No matter where you’re staying during your beach vacation, the Virginia Beach boardwalk will somehow be the epicenter of your activities. From going to the beach and experiencing some of the fantastic restaurants to some of our fun attractions, there is something for everyone on the boardwalk.
1. Book Surf Lessons
Even if you’ll never surf again, saying that you stood up on a wave on vacation brings some pretty hefty bragging rights at your next water cooler gathering. There is no shortage of surf schools in Virginia Beach. Still, luckily for you, Atkinson Realty Vacations is partnering up with the legendary Seth Broudy’s School of Surf to bring you some serious savings. Book private lessons for you or the whole family, and get ready to start saying things like “righteous, gnarly, and (our personal favorite) naw bruh.”
2. Mini Golf
Maybe you need a break from the beach or need some friendly competition - mini golf is the perfect companion to a beach vacation, and the boardwalk has plenty to choose from. Between the indoor blacklight mini golf (which can be terrific if you need some indoor time or have poor weather) or the local’s favorite Jungle Golf, there’s a theme that fits your vibe, or try them all out as they’re pretty budget-friendly.
3. iFly
Ready to fly on your beach vacation? Of course, you are! Conveniently located on 25th Street just off Pacific Avenue and just a block away from the boardwalk, this is the perfect activity for those wanting to experience the freedom of weightless flight! The team at iFly claims there is no falling feeling, just being suspended in the air!
4. Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum
Suppose you grew up touring historic homes and museums. In that case, you’ll love the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum, conveniently located at 2401 Atlantic Avenue, the heart of the boardwalk in the resort district. Filled with cool memorabilia and even more passionate docents, this is a great way to learn more about our fair city in a fun and friendly atmosphere. There are even rumors that a few ghosts haunt the lookout tower, so enter if you dare; we're sure they're just dying to meet you.
5. Summer Free Concert Series
The Oceanfront Concert Series is a staple of a Virginia Beach vacation.Every Wednesday at the 17th Street Beach Park, summer nights heat up with a free music extravaganza! Trust us, this is not just a random karaoke fest; actual national touring musicians headline these concerts that you know and love, and they bring the jams. A diverse range of musical genres and the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean make it a winning combination for all.
6. Visit King Neptune’s Statue and Neptune Park
King Neptune’s statue is an iconic bronze fixture of the Virginia Beach boardwalk on 31st Street. No beach vacation is complete without a forced family photo near this behemoth. To make your visit genuinely iconic, book a ghost walk aptly named “Neptune’s Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast” for a haunted tour of the boardwalk and hear tales of shipwrecks, hauntings, and more. You'll be glad you stopped by and took the mandatory family photo when it's holiday card time, which is one less thing you'll need to worry about this year.
7. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
Located at 15th Street, almost directly in the center of the boardwalk, the pier is a highlight for anglers of all skill levels, bringing in a variety of fish! Plus, on the pier, you’ll get views of the entire boardwalk you won’t find anywhere else. After a day of fishing, stop into Ocean Eddie’s for a bite, and you’re having a picture-perfect day.
8. JT’s Grommet Island Park
At 2nd Street lies a 15,000-square-foot beach park with wheelchair-accessible entrances and an incredible playground that includes raised sand tables for sand castle building and an accessible height, a sensory board for children who are autistic or visually impaired, and a swaying boat. This is a magnificent place where everyone can play and have the perfect beach day. Something else to love? Accessible showers for after the park or beach so the sand doesn't back to the car your vacation rental!
9. Horseback Riding on the Beach
Make one-of-a-kind memories and book a horseback ride on the beach! Experience the beauty of the coast from a unique vantage point and ride through the sand and surf from 26th Street to 9th Street and back. Have no experience riding? No worries, this is an ideal activity for first-time riders on the gentle terrain, and your ride is guided by a professional instructor at all times. Sunset on the beach just got better when you can do it by horseback.
10. Old Timey Photos
We love to cringe and wince at them, but getting dressed up for an old-timey photo is a beach vacation staple. Whether you choose the Western look, 1920s gangsters, or the prim and proper Southern belle, there’s an awful look that will make you giggle and get you feeling the part. There is no shortage of places like these, like Memory Lane Old Time Photos, so smile nicely for Mom because she’s really going to treasure this, and hopefully, you will, too.
There you have it, folks! We hope you’re even more excited about your beach vacation, filled with lots to do in a short radius! Seriously, all of this is done within a span of 30 blocks! The best part will be coming home to your cozy Virginia Beach vacation rental to lay your head down at the end of the day to do it again the next day! We can't wait to see you soon, don't forget to tag us in your vacation pictures!