New Happenings in Virginia Beach

Vibrant Virginia Beach is a top, yet still underrated vacation spot everyone needs to discover, located where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

There are over 38 miles of sandy beaches, with a flourishing culinary scene, history, arts and entertainment, and a plethora of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained all year-round.

Virginia Beach beckons not only to sun-seekers but also to winter enthusiasts. Here’s a round up of where to stay, what to see and do, plus all the hot new happenings:

Accommodations

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

This chic hotel designed for those young at heart opened in September last year, making it the newest addition to Virgina Beach. Set on the Oceanfront, the open lobby features waterfront views and is a great gathering space by design with a state-of-the-art video wall and all-day, all-night options. The public spaces are fun and lively, featuring a heated beachfront pool with suspended sunset loungers and open bar.

The Cavalier Resort

The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club has welcomed travelers to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for nearly 100 years. Following a four-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the hotel has been restored to its original grandeur, offering all the comfort and elegance of yesterday.  It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eighty-five completely reimagined guest rooms and suites each feature tasteful room appointments. Guests also enjoy luxury amenities, from a classic indoor “splash” pool and private beach club to fine dining and a full-service spa. The 6^th Annual Virginia Bourbon Invitational (Nov. 2) celebrates Virginia spirits on the grand lawn and it is home to the nation’s first in-hotel distillery, Tarnished Truth.

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront

Formally the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Centre, this Chesapeake Bayfront property was purchased as part of Marriott’s Delta Hotels collection. The hotel features 295 luxury two-room suites, many of which overlook the Bay with panoramic water views.

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Across the street from the Cavalier Hotel, travelers can stay at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with 305 rooms. The hotel has three restaurants, including a beach bar, a sushi bar, and a rooftop venue with ocean views. The hotel has over 25,000 square-feet of event facilities, including an Executive Level with dedicated boardroom, breakout room, and foyer space, and a Grand Ballroom with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Activities, Sights and Festivals

Whale watching at Virginia Beach (Whale season: January – March)

Spring is the perfect time to spot migrating humpbacks off the coast, as these magnificent creatures spend the mild winter season in Virginia Beach. Sightseeiing boat tours are offered throughout January to the end of March and it’s also the season for coastal fishing for striped Bass and Rockfish.

The Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing – May 2024

Known as the oldest running surf contest in the world, the Coastal Edge ECSC has recently celebrated 110 years of surfing in Virginia Beach, with several hundred surfers competing for East Coast surfing titles and prizes and the sheer love of surfing. Other beach-oriented sports and recreation include the Coastal Edge Thrash Bash Skate Bash, the Vans Pro of surfing for men and women, and a BMX activation.

Throughout the week of the Coastal Edge ECSC visitors can expect unique activations such as the international surf museum to showcase Virginia Beach’s surfing history, over 20+ vendors from international brands, food and drink concessions, unique local culinary experiences, and live music on the beach. Check out VB Surf Sessions to rent a surfboard, SUP board, kayak or for surf lessons.

Virginia Aquarium opens renovated South Building

The city’s marine science museum has completed a $28.9 million expansion and renovation, boasting 20,000 gallons of water and more than a dozen animal species including the North American River Otter and jellyfish habitats. Dive into the touch pools, observe live veterinary care and water quality testing, and play outdoors while learning about caring for the marine environment.

Rainforest Adventure at Virginia Aquarium, Jan 20 – April 20

Explore some of the least known habitats on earth in a new interactive maze exhibit at the Virginia Aquarium. Discover one of the most diverse and endangered ecosystems on the planet through the layers of the tropical rainforest by correctly answering questions that determine the course.

Something in the Water Music Festival, April 26 – 28

Virginia Beach native and music artist, Pharrell Williams brings his top-hit annual festival back to Virginia Beach’s shores with Something in the Water, a three-day music and cultural experience. The lineup hasn’t yet been announced, but last year’s acts included Ayra Starr, Coi Larey, Kid Cudi and The Jonas Brothers. 

Jackalope Festival, June 14 – 16

JACKALOPE is the ultimate gathering of action sport communities, bringing together top athletes. This festival hosts world-class competitions and demonstrations by world-renowned skateboarders, BASE jumpers, and boulderers.

For more information: visitvirginiabeach.com. 

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