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22 May 2024
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Trip Planning

It’s no secret, Virginia Beach is home to some of the world’s best beaches! We have over 30 miles of coastline, mild waves suitable for all ages and stages of play, and clean sandy beaches; what’s not to love? When looking for your next vacation home, the beach you attend is almost as important as the property itself! Luckily, Atkinson Realty Vacations allows you to search for your Virginia Beach condos by location, according to the beach area. Let’s dive into those and why folks love spending their vacations at these beaches. 

North End

The North End is known for its serene and picturesque atmosphere; the quintessential beach town from the movies. Filled with a mix of newly-built extra-large homes or antique petite cottages; there’s something for every taste and budget here. The North End is an ideal vacation location because guests can be close to the beach during the day, but it is also a short drive or bike ride away from the hustle and bustle of the activities of the resort district. We all have those days where we need peace and quiet, but we also need to let our hair down, and choosing a vacation home in the North End allows you to experience the best of both worlds. 

When choosing from our North End Virginia Beach rentals, be sure to check its location on the map. We have a mixture of homes that are directly oceanfront, semi-oceanfront, and more. You’re never more than a short strolling distance to the beach so you can take advantage of sun and surf time. 

Boardwalk/Resort Area 


When you think of vacationing in Virginia Beach, the boardwalk or resort area is typically what comes to mind. Flashing lights, fancy restaurants, sweet shops every seven feet, and sky-high hotels. But at Atkinson Realty Vacations, we’ve taken all the guesswork out of booking a relaxing stay that’s still at the heart of the action. Our vacation rentals in the resort area keep you in the thick of the action but still offer all of the comforts of home so you can get away at the end of the day. 

The beaches at the boardwalk are truly some of the best on the East Coast. They’re host to festivals year round, and home to beaches for all bodies. At 2nd Street we have the 15,000 square foot JT’s Grommet Island Park, an accessible in-the-sand playground for children and adults of all abilities, as well as several Virginia beaches with extended wood walkways to make your travel on and off the beach as easy as possible. 

The boardwalk and resort area in Virginia Beach also has another perk that may be overlooked, almost every beach has a lifeguard on duty from sunrise to sunset. Not only does this give beachgoers some peace of mind, but if you’re new to swimming in an ocean or not the strongest swimmer, you have this additional layer of protection. 

Croatan 


Ah, Croatan (crow-uh-tan), the locals' favorite. Nestled deep in the Croatan Virginia Beach neighborhood, people here know it as a “surfer’s beach,” with two designated areas just for the sport. The actual beach itself is much more narrow than the oceanfront, so you’ll have a shorter walk ie, less hot sand to deal with when you’re heading out at the end of the day. 

Choosing a Croatan Virginia vacation rental in this part of the beach is unique. Just south of the resort area, yet still a close drive or bike ride back to the hustle and bustle. But, like the North End, offers that secluded and quiet residential feel so you can still take advantage of all a beach vacation can offer (plenty of premium beach time). 

Another thing to consider about a Croatan Beach vacation rental is that because the Virginia beaches are smaller, they won't be as populated as those in the resort area or even the North End at the peak of the summer season. Here, you’ll be able to spread out, not feel like you’re on top of someone else trying to catch some rays and connect with locals who would more than likely give you a great dinner location recommendation. 

Want to learn to surf during your stay? The Seth Broudy School of Surf practices on this beach so you won't be far from lessons, and they're a local partner with us so you can save some serious green.

Chesapeake Beach 

Lastly, our Chesapeake Beach vacation rentals are located on the Chesapeake Bay instead of the Atlantic Ocean. The bay offers several advantages, especially for multi-generational vacationers as the water is much calmer and the waves are quite petite. The best time is during low tide and long pools are created with about three to four-inch deep water. Toss your beach chair in, grab a book and some shades, and prepare for a terrific afternoon. Little ones love to galavant and kick and swim around during low tide and it gives the adults in charge that extra peace of mind knowing there’s a long stretch of very shallow water. 

Chesapeake Beach is a unique vacation experience apart from the oceanfront. It’s older and funkier. It has several breweries to visit and one-of-a-kind restaurants loaded with history and old pictures. You’ll feel a sense of calm and quiet you won’t feel anywhere else. That’s the magic of Chesapeake Beach, Chick’s Beach if you’re local. 

Whatever beach and vacation home you choose you truly can’t go wrong. Each area and surrounding neighborhood has its own unique vibe and beach; the hardest decision is choosing the one that’s right for you. We make it easy to search for your next dream vacation home by location, amenity, or even name. We look forward to seeing you soon, happy searching!