10 Best Food and Attractions to Visit in Virginia Beach

Road Trip to Virginia Beach

I just wrapped up my first family road trip, and let me tell you, I wish we had done this sooner! We decided on a last-minute adventure to Virginia Beach to visit my daughter, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. The drive took about six hours, with two rest stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy some snacks. I honestly wish we could have stayed longer!

If you’re thinking about taking a family road trip, here are some tips based on our journey that might help you out.

First things first, we checked the weather to see if we’d be facing any storms. The forecast predicted some rain, but that didn’t stop us; I was still determined to hit the beach! I even searched for fun indoor activities in case the rain came pouring down.

Before we hit the road, we arranged for a trustworthy neighbor to check on our house and feed our cat while we were away. It’s crucial to have someone reliable watch over things at home, especially if you have pets.

And if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to pack plenty of snacks, water, and fun distractions, like coloring books and car games. We even downloaded a few movies for our daughter on the iPad, but she was so excited about the trip that she spent most of the time gazing out the window, soaking in all the scenery.

Overall, this trip was a fantastic experience, and I look forward to our next family adventure!

HOTEL STAY

I went online and looked at hotels near the beach. The closer to the beach, the more expensive the hotels were, so we looked for hotels not too far from the beach. Some hotels even charge for parking, so make sure there is parking on the hotel grounds. I didn’t want to leave my car and walk a block back to my hotel. I made a list of hotels close to the beach, ranked by reviews, with pools, parking, and, most importantly, prices.

Beware: Many third-party sites offer deals, but I recommend booking your stay directly with the hotel. I witnessed guests arriving at the hotel without their reservations or the rooms they requested online. We booked directly through the hotel and received a deal. We signed up for their free Rewards program and will now earn points every time we visit hotels.

 

Negative reviews can hurt your chances of staying at a good hotel. People were complaining about minor things, from the noise of an air conditioner to the presence of people in the hall, and the list can go on. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Norfolk, Virginia, 20 minutes from Virginia Beach, and the highway is adjacent to the hotel. 

There are many hotels to choose from, ranging from kid-friendly options to adult fun with rooftop lounges. Take your time selecting the right hotel, and don’t spend too much time stressing over the “perfect” place to stay.

 

My Review of our Stay: We had a great stay with my family. The bad reviews were exaggerated. We enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi. Our room and bathroom were clean upon arrival. The bed was comfortable, and we had no complaints about noise from guests or our AC. The only complaint was that we didn’t have the included breakfast.

We woke up late, 9.30, and there was no hot breakfast. ( There are many low-cost breakfast places to eat; there was a Denny’s in the same lot as the hotel. We went to the Waffle House and had a great breakfast (under $30 for three people). We had maid service come to our room, but it wasn’t needed. I will stay here again. 

We even received a Quick Response from the owner: “We’re so sorry you didn’t get the breakfast.” That’s not like us at all. We do hope the next time you stay, you have an even better experience. We agree that the bad reviews are exaggerated. We’ve worked very hard to hire amazing staff for our busy summer season; thank you for staying with us. It was a pleasure having you here with us. We hope to see you again.

REST STOPS/ TOLLS/ WATCH YOUR SPEED

Check the rest stops along the way to see how far you will be from the next gas station or restroom. You can drive for miles before your next stop. Fees from the tolls and bridges vary on weekdays and weekends.

Make sure to pay attention to the Cash and Easy Pass lanes. Drive the speed limit! There are different rules and speed limits in each state. The New Jersey highway speed limit is 65 mph; when we drove through Virginia, the speed limit was 45-50 mph. We saw a few cars get pulled over for speeding. Don’t let that be you. Be safe.

FOOD

Bergey’s Breadbasket

http://www.bergeysbreadbasket.com

Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant 5209 Providence Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

The food here was excellent, full of flavor. We had fresh guacamole made at our table. We enjoyed a few dishes: Pina Loka (grilled pineapple stuffed with steak and chicken), Tacos de Pollo (grilled chicken with avocado and chile de Arbol sauce), and Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (sauteed shrimp in garlic mojo sauce, onions, tomato, and fresh avocado served over rice). We enjoyed their signature margaritas and left full and satisfied. It is a great place to come and feel like you’re in Mexico, thanks to the authentic decor and music. 

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Waterman’s Surfside Grille, 415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451  (Family time- no photos – I had to respect my family and put my phone down). We made sure to enjoy some seafood while we were in Virginia Beach and were given recommendations for the best seafood restaurants. We chose Waterman’s Surfside Grille, eager to see all the fabulous reviews.

We were seated by the window overlooking the beach and were not disappointed with our food. We started with appetizers: calamari, crab cakes, chicken tenders, and crab dip. Everything was flavorful and fresh. There are many options on the menu, from seafood and pasta to burgers, and the prices are reasonable. The service was fast, and the customer service was amazing from start to finish. This is a restaurant I’m eager to visit again when I’m in Virginia Beach! https://www.watermans.com/

Lager Heads

Lager Heads does not disappoint. They are located at Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 3315 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. The food and drinks are delicious, and you can enjoy sitting outside while listening to live entertainment.

 

ATTRACTIONS

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

There are many things to do while you’re in Virginia, from visiting the Navy bases, museums, Norfolk Zoo, Botanical gardens, the aquarium, and the list goes on. Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained for the day. They have a small amusement park featuring rides, haunted houses, and numerous places to grab a bite to eat. We paid $20 for all-day parking and headed to the beach. We rented beach chairs and an umbrella from the cabana on the beach for under $40. We enjoyed the soft sand and the cool water in the shade.

We headed to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, a 10-minute drive from the beach. We enjoyed our visit, and it’s a great place to bring families of all ages. We saw seals swimming in the large tank before entering the aquarium. Many exhibits are also hands-on. They offer boat trips to see dolphins and sea turtles; different fees apply, so please check their website for current prices.

 

The best for me was seeing the giant Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the Sandbar Shark. The aquarium is a must-see when visiting Virginia Beach; we spent almost two hours inside, and there was even another center to visit, but we were tight on time. The main attraction when visiting Virginia Beach is the King Neptune Statue on the boardwalk. 

 

 

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Norfolk Botanical Garden is at  6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518. I advise wearing comfortable shoes, bringing water, and wearing a sun visor and sunscreen. There are benches throughout the garden where you can rest and enjoy the beauty surrounding you.

Events are held throughout the year, providing the perfect backdrop for any photography setting. We enjoyed exploring the grounds. Beautiful porcelain statues, fountains, and sculptures are crafted from recycled ocean waste. 

 

 

Before you plan your next getaway, take a moment to explore within.

My book, Let Yourself Bloom: Affirmations to Nourish Your Spirit, along with its accompanying guided journal and coffee table edition, was created to inspire courage, curiosity, and self-belief—no matter where life takes you. The journey starts with one choice: to live fully and fearlessly. 🌍

Discover your next source of inspiration here 👉 

Busch Gardens Theme Park in Williamsburg, Virginia

I got on a rollercoaster for the first time in over 20 years. Of course, it had to be the scariest one. I finally made it to Busch Gardens Theme Park in Williamsburg, Virginia. Growing up in the 80s, this was the typical summer road trip families took during their breaks. I had always heard of the huge theme park that was an amusement park and zoo.

I’m living my childhood dream and bringing my family along. On the day we visited, it was extremely hot. I suggest going later when the sun is a bit cooler, but if you prefer visiting during the day, that’s fine too. I recommend wearing sunscreen, bringing a visor, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to ride roller coasters, wanting to watch performances, or taking the kids to see the animals, there is something for everyone. You can also enjoy food inspired by cultures from around the world and shop for souvenirs. It’s an experience for all ages!