The Alternative Guide To Spring Break In Virginia Beach

Going to Virginia Beach for spring break, but want something different from bars and clubs? Follow our guide and have an alternative spring break in Virginia Beach.

Pick a place to stay

Oceanfront district is popular with college spring breakers because that’s where a lot of the action is. Consider staying someplace else. For quieter beaches, check out rentals at Sandbridge Beach, which is just north of the Back Bay Natural Wildlife Refuge, or Croatan Beach, just south of the boardwalk area. Or pick a rental near Chic’s Beach, a favorite spot for the locals.

Get in touch with nature

Be a kid

Just because an activity is labeled kid-friendly in Virginia Beach doesn’t mean that the adults can’t enjoy it, too. Check out the hundreds of sea species living in the 800,000-gallon tank at the Virginia Aquarium, or be Snoopy fighting the Red Baron when exploring the various World War II aircraft at the Military Aviation Museum.

Feel restored

The Edgar Cayce Association of Research and Enlightenment runs a holistic health spa that does massage therapy and acupuncture, among other treatments. The meditation garden at the association is lovely to stroll through, too. Or get a spa package at one of the city’s luxurious spas.

Get cultured

Check out the exhibits at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art or go to a funky coffeeshop in the ViBe creative district.

Eat and drink like a local

Sometimes the best way to get a feel of the area is to eat and drink at beloved local spots. Virginia Beach locals are particularly interested in cuisine that emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients. The bars and restaurants off of Shore Drive in the Bayside area, such as Chick’s Oyster Bar, The Back Deck, Bubba’s, or One Fish, Two Fish, boast both tasty (and sustainable) seafood and stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. Neighborhoods such as Alanton and Bayside have restaurants that locals love to frequent. Other local favorites include eclectic restaurant and brewery Esoteric, 1608 Crafthouse, and the two locations of Bay Local Eatery.

Be a tourist

It might sound counter-intuitive, but taking a tour or checking out the unconventional aspects of historic sites can provide experiences and insights about Virginia Beach that a visitor wouldn’t get from simply sunning the whole day. Rudee Tours offers dolphin tours. Or check out Virginia Beach’s haunted sites. Some of them even offer tours.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.