Living like a local
Sightseeing
An absolute must if you are a nature lover.
Walk out of the condo, walk towards the ocean, and in a couple of minutes you’ll see the Norwegian Lady. Mirrored by a matching statue in Moss, Norway, they both wish all sailors a safe return.
Norwegian Lady
2500 Atlantic AveWalk out of the condo, walk towards the ocean, and in a couple of minutes you’ll see the Norwegian Lady. Mirrored by a matching statue in Moss, Norway, they both wish all sailors a safe return.
So much to see and do! With the boardwalk’s parallel but separate paved bike path, there’s not much you can’t do! Run, walk, bike ride or relax on one of the boardwalk’s many park benches. In the mornings, don’t be surprised to see dolphins near the shoreline.
170 locals recommend
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach BoardwalkSo much to see and do! With the boardwalk’s parallel but separate paved bike path, there’s not much you can’t do! Run, walk, bike ride or relax on one of the boardwalk’s many park benches. In the mornings, don’t be surprised to see dolphins near the shoreline.
Bookending the Southern end of the boardwalk, Rudee Inlet serves Passage for boats in/out of Lake Rudee and Lake Wesley. You can fish here too (requires a Va saltwater fishing license...you can get a temp one online).
111 locals recommend
Rudee Inlet Parasail
200 Winston Salem AveBookending the Southern end of the boardwalk, Rudee Inlet serves Passage for boats in/out of Lake Rudee and Lake Wesley. You can fish here too (requires a Va saltwater fishing license...you can get a temp one online).
Great way to beat the heat. Hint, earlier the better. Make sure to check out the sharks. And pet a stingray!
329 locals recommend
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth BlvdGreat way to beat the heat. Hint, earlier the better. Make sure to check out the sharks. And pet a stingray!
Neptune Statue
3001 Atlantic AvenueYou have to see it in person. 6 blocks away
If you’re a lover of either history or planes (or both), this is a must see. Not setup for children. Privately owned museum with authentic airplanes from WW1 and WW2. They also offer actual flights!
67 locals recommend
Military Aviation Museum
1341 Princess Anne RdIf you’re a lover of either history or planes (or both), this is a must see. Not setup for children. Privately owned museum with authentic airplanes from WW1 and WW2. They also offer actual flights!
Food scene
From fine dining to greasy spoons, please allow my to share my recommendations to what to eat for every occasion.
Great coffee and great food, locally owned and operated with free parking onsite. My favorites are the Big Kahuna and the Cypress Melt. Oh, and they offer fresh squeezed orange juice.
43 locals recommend
Java Surf Café & Espresso Bar
1807 Mediterranean AveGreat coffee and great food, locally owned and operated with free parking onsite. My favorites are the Big Kahuna and the Cypress Melt. Oh, and they offer fresh squeezed orange juice.
If you’re looking for a proper, fine dining restaurant, this is one of the local’s favorites. A great wine (with a sommelier on staff) great food and amazing service. You will not be disappointed and definitely consider this place if you’re here for a special occasion.
27 locals recommend
Zoes
713 19th StIf you’re looking for a proper, fine dining restaurant, this is one of the local’s favorites. A great wine (with a sommelier on staff) great food and amazing service. You will not be disappointed and definitely consider this place if you’re here for a special occasion.
If you had to pick one place for “the dinner” in Virginia Beach, please consider going to Terrapin. This is my go to spot for anniversaries and special occasions. Let Chef Rodney show you why he is considered one of the top chefs in the country.
46 locals recommend
Terrapin Restaurant
3102 Holly RdIf you had to pick one place for “the dinner” in Virginia Beach, please consider going to Terrapin. This is my go to spot for anniversaries and special occasions. Let Chef Rodney show you why he is considered one of the top chefs in the country.
On the other side of the adjacent intersection is one of the best locally owner and operated bars in Virginia Beach. Belly up the bar or have the hostess find you either an outdoor table on their patio or in one of their indoor booths. Order their wings, steak bites, lumpia and hand cut potato chips. You won’t be disappointed and if game is on, they’ll have it too.
23 locals recommend
CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar
2407 Pacific AveOn the other side of the adjacent intersection is one of the best locally owner and operated bars in Virginia Beach. Belly up the bar or have the hostess find you either an outdoor table on their patio or in one of their indoor booths. Order their wings, steak bites, lumpia and hand cut potato chips. You won’t be disappointed and if game is on, they’ll have it too.
It’s definitely within walking distance at 3 blocks away. Local owned and operated. You can’t go wrong with their food or spirits.
9 locals recommend
Mojito Cafe
300 28th StIt’s definitely within walking distance at 3 blocks away. Local owned and operated. You can’t go wrong with their food or spirits.
Local owner and operated here for over a decade. Standard American Chinese takeout like General Tso, etc. Very convenient as it’s across the street.
Golden City III
207 25th StLocal owner and operated here for over a decade. Standard American Chinese takeout like General Tso, etc. Very convenient as it’s across the street.
If you love Thai food, this is your spot. ps, there is parking in the back, as well as an entrance in the back.
6 locals recommend
Thai Arroy
608 N Birdneck RdIf you love Thai food, this is your spot. ps, there is parking in the back, as well as an entrance in the back.
Doc Taylor's Restaurant
207 23rd StGreat breakfast spot. Walking distance.
Great grocery store blocks away. Take advantage of their grab-n-go meals, meat and seafood counters and deli.
33 locals recommend
Harris Teeter
2800 Arctic AveGreat grocery store blocks away. Take advantage of their grab-n-go meals, meat and seafood counters and deli.
Fine dining, Italian cuisine. Valet parking although it’s walkable/bike-able. Fun fact: was part of the filming/movie of the movie Navy Seals starring Charlie Sheen).
IL Giardino Ristorante
3333 Virginia Beach BlvdFine dining, Italian cuisine. Valet parking although it’s walkable/bike-able. Fun fact: was part of the filming/movie of the movie Navy Seals starring Charlie Sheen).
Tried and true local seafood restaurant perfect for a sit down meal. Walking distance.
61 locals recommend
Tautog's Restaurant
205 23rd StTried and true local seafood restaurant perfect for a sit down meal. Walking distance.
Commune
501 Virginia Beach BlvdGreat farm to fork restaurant, locally owned and operated.
Great gastropub in the Arts and Culture District of Virginia Beach. If you enjoy a qualify beer, belly up to the bar and let the bartender lead the way.
42 locals recommend
Esoteric
501 Virginia Beach BlvdGreat gastropub in the Arts and Culture District of Virginia Beach. If you enjoy a qualify beer, belly up to the bar and let the bartender lead the way.
Who doesn’t like tapas? Order a round of tapas and drinks to share. Enjoy and repeat.
41 locals recommend
Pacifica
328 40th StWho doesn’t like tapas? Order a round of tapas and drinks to share. Enjoy and repeat.
Best cheesesteak place in Tidewater. It’s a drive but if you need a cheesesteak, this is your place.
Philly Style Steaks & Subs
7450A Tidewater DrBest cheesesteak place in Tidewater. It’s a drive but if you need a cheesesteak, this is your place.
Asahi
1628 Independence BlvdIf Korean food is your thing, here’s the best place in the area. Driving distance.
Pelon's Baja Grill
3619 Pacific AveLocally owned franchise serving California style tacos.
A very nice eclectic meal awaits if you choose to dine here.
38 locals recommend
eat: an american bistro
4005 Atlantic AveA very nice eclectic meal awaits if you choose to dine here.
I usually don’t recommend chain restaurants, but Ruth’s Chris is the exception. If your party is small, consider dining in the bar area which offers high tops as well as the bar itself.
19 locals recommend
Ruth's Chris Steak House
205 Central Park AveI usually don’t recommend chain restaurants, but Ruth’s Chris is the exception. If your party is small, consider dining in the bar area which offers high tops as well as the bar itself.
Definitely a biker/dive bar. Deep into the rural section of Virginia Beach. Been around for a long time. Some say they have the best burgers in the area.
Monks Place Inc
649 Princess Anne RdDefinitely a biker/dive bar. Deep into the rural section of Virginia Beach. Been around for a long time. Some say they have the best burgers in the area.
If you like poké or would like to try it, here is the place. Taste the flavors that Hawaii, California and others have enjoyed for a very long time.
14 locals recommend
Aloha Snacks
501 Laskin RdIf you like poké or would like to try it, here is the place. Taste the flavors that Hawaii, California and others have enjoyed for a very long time.
Love this small locally owner seafood market. Just a short drive away. Shrimp, scallops, lump crab meat, clams, fish and more await.
Welton's Seafood Market
940 Laskin RdLove this small locally owner seafood market. Just a short drive away. Shrimp, scallops, lump crab meat, clams, fish and more await.
If you have a hankering for authentic Dim Sum, go here on a Sunday. Best in Tidewater
Jade Villa Chinese Restaurant
353 Independence BlvdIf you have a hankering for authentic Dim Sum, go here on a Sunday. Best in Tidewater
Who doesn’t love a good food truck? The Shack is designed to host multiple food and beverage vendors in a nice outdoor setting complete with music, tables and activities.
84 locals recommend
The Shack
712 Atlantic AveWho doesn’t love a good food truck? The Shack is designed to host multiple food and beverage vendors in a nice outdoor setting complete with music, tables and activities.
Been here forever. If all you can eat seafood is your thing. This is your spot. Driving distance, but not terribly far.
45 locals recommend
Captain George's Seafood Restaurant
1956 Laskin RdBeen here forever. If all you can eat seafood is your thing. This is your spot. Driving distance, but not terribly far.
2 blocks away is a small artisan coffee and pastry shop. You won’t be disappointed.
14 locals recommend
May's Parlor
2708 Pacific Ave2 blocks away is a small artisan coffee and pastry shop. You won’t be disappointed.
Dockside Bars/Waterfront Restaurants
Enjoy these choices for a dining experience with a view of the water.
Can’t go wrong, breakfast, lunch or dinner. From their killer early bird specials, shrimp and grits, drink specials, fish tacos, and THE best wings (have them finish them on the grill) in the area, you have give this place a chance. Low key, local’s spot on the water
71 locals recommend
Big Sam's Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar
300 Winston Salem AvenueCan’t go wrong, breakfast, lunch or dinner. From their killer early bird specials, shrimp and grits, drink specials, fish tacos, and THE best wings (have them finish them on the grill) in the area, you have give this place a chance. Low key, local’s spot on the water
Chick's Oyster Bar
2143 Vista CirCasual atmosphere. Great seafood Great views off the water.
Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center
3311 Shore DrGreat views and great seafood
Seafood, next to the water. If the weather is right, get an outdoor seat.
73 locals recommend
Rudee's Restaurant and Cabana Bar
227 Mediterranean AvenueSeafood, next to the water. If the weather is right, get an outdoor seat.
Casual setting on the water. Can’t go wrong here.
41 locals recommend
Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse
3323 Shore DrCasual setting on the water. Can’t go wrong here.
Rockafeller's Restaurant
308 Mediterranean AveNothing like eating near the water.
Although they have inside dining, grab a table outside viewing the oceanfront and boardwalk. Ride your bike or valet.
195 locals recommend
Waterman's Surfside Grille
415 Atlantic AveAlthough they have inside dining, grab a table outside viewing the oceanfront and boardwalk. Ride your bike or valet.
Relatively new to the food scene, this casual spot is right on the water at Long Bay Point. Dine as you watch the local boaters cruise by.
38 locals recommend
The Porch on Long Creek
2109 W Great Neck RdRelatively new to the food scene, this casual spot is right on the water at Long Bay Point. Dine as you watch the local boaters cruise by.
Adventure!
Who doesn’t want a touch of adrenaline every once and a whike
It’s nice change of pace from the resort area. I encourage you to experience Coastal Virginia’s natural beauty at First Landing State Park. As a natural habitat for birds, it’s not uncommon to spot a bald eagle soaring above or a grey heron fishing in the tidal waters. I love the sound of the wind as it passes around the live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
13 locals recommend
First Landing State Park 64th St Entrance
225 64th StIt’s nice change of pace from the resort area. I encourage you to experience Coastal Virginia’s natural beauty at First Landing State Park. As a natural habitat for birds, it’s not uncommon to spot a bald eagle soaring above or a grey heron fishing in the tidal waters. I love the sound of the wind as it passes around the live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
iFLY VA Beach
2412 Pacific AveFun for all ages. Zip lines and obstacles! Turn right on Pacific and drive about 4 miles. It’s on the right!
130 locals recommend
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
801 General Booth BlvdFun for all ages. Zip lines and obstacles! Turn right on Pacific and drive about 4 miles. It’s on the right!
Locally owned and operated, this bike shop has been providing electric bikes to so many locals and helped get people out of the house and moving. He also sells bike helmets etc and can help with a flat. Sorry, no bike rentals available here, but if you can, definitely treat yourself or a loved one one of the best modes of transportation around. Brushless, instant on demand torque. Santa, if you’re listening, please put anyone of them on my list. Simply amazing!
Virginia Beach Electric Bike Center
301A 25th StLocally owned and operated, this bike shop has been providing electric bikes to so many locals and helped get people out of the house and moving. He also sells bike helmets etc and can help with a flat. Sorry, no bike rentals available here, but if you can, definitely treat yourself or a loved one one of the best modes of transportation around. Brushless, instant on demand torque. Santa, if you’re listening, please put anyone of them on my list. Simply amazing!
Hillier Ignite Fitness Park
Virginia Beach BoardwalkGreat beach fitness park. FREE!
Great place to spend some time. An absolute must if you’ve never been to a Top Golf. About a 20minute drive away.
111 locals recommend
Topgolf
5444 Greenwich RdGreat place to spend some time. An absolute must if you’ve never been to a Top Golf. About a 20minute drive away.
Grommet Island Park
2nd StreetGreat spot for the kids!
If you want to fish and need gear here is your spot. Locally owned, they have the gear and the bait you need.
Princess Anne Distributing Co
623 Virginia Beach BlvdIf you want to fish and need gear here is your spot. Locally owned, they have the gear and the bait you need.
If you need to scratch a fishing itch, here’s a good spot. Depending on the season, flounder, spot, cobia, red drum, and others are hauled in from this pier.
101 locals recommend
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
Virginia Beach Fishing PierIf you need to scratch a fishing itch, here’s a good spot. Depending on the season, flounder, spot, cobia, red drum, and others are hauled in from this pier.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/back_bay/
Read up on the their website regarding access, what to bring, not bring etc. Similar to Charleston, SC aka The Low Country, Virginia Beach makes up a significant makeup of “Tidewater.” Bring a camera if you have one and take in the fresh air in this wonderful wildlife sanctuary.
73 locals recommend
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
4005 Sandpiper Rdhttps://www.fws.gov/refuge/back_bay/
Read up on the their website regarding access, what to bring, not bring etc. Similar to Charleston, SC aka The Low Country, Virginia Beach makes up a significant makeup of “Tidewater.” Bring a camera if you have one and take in the fresh air in this wonderful wildlife sanctuary.
Arts
The art scene is alive and well here in Tidewater.
Local family owned and operated. See and experience generations of local art generated right here in Tidewater. The painting by the condo’s dinner table “Welcome the Wanderers” is by Herb Jones. Nothing like seeing their art up close and in person. The artists truly capture the magic of Tidewater.
Jones Art Gallery
184 Central Park AveLocal family owned and operated. See and experience generations of local art generated right here in Tidewater. The painting by the condo’s dinner table “Welcome the Wanderers” is by Herb Jones. Nothing like seeing their art up close and in person. The artists truly capture the magic of Tidewater.
Within walking distance, the MOCA continually rotates thru artists work. You can find out more on what they have on display on their website.
125 locals recommend
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
2200 Parks AveWithin walking distance, the MOCA continually rotates thru artists work. You can find out more on what they have on display on their website.
Although you would need to use a car, this museum is my favorite in the area. If you’re looking to see more of what Tidewater is to offer, please give this place a look. (It’s free too)
184 locals recommend
Chrysler Museum of Art
1 Memorial PlAlthough you would need to use a car, this museum is my favorite in the area. If you’re looking to see more of what Tidewater is to offer, please give this place a look. (It’s free too)
The kids absolutely love it and why not. Designed to help encourage learning through interactive exhibits, interactive enough to keep the adults entertained as well.
71 locals recommend
Children's Museum of Virginia
221 High StThe kids absolutely love it and why not. Designed to help encourage learning through interactive exhibits, interactive enough to keep the adults entertained as well.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Please be aware of parking restrictions around the area.
During the months of March-October, the city enforces stricter parking rules. Please be aware of parking signs, when not parking on the property.
Don't miss
Indoor Skydiving! SO. MUCH. FUN!!!
You have to. It’s just across the street.
What to pack
Beach towels
To preserve the life of our bath towels, please bring your own beach towels for use while you are here. Thank you for understanding.
Book before you go
Fine dining reservations
If you do intend to have a nice sit down dinner at one of the higher end restaurants, I do recommend making a reservation.
Customs and culture
Lock your car
Overall Virginia Beach is a very safe place, but the entire beach is known to have have people randomly check to see if car doors are locked. If they are locked, they simply move on. As good practice, please lock your car(s).
Getting around
Uber, Lyft
Most of the standard ride sharing services are supported here.
Ways to save
Harris Teeter discount
If you’re not already a member, I recommend signing up for a (free) Harris Teeter rewards card.for discounts. You will hopefully find some decent deals if you’re planning on purchasing any groceries during your stay.
Customs and culture
Bicycles on the bike path/boardwallk
Legally, bikes are supposed to be on the bike path not the boardwalk. These two paths run parallel to each other from 1st to 40th Street. Whether you’re walking or riding a bike, please use caution while while crossing/on these paths.