From the boardwalk & beyond
By Kelsey Thomas with updates by Julie Matthews
Beyond the sun, sand and surf, Virginia Beach is also a shopper’s paradise. With iconic storefronts in the resort area to bustling shopping centers, there’s no shortage of retail therapy to be found in this coastal city. Whether you’re looking for beach threads and souvenirs, locally crafted products or large retailers, Virginia Beach’s shopping scene has something for everyone on your list.
Oceanfront
Both timeless charm and modern marvels await in the resort area. With a souvenir shop on every corner, you can take a piece of your vacation home with you and the variety of beachwear and surf shops will get you properly equipped for your beach days. For those with a penchant for nostalgia, there are classic beach shops down the strip that have been there for decades and for those looking for recent additions, brand new blocks of shopping centers have been added that cater to the city’s modern sensibilities and offer the latest trends.
ViBe Creative District
Just blocks from the Oceanfront, you’ll discover a treasure trove of artisanal delights and creative inspiration in the ViBe Creative District. One-of-a-kind pieces created by local artists abound and there’s something for every type of art lover. Discover custom jewelry, hand-detailed leatherwork, furniture, textiles, paintings, ornate glassworks, ceramics and so much more. Shopping local continues on the weekends, as an outdoor market takes over 19th Street every Saturday featuring local bakers, growers and watermen.
Hilltop
Venture down Laskin Road and you will find yourself in the Hilltop area, where you’re spoiled for choice with an array of shopping centers and upscale boutiques. The Shops at Hilltop is a premier shopping destination with a collection of stores with products ranging from gifts, clothing, jewelry and decorative home goods. Robin Boutique is a vibrant boutique offering a curated collection of trendy and boho-inspired women’s fashion, accessories, and handmade creations. The Painted Tree Boutiques is the place to go for shopping local, as it is full of booth spaces rented by local retailers and makes it easy to shop for a variety of goods all in one place. La Promenade Distinctive Shoppes also boasts big name brands, locally owned shops and restaurants.
Town Center
Urban chic meets retail bliss in Town Center, where stylish boutiques and upscale retailers line the streets alongside restaurants and entertainment venues. It’s easy to spend a whole day shopping here, as you can stop and enjoy a mid-shopping meal to refuel and recharge. Just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Town Center, you will find a more than 35,500 square foot antique mall, carrying everything from children’s toys and clothing to heirloom furniture and more. It’s a great place for one-of-a-kind finds.
Red Mill
Situated between the Oceanfront and Sandbridge, the Red Mill area has grown immensely over the last few years. Pick up beach essentials, groceries, home goods and more or relax with the family at the movies. The Strawbridge Marketplace is home to numerous national retailers and locally owned shops and there are also plenty of restaurants to enjoy between stores. Nearby Pungo also has tons of roadside markets offering the freshest local produce and meats.
There’s definitely a lot of ground to cover when shopping in Virginia Beach with plenty of options to choose from. Venture out and explore the city’s most popular shopping destinations and take home finds that you can cherish forever.
