Virginia Beach
©

Virginia Beach

A classic Atlantic getaway where expansive boardwalks meet natural wildlife preserves.

Arrival airport
ORF
Airport drive
29 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–4 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
Standard passenger cars are ideal; RVs face strict parking restrictions in the resort area and narrow streets in Sandbridge.
Black Friday sale: save up to 35% off motorhome rentalsBlack Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.

Top tour

Most popular experience near Virginia Beach

Know before you go

Oceanfront Metering

City parking garages and meters are concentrated between 2nd and 40th streets. Rates and availability fluctuate significantly during summer festivals.

Military Base Entry

Access to the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse requires passing through a military security checkpoint. Check official Fort Story visitor requirements for current ID mandates.

Southern Refuge Connectivity

Cellular service is reliable in the resort area but may drop in the remote marshes of Back Bay. Download trail maps for False Cape before heading south.

Sandbridge Logistics

Fuel stations are plentiful in the main city but sparse once you enter the Sandbridge residential area. Refill near Nimmo Parkway before heading to the refuges.

Whale Migration Windows

Humpback whale tours typically operate from December through February. Sightings are weather-dependent and boat capacities are limited.

Check current conditions:Virginia State Parks

2RVs, campervans & cars near ORF

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airlines of South Australia Fokker F-27-200 Friendship at Birdsville.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to ORF

Check on Aviasales
©
2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at ORF
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at ORF

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at ORF
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at ORF
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at ORF

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at ORF
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Virginia Beach

  1. 01

    Resort Core and Coastal History

    Suggested: 9 AM from Atlantic Avenue

    • Virginia Beach Boardwalk

      Stroll or cycle the three-mile concrete path, passing the 24-foot bronze King Neptune statue.

    • Cape Henry Lighthouse

      Climb the 1792 structure for views of the Chesapeake Bay mouth; located on the Fort Story military base.

    Allow 30–40 minutes for local transit; summer traffic on Atlantic Avenue can be heavy.

    Cape Henry Lighthouse requires valid ID for base entry; check military access status before visiting.

    Pick up your vehicle at ORF →
  2. 02

    Swamps and Shorelines

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Shore Drive

    • First Landing State Park

      Hike the Bald Cypress Trail through prehistoric-looking wetlands draped in Spanish moss.

    • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

      View sharks and rays in glass tunnels and explore local marsh habitats featuring river otters.

    Allow 45 minutes; sights are clustered on the northern end of the city.

    First Landing is the state's most-visited park; parking lots may reach capacity on summer weekends.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Wild Southern Reaches

    Suggested: 8 AM from Sandbridge

    • Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

      Observe migratory birds and wild pigs among the freshwater marshes and dunes.

    • False Cape State Park

      Access this remote beach only by foot, bike, or boat for a look at the untouched Virginia coast.

    Allow 1 hour to reach Sandbridge; transit into False Cape is non-vehicular.

    Prepare for a long walk or bike ride as False Cape has no vehicle access for the general public.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

Advance Coastal Lodging and Marine Excursions

Standard hotel and vacation rental bookings are necessary, with a 4–6 month lead time suggested for summer oceanfront stays. Campsites at First Landing State Park fill rapidly for holiday weekends. Whale watching and boat tours require separate tickets through private operators; check official park pages for seasonal tram or tour schedules.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

ORFVirginia Beach

Norfolk International Airport · 29 min drive

Find flights to ORF

Plan your road trip

From Norfolk International Airport

29 min

about 18 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Virginia Beach on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Virginia Beach on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Virginia Beach

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Virginia Beach

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Virginia Beach

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Virginia Beach

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Plan deeper

More destinations you'll love

All destinations