Virginia Beach

Why Virginia Beach for a Bach Trip

Virginia Beach is the East Coast's underrated bach trip beach destination. Three miles of boardwalk, the largest pleasure beach on the East Coast, oceanfront high-rise hotels at affordable prices, and a reliable casual-bar boardwalk scene. The bachelorette circuit favors groups celebrating someone who would rather have a beach weekend than a Nashville bender. Bachelor groups do well with the surf scene and the Virginia Beach craft beer surge in the last few years.

The right group is looking for a cheaper East Coast beach alternative to OBX or Myrtle Beach. The wrong group is looking for sophistication; Virginia Beach is unapologetically tourist-friendly.

Where to Base Your Group

Stay oceanfront. The Boardwalk hotel strip has a dozen high-rise oceanfront properties. Hotels: Cavalier Hotel (the historic 1927 splurge), Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. For groups, oceanfront condos in Sandbridge (10 minutes south, more residential) sleep 8 to 14 and run $300 to $1,000 per night.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

Best months: late May through September for swimmable water. June and September are sweet spots with warm water and lower crowds. Avoid Memorial Day weekend (Greek Fest brings huge crowds), July 4th week, and the East Coast Surfing Championships (late August).

The Day Scene

Beach time. Boardwalk biking. Surfing lessons via WRV Surf School or Hatteras Outfitters. Dolphin tours from Virginia Beach Fishing Center. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. First Landing State Park for a hike-and-historic combo. The Cape Henry Lighthouse for the photo. False Cape State Park for the more remote beach hike.

The Night Scene

Boardwalk hotel bars and oceanfront restaurants are the spine. Catch 31, Repeal Bourbon and Grille, and Tradition Brewing for the neighborhood scene. The Atlantic Wildwood for the dive bar feel. Most bars close at 2 AM but the energy on the boardwalk is more chill than club. The Atlantic Avenue strip has karaoke and live music spots.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

Seafood is the move. Top picks: Catch 31 for oceanfront fine dining, Eat An American Bistro for the date-night dinner, Rudee's on the Inlet for casual fish-camp seafood. The Shack on 8th for the local breakfast. Aldo's for Italian. For pizza, Joe's Pizza Pasta and Subs. Several waterfront restaurants on the Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets are worth a sunset dinner.

Pro Tips

Beach parking on the Boardwalk costs $5 to $10 per day; many hotels include it. Bring beach gear or rent it from your hotel; it is significantly cheaper than buying new. The drive from Norfolk Airport is 25 minutes. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a real boardwalk (concrete, but with the classic feel) that goes for three miles; bike it. Sandbridge Beach (south) is dog-friendly and quieter than the main boardwalk strip. And the bay side (Chesapeake Bay) of Virginia Beach has calmer water and crab pots; very different vibe from the ocean side.