We love VA Beach because it has all the elements of a huge beach resort - it's just plain fun! And a Virginia Beach vacation package brings it all together. The beach is on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, and offers over 28 miles of beachfront surrounded by resort hotels, fine restaurants, and attractions.

The famous boardwalk is alive with amusement, art and delicious food. There's a festival or event almost every weekend, and they're set up so they won't overwhelm you if you choose not to participate. The wide, warm beaches are fantastic, and you can choose beachfront either in the thick of the action or away from the crowds.

VA Beach vacations call for a trip to the Boardwalk on the resort strip

 You just have to appreciate VA Beach vacations for what they are. This is not an unspoiled beach like portions of the Outer Banks, or a quaint beach resort with quiet, pristine beaches. It's a bit like a mini-Myrtle Beach, with high-rise hotels, scads of things to do and lively beaches that are well-kept and clean.

One of the main things we enjoy is Beach Street USA. It's a section along the oceanfront "strip" where festivals and events happen all summer and even through the fall and winter. Most all events are free!

Tips for Great Virginia Beach Vacation Packages

In the fall, the weather's still warm enough to sit on the beach, and the crowd starts to thin out. Although it's probably a little too chilly for swimming, the hotels are cheap and you can get some great deals with a vacation package. Prices are exceptionally good in the off season!

There are budget-friendly package deals for any kind of trip. Many families plan vacations around the four seasons, such as holiday traditions of Christmas at the Beach or a Thanksgiving package.

The Chesapeake Bay, just north of the resort strip

If you're looking for a quieter beach, aim for a vacation package on the Chesapeake Bay. Here, the waters are shallow and gentle, great for swimming, hiking, boating, and fishing.

Just above the Virginia Beach resort area, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, is First Landing State Park. You won't find any lifeguards here, but it's a wonderful refuge away from all the action.

VA Beach Rentals and Hotels

When you feel like spreading out with the freedom and comforts of home, VA Beach vacation rentals are your best bet. Take your shoes off and relax in a condo or beach home right on the waterfront. From the resort area to tranquil Sandbridge Beach, there are vacation package deals with very nice rental homes.

The hotels range anywhere from budget lodging to 5 star hotels, and many offer all-inclusive deals. A package deal sponsored by a hotel is often the most affordable way to enjoy all the area has to offer.

For an ideal oceanfront stay on the northern end of the Virginia Beach strip, try the Ocean Beach Club Resort, an upscale high-rise hotel. The Beach Quarters Resort on the southern end of the resort strip has the most amenities of any hotel on the beach – including tennis courts and a rooftop bar.

VA Beach Map

How to Make the Most of Your VA Beach Vacation

• Visit the Virginia Beach boardwalk! From sunrise to sunset there is always something happening on the Boardwalk. For three miles, the ocean walkway spans from Rudee Inlet to 40th Street. This famous boardwalk is the real deal, complete with bike rentals, pier fishing, amusement parks, museums and great food. Getting from the boardwalk to the ocean is a snap, with handicapped access leading to the beach on every block.



• Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is just a mile from the Boardwalk. There are live animal exhibits with sea turtles and sea otters, plus hands-on exhibits, a nature trail, and a huge 3D theater. Visit and play with harbor seals at the Seal Splash! Many vacation packages include tickets to the Virginia Aquarium. The Aquarium is open 7 days a week, just call (757) 385-FISH (3474).
• While you're at the aquarium, check out the nearby Ocean Breeze Water Park. Terrific water rides and slides for everyone, from Buccaneer Bay for the little ones to rapids, wave pools, slides and tubes for the most daring. The park is very family oriented, and its season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet is the place to go for excellent fishing charters, sightseeing cruises and evenspeed boat cruises. The fishing charters are rated among the best on the east coast. Sightseeing Cruises include dolphin watching, a sunset cruise, and a creek cruise. Each tour is hosted by a Virginia Aquarium Educator plus aquarium volunteers. You'll find Rudee Inlet on the south end of Virginia Beach. It's also where you can find rentals for jet skis, parasailing, and other water sports. You can contact the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at 757-491-8000 everyday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Play golf! Take advantage of golf packages including reduced green fees. Play your choice of championship courses year-round. There are eight public courses in VA Beach and 20 courses nearby, including Red Wing Lake, Hell's Point, the Signature at West Neck and the Virginia Beach National Golf Club.

For a day trip you can park all day with public parking for $5.00 – just a short walk from the beaches.

Each time we've been to Virginia Beach, we've found it clean and safe, and enormously fun. It seems the resort is quite in tune with the needs of its visitors, with Virginia Beach vacation packages for every taste.

Next stop:  From VA Beach, go north across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for a relaxing beach vacation at Cape Charles, VA