Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into ORF, drive to Virginia Beach
29 min drive18 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
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.
Your route
ORF
Norfolk International Airport
Virginia Beach
About 29 min · 18 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to ORF
Compare fares into Norfolk International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at ORF
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Virginia Beach. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at ORF
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Virginia Beach
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – September
Your route
Day 1 · Resort Core and Coastal History
Virginia Beach Boardwalk → Cape Henry Lighthouse
Day 2 · Swamps and Shorelines
First Landing State Park → Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Day 3 · Wild Southern Reaches
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge → False Cape State Park
Viator
Tours & experiences near Virginia Beach
Explore guided activities around Virginia Beach. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Virginia Beach
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional 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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Virginia Beach?
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from ORF to Virginia Beach?
Roughly 29 min (about 18 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Virginia Beach?
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.
