Virginia Beach
At a Glance

Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Virginia Beach is during the summer months. Keep in mind that it will be very crowded during this time of year, and that most hotels will be booked to full capacity.

It's also nice to visit this area of Virginia during the spring. The crowding is less, as are the prices. If you're planning to take the family to Williamsburg for a trip to Busch Gardens, it's recommended you go on a weekend when school is still in session. Weekends during the summer will find the theme parks buzzing.

Winter is dead in Virginia Beach and its surrounding area. The deals are great, but most of the activities that lead people to this area of the state are centered on the outdoors. In fact, many hotels completely shut down during the winter months. It's important to call ahead.

Average Weather
Virginia experiences all four seasons to the fullest. Summers are generally hot and humid, although with the cool ocean breeze you will find some relief. Spring is a perfect time to visit this area, weather-wise, although the water temperature may not be suitable to swimming -- yet. Winter is cold, and it's not foreign to see several inches of snow at a time. Fall sets in around early October, but this is a great time to visit the beach. Although the water is pretty chilly, you'll find the beach pretty sparse and the hotel prices low.

Transportation
The best way to get around Virginia Beach and the outer-lying areas of Norfolk and Williamsburg is to drive. If you're staying on the strip area of Va. Beach (Atlantic Ave.), you will find that you rarely need to use your car, especially if you're centering all your activities around the beach and boardwalk. However, the trip to Williamsburg is roughly 40 minutes, while Norfolk is a quick 20-minute jaunt away. It's important to call the Visitor's Center to see if any buses run from the coast to Williamsburg on a regular basis.

In-Season Costs
Given the fact that Virginia is prone to all four seasons, including winter, it's true that more people flood into the beach area during the summer months. You can expect the area around Va. Beach to be booked to capacity on most nights. A good time to go is the week after July 4. Although still populated with tourists, the crowds seem a little thinner and the lines to the Williamsburg theme parks a little shorter.

Keep in mind that the cost of hotel rooms rises during the peak season. A basic room that occupies four may cost you up to $200 in the summer, whereas it'll run about $69 during other times of the year. Another key thing to remember is that most of the seafood buffets charge upwards of $15 per plate and don't give free refills. Just remember to ask!

Day Trips

Williamsburg is about 40 miles west of Virginia Beach. This is a great place for an overnight stay or even a day trip. Bring the kids on this excursion as Williamsburg is known for its exciting theme parks, including Busch Gardens and Watercountry USA. For those folks who aren't interested in thrill rides, there's also the legendary Colonial Williamsburg and plenty of outlet shopping.

Norfolk is only a 20-minute drive from the coast. This area is rich in history, and is home to the world's largest naval base. If you're interested in teaching the kids (or yourself) a little maritime history, Norfolk is the place to go. You can also choose to stay in a waterfront hotel on the Chesapeake Bay, which is a tad cheaper than an oceanfront room in Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach Hotels