Where to Stay in Virginia Beach (4 Best Places & Areas)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is in the southeast corner of Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city is known for its bustling resort area, iconic boardwalk, and artsy vibe. 

The three-mile-long boardwalk is lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and activities. Beyond the oceanfront, the downtown area offers museums and cultural sites to explore. 

The city provides the perfect balance of amenities one would find in a larger city, while still feeling like a laid-back coastal town. 

Oceanfront North

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Oceanfront North Hotels: Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach • The Historic Cavalier Hotel • SureStay Hotel by Best Western Virginia Beach Royal Clipper • Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

For ocean views in Virginia Beach, stay in the Oceanfront North area. The Oceanfront North offers a multitude of hotels just steps from the beach, as well as a boardwalk with all the amenities at your fingertips. 

Whether you want to lie on the beach in the sun all day, relax in the resort pool, spot dolphins from your balcony, or enjoy the attractions along the boardwalk, the Oceanfront North has you covered. 

For first-timers, the Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach is the best hotel in the area. It’s right between 20th & 21st streets – so straddling the Oceanfront North and South areas – meaning it’s as centrally located as you could be. It’s ideal for walking to almost any shop or restaurant on the strip.

For the luxury traveler, treat yourself at The Historic Cavalier Hotel. It was built during the roaring 1920s and brings Virginia Beach’s hospitality, modern amenities, and history together in one luxurious experience. 

Alternatively, if you’re more budget-minded, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Virginia Beach Royal Clipper might suit you better. 

Pros of the Oceanfront North area:

• Close proximity to the ocean 
• High energy buzz of the Boardwalk 
• Plenty of shops and restaurants 

Cons of the Oceanfront North area:

• Limited parking
• Noisy at night
• Can be more expensive

Oceanfront South

👉 Best Area For Quiet & Relaxation | ✨ Best Oceanfront South Hotels: Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront • The Doubletree by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront South • The Schooner Inn

The Southernmost part of the boardwalk, often referred to as Oceanfront South, is still convenient to many shops, restaurants, and things to do. However, it’s a bit more laid back than its northern counterpart, offering more museums and shops than nightlife. 

While there are still many hotels to choose from, they’re less central than the Northern side of the resort area. At the very base of the boardwalk, there is also a playground on the beach, which is great for families.

If you’re looking for a unique experience on the water, try staying at the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront. It’s distinct from others on the oceanfront by the design and overall vibe. Between the funky interiors in the rooms and the slide in the main lobby, this place screams fun. 

The Doubletree by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront South is a bit farther south on the boardwalk, so the beaches and the strip will be quieter if that’s what you’re looking for. It also has a nice sushi restaurant where you can take in ocean views.

Pros of the Oceanfront South Area:

• More laid back & quiet
• Playground for families
• Still within walking distance of restaurants & shops
• The surfing school is nearby (go surfing yourself or watch from your balcony)

Cons of the Oceanfront South Area:

• A bit farther from the nightlife & attractions that the north offers

Town Center

👉 Best Area For Business & Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Town Center Hotels: The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center • Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center • Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Virginia Beach Town Center

Further inland, the Town Center provides a coastal vibe without being on the water. While lacking beachfront views, I recommend this area if you’re either on a budget or in town for business. There are still plenty of hotels here, as well as museums and restaurants.

This is also the best place to be if you’re in town for a concert or other centrally-located event, as it’s right by the Virginia Beach Amphitheater and Sandler Center for Performing Arts.

The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is a pet-friendly hotel and perfect for exploring downtown’s attractions. It has nine banquet rooms and full-service catering, so it’s a great fit for business travelers or those just looking to stay downtown.

Pros of the Town Center

• Budget-friendly
• Near the Virginia Beach Amphitheater and Sandler Center for Performing Arts

Cons of the Town Center

• Not on the water

Camping

👉 Best Area For Outdoorsy Types | ✨ Best Virginia Beach Campgrounds: KOA Virginia Beach • First Landing State Park

Camping in Virginia Beach is a great choice to get away from the crowds, enjoy nature in the area, and save some money while you do so. I mean, doesn’t sleeping under the stars near the water sound dreamy?

Virginia Beach has campsites for tent camping, RV hookups, and cozy cabins – really, no matter your flavor, there’s a camping option.

KOA Virginia Beach has both cabins and camping spots available. This is the ideal place to stay, especially if you want to avoid the crowds on the boardwalk and escape to nature. Be prepared to drive or use a ride-share to some popular attractions, though. 

First Landing State Park is another great place to get into nature and unwind. This is a great stop for families, couples, solo travelers, or those traveling with dogs, as it’s a dog-friendly park. 

If you choose to camp at First Landing State Park, keep in mind it doesn’t offer the amenities of many of the hotels, but it is perfect if you’re looking for a more laid-back beach. There’s also an extensive trail system throughout the park to explore and spot wildlife. 

Pros of Camping in Virginia Beach: 

• Less busy than the waterfront resort area
• Connection to nature
• Less expensive

Cons of Camping in Virginia Beach:

• Driving to attractions or restaurants will be necessary

Tips for Staying in Virginia Beach

Check Parking Beforehand

Parking in Virginia Beach, especially the oceanfront area, is limited and rules are strictly enforced. 

Verify how many parking spaces come with your room when booking your stay, if you need more than one space. Often, hotels are only able to give a limited number of spaces in public parking areas and have limits within their own parking garages as well. 

Book Desired Tours and Attractions in Advance

There are so many leisure activities and fun things to do in Virginia Beach. However, during the summer, activities that require timed entry or tickets can fill up fast. For attractions that you don’t want to miss, ensure you secure your tickets or restaurant reservations in advance. 

Shop Local

In Virginia Beach, like many other destinations, there are plenty of franchise shops and restaurants. While many of these are great, enjoy and fully immerse yourself in the city and its unique vibe by shopping and dining at local establishments, all while supporting small businesses. 

Research Local Festivals

Virginia Beach has a multitude of events and festivals throughout the year, specifically during the summer months. 

Check beforehand if there is an event and what it is. If you want a more relaxed getaway, avoid booking during certain events. However, some events may interest you, and you may end up planning your vacation around them. 

👉 You Might Also Like: Where to Stay in Richmond (By a Local)

FAQs About Virginia Beach 

What are the best areas to stay in Virginia Beach for first-timers?

The best area to stay in Virginia Beach for first-timers is Oceanfront North, as it offers a multitude of hotels just steps from the ocean. In addition, there are many shops, restaurants, and activities near the oceanfront. Live music is basically guaranteed every weekend during the summer, and there’s no shortage of water views. 

What are the best parts of Virginia Beach to stay in? 

The oceanfront resort area is about three miles long and stretches from 2nd Street to 40th Street. Locals typically divide the strip into North and South, and they have distinct vibes. I’d recommend somewhere in the middle, near 20th street, to be in the center of it all. If you’re looking for somewhere more relaxed, stay farther north above 30th Street. 

Can I rent beach chairs and umbrellas on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. There are multiple shops along the Boardwalk where you can rent bikes, chairs, umbrellas, and more! Shorebreak Outfitters is a beach concierge where you can rent beach gear that will be set up and taken down for you at the end of the day.

What is there to do in the morning at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

The best morning activities in Virginia Beach are catching the sunrise and dolphin spotting from your balcony. Taking a walk on the boardwalk, visiting a local coffee shop, or beating the crowds to shops are also great ideas. 

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Virginia Beach! I hope this makes choosing the perfect hotel for you a lot easier. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below.