.org
18 locals recommend
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
2401 Atlantic AveThis museum tells the story of the men who served in the US Life-Saving Service and the US Coast Guard. Galleries provide an insight into the early days of shipwrecks along the Virginia coast and the efforts of the life-savers at the stations. Located at 24th Street and the Boardwalk.
http://www.vbsurfrescuemuseum.org
Sightseeing
The lighthouses at Cape Henry silently guard the entryway into the Chesapeake Bay. The octagonal stone structure was completed in 1792 and is the oldest government-built lighthouse in America. The "new" lighthouse was built in 1881 and is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in the country. Both are located at Fort Story, north of the resort area.
https://www.preservationvirginia.com/visit/historic-properties/cape-henry-lighthouse
115 locals recommend
Cape Henry Lighthouse (1881)
583 Atlantic AveThe lighthouses at Cape Henry silently guard the entryway into the Chesapeake Bay. The octagonal stone structure was completed in 1792 and is the oldest government-built lighthouse in America. The "new" lighthouse was built in 1881 and is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in the country. Both are located at Fort Story, north of the resort area.
https://www.preservationvirginia.com/visit/historic-properties/cape-henry-lighthouse
At 25th Street and Atlantic, the Naval Aviation Monument depicts three historic eras in naval aviation and represents the culmination of an eight-year undertaking by NAF's Hampton Roads Squadron.
http://www.hrana.org
9 locals recommend
Naval Aviation Monument
2500 Atlantic AvenueAt 25th Street and Atlantic, the Naval Aviation Monument depicts three historic eras in naval aviation and represents the culmination of an eight-year undertaking by NAF's Hampton Roads Squadron.
http://www.hrana.org
The Military Aviation Museum was born from a passion for World War II-era aircraft, and over the years, it has grown into a truly living history museum that rivals any other of its kind in the world.
http://militaryaviationmuseum.org
67 locals recommend
Military Aviation Museum
1341 Princess Anne RdThe Military Aviation Museum was born from a passion for World War II-era aircraft, and over the years, it has grown into a truly living history museum that rivals any other of its kind in the world.
http://militaryaviationmuseum.org
USS Wisconsin BB-64
1 Waterside DrOceana Naval Air Station